Sam likes it hot

MANILA, Philippines - We’re shooting 22-year-old Sam Pinto, who is working the camera like a seasoned professional. She’s asked to flip her hair to the side, and the second she does, the entire team gasps audibly.

 What’s pleasantly surprising is that while the GMA star is a stunner, she holds it casually, without feeling the need to radiate too much sex or overconfidence. More impressively, she is sharp and straight-to-the-point. Her answers reveal not only a brain that possibly overshadows the bodacious body, but a determination not easily found in many. For the second year in a row, FHM has declared her the Philippines’ Sexiest Woman, and we can see exactly why.

 SUPREME: I’ve been at few shoots where the one being photographed just gets it. You started in modeling, right?

 SAM PINTO: I started modeling when I was 10. My first gig ever was a print ad for Coca Cola. But my dream was to be a fashion designer. Wala talaga sa plano ‘tong showbiz na to. (Laughs) Everything just sort of happened, and I know not everyone’s afforded this kind of opportunity so I grabbed it. Sayang naman.

 And now you’re number one on FHM’s Sexiest Women list for the second year in a row. Do you think that because there is this very sexified image of you out there, that people underestimate you as just another warm body?

 Yeah, always. I always tell myself that I have to prove that I’m more than just some pretty face. I have to do something better, something meaningful.

What’s that like for you, though, to be labeled as the Sexiest Woman by such a prominent men’s magazine?

 Of course, it’s an honor to hold the title again. I’m not the typical sexy girl that you see — you know, very curvy, voluptuous. Last year, I saw the effect it had on me and my career. People recognized me more. I got more invitations to do endorsements. Now, I even get featured in Supreme! (Laughs) So this title really helps, and it’s more than just being “sexy.”

 Still, it comes with its own share of controversy, like people saying you paid to win the title this year. What can you say about that?

 On my Facebook fan page, yung officers ng fan club ko, they suggested, “Why don’t you give out prizes for people who voted for you?” I was like, “Sure! Why not?” For me, it’s more of a thank you gift, kasi it’s so hard to vote now. You really have to text, and spend for it talaga.

 My prizes were just gifts from my sponsors, like for example a San Miguel T-shirt. You don’t buy those. That’s why people thought that I bought votes or I paid so I would win. There are always a lot of issues, but ito, below the belt na talaga.Nasasaktan na nga yung nanay ko.

 How is your mom with the whole idea of being FHM’s Sexiest Filipina?

 When FHM announced to the whole world that I won, my mom cried. And I was like, “Why are you crying? Naiiyak na rin tuloy ako!” She told me that she was so proud of me.

 Has she always been very supportive?

 At first, she was scared for me, with this whole showbiz thing.

 I think any sane mother would be.

 She was like, “Are you sure you want to do this?” And I said, “It’s there. I might as well try.” It grew on her, and she’s supported me ever since.

 Now that you’ve tried, do you think you’re ready to pursue a serious acting career?

 Yeah. I don’t want to leave showbiz without making a name for myself, yung tatak talaga sa mga tao, acting-wise. My peg for life is Angelina Jolie — she’s hot, she’s beautiful, but she can also kick butt.

 Well, people already know you’re hot and beautiful, but what’s one thing about you that others find surprising?

 I’m very kuripot. Can I say that? (Laughs) Especially to myself. And especially being in this business, I know it’s not forever. I think it’s important to save up.

 You seem very grounded. Has the fame affected people around you? Have people treated you differently because you’re successfully making a name for yourself?

 There are some na lumalapit because… (shrugs knowingly). I don’t really have a lot of showbiz friends. I really stick to my old friends, because I feel more comfortable that they knew me before this whole thing.

 Do you worry that other people in the business might consider you standoffish because you prefer the company of those outside the industry?

 I think some of them think that way, but that’s just me. I’m nice to them, I talk to them. We’re all okay. I’m actually closest to my Bubble Gang family. I have the most fun with them. Like on mornings that I know I’m taping for Bubble Gang, I wake up and I’m like, “I love taping.”

 Speaking of loving things, are you still able to date?

 No! I don’t really have time.

 If you did have the time, what sort of guy would you be interested in?

 I want someone who’s (lowers voice to a whisper) guapo. (Laughs) Who wouldn’t want that, right? Someone who’s close to his family, because I’m very close to mine. I want someone who’s very understanding, especially someone who can understand my work. Sometimes when people see you, kung anu-ano na yung naiisip nila, and you can’t really control it or say what’s true or not.

 What sort of issues do you find yourself dealing with most often?

 I was always a third party for some reason. Like, for example, Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson or Jake Cuenca and Melissa Ricks, third party daw ako. But the truth is, I don’t even really talk to any of those people. I don’t know why nadidikit yung pangalan ko dun. At first, umiiyak talaga ako na “Bakit ganyan?” And then I learned to accept that that’s part of it, and other people’s opinions… well, dedma.

 Is that the hardest part of the job?

 Actually, I think it’s living up to what people expect of you. I’ve only been in the business for two years, and hindi ka namanveteran in two years. In acting, in dancing, in performing, I know I have a long way to go still. Wait lang, wait lang. I’ll get there.

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