Samantha resumes showbiz career

MANILA, Philippines – The actress, best remembered as Gracia, one of Eat, Bulaga’s former mainstays, announced that she has finalized her divorce from her husband of seven years, New York-based shoe magnate Warren Edwards.

“Filed, signed and delivered!” she happily reported.

Despite the ordeal, she has managed to keep herself busy with her flourishing career in Manhattan as a licensed real estate broker.

Sam also finds solace in traveling, and has drawn up some plans for the first quarter.

“I love traveling. I want to explore Europe, and visit at least two to three countries a year. I will be in Paris for Valentine’s Day weekend,” she disclosed.

Even while she was still based in New York, Sam made sure to keep in touch with her close showbiz friends.

She narrated, “I’m very close to Beth Tamayo. We spent a lot of time together last summer and we have a lot of common friends. I get to see her at least once a week and we talk every day. I’m also very close to Dindi Gallardo. She’s like a sister to me. But she moved back to Manila now, and we still hang out. I’m very excited ‘coz we will be in the same teleserye.”

Speaking of teleseryes, the dusky morena beauty is also glad to be back in the showbiz harness.

Sam added, “I just finished Magpakailanman with Alice Dixson, then Tunay na Buhay which will be aired either Jan. 12 or 19. I’m also part of the new teleserye Bakit Manipis Ang Ulap? with Claudine Barretto, Diether Ocampo and Cesar Montano, directed by my favorite director, Joel Lamangan. I’m so excited, I even colored my hair dark (as per direk Joel’s request) for the role. I’ll be playing Vicky, the baliw-baliw tita of Claudine.”

Despite her being usually typecast in feisty female roles, Sam still dreams of pursuing bigger acting challenges.

She said, “I’d love to play a cancer patient. I’ve seen my dad suffer and I really felt his pain. I also love character roles in action films like Scarlett Johansson in Iron Man and Avengers. I’m very fit and active, so I’d love to do my own stunts. I also like to play Charlize Theron’s character in Snow White.

With more work offers coming in, does this mean that she will be staying longer?

She clarified, “I’ve already committed to be part of Bakit Manipis, so I’ll just stay until they still need me for my role. My manager suggested that I should come home more often so I can do a teleserye at least once a year.”

Is she also firming up any possible business ventures here as well?

She said, “I’d love to get into any real estate-related business here, but as of now, I’m working on a health and wellness marketing business with Ruffa Gutierrez.”

Now that she’s technically single, is Sam getting back in the dating game anytime soon?

“Hahaha! I was with my ex-husband for 11 years, so I’m just enjoying being single now,” she teases, flashing her naughty wink.

Samantha is managed by Arnold Vegafria’s ALV Talent Circuit.