Sam Verzosa celebrated his birthday in grand style on September 12, hosting an intimate gathering for family and close friends at his elegant Maserati showroom in San Juan City. As president and co-owner of the Philippine franchise of the iconic Italian luxury car brand, he had the license to move around the multi-million GranTurismo and Quattroporte models to the side for a night to make space for a live music stage, a delicious dinner and dessert station and a cocktail bar serving signature “SV” mixes in his honor.
At first glance, the lavish party might suggest that the celebrant is just about the glitz and glamour. But as the rags-to-riches entrepreneur, Tutok To Win party-list representative and public service host of “Dear SV” on GMA Network, reminded The Manila Times Lifestyle in a candid interview that night, there’s so much more to him than the Maserati showroom and high-end lifestyle.
Indeed, besides the birthday bash, Verzosa marked his 37th year with even grander charity events, including the highly publicized distribution of 100 mobile siomai carts for deserving individuals across Manila City’s disadvantaged communities.
A native of Tondo who also had little while growing up, the celebrant maintains that while his life today is marked by lavish success, the responsibility to uplift others is deeply ingrained in him.
First hitting the jackpot as co-founder of the multi-level marketing company Frontrow, Verzosa determined and recalled, “To whom much is given, much is expected, so I started out by giving to my family, then to relatives, to those asking for help, to neighbors, and eventually to my company’s staff. And I just continued, extending my support to hospitals, churches and nearly all the charities across the Philippines, including those for animals.”
Still, even with the multi-faceted personality’s generous spirit, people often wonder how Verzosa balances his luxurious lifestyle with his commitment to helping the less fortunate.
“They find these two images extreme,” The Manila Times relayed, asking him to comment.
Unbothered by the question, Versoza openly explained that these two facets of his life are not in conflict but rather are deeply connected. “I became a millionaire when I was 21 years old,” he began. “When you grow up without much, and you suddenly have the means, the first thing you want to do is get the things you couldn’t have before — whether it’s cars, clothes, or other luxuries.”
At that age, he felt it was only natural to enjoy the fruits of his labor. “I had worked hard to reach that point, and part of the process was fulfilling my dreams.”
For a young Verzosa, these material pursuits symbolized success. But as time went on, his perspective evolved. “I’ve traveled to so many places, opened businesses, and even established international companies like Maserati. After a while, once you’ve experienced everything that money can buy, you start to look for something else.”
That “something else” for Verzosa came in the form of giving back to others, which, for him, brought a level of fulfillment that no material possessions ever could. “Nothing can describe the feeling when you see that you’ve helped to change people’s lives,” he shared.
Considering this perspective, there is nothing wrong with Verzosa’s Maserati party. He deserves to celebrate and be celebrated by those he loves. And that they truly did led by his longtime girlfriend, popular actress Rhian Ramos, his business partners such as Raymond Francisco of Frontrow and Mody Llamas of Maserati, fellow GMA Network celebrities, and, of course, his family.
As for the rumors circulating about a potential run for a higher political position in Manila in the 2025 elections, Verzosa remained non-committal. He neither confirmed nor denied the speculation, choosing instead to focus on the work he continues to do in both business and public service. Regardless of whether he decides to run, his actions speak louder than words.
“Everyone keeps asking me what my birthday wish is, but I really can’t ask for more,” the self-made man said in ending. “If there’s one thing I’d like to see, it’s for others to achieve success like I did, and I’m ready to do whatever I can to help make that happen.”