MANILA, Philippines - Statuesque Samantha Lewis philosophizes that one should always have a positive outlook in life because that will keep one going. She says: “For sure, life isn’t always about fun and pleasure so it’s healthy to think that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.” Sam also believes in the power of the mind because one’s thoughts create what happens in one’s life.
The 5’10” junior Nursing student at the Far Eastern University admits to being nerdy at times. Sam reveals that she can be very grade conscious especially in Math and Science, her favorite subjects in school. She takes her studies very seriously that even her modeling stints have to take a back seat whenever she has classes. Samantha, a member of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines, says: “Modeling for me stops whenever I have classes so I do shows and shoots during my summer and semestral breaks.” The svelte stunner furthers that she tries to work out school and modeling schedules as much as she can. Sam furthers: “My course is demanding in terms of time and effort. But modeling is also something I love doing. It’s a different experience for me every time I do photo shoots.”
The half-British, half-Filipina girl has been modeling since she was 16. Her modeling career started when a friend asked her to model for him in a hair styling competition. “He brought me to his designer, Edgar San Diego. Tito Edgar got my number and booked me on my first show,” recalls Sam, who says that she truly enjoys shoots and shows because they don’t feel like work at all.
She considers her mom Lilia the biggest influence in her life. “She’s the best mom in the world and I could never ask for another. She just knows the right things to say whenever I feel down.” Sam also recounts how painful it was to lose her dad and grandmother, two closest people to her, three weeks apart. “You’ll only know what you have lost when they’re already gone.”
At 21, Sam is bent on achieving her many dreams in life. But she’s not in a hurry and she just leaves it all up to the Guy Up There. She concludes, “Live life one day at a time. And remember that faith is what it takes to get you through uncertainty.” — Jerni May H. Camposano
Photography by Sara Black • Fashion styling by Corine Alegre • Hair and makeup by Baba Parma • Dress by CEST CHIC • Accessories by CRU, available at Rockwell Power Plant Mall