Frontrow International’s Sam Verzosa and RS Francisco reminisced about their first encounter as University of the Philippines students during a recent celebration at Frontrow headquarters in Quezon City.
They looked back on how their initial meeting developed into a partnership that became the foundation of their careers as business collaborators and extended to philanthropic efforts that date back to Frontrow’s early years.
The duo credited the success of their friendship and ventures to the mutual support they provide each other. Theater actor and businessman RS expressed his commitment to SV’s mayoral campaign in Manila, even temporarily pausing his vlogging activities to focus on supporting his good friend’s political aspirations.
“I’ve stopped vlogging to give the spotlight to Sam. My wish is to see him succeed in a role where he belongs,” RS said. He also encouraged SV to pursue community-oriented initiatives, such as establishing a Boys Town in Manila.
A few days before hosting an intimate gathering for members of the entertainment press, SV, a representative of the Tutok to Win party-list and host of the public service program Dear SV on GMA, was honored with the Gusi Peace Prize International Award. The ceremony, held at the Metropolitan Theater, recognized SV’s philanthropic activities through Frontrow Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of Frontrow International
The honor recognized his efforts in healthcare, education, and disaster assistance for marginalized areas.
“I’m just a kid who grew up in Sampaloc, Manila. I came from nothing and worked my way up, and now I’m one of the youngest recipients of the Gusi Peace Prize,” SV said in his acceptance speech. He added that he hopes the recognition promotes “a culture of giving, a movement of helping.”
SV joins notable Gusi Peace Prize laureates, including Broadway icon Lea Salonga, National Artist Nora Aunor, and the late action king Fernando Poe Jr.
In October, SV also received three awards at the Third Rising Tigers Charity Ball: Philanthropist of the Year, the Excellence Award for Outstanding Public Service Program for Dear SV, and the Excellence Award for Outstanding Public Service Program Host.
