CONFIRMED! Tatakbo sa darating na 2025 elections si Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2021 Samantha Panlilio.
Nakachikahan ng BANDERA ang beauty queen-entrepreneur sa launching ng kanyang Pangarap at Kalinga (PAK) Foundation kahapon, September 25, sa Shang Palace, Shangri-La Makati.
Dito nga niya ibinalita sasabak na rin siya sa mundo ng politika at kakandidato ngang kongresista sa pamamagitan ng isang partylist.
“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,” pahayag ni Samantha.
Sa mga hindi pa masyadong aware, ang Agimat Partylist ay unang itinatag ng yumaong Ramon Revilla, Sr. noong 2011 at sa susunod na taon ay magiging kabahagi na nga siya nito.
Baka Bet Mo: Samantha Panlilio inatake ng depresyon matapos rumampa sa Miss Grand International 2021: I felt so lost
Sa pamamagitan ng Agimat Partylist at ng kanyang PAK Foundation, hangad ni Samantha na mas mapalakas at mas mapalawak pa ang mga sumusunod niyang adbokasiya: community development, education, healthcare at livelihood projects.
“Agimat is 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,” pahayag pa ng beauty queen.
Nang matanong kung ano ang nagtulak sa kanya na tumakbo sa 2025, “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,” aniya.
Sundot na tanong namin sa kanya kung handa na ba siya sa mga intriga at pangnenega ng mga tao sa pagpasok niya sa politika
“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,” sabi pa ni Samantha.
Ano nga ba ang pinakamatinding intriga na na-encounter ni Sam? “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?’” natatawang sagot ng anak ng kilalang negosyanteng si Jose Marcel Panlilio.
Sabi pa niya, hindi na siya nagpapaapekto sa kanyang mga bashers, “Kebs na lang. 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!” dagdag pa niya.
Samantala, tinanong din namin siya kung may plano pa rin ba siyang pasukin ang showbiz. Tugon ni Sam, “Just wait for it.”
Hindi niya sinagot kung pelikula o teleserye ba ang gagawin niya pero patikim ni Sam, “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.”
At kung mabibigyan ng chance, gusto raw niyang makasama sa isang acting project sina Jodi Sta. Maria at Piolo Pascual.