In a world often driven by fast-paced endeavors and ambitions, there are those who stand out not just for their accomplishments, but for their profound commitment to making a positive impact. Recently, amidst the warm ambiance of Sala Bistro in Greenbelt 3, Makati City, a thanksgiving event titled “Sharing the Value of Caring” took center stage, hosted by none other than the distinguished CEO, philanthropist, and public servant Congressman Sam ‘SV’ Verzosa.

This event wasn’t just a gathering; it was a platform for sharing the profound wisdom and insights gleaned from a journey marked by determination, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of betterment. With a lens focused on the public servant’s trailblazing marathon race, his legislative contributions in the halls of Congress, and the transformational “Sharing the Value of Caring” program, the event provided a window into the confluence of leadership, service, and heartfelt care.

In a candid engagement with the media, Congressman SV delved into the lessons etched into the fabric of his pursuits. From navigating the intricacies of legislative work, with an emphasis on vital matters like poverty alleviation, health, and education, to the echoes of each stride taken during his marathon, the event offered a mosaic of experiences that underscored the essence of creating meaningful change.

The year 2023 is only a little over halfway through but it has already been such an eventful time for entrepreneur-turned-congressman Sam Verzosa (SV). In April, he was seen crossing the finish line with the Philippine flag on his back during the London Marathon.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would finish running 42.195 kilometers,” he said in a video posted on his Instagram account. He was elated as he showed off his finisher medal. He triumphed despite feeling sick and despite the cold and rainy weather on race day. “Running is one of my weaknesses. I’m used to short strength training. This journey is more than fitness. It’s about personal growth, transformation, and mental toughness.”

SV ran the marathon for a cause – to help raise funds for the operation of more than 100 children with cleft lips and palate in partnership with Smile Train Foundation. He accomplished this mission and raised over P1 million pesos.

Dear SV on CNN Philippines

This August, SV concluded yet another memorable life event – his public service TV program “Dear SV”, which premiered last February, finishes its second season on CNN Philippines. For SV, the past year has been full of transformations, and the biggest of them all, SV transformed from the co-host of veteran TV host Willie Revillame in Wowowin – Tutok To Win into a full-fledged TV host on CNN Philippines with his own program.

“Dear SV” features inspiring stories of everyday Filipinos, who never lost hope and remained resilient despite the challenges and struggles they face. In the show, SV spreads hope and joy to individuals and communities nationwide by giving them a way to sustainable livelihood, educational scholarships and providing employment and financial assistance.

And like in the marathon where he immediately thanked his family, friends and supporters for believing in him, he likewise wrapped up his second season of “Dear SV” with a grateful heart.

In one of the interviews, SV was asked how it feels being a host and anchor for CNN Philippines. “Being a host for CNN Philippines brought out the best in me.” SV responded. “I’ve experienced being a co-host of Kuya Wil before but being the main host is different. There were challenges but I’m glad that we were able to pull through every episode. I am grateful for the opportunity and trust that was given to me by CNN Philippines. This experience and the stories of those featured in Dear SV will forever be in my heart.”

SV also announced new beginnings he intends to start regarding his philanthropic activities for the rest of 2023 which includes the Dear SV Run, a fun run event for a cause, that he plans to launch by the end of November. The event targets 5,000 runners and would offer race kits for 3K, 5K and 10K distances and according to SV, more registration details will be announced some time soon.

During the interviews with SV, one also cannot escape the fact that he always talked about his late father, Sam Verzosa Sr. who passed away in February. He is the inspiration behind the inspirational young lawmaker. SV said his dad’s words will remain his guide as he moves forward in life.

“‘Dear SV’ served as my tribute to my father for raising me to where and what I am now.” The program host shared that his father was so happy when he first heard the news about the program. The senior Verzosa wholeheartedly supported his eldest son in all his endeavors. His dad always gave him words of encouragement but also oftentimes, words aimed to challenge him and his siblings. “Ay mahina! ‘Yan lagi sinasabi ng Papa ko sakin pag china-challenge nya kaming magkakapatid to achieve our goals. Eto ang nagpapaalala sakin na lalo pang galingan at kunin mga goals ko kasi baka sabihin ng Papa ko mahina ako.”

It always seemed to work. These words echoed in his mind every kilometer he ran during the marathon until he reached the end. SV applies these same words in everything he does. From his student days, to his professional career, to his philanthropic activities and to his work in the House of Representatives.

From a top student, to a highly successful and multi-awarded CEO, to being a president of a luxury brand, to being the director for charity for Miss Universe, to being a multi-awarded philanthropist, to being a hardworking legislator crafting 135 bills to date and being a member in 9 committees including serving as vice-chairperson in 4 of them (Poverty Alleviation, Disaster Resilience, Social Services and Welfare of Children), and a public service TV program host on CNN Philippines, it is truly hard to find another person as driven and inspirational as SV is.

However, in the “Dear SV” program, he featured other inspirational Filipinos. By sharing the stories of an 86-year-old lola pedicab driver, 12-year old twins selling lumpia in jeepneys, a devoted father teaching his children under a lamp post, a cyclist with clubfoot, a former snatcher turned honest worker, residents of Taguig Tenement, a paralyzed plastic vendor, a deaf and mute basketball player, a fish vendor supporting his daughter with cerebral palsy, a person who is sight-challenged but nevertheless determined to make it in life, hard-working farmers in Palawan, a girls’ basketball team and a struggling single mom supporting her son diagnosed with hydrocephalus, and many more, SV was able to use his platform to inspire others never to lose hope.

So what’s next for the high-performing kid from Sampaloc?

At this point in his journey, one can say that SV proves to be a competent TV host with his program, “Dear SV”, already being the top public service show on CNN Philippines. We can rest assured that this is not the end, what has ended is simply the starting point of another beginning.

“Every day is a chance to make changes to create the life we want. Everything begins when you shift your mind to a new direction. Part of the reason why I ran the London Marathon was I wanted to inspire people that change is possible in every aspect of life. Now there are more marathons and races to conquer.”

Similarly, SV’s philanthropic work does not end with the second season of “Dear SV.” He will continue focusing his energy on building and growing what he has started – finding better ways to help the helpless.

After all, learning from experience and making something better are what SV does best.

SV mentioned the next season is going to be more immersive and that they intend to feature more inspiring stories from more people across the nation.