Sunday, November 23, 2008

Mercator's Socio-Civic Activity














Muscles for a cause, beauties with a purpose


There is an unfortunate stereotype that models are only beautiful people whose day is just about donning clothes and doing commercials. Today, we affirmed that we care about certain issues, and this passion keeps us going."


Models are also role models who fight and do something for what they believe in. To prove this, the so-called beautiful people, the kings and queens of the runway, let their hair down in the appropriately called "Model the Earth, Muscles for a Cause and Beauties with a Purpose" project last May at the La Mesa Dam as their way of giving back to a community that looks up to them. Top commercial model April Tanhueco said her fellow ramp models, fashion stylists, and make-up artists were there to weed, clean, and plant trees with Jonas Gaffud, president of Mercator Model Management, Inc.; a project manager from Bantay Kalikasan, ABS-CBN’s environmental arm; and ace lensman Wesley Villarica.


Gaffud clarifies that the environment is an area for advocacy that is close to his heart. "I graduated from UP Diliman with a degree in Geography. I learned that everything is interconnected, so damage to one part of the world brings...consequent damage to another. That is why I am passionate about issues regarding the environment. So this endeavor is a must for me."


The second project was the Muscles for Cause, conducted last May 10. This time, hunks flexed their muscles to build homes. This was carried out in partnership with the non-profit group Gawad Kalinga. Top names in the modeling world like international models Rocky Salumbides and AJ Winkler, as well as Brazilian imports Akihiro Sato and Fabio Ide had a great time mixing cement and concrete and painting the newly constructed houses. Leading designers JC Buendia, Tonichi Nocom, and Puey QuiƱones also volunteered. A number of fashion practitioners like Patrick Ty, Mela de Luna, Rey Ilagan, Mickey Sy, Katrina Dy, and Bianca Santiago were there to participate. Well-known fashion photographer Frank Hoefsmit took snaps of the models in action.


Through this project, Gaffud explains that the models proved that "their muscles are not only for pictorials and commercials, but they can also be flexed for charity." And it seems the models also realized the importance of doing something for a cause. Sato, 24, has been in the country less than a month, and he says, "I loved what I did. It’s great to do something significant for those who are in need."

Last May 11, beauty queens and models trooped to Kythe’s Foundation Summer Camp in Antipolo to spend time with kids who have grave medical conditions. Gionna Cabrera and Lia Andrea Ramos, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2005 and 2006, respectively, as well as three Brazilian beauties, Analu Pereira, Fernanda Cordeiro, and Mariana De Lucas, commercial model Kimi Lu, designer Freddie Abuel, caster Edda Galoy, and hair and makeup artist-couple Ricky and Claire Diokno participated in fun games with the children and in toy-giving. Photos were taken by Kai Huang. While Cabrera and Ramos both served as ambassadors of goodwill during their respective Bb. Pilipinas reigns, they still could not help but be affected by the kids’ situations. Cabrera relates, "We are privileged to take part in outreach activities; [we] have [a] passion for causes, as in our experience with cancer patients as young as eight. They have so much to give to the world but are limited in their opportunities, so it is very difficult to comprehend such [a] plight in life." She adds that she is "blessed to meet angels."


Gaffud believes that these projects bring out the best in models. "Through these outreach programs, we showed another facet [of] the modeling industry. A model is also a role model who fights and does something for what he or she believes in." Model Misty Francisco agrees and asserts that, "It’s great to [take] a stand [and show] that we have concerns and values far greater than good looks and poise."
photos by: Frank Hoefsmit
from: Manila Bulletin

Friday, November 21, 2008

Akihiro Sato and Regine Velasquez




Tell Me That You Love Me Behind the Scenes


VIP Pass feature on Regine's music video shoot with AKIHIRO SATO for the single TELL ME THAT YOU LOVE ME from her new album LOW KEY!

http://www.reginemultimedia.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSnkgN2JrHU






Monday, November 17, 2008

HANDUMANAN


Akihiro Sato (The most popular Japanese-Bazilian model in South-East Asia today is going to have this as his debut movie here in the Philippines) waiting for the set-up to finish





HANDUMANAN


Directed by:Seymour Sanchez

Production: Independent (Sponsored by Cinemalaya Foundation and National Commission for Culture and the Arts)

Release Date: First quarter of 2009

Setting: Dumaguete City

Main Cast: Chin-Chin Gutierrez, Jason Abalos, Akihiro Sato


Behind-the-scenes in Cafe Antonio




This film, having Dumaguete as it's main setting, although, not the first time, will surely be something special and something to look forward to. For one thing, it is sponsored by the Cinemalaya Foundation and the NCCA (Both will not just sponsor any Independent movie unless it's going to be a really good one) which will have high possibilities that this film will get to join in international film festivals. It will be a big exposure for Dumaguete, for sure, and hopefully, soon, Dumaguete will not be only known for it's academic industry, but also get head-to-head with other places in the film industry. Dumaguete was specially chosen by the director with influence from Chin-Chin Gutierrez who just love Dumaguete so much and has just recently found her second home here.



photos and pertinent information from ian casocot








Sunday, November 16, 2008

Akihiro Sato by Mark Nicdao for Garage




















Photography: Mark Nicdao of wildbunch photography


thanks to Team Akihiro

Fitness Fashion Behind The Scenes






















Photos: Team Akihiro, Rhett Eala

All I Want For Christmas!


What's in your box? - Penshoppe

photo: Niccolo Cosme

http://www.niccolocosme.com

http://niccolocosme.multiply.com/

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Regine's New Leading Man


REGINE'S NEW LEADING MAN


Before the start of the presscon proper, the music video of "Tell Me That You Love Me," Regine's first single in Low Key, was shown. In the music video, Regine was paired with half-Brazilian, half-Japanese model Akihiro Sato, who is one of the Top 10 Cosmopolitan bachelors this year.

What can she say about her leading man?

"Ang cute-cute niya," Regine says with a smile. "He's such a nice ‘boy.' No, he's such a nice guy. I hope something happens to him. Gusto niyang mag-artista. Nag-aaral managalog. He's very handsome. And I really, really hope that something really good will happen to him. Kasi he's only 25, and I think he's got potential.

"Pero ang cute niya, he's a gentleman. The whole time, medyo nanginginig siya, pero game siya. Kasi nga, he's not naman from here. I think he's been here for like six months lang, so hindi niya ako kilala. Naririnig na niya yung mga kuwento about me, ganun-ganun. So parang, ‘My God, I'm so honored.' Di lang niya alam, pinagsamantalahan ko na siya!" laughs Regine.

Regine also had some kissing scenes with Akihiro in their music video.
- philippine entertainment portal

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Shall We Dance








photos: team akihiro, jojo, jove francisco, warrior119

Fitness Fashion Cebu




















Inquirer Lifestyle Fashion Series

Sugar Sugar


Being part of the the elite group of models in the country, Akihiro Sato is no stranger to the business. He started out his career in Brazil four years ago and made his way to the Philippines, becoming one of the most sought after model-endorsers to grace the local fashion industry. And while he misses his family and friends in Brazil, Aki says he likes being in the Philippines. "I feel good here because people are very warm and helpful," he explains. "It's not that hard to adjust here since Filipinos and Brazilians are somewhat similar to each other." Though he is always put on the spotlight and is often admired by ardent fans, Aki says he is still shy and tentative when it comes to his personal life.



Noticeable in Aki, aside from having a flawless face and body, is his passion to learn Filipino. "I plan to learn more Tagalog and become an actor here," he enthuses. But aside from perfecting his Filipino communication skills, Aki's dreams also include going back to school to study theater and the performing arts. He is also toying with the idea of putting up his own restaurant in the future, taking incentive from his father's seafood bistro.



Quite the Don Quixote, Aki doesn't look for girls with only gorgeous and perfect faces to their names; He is more drawn to finding a connection with a girl who has a beautiful heart. Aki says he is also geared towards helping less fortunate people, especially kids, find a better and happy future; He is ready to volunteer—anytime, anywhere.-PBC

from: team akihiro

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Monday, November 10, 2008

Akihiro on QTV's Sweet Life (November 11, 2008)

Catch this episode on QTV's Sweet Life today with Lucy Torres and Wilma Doesnt, November 11, 2008

Such A Cutie!






aki-licious!

Sunday, November 9, 2008