Dannyka Manangan

Samantha Bernardo on not getting paid for a job

Article (news)

Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p>Miss Grand International 2020 first runner-up and <em>Pinoy Big Brother</em> alumna Samantha Bernardo has spoken candidly about a harsh reality that continues to plague the modeling and entertainment industry</p><p> In a heartfelt post on her social media page, Samantha revealed her recent experience of not receiving proper compensation despite fulfilling her work obligations.</p><p> “Sometimes, you deliver the work… and still don’t get paid, even after weeks of waiting,” Samantha began.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPIrcixkyIE/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A328143.5%2C%22ls%22%3A92999.59999999998%2C%22le%22%3A93374.69999999995%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="901" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div> </div><p>The beauty queen and television personality admitted she thought those days were behind her, especially now that she has established herself as a host and public figure.</p><p> “I honestly thought this part of my journey was over — especially now that I am an established queen and host, where professionalism should always come first. But it reminded me of my early days as a model, when delayed or missing payments were sadly common. At one point, I even had over a million pesos floating, which took 2 to 3 years to be paid,” she added.</p><p> While the financial aspect is frustrating, Samantha stressed that what hurt her the most was the betrayal of trust.</p><p> “What hurts me the most isn’t just about the money. It’s the broken trust, and the way kindness can be taken advantage of. I was led to believe this opportunity was in good faith, even tied to someone I deeply respected, who has already passed on,” she expressed.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DOs2oZck83o/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A118436.69999999995%2C%22ls%22%3A92999.59999999998%2C%22le%22%3A93374.69999999995%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="901" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong></strong></div><div> </div><p>She added that her trust was further misplaced when she accepted confirmation from another booker, something she now views as a mistake.</p><p> “I trusted you with another booker’s confirmation as well — and that was my mistake.”</p><p> Although Samantha refrained from naming any individual or organization involved, her message carried a strong reminder for everyone in the industry.</p><p> “To those in this industry: be vigilant. Protect yourself. Respect the brief, respect the process, and respect each other’s work. We all deserve to be treated with fairness,” she said.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DO7r6hdk4X4/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A93670%2C%22ls%22%3A92999.59999999998%2C%22le%22%3A93374.69999999995%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="903" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>The former beauty queen ended her statement with grace: “As for me — I release this with grace. I may not get back what was owed, but I know karma and time will always reveal the truth.”</p><p> Samantha Bernardo rose to prominence when she represented the Philippines at the 2020 Miss Grand International pageant in Thailand, where she finished as first runner-up. She later joined <em>Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10</em> in 2021, where she placed third and won a ₱300,000 cash prize.</p><p> Most recently, Samantha ventured into podcasting with The Sam Up Podcast, launched in August 2025.</p>

<p><b>Samantha Bernardo speaks up about a 'hard truth in the industry.'</b></p>

Samantha Bernardo speaks up about a 'hard truth in the industry.'

Samantha Bernardo on not getting paid for a job, saying it 'isn't just about the money. It’s the broken trust'

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Samantha Bernardo on not getting paid for a job, saying it 'isn't just about the money. It’s the broken trust'

Nikka Sabio,

Push Team

Published September 30, 2025 10:31 AM PHT

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Samantha Bernardo

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