| Samantha Richelle | |
| Birth Date: | 16 December 1988 |
| Birth Place: | Brunei |
| Education: | Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising |
| Occupation: | Actress, entrepreneur and fashion designer |
| Partner: | Anton del Rosario |
| Mother: | Evangeline Teodoro del Rosario |
| Father: | Prince Jefri Bolkiah |
| Relatives: | Karraminah Clarisse (sister) |
Samantha Richelle (born 16 December 1988) is a Bruneian born-Filipino actress, entrepreneur, and fashion designer who was born in Brunei. She is also the daughter of Prince Jefri Bolkiah, the youngest son of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III.
In 2020, Richelle debuted as Detective Kai Mendoza in the TV series Almost Paradise.[1] In a YouTube interview with the film critic Manny the Movie Guy, she said, "It was something I was really interested [in doing] because, growing up, I've never seen a show [represent] the Philippines in this light. You get to see the beautiful landscapes and beaches that we have here." She is also scheduled to star in the currently-in-production short film The Cassandra Project, according to her IMDb page, where she has also received many credits for writing and directing.[2]
A blend of formal and informal designs may be seen in her ready-to-wear collection. The business's website states that the designer, who received training at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, manufactures her items responsibly and with care in Manila. However, the brand appears to have completely moved its focus to Instagram. Richelle maintains that fashion is still her first concern despite her busy schedule. "I am an artist, but I am a fashion designer above other things," she told Calyxta. Numerous celebrities, like Anne Curtis, Liza Soberano, Nicole Andersson, and Kiana Valenciano, to mention a few, have donned her creations. She informed Calyxta that she dresses for comfort and that she likes timeless, classic shapes above current fashions. She said, "I grew up watching old classic films and I've always been influenced by that sense of simplicity and tailoring from that era. I am very inspired by the 1940s and 1950s era."
Richelle is the daughter of Prince Jefri Bolkiah, the brother of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, and his non-royal wife, Puan Fatimah binti Abdullah (née Evangeline Teodoro del Rosario). She has a younger sister named Karraminah Clarisse.[3] She maintains her royal heritage somewhat under wraps. According to reports, she is close to Princess Ezurin Khyra.[4] She was raised in a multicultural environment. Born in Brunei, she attended high school in Los Angeles before moving to London, then returning to Los Angeles, and finally settling in the Philippines, where she currently resides. She frequently attends the Brunei Royal family's functions as well.[5]
Richelle disclosed her interest in tattoo art and the fact that she had at least nine tattoos on her body in 2015. She acknowledges that she has a slight tattoo addiction, but she doesn't regret it because tattoos have become a significant aspect of who she is.[6]
When Richelle was first engaged to her football player fiancé Anton del Rosario, he told the Inquirer that their relationship was "love at first sight" in 2016. They met in a bar in Makati while on vacation together. "I persisted in trying to get her, but she would not give in, and this continued for nearly a year and a half. Then things fell into place, and she at last thought I was cute. They still frequently share photos of themselves together on social media, and it's unknown if they've tied the knot since then.[7] They have a son named Myles Richelle.[8]
During Richelle's time in school in the United Kingdom, she engaged in a variety of sports, including rounders, swimming, volleyball, and track. She was interested in rounders for two years; it was like baseball only with a smaller bat and one-handed play. She currently leads an active lifestyle, preferring outdoor activities, and engages in pilates, yoga, and neighborhood runs.[9]