JUST A THOUGHT: My idea is that there is music in the air, music all around us; the world is full of it, and you simply take as much as you require. – Edward Elgar

MANILA, Philippines — UNREQUITED LOVE: Reporters recently caught Asian sensation Christian Bautista singing a different tune, something akin to unrequited love.

“I love ABS-CBN, but I hope it loves me back,” the hitmaking singer spoke emphatically at the media launch of his new Universal Records album, “First Class: Outbound Expanded Edition.”

On the eve of the expiration of his contract with the network in August 2012, Christian expressed his wish to be more utilized and better viewed on any of the network’s platforms. Feeling the pangs of competition from younger singers, the hitmaker behind such songs as “The Way You Look At Me” and “Color Everywhere” said that he’s been waiting long and hard for better breaks in TV to expand his reach and maintain his presence in the public eye.

The singer, who some years back played a role in the teleserye, “Kampanerang Kuba,” has also reiterated his desire to act in another series just to refresh people about his existence.

Christian has an explanation for this. There are not too many channels available among singers to promote their songs on TV today. Singers like Christian Bautista hope that by taking on roles on drama programs, they can somehow remind viewers they have albums out in the market. There may be a few lapses in logic there, but it can’t be denied that being on the public radar can also subconsciously translate to something or other.

• • •

CHRISTIAN COLLABORATIONS: “First Class: Outbound Expanded Edition” album comes with a limited edition coffee table book, marking Christian’s 10th anniversary in showbiz.

It includes nine new tracks, five hits from the original “Outbound,” and new recordings of his earlier hits “Hands To Heaven” and “The Way You Look At Me.”

The album also affords Christian a chance to collaborate with other artists, including Angeline Quinto for “In Love With You,” and KC Concepcion for “We Could Be In Love.”

Famed band Neocolours similarly collaborates with Christian on the original “Sasabihin,” the same way that Sam Concepcion sings with him in “Rescue You,” composed by Singapore-based Tat Tong.

Another track, “In My Arms,” is a duet with Japanese pop singer Baby M.

Carlo Orosa, Bautista’s manager, announced that the album’s carrier, “Beautiful To Me” is currently the most downloaded song in www.mymusicstore.com.ph.