So what does day 6 of Philippine Fashion Week bring to the table that the other days don’t? The Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines finals night, of course.

Eight girls battled it out for the much-coveted title. Aside from front row seats, we also scored an exclusive one-on-one with grand winner Samantha Gomez right after her tremendous win.

Sam will go on to represent the country in the Ford Supermodel of the World competition in New York this coming July. But before all that, we g0t some down time with her right after the competition.

Not only is she an amazing model, but she is a singer and an artist as well. She gamely sang Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are” for us when we asked her to, and she shared some of her doodles that she made while waiting backstage.

This lovely young character will definitely go places. Good thing her bag is armed with big sunnies so she won’t get blinded by that burning bright future that lies ahead of her.

STATUS: So how was the contest?
SAMANTHA GOMEZ: Extremely tiring.

S: How long did it take to prepare yourself?
SG: Actually, I was supposed to join last year but, well, I didn’t. Hahaha. But if I joined last year, well, look—Danica [Magpantay] won the [Ford Supermodel of the World] title, so yay, it’s all God’s will, I guess.

S: So how do you feel now after winning? Did you expect it at all?
SG: Well, not really, although everyone kept telling me, “Oh, you’re going to win,” but I didn’t want to expect too much because no one could be certain.

S: How did you feel about your competition? Were they intimidating?
SG: Our batch was very competitive so it was really a race to the top and OMG I was just so nervous. I was actually almost in tears backstage [from the nerves.]

S: So while you were walking on the runway during the contest, what were you thinking?
SG: I was completely blank. Hahaha. Nah, it’s just really different, no matter how many times I’ve done shows, it’s still a completely different feeling [for the Ford contest] and I just really zoned out.

Just some of the contents of Sam’s bag. Those sweet potato chips were delicious, just sayin’.

S: We were also going to ask about the prize money.
SG: Huh? Money? Hahaha. I didn’t know about that!
S: Yeah! We even talked to your mom about it, and she’s very happy for you. So what will you do with your winnings?
SG: Really? Well, I’ll start buying clothes for New York! Hahaha.
S: Haha. That’s awesome. So where will you shop?
SG: I guess Forever [21]. Haha.
S: And what about your mom? What would you buy for her?
SG: Hmm. I can’t think of anything… [pauses]
S: Forever 21, as well?
SG: Yeah! Forever… 41! Hahaha.

S: Hahaha. So, are you excited for New York?
SG: Of course I’m still nervous, too.
S: So what advice have you gotten from your model training that’s stuck with you the most? SG: Hmmm…—

[At this point, her mobile phone rings, and on the other line is international model, previous Ford Supermodel of the World finalist, and Sam's friend, Charlene Almarvez. They proceed to exchange thank yous, congratulations, and high-pitched screams of excitement and laughter.]

S: So, uh, we forgot what we were asking. Uh, what would you like your first cover to be? Any magazine of your choice.
SG: All of them! Just kidding. Hahaha.
S: Yeah? All the magazines, all at the same time, huh? Haha.
SG: Oh gosh, people would get sick of my face. Hahaha.

S: You’re really going places with your career. So, besides modelling, what other talents do you have? SG: Hmm. Singing?

[This is the part where she sings. Uh, we'll get you a sample of that soon enough. Stay tuned.]

S: So where’d you get your singing from?
SG: My mom. She used to be a singer in Pampanga.

S: We love their food there. What are some of your favorites?
SG: Razon’s! Oh, but there’s an even better place, RFW. But they don’t have branches in Manila. Dr. Pearl, too, I don’t understand why they don’t franchise here.

S: How old are you again?
SG: 14.

S: So you’re still studying?
SG: Incoming high school junior… but I didn’t enroll this year [to pursue the Ford competition].

S: Well, when you go back, who would you wear to your prom?
SG: There are so many designers I love, they’re all so talented. But I said to myself before, that I’d like to get married in a Michael Cinco gown. Haha!

S: Were you there at that show?
SG: Yes. I walked for Michael Cinco, they just snuck me in the cast somehow.

S: So besides the modeling and the singing, what else can you do?
SG: Well, drawing, and dancing, too. The drawing is part of the family, we all know how. The eldest is an architect. The dancing, well, I’m part of our school’s dance club—stuff like that.

S: Any plans to take up Fine Arts in college, then?
SG: Hmm. Maybe.

S: Ok, last question. Pretend it’s raining, and the love of your life is about to jet off in a plane. How would you get his attention?
SG: Oh wow. So dramatic! Hahaha. I’d make the rain stop. Haha, just kidding. Or I’d be the pilot. Hahaha!
S: Haha. Thanks for the great conversation, Sam!

Congratulations Sam! STATUS loves you! –LADYZAZA

Interview by Zoe Laurente (translated from Filipino to English)
Photos by Lyka Orhel and Nikki Ruiz