Samantha da Rosa is the first to admit it — she’s a nepo baby. But not that kind.
“I’m proud to be a nepo baby, but not the kind people usually talk about now,” she says, referring to the wave of influencers flaunting privilege. Samantha is the granddaughter of 1969 Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, niece of model Robin Da Roza and daughter of top model Cathy da Roza, but she is carving her own path as an actress and entrepreneur. Now under Leo V. Dominguez (LVD) Management, handled by Rey Lañada and Freddie Blasco, she makes her screen debut in “Isla Babuyan,” opening October 1 at Robinsons Cinemas. The film introduces Geraldine Jennings and features Lotlot de Leon, James Blanco, Nathalie Hart, Paolo Gumabao and Jameson Blake.
Her role in “Isla Babuyan” gave her a chance to test everything she learned in theater. “I tried to use my training and I found a lot of guidance from the production, especially from Miss Lotlot who served as my mentor,” she shares. She counts as a highlight a monologue shot in just two takes, despite her nerves about her accent.
Samantha, 24, studied Multimedia Arts at the College of St. Benilde and is also preparing to launch a jewelry line of Japanese and Italian-inspired clip-on earrings and ear cuffs by Christmas.
Despite her many pursuits, performing remains her passion. “If I can’t sing, I feel like I can’t function. Singing is my first love,” she says, citing jazz legends Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald as inspirations alongside screen icons like Hilda Koronel.
She dreams of kontrabida roles, laughing as she recalls reenacting Cherie Gil’s “second-rate, trying hard, copycat” line from “Bituing Walang Ningning.”
What sets her apart, she believes, is her willingness to grow — refining her craft, adjusting her accent and taking on diverse roles.
Realistic about the industry, Samantha says, “Anyone would be afraid to be bashed. But as long as you know who you are and why you’re here, it won’t affect you too much. I believe in being ‘delulu’ — delusional confidence. You have to gaslight yourself into believing you can do it. Smile at yourself in the mirror. Tell yourself, ‘Ako ang pinakamagandang hayop sa balat ng lupa.’ Because if you don’t believe it, who else will?””
Once upon a time, she dreamt of becoming a lawyer and was even being encouraged to enter politics in her father’s province.
“I wanted to be a lawyer kasi I wanted to help people din. But I realized na parang it’s hard kung if you enter politics here to keep your core, your integrity kasi the work will demand that you have to make difficult decisions or choices.”
But she is very much aware of what’s happening in the country and even joined the September 21 rally in Edsa against corruption.
“It was amazing na parang naramdaman ko ‘yung galit ng mga tao… galit na galit. Sana we do something about this kasi alam na namin lahat ‘yan. Talagang ang daming kurakot sa gobyerno and it’s time something is done about it.”
