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| Sam Verzosa |
Sam Verzosa was visibly amused, if not a little embarassed, when told many people consider him the "Oppa ng Maynila."
"Oppa" is a Korean term colloquially used in addressing handsome men.
"Ah eto kasi pinagpapawisan ako, hindi naman pang-porma," he said in an interview, pointing at his orange headband and obviously trying to diffuse the compliment. "Di ko nilalagay sa ulo ko (yang ganyang bansag). Ang focus natin, makatulong..."
Now that is one thing he has been doing a lot---almost on a daily basis, in fact. A multi-millionaire thanks to his wildly successful businesses here and abroad, the "Dear SV" host and his mobile clinics and pharmacies have been roaming Manila for quite a time now, and long before he announced running for mayor.
And it's not just the citizens of Manila that benefit from his philantrophy, the charity. As soon as weather allowed it, Sam and his trucks went to Bicol and Batangas few days ago to help victims of Typhoon Kristine as those were the hardest-hit places.
"Walang pinipiling lugar ang pagtulong," he simply said.
And as with everything he has been doing for years, all of the funds came from his own pocket.
Perhaps it's one of the reasons Sam gets hurt when critics still find fault with his efforts. He pointed out that his foes should be the ones to explain their accountability for where Manila is now and where its money had gone, instead of questioning why he keeps giving kabuhayan showcases and ayuda of high value to people.
"Araw-araw na lang silang may naiisip na black propaganda sa kin," he lamented. "Ang kanila kasi, 'Binigyan ko kayo ng ayuda kaya iboto mo kami.'"
He added: "Pero di ba trabaho naman talagang gawin yan pag ika'y namumuno? Kung galing sa gobyerno ang ayuda, hindi yan philantrophy---trabaho yan!"
As for him, even his holidays are being used to help others. This Undas, he and girlfriend Rhian Ramos are in New York for a charity marathon.
His beneficiaries are at least a hundred people with cleft palate who will get the help they need through Smile Train.
As Sam's campaigns continue to draw more people by the day, the public servant, host and businessman claimed he was no longer being allowed to use covered courts as venue for his rallies and outreach programs.
Indeed, his latest last Sunday was held on the streets of Baseco. But, as they say, the show must go on as it very well did.
"Walang makakapigil sa kin sa pagtulong sa tao," Sam vowed. "Pag pinigil, lalo akong may gigil tumulong."
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