Sam Pinto

 

Sam Pinto, whose full name is Samuelle Lynne Acosta Pinto, is one of those names that instantly rings a bell in the Philippines. She first stepped into the spotlight when she joined Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up back in 2009–2010, and ever since then, she’s been everywhere TV, movies, magazines, and of course, commercials. But long before PBB, she was already a familiar face because she started doing print ads and modeling as a kid. So when she hit the mainstream, it felt like she was already a natural at being in front of the camera.

Some people know her as Neneng B but most People call her a “dream girl” because she just has that mix of looks, charm, and cool-girl vibe. She’s got those classic Filipina features long black hair, glowing skin, and a figure that photographers and brands love. But it’s not just about her looks; she has this confident yet approachable aura that makes her stand out. You can see why brands wanted her to represent them she looked just as good selling a hair product as she did holding a cold San Mig Light in a commercial.

Her popularity really skyrocketed when she was named FHM Philippines’ Sexiest Woman in the World not once, but two years in a row (2011 and 2012). That cemented her status as one of the country’s most admired women at the time. She was literally everywhere billboards, TVCs, magazines. And yes, a lot of people still remember her most for her long, shiny black hair, which landed her those big haircare endorsements.

But what makes Sam even more interesting is that she wasn’t just the typical “pretty face.” She had this fun, adventurous side that fans loved. She’s into surfing, owns a beach resort, and even started her own swimwear brand. That “island girl with a glamorous twist” image just made her even more of a dream girl because she felt both aspirational and relatable.

So why so many commercials? SimpleSam was the total package. Beautiful, confident, natural, and versatile. She could sell you shampoo, a burger, a phone, or a beer, and you’d believe her. For a while, she really was the face of the “ideal Filipina beauty” and to this day, people still remember her as one of the icons of that era.