Samantha da Roza embraces challenge of carving her own path
Samantha da Roza, daughter of former top model Cathy da Roza and grandniece of Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, is ready to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry.
Da Roza, 24, said she grew up under Diaz’s “tough love,” which instilled in her confidence and discipline.
“She’s very supportive but tough. She’ll tell you right away what needs to be improved,” Da Roza said in an interview with Manila Standard Entertainment. “She’s a perfectionist and very detail-oriented.”
The young actress shared that her grand-aunt’s influence encouraged her to pursue her passions in acting, singing, and business.
“She always told me to go beyond, not just in showbiz but in other industries,” she said. “Her advice is to be ‘delulu,’ to believe you’re the most beautiful and most talented in the world.”
To show support for her acting career, the former Miss Universe attended the premiere of her first film, Isla Babuyan, and even gave constructive feedback after the screening.
“She told me, ‘You’re OK, but you didn’t look at the camera. You can do more,’” Da Roza recalled.
While she acknowledges her showbiz lineage, Da Roza said she wants to prove herself through hard work.
“I’m proud to be a nepo baby, but not the kind people usually talk about now,” she said. “I’m carving my own path as an actress and entrepreneur.”
Now managed by Leo V. Dominguez Management under Rey Lañada and Freddie Blasco, Da Roza stars in Isla Babuyan alongside Lotlot de Leon, James Blanco, Nathalie Hart, Paolo Gumabao, and Jameson Blake. She said her theater background helped her prepare for her debut role.
“I tried to apply everything I learned in theater, and Miss Lotlot served as my mentor,” she said, adding that one of her most memorable scenes was a monologue shot in just two takes.
A graduate of Multimedia Arts from De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, Da Roza is also preparing to launch a jewelry line inspired by Japanese and Italian designs in time for Christmas.
