‘Survivor’ winner Akihiro Sato resumes showbiz career
After a few months' absence in the local entertainment scene, "Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown" grand winner Akihiro Sato has returned.
Akihiro currently appears on the GMA-7 series "Captain Barbell" as Bruno, a "Hulk"-like character who transforms into a monster-like superhero when angered.
He admitted taking a temporary reprieve from the limelight to focus on honing his Tagalog speaking skills and rest after the gruelling reality TV series. While he was away, Akihiro did side modelling jobs in other countries.
"I went to Hong Kong, Thailand and did some work like modelling and endorsements. I took a little time off from showbiz. I had a good rest. I also did some Tagalog class and also I worked out a lot for my acting stint," Akihiro told Yahoo! OMG Philippines in a press conference launching Penshoppe's summer campaign at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati.
While Akihiro's victory in "Survivor Philippines" opened more doors for him in showbiz, it also allowed the model-actor to make personal investments out of his P3-million grand prize.
"I've also bought a new car (Mitsubishi Pajero) for the first time in my life. I'm trying to put my investment for a restaurant business," Akihiro told Yahoo! OMG Philippines.
Previously, Akihiro noted his desire to have his entire family to migrate from Brazil to the Philippines for good. He tells Yahoo! OMG! Philippines that his "family is coming here next month."
Akihiro's Brazilian girlfriend, lawyer Anaue Santos, is currently residing in the Philippines to be with the model-actor.
Apart from his showbiz commitments, Akihiro has commercial endorsements, particularly the fashion brand Penshoppe, which had ties with him since 2008.
Penshoppe chose Akihiro, together with Bea Soriano, Solenn Heussaff and Ygor Pignatari, because "they represent exactly what the brand wants to communicate to people. They're stylish, attractive, not intimidating and especially, very approachable," said Alex Mendoza, Penshoppe brand director.
In line with this, Akihiro described his fashion preference for summer: "I like white-colored clothes and the blazers, they look sosyal. I would like to pair blazers with my white shirt."
