When donation drives flooded social media after the recent earthquakes that struck Cebu and Davao, many celebrities joined in by organizing fundraisers and relief efforts.
Actress and entrepreneur Nadine Samonte, however, found herself at the center of online criticism not for what she didn’t give, but for what she decided to sell.
On October 12, 2025, Nadine began posting her children’s pre-loved clothes and shoes on Instagram, inviting her followers to tag “mine” on the items they are looking to buy.
While the practice of selling used items online is common among parents and small business owners, some netizens questioned her decision to sell the items instead of donating them amid ongoing relief operations in the Visayas and Mindanao.
The comments quickly snowballed, with a few accusing the StarStruck alumna of being insensitive for allegedly “profiting” instead of helping.
Others, however, came to her defense, pointing out that it was her right to sell her family’s belongings, especially since she had long been known for supporting charitable causes.
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Nadine Samonte: “Hindi po siya donation… nakapagbigay na po kami”
A day later, on October 13, Nadine directly addressed the backlash through an Instagram Story.
She explained that she and her husband Richard “Rboy” Chua—son of veteran actress Isabel Rivas—had already made several donations before deciding to hold the sale.
She wrote (published as is): “Hello everyone, ill be posting used items of our kids sa Instagram paunahan nalang po mag-mine sa post.
“Sorry hindi po sya donation since 10 balikbayan boxes na ang dinonate na po namin na toys sa mga kids na nangangailangan.”
She emphasized that she and her family had done their part to help.
“Ipopost namin yan for proof na tumutulong din po kami kasi ung iba dto alam na [rolling eyes emoji].
“This time we will sell clothes and shoes kasi we need also funds noh haha real talk lang,” she added.
The 36-year-old mom of three made it clear that transparency and sustainability guided her decision.
For her, decluttering and selling her kids’ old items was a practical choice.
“Abang lang po kayo later. Only Instagram!” she concluded her post.
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Doing an honest and visible job
Five days later, on October 18, Nadine uploaded another batch of pre-loved items for sale.
This time, her post was accompanied by a lengthier caption that subtly addressed the same criticisms.
She laid out the mechanics (published as is): “These are all pre-loved items ng mga kids. First to comment mine will get the item.
“Ililike ko po ung comment nyo para alam nyo po kung kayo ang nakakuha. Pls wait for my DM from my IG acct only para iwas scammers.”
She also reminded buyers about payment and shipping details: “No exchange no refund po tayo. Lahat ng details nasa picture na po.
“All joy miners will be blocked! GCash or BDO transaction only and must be paid within 24 hours only.
“JnT or Lalamove pwede. Muntinlupa location. Additional for SF, hindi po kasi libre ang shipping.”
But the line that caught attention once again was her parting statement.
“And yes, nakapag-donate na po ako (kasi dami mga taong anu dto eh [face with hand over mouth emoji]) at nagttrabaho ako ng maayos dto hindi po galing sa nakaw [grinning face with sweat emoji] Thank you [emojis].”
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Among the items listed in Nadine’s latest batch of pre-loved goods were her children’s everyday wear and footwear.
One photo showed a neatly arranged set of colorful girls’ dresses, shirts, and shorts labeled “6–8 yrs old,” with a price tag of PHP2,000 for the entire bundle.
Another post featured three pairs of Crocs-style clogs in pastel and glittery finishes—sizes C12 and C13—adorned with cute charms and priced at PHP2,300 for all.
A third post showed a trio of shoes lined up on wooden flooring: a pair of green rain boots (EU 30), black-and-white sneakers (EU 31), and blue athletic shoes (EU 32), offered together for PHP2,100.
This is not the first time Nadine has spoken up about being misunderstood online.
Over the years, she has used her platform to talk about motherhood, faith, and the realities of maintaining a household while raising three children—Heather Sloane (9), Austin Titus (6), and Harmony Saige (3).
In previous interviews, the former Encantadia actress shared that she prefers being hands-on in managing her children’s needs.
She is also vocal online about reusing and repurposing their things often, instead of constantly buying new ones.
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