In the vibrant city of Tokyo, Filipino actresses Heart Evangelista and Sofia Andres joined Onitsuka Tiger’s 75th anniversary celebration, reflecting on their personal journeys and the brand’s legacy of chasing dreams and forging a brighter future. The bustling streets of Tokyo mirrored the progression of their careers, just as Onitsuka Tiger’s seven-decade journey symbolizes the relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.
This wasn’t the first time Evangelista and Andres embarked on an international adventure together. They previously graced the Milan Fashion Week runway for Onitsuka Tiger’s Fall/Winter 2024 show. For its anniversary, Onitsuka Tiger created a series of immersive vignettes in Omotesando, a trendy neighborhood in Shibuya, where Evangelista, Andres, and other notable guests from East and Southeast Asia participated in an interactive experience. This included a captivating photo exhibition showcasing 75 unique pairs of shoes, each telling a chapter of Onitsuka Tiger’s history, from its early days to its globally recognized contemporary designs.
In a conversation with Vogue Philippines, Evangelista and Andres shared their personal and professional journeys, expressing their excitement for future projects. Heart Evangelista, known for her confidence and grace, emphasized the importance of taking time to savor life’s experiences, a philosophy that resonates with Onitsuka Tiger’s spirit of perseverance. Balancing work and personal life is a principle she holds dear, stating, “While I live for my work, I make sure to nurture my personal life as well.” She also highlighted the importance of authenticity, believing in presenting her true self, both online and offline. “Staying true to your core values is essential,” she advised. For her, collaborations should be genuine, not a facade. “You can’t pretend to be someone you’re not; authenticity is much more appreciated,” she added, commending brands like Onitsuka Tiger that value genuineness.
Ever forward-thinking, Evangelista hinted at upcoming projects, including a unique film collaboration with GMA Network. Without revealing too much, she shared, “It’s a first. It’s something they haven’t done before. I’m excited about it because I’m deeply involved.”
Just like Evangelista, Sofia Andres has made remarkable strides in her career. “The roles I’ve landed in major projects have been a highlight, as they gave me the chance to work with some of the biggest stars in the industry,” she shared, emphasizing her dedication to her craft, deeply rooted in her life experiences and the unwavering support of her fans and family. “My life experiences have played a significant role in helping me connect with my characters. I’m naturally sentimental, emotional, and sensitive, which aids in the process,” explained the 25-year-old actress-entrepreneur. This emotional depth lends authenticity and passion to her performances.
Looking ahead, Sofia’s aspirations are expansive. “I understand that our job isn’t forever, so I’m focusing on building a network to create more opportunities,” she noted. “For me, every day is a learning process. I want to go back to school. I want to take interior design. I love learning new things. That’s me—always improving.” Andres also shared her plans to launch a makeup line soon.
As the event in Omotesando concluded, it became clear that Onitsuka Tiger’s anniversary was more than just a celebration of their past; it was a showcase of the participants’ enthusiasm for the future, emphasizing the message that passion fuels progress. For more information, visit Onitsuka Tiger Philippines’ official website. Follow them on Instagram.
