Capturing hearts in the City of Love

Iloilo City , Philippines  — His charming looks, disarming smile and hearty laughter draw people towards Akihiro Sato. In turn, Akihiro’s eyes glisten each time he sees how Maria Clara oohs and aahs when she so much catches a glimpse of the hunky model.

This is exactly what happened in this City of Love, where Akihiro performed at the recent celebration of GMA TV6’s 10th year of giving entertainment and public service.

Akihiro tirelessly enjoyed every minute on stage as he rendered Gary Valenciano’s Di Bale Na Lang and the heart-swooning My Girl. With Stairway to Heaven stars Rhian Ramos and Glaiza de Castro, Akihiro joined the Kapuso outreach program dubbed Kapuso Volunteerism Project in distributing school bags and goodies to some 200 pupils of Mandurriao Elementary School.

“This is my second time to join. The first was in Bacolod for the Masskara festival. It reminds me so much of myself,” Akihiro says. “People are nice. They have a natural life. I grew up this way, too.”

Joining Kapuso events has also paved the way for the Brazilian-Japanese model to see the country’s beauty and learn more about Pinoy culture which he deemed important to get in touch with more Pinoys as he aims to carve a niche in the local entertainment scene. Yes, acting has been Akihiro’s dream since he was this tall. It was when he started doing commercials and sashayed on the catwalk in front of the cameras back in his native Brazil that he found his passion to act in the big and small screens.

Still, Akihiro didn’t expect he’ll fulfill this dream as soon as he touched Philippine soil. His supposedly three-month stay “for some modeling stint” has made him discover that there are so many other things he can learn in the Philippines.

“I lived in Thailand for three years and I learned wrong English. I found out that you guys speak good English so I thought I can study here, learn and start a career in showbiz,” shares Akihiro who has been staying in the country for 10 months now. “I learned English and Tagalog, lahat — singing, dancing and hosting.”

Does he see Celebrity Duets an avenue to make it big?

“Sobra mahirap. I got shocked when I’m invited to sing in Celebrity Duets because I cannot sing but improving naman. I want to learn the language before starting in showbiz but many projects start coming in so I now work and study at the same time,” Akihiro answers.

In fact, he even predicted he’ll be the first to be booted out and decided to just enjoy in the show. But things worked in his favor.

 “It’s all about the votes but if it’s only about the singing, patay na,” Akihiro relates.

GMA 7 has also given him an opportunity to act via Moshi, Moshi I Love You with Rufa Mae Quinto.

“I’m really pressured because Rufa Mae has been working (in showbiz) for 15 years. I’m a new face and I’m shy but she is very natural and funny. She makes me comfortable,” he replies when asked how is it like to work with Rufa Mae.

What character traits would make him fall for a Pinay?

“I like someone who is simple, natural and a happy person like me. I don’t think about the physical assets because what matters is the heart. I see myself raising a family with 10 kids,” he quips.

But love has to take the backseat though. All he wanted right now is to focus on his career and ”grab every acting chance coming his way.”