In the beginning, it was easy to dismiss Sam Pinto as just another pretty face churned out by a reality show. For a time, she had us scratching our heads, because she was famous for… no one was really sure what. But on she went, taking over the small screen, appearing in practically every major show on television in the span of a few months, and before anyone could even ask “Who is she again?” there she was, on top of the heap as FHM’s sexiest woman.
Her takeover may have happened rapidly, but watching her pose in front of the camera for this shoot, it becomes clear why we were so easily blindsided by this beauty—she has a mysterious allure that allows her to appear innocently sexy. She’s soft-spoken yet confident, and comes off as someone who is sure about where she’s headed. If you do the math, Sam currently has three TV shows on GMA-7, and has two movies lined up for the year: a coming-of-age teen flick (Tween Hearts), and her biggest role to date, as leading lady in an action-packed movie that will have her channel her inner Angelina Jolie. Without a doubt, this equation pretty much spells out the obvious about what Sam Pinto has to say: “I’m 21. I’m hot and I’m here to stay.”
Young STAR: You just won FHM’s sexiest. How does it feel and how has it changed your life?
SAM PINTO: It’s crazy! A lot of people know me, wherever I go, they know my name. I was already content just being part of the top 10, but to be number one? It’s unbelievable.
Speaking of crazy, what’s the craziest thing a male fan has ever done to you?
Two of my male fans actually spent about P300,000 to vote for me! I was in disbelief.
What are the qualities of a man that you like?
I like guys who have a sense of fashion because I took fashion design so it’s really a big part of my life; a family-oriented person, because I am close to my mom and I want someone who’s also close to his family; someone who’s in control of their life and someone who knows what he wants.
What is it about men that you dislike?
Some men can be really self-centered. I don’t like guys who are cocky, who are all about material things.
Now that you have two movies lined up, how do feel about seeing yourself on the big screen soon in more vital roles?
I’m very excited because I love my roles. One of them is very Angelina Jolie: glamorous and kick-ass at the same time. I’ve been boxing already, and I’m going to visit the firing range, too.
I know you have a lot of young teenage male fans. Cougar at 21?
I’m actually surprised because I never expected bagets to have a crush on me. I understand older men having crushes on younger women, but for young men to have crushes on older women? I actually think it’s cute.
I heard you had a kissing scene with Elmo Magalona for Tween Hearts, how awkward was that for the both of you?
Actually, it wasn’t awkward. He was very professional. We had eight takes but I guess it’s because he was kind of nervous. Plus, it was a long scene. There was even a crying scene right after that so it was challenging to put all those emotions into one scene.
How do you deal with haters?
I read a lot of bad tweets and I don’t mind them. The more you make them pansin, the more they’re gonna keep doing it.
Do the harsh comments still affect you at the end of the day?
At first, yeah, but after a while, not anymore. I am open to constructive and negative criticism, because it could help me. Also, I can only get better from it.
How do you want to leave your mark on the pop culture?
I just want be known as someone who can transition from one character to another one. I want to be known as an actress and I’m working my way to make sure that happens.
You’re being paired with a lot of other actresses now; do you feel any tension when the cameras aren’t rolling?
Well, publicity is publicity. I know it’s part of this industry. Little things that you do they magnify it. People have been so nice to me after winning “FHM’s Sexiest” so I’m very happy about it.