Aldrin Samson and Bambi Rojas

Meet Aldrin Samson and Bambi Rojas. They are real-life nurses who are starring in the upcoming film "Siglo ng Kalinga" inspired by the life story of Philippine Nurses’ Association (PNA) founder Anastacia Giron-Tupas and the heroic lives of Filipino nightingales.

Samson and Rojas, who are also a real-life couple, shared their thoughts on the core message of the movie, produced by Dr. Carl Balita Productions.

"The film will give empowerment to nurses. Kung nurse ka tapos napanood mo ito, Masasabi mo na proud ka na naging nurse ka. Doon naman po sa mga estudyante na manonood, For sure mai-inspire po sila na mag-take ng nursing," Samson said.

He added: “It is obvious that we are not as advanced as most countries lalo na po pagdating sa healthcare. ‘Kulelat’ as we Filipinos say it. Mechanically yes, but the spirit, compassion, eagerness, empathy, and holistic care of Filipino nurses can’t be compared sa kahit anong lahi, kahit anong advance technology. We care from the bottom of our hearts."

“Pandemic man or hindi, hanggang sa aming huling hininga, kami ang kaagapay ng mga nangangailangan, sa larangan ng pang gagamot at pag kalinga,” said Rojas.

On realizations about doing the film, Rojas said, “Actually I learned to be more devoted. During pandemic, I was doubtful kung itutuloy ko pa ba ang pagna-nurse kasi nga in demand ang service namin, but we were not appreciated, seen and di maibigay ang nararapat for us.

“But after this movie, I got encouraged to be more like Rita Gamez, the bestfriend of Anna Formantes. It made me realize that once you become a nurse, kahit saan sulok ka ng mundo magpunta, dumating ka man sa point na susuko ka na, hindi maitatago sa puso namin ang Kalinga na binigay saamin ni Lord para maibahagi namin sa ibang tao," said Rojas.

Bambi and Aldrin

"As nurse Aldrin Yabut, I learned na despite the stress and problems sa buhay, don't forget na mag enjoy din tayo to heal ourselves. Kasi as a nurse, kailangan fully-prepared ka when it comes to handling patients. Hindi mo mabibigay ‘yung best mo kapag hindi ka emotionally and physically prepared,” Samson added.

Showbusiness is not new to Rojas any longer. Using the screen name Zamir Benevice or Zamierre Benevice, she appeared in several Kapuso series when she was growing up. She did Bubble Gang Jr. (2005), Princess Charming (2007), Impostora (2007) and Joaquin Bordado (2008).

Their love story began when they took nursing back at the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute in Dasmariñas City. Samson and Rojas were in the same batch of nursing students from 2012 to 2016.

Recalling his impressions on her former schoolmate who later became her husband, Rojas confessed: "Akala ko talaga noong una, bakla siya."

Samson also shared his impressions on Rojas. “Akala ko po nung una mataray. tapos ung typical conyo mga ganun kasi english speaking. Since mag classmate po kami lagi kaming mag kausap. Mabait po pala sya and masaya sya kausap.”

All these impressions changed when they finally got to know each other. After they finished nursing in 2017, Samson and Rojas got married. They have a son. And the rest is history.

"Siglo ng Kalinga" will be shown in cinemas on April 19.