Sam in Cosmopolitan cover

MANILA, Philippines - Who knew that swimming laps around a pool in just a two-piece swimsuit would make you a household name? That was the case for Sam Pinto, one of the more popular housemates to emerge out of Pinoy Big Brother house. “I like swimming in my two-piece,” Sam tells Cosmopolitan as she graces its cover this month. “For me, it might open doors. And, it did naman. That’s why I’m here.”

In just a year, Sam has posed for FHM and is one of the top contenders for the men’s magazine’s list of 100 Sexiest Women in the World, transferred networks and gotten quite a number of projects tucked under her belt. She is also the new face of San Mig Light. But none of this has gotten to Sam’s head just yet, as she says, “Parang perks na lang lahat ng nangyayari.”

It’s important for Sam to stay grounded in a crazy business like showbiz. “I always hang out with my college friends. Para hindi lumaki ulo ko,” she says, “Showbiz is really crazy. Kailangan makapal mukha mo, kundi lagi kang masasaktan.”

She tells Cosmo that so far, the most painful part of being in showbiz has been the criticism that she does not know how to act. “(People) are expecting so much from me. Eh first year ko pa lang,” she says. “I think they want me to be in level 10 na, but feeling ko level 5 pa lang ako. I’m working on it. I’m still doing workshops regularly. I hope they just wait and see.”

Everyone is on the edge of their seats to see just how far Sam’s star will rise — from the looks of it, she’s clearly on her way to the top. Read more about Sam as she talks about her ideal man and clears the issue about being the third party between Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson.

Cosmopolitan is available in newsstands, bookstores and supermarkets nationwide for P125. For more fun, fearless tips, visit www.Cosmo.ph.