AKIHIRO SATO: ‘I want to travel around the Philippines! I hope to do plays and movies, also work in TV. One day, maybe I can open a Brazilian restaurant here.’
BY NICOLA M. SEBASTIAN –The label “male model” has been the brunt of many jokes. And with a ready bunch of caricatures, from temperamental, furry-chested Fabio’s cavorting about in wee swimming briefs to the fine-boned, androgynous angels of fashion that speak with a bored lisp, how can you not poke a little fun? Zoolander already did.
But walking into a brightly-lit studio on a Wednesday night to be warmly greeted by a so-called male model with an even brighter smile and a positively dazzling future, it’s hard to keep up a condescending smirk. Especially if he cheerfully stumbles through his English with the unintentionally sexy lilt of a Brazilian. Especially when he lets loose a heartfelt laugh after every second syllable.
With all that, it’s hard to remember that you ever felt like supplying a bone-dry quip about the catwalk line of business. And that’s because Akihiro Sato, the latest model for Penshoppe and the talent of that rainy-season Nescafé ad, isn’t just another Brazilian model.
For one, the 21-year-old Aki, born to Japanese and Portuguese-Italian parents, loves to ride jeepneys and hop on the MRT. “Working in the Philippines allows me to discover new things. The best part about my job is learning about the culture here and meeting the people,” Aki explains why he decided to extend an initially three-month trip indefinitely. “I really want to learn new languages, so I’m taking classes at UP for English and Tagalog, and eventually Theater Arts.” And what better way to absorb all that is Pinoy than through the daily commute.
Do a little ‘net snoopery and countless links to dedicated fan blogs and photo galleries created by besotted girls (and boys) will add o’s to your Google search page. The hoi polloi have spoken, and they demand Aki-san. His manager, Jonas Gaffud of Mercator model management, is full of stories of dibidee vendors and Mini-Stop shoppers asking for pictures with the star-to-be.
Akihiro relates his side of the story: “I like being nice and I try to be friends with everyone, but sometimes I get embarrassed.” But why so shy? “My father raised me in a very Japanese way — always very quiet, very shy, very straight,” he shares. In fact, Sato used to work in his father’s seafood restaurant, and only started modelling to pay for his university course in Physical Therapy.
‘Course, oriental roots spell success in Asia, where his mestizo looks are a showbiz shoe-in and the rice and noodles that he grew up with are consumed by the ton. Not long after his first job in São Paulo’s Fashion Week, Aki worked the Thai modelling circuit for a few years, hopping around Asia for gigs before finally landing on our shores to join the ranks of models hailing from the land of the thong — the footwear as much as the swimwear.
But as much as he’s loving it here, there’s no place like home — a small village on the outskirts of São Paulo. “I could go out my door and see the beach. All I would do everyday is surf,” he reminisces of what he’s left behind. “Only about 1,600 people live there, something like Palawan. It’s wonderful. Very beautiful.”
So what’s next for this model/commuter/surfer/all-around sweetheart? “I want to travel around the Philippines! But for my career I hope to do plays and movies, also work in TV. One day, maybe I can open a Brazilian restaurant here.” And you just know the crowds will be lining up for some more Aki.
Akihiro Sato:
Aki worked the Thai modelling circuit for a few years before finally landing on Philippine shores
My favorite dish is sushi.
Right now, I’m listening to Coldplay’s “Green Eyes” on my ipod.
If I could have a superpower it’d be the power to become invisible ;-)
I have a bad habit of waking up late.
My favorite superhero is Batman.
If I found a magic lamp and the genie granted me just one wish, I would wish for the end of world hunger.
I love the movie Gladiator.
The first thing I do when I wake up is take a shower.
I think the city has to be saved from political and gang shootings.
My favorite part of a girl is her mind.
If I was stuck on a desert island and I could only bring three things, they would be: some waves for surfing, a big stereo, plus all my friends so we could party.
The best place in the world is my home.
If I didn’t have to work, I’d surf all day.
If I wasn’t modelling I’d probably be cooking or studying, but the last one’s not my favorite.
If I could meet one person, dead or alive, it’d be Bob Marley.
The greatest super-villain is the Joker.
My favorite actor and actress are Mel Gibson and Angelina Jolie.
I love a girl who’s sweet and responsible.
Michael Keaton is definitely the best Batman so far.
I’m addicted to coffee.
Life is about family and friends.
My hero is my dad.
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