Akihiro Worship

Akihiro Sato is the equivalent of a tsunami in the gene pool

This Brazilian-Japanese model is the hottest import to hit Manila since sake and Havaianas. Originally from the coastal town of Maresias, or what he descibes as a "very small village" in Sao Paolo. Sato was born to a Japanese father and a half-Italian, half-Portuguese mother. He was working at his father's restaurant when he was discovered by an agent one day, who booked a plane ticket for him in Asia. After living in Thailand for three years, this six-foot-one, 21 year old decided to try his luck in Manila, because he was told that his "kind of look" would work here.

That turned out to be the biggest understatement of the year, as he practically turned Manila's fashion industry stalwarts into panting, hormonal teenagers. Within only two moths working with Mercator Models, he's already done TV commercials for Nescafe, Close Up and Greenwich, landed on the covers of magazines and newspapers, and snagged an endorsement for Penshoppe's new campaign.

He's fueled a reputation in the industry for being extremely nice and pleasant to work with, which certainly worked on his favor. Sato seems almost surprised about his phenomenal success in Manila, of which he says rather humbly that, "he's very blessed."

Slithering around his hips is a dragon tattoo, which has become a signature trail, along with three Japanese characters on the side of his chest that means Sun, Woman and Love. When asked about his Japanese heritage, he turns almost wistful, "I've only been there as a child, and I don't remember much about it. I'd like to go back. My father has never even been to Japan."

He does get homesick for Brazil, where his simple life was punctuated by surfing, afternoon beach barbecues and partying. Though enviable, there was something calling out to him to experience the world. "My life was like that before. I'd just surf and help my father in the weekend, go to the University, and the surf again. But I got tired. You have to work your brain, you know?"

- Tats Diaz

Metro Magazine, September 2008