Ben Madilynn
Passion is what drives Samantha Panlilio straight toward her purpose.
When asked about the next chapter in her journey, Samantha didn’t miss a beat: politics.
At a media luncheon held in Shang Palace, Shangri-La Makati, on September 25, 2024, she told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), “I’m currently the second nominee for Agimat Partylist, so I’m very excited about that.
“You know, for the past few months, I’ve been working to really connect with my community, and we are filing in two weeks time.”
Photo/s: Karen AP Caliwara
WHAT SAMANTHA PANLILIO CAN DO AS PUBLIC SERVANT
For background, Agimat Partylist was founded by the late Ramon Revilla Sr. in 2011.
Acording to Samantha, “They’re very focused on farmers, fisherfolk, single moms.
“And so, what I’m bringing to the table, hopefully, is going to be more on women empowerment, the LGBTQI+, community, of course, coming from pageantry, you know, a lot of the people I surround myself with are within that community.
“So, that’s something that I want to help.”
Samantha, known as Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2021 in the pageant world and the lady boss of Friday’s resort properties in Puerto Galera, Boracay, and Siargao in the business circle, has now set her sights on an entirely different arena. How did this shift in her path come about?
“You know, like pageantry, I never planned to join pageantry. But because I found out that my Tita Myrna Panlilio was the first ever [Binibining Pilipinas]…who represented the Philippines in 1964, you know, legacy to me is very important, hence why I joined pageantry.
“And from pageantry, I found my passion in giving back to the community beyond my efforts in the business world.
“And so, I think that this always been a calling for me, I guess, because I know that I can get to a platform where I can help more people as well. And so, who am I to pass that up, right? You can help more people.”
SAMANTHA PANLILIO ON INTRIGA, NEGA, BASHERS
Bandera entertainment editor Ervin Santiago asked, “Entering politics, ikaw ba, ready ka na sa mga magiging intriga, pangne-nega?”
Samantha’s candid response?
“Ang daming nega naman sa beauty pageants. As you know, they’re very hypercritical about every single thing you do, especially when it comes to your look, your hair, your make-up.
“But I’m not scared of all the intriga.
“Again, if your core is strong, and your focus is giving back to the people, and your intentions are pure, then I shouldn’t be bothered by it.”
Ervin followed up, “Ano ba yung pinakamatinding intriga na na-encounter mo?”
“Well, honestly, when I won the Binibining Pilipinas crown back in 2021 for Miss Grand, a lot of people said I bought my crown daw because of my family background.
“And I’m like, ‘Oh my god, I haven’t paid my stylist, you know?’”
Samantha is the daughter of tycoon and property-firm owner Jose Marcel Panlilio.
Whatever being a public servant entails—both the good and the bad, both the fans and bashers—the 25-year-old Sam (as she’s fondly called) is ready.
“Kebs na lang.”
She won’t give the negativity any attention.
“Never, no. I don’t want to cause more stress on myself. Kasi kung pinatol ko siya, tuluy-tuloy na iyan.
“And it could come back to you in a harsher manner, o kebs lang talaga.”
As for showbiz? Nothing is set in stone, but it’s on the horizon.
“Just wait for it,” she teased.
Inquirer’s Armin Adina chimed in, “Is it a movie? Is it a series?”
She did not give the specifics but mentioned, “My dream is really a horror movie. I’ve always been a fan of Shake, Rattle & Roll. I think it’s really good, and it will be fun.”
If given the chance, she hopes to work with Jodi Sta. Maria and Piolo Pascual.
