Wearing a white shirt with “SV” printed on it, a man arrived at the basketball court of Barangay Rawis in Tondo, Manila, one Saturday morning. The crowd erupted in cheers as he stood with pride and confidence.
Residents quickly gathered around him, sharing their concerns with the TV host-turned-aspiring politician. Sam Verzosa greeted each one warmly, making an effort to listen to everyone.
He briefly paused to speak with members of the press, explaining his desire to hear directly from his fellow Manileños.
“We are now here in Tondo. Later, we will have another gathering here. I just prioritized this basketball league for the kids first,” Sam said.
For weeks, the Dear SV host had been conducting outreach programs across Manila to offer help and inspiration, particularly to the youth.
“The youth have always been excited whenever they see me. I’m just here to provide a little support and inspiration for them. They say they see me on TV, helping out, providing livelihoods and businesses to our fellow kababayans in the Philippines,” he said.
On that day, Sam, now vying for a political position, believed his transition from television to public service was no accident. It was part of a larger goal to use his platform and influence to drive meaningful change.
Recalling his childhood, Sam shared that growing up, he didn’t have the luxury of fame or fortune. He was just like the kids on the basketball court.
“I just used to play basketball outside our house. Leagues like this in the neighborhood. Every day, it was all basketball for me back then. But the only ones I looked up to at that time were my parents because they were the ones I saw working hard,” Sam said.
“I am here to give inspiration to them. They say they see me on TV helping out. I told them that when they grow up, they should also help and study well,” he added.
This simple message—to help others and value education—has guided his life, from his humble beginnings to his current aspirations in politics, a lesson he learned from his parents.
“My parents said the greatest inheritance they could leave me was a good education. That’s why I really made an effort to study hard until I became the valedictorian, entered the University of the Philippines in Diliman, and became a civil engineer. That’s what I used to lift myself out of poverty,” explained Sam.
Now, as a candidate for public office, he hopes to instill the same values in the next generation. His message to the youth of Tondo, and the country at large, is clear.
“I always tell them to study hard and to dream. Because that’s where it all begins. When you have a dream, a goal, something you want to achieve in life, you’ll do everything to attain it,” he said.
He has always believed that it’s not just about personal success but about uplifting others along the way.
“That’s what I always say. Dream, work hard for it, use your studies, use strategy, pray to God, and have confidence in yourself to achieve your dreams for yourself and your family,” Sam said.
