Meeting the Real-Life “SuperSam” – Congressman Sam Verzosa

I’ve just attended the grand launch of the Supersam restaurant in BGC a few weeks ago, I thought the name pertains to a certain “Super Sam“; however, I eventually discovered that it is short for ‘Super Samahan‘.

A few days ago, I personally met philanthropist Congresssman Sam Verzosa in a lunch gathering in Makati; and I remembered the ‘Super Sam’ I was looking for.

Congressman Sam Verzosa celebrates 2nd Season of his CNN Philippines Public Service TV program, “Dear SV”

Meeting ‘Super Sam’ Sam Verzosa

You might know “Cong SV” as the entrepreneur-turned-congressman from the recent national election where his partylist ‘TuTok to Win‘ won. But way before this, Sam Verzosa as an individual, was already in public service; mostly financed from his successful venture in Frontrow.

Coming from a humble background, Sam already has the heart for the youth and the less privileged, as he sees himself in them when he was young.

Fast-forward to today, Cong. Sam “SV” Verzosa is also on television featuring inspiring stories of everyday Filipinos through the CNN Philippines show “Dear SV“.

CNN Philippines’ “Dear SV” Season 2 Concludes

Earlier this year, “Cong SV” was seen crossing the finish line with the Philippine flag on his back during the London Marathon. He ran the marathon for a cause – to help raise funds for the operation of more than 100 children with cleft lip and palate in partnership with Smile Train Foundation; raising over P1 million pesos.

Meeting the Real-Life “SuperSam” – Sam Verzosa

“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would finish running 42.195 kilometers,” he said in a video posted on his Instagram account.He was elated as he showed off his finisher medal. He triumphed despite feeling sick and despite the cold and rainy weather on race day. “Running is one of my weaknesses. I’m used to short strength training. This journey is more than fitness. It’s about personal growth, transformation and mental toughness.”

This August, SV concluded yet another memorable life event – his public service TV program “Dear SV”, which premiered last February, finishes its second season on CNN Philippines.

For SV, the past year has been full of transformations, and the biggest of them all, SV transformed from the co-host of veteran TV host Willie Revillame in Wowowin - Tutok To Win into a full-fledged TV host on CNN Philippines with his own program.

The stories aim to inspire hope and strengthening resiliency despite the
challenges and struggles of life. In the show, SV spreads hope and joy to individuals and communities nationwide by giving them a way to sustainable livelihood, educational scholarships and providing employment and financial assistance, among others.

And like in the marathon where he immediately thanked his family, friends and supporters for believing in him, he likewise wrapped up his second season of “Dear SV” with a grateful heart.

Congressman Sam Verzosa on the table with the media

Sharing the Value of Caring

In this thanksgiving event he hosted dubbed “Sharing the Value of Caring” at Sala Bistro in Greenbelt 3, Makati City, Cong SV shared with the media the valuable lessons he has learned from the program and his legislative work, particularly on poverty alleviation, health and education in Congress.

He also highlighted the message of a healthy lifestyle and the importance of sports in empowering the youth during his one-on-one with the media.

In one of the interviews, SV was asked how it feels being a host and anchor for CNN Philippines. “Being a host for CNN Philippines brought out the best in me.” SV responded.

“I’ve experienced being a co-host of Kuya Wil before but being the main host is different. There were challenges but I’m glad that we were able to pull through every episode. I am grateful for the opportunity and trust that was given to me by CNN Philippines. This experience and the stories of those featured in Dear SV will forever be in my heart.”

Dear SV Show on CNN Philippines

SV also announced new beginnings he intends to start regarding his philanthropic activities for the rest of 2023 which includes the Dear SV Run, a fun run event for a cause, that he plans to launch by the end of November 2023. The event targets 5,000 runners and would offer race kits for 3K, 5K and 10K distances and according to SV, more registration details will be announced some time soon.

During the interviews with SV, one also cannot escape the fact that he always talked about his late father, Sam Verzosa Sr. who passed away in February. He is the inspiration behind the young lawmaker. SV said his dad’s words will remain his guide as he moves forward in life.

“‘Dear SV’ served as my tribute to my father for raising me to where and what I am now.”

The program host shared that his father was so happy when he first heard the news about the program. The senior Verzosa wholeheartedly supported his eldest son in all his endeavors. His dad always gave him words of encouragement but also oftentimes, words aimed to challenge him and his siblings.

“Ay mahina! ‘Yan lagi sinasabi ng Papa ko sakin pag china-challenge nya kaming magkakapatid to achieve our goals. Eto ang nagpapaalala sakin na lalo pang galingan at kunin mga goals ko kasi baka sabihin ng Papa ko mahina ako.”

It always seemed to work. These words echoed in his mind every kilometer he ran during the marathon until he reached the end. SV applies these same words in everything he does. From his student days, to his professional career, to his philanthropic activities and to his work in the House of Representatives.

With Jonel Uy of Blogger Manila and Team

From a top student, to a highly successful and multi-awarded CEO, to being a president of a luxury brand, to being the director for charity for Miss Universe, to being a multi-awarded philanthropist, to being a hardworking legislator crafting 135 bills to date and being a member in 9 committees including serving as vice-chairperson in 4 of them (Poverty Alleviation, Disaster Resilience, Social Services and Welfare of Children), and a public service TV program host on CNN Philippines, it is truly hard to find another person as driven and inspirational as SV is.

However, in the “Dear SVprogram, he featured other inspirational Filipinos. By sharing the stories of an 86-year-old lola pedicab driver, 12-year old twins selling lumpia in jeepneys, a devoted father teaching his children under a lamp post, a cyclist with clubfoot, a former snatcher turned honest worker, residents of Taguig Tenement, a paralyzed plastic vendor, a deaf and mute basketball player, a fish vendor supporting his daughter with cerebral palsy, a person who is sight-challenged but nevertheless determined to make it in life, hard-working farmers in Palawan, a girls’ basketball team and a struggling single mom supporting her son diagnosed with hydrocephalus, and many more, SV was able to use his platform to inspire others never to lose hope.

He also announced that Season 3 of “Dear SV’ will soon commence. This and other activities in the pipeline were revealed during the intimate affair.

So what’s next for the high-performing kid from Sampaloc?

At this point in his journey, one can say that SV proves to be a competent TV host with his program, “Dear SV”, already being the top public service show on CNN Philippines. We can rest assured that this is not the end, what has ended is simply the starting point of another beginning.

to more Philantrophic work in the future

“Every day is a chance to make changes to create the life we want. Everything begins when you shift your mind to a new direction. Part of the reason why I ran the London Marathon was I wanted to inspire people that change is possible in every aspect of life. Now there are more marathons and races to conquer.”

Similarly, SV’s philanthropic work does not end with the second season of “Dear SV.” He will continue focusing his energy on building and growing what he has started – finding better ways to help the helpless.

After all, learning from experience and making something better are what SV does best.

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Congratulations to Cong SV on his “Dear SV” program at CNN Philippines, and may he be able to help more Filipinos as he continue his passion for helping!