Heart Evangelista and Sofia Andres celebrated Onitsuka Tiger’s 75th anniversary in Tokyo, embracing the city’s buzz and future possibilities. Photographed by Shaira Luna
In Tokyo, the Filipino actresses reflect on their milestones and look ahead at Onitsuka Tiger’s 75th anniversary
Pace is the name of the game, and Tokyo serves as an ideal backdrop that reflects the progression of Heart Evangelista and Sofia Andres‘ careers. The bustling streets of Tokyo not only symbolize their personal growth but also resonate with Onitsuka Tiger’s seven-decade legacy of pursuing dreams and striving for a brighter future.
This isn’t the first time Evangelista and Andres have embarked on an international adventure together. The two were previously seen at the Onitsuka Tiger Fall/Winter 2024 show in Milan Fashion Week.
For its 75th anniversary, the Japanese fashion brand mounted a series of vignettes in Omotesando, a neighborhood in Shibuya, where Evangelista, Andres and guests from East and Southeast Asia including actors Chae Jong-Hyeop, Desmond Tan, Jasper Liu and Azrael Ismail, singers Raisa Andriana, Bow Maylada, Lê Trung Thành, model Nguyễn Huỳnh Kim Duyên, fashion designer Yoyo Cao, and cosplayer Hakken Coser embarked on an interactive journey that includes a photo exhibition of 75 unique pairs of shoes, each narrating a chapter of Onitsuka Tiger’s history—from the very first pair to contemporary designs enjoyed globally today.
Evangelista and Andres sat down with Vogue Philippines, reflecting on their professional and personal experiences and the excitement of pursuing new projects.
Heart Evangelista walks with confidence
“Life can feel like a rush [sometimes], but it’s crucial to take your time and savor the experience,” says the 39-year-old actress, sharing how her life philosophy aligns with the fashion brand’s spirit of perseverance. Balancing work and personal life is a principle she holds dear. “While I live for my work, I make sure to nurture my personal life as well.”
The Vogue 100 personality also highlights how authenticity takes you further. Evangelista candidly reflects on this facet, believing in presenting her true self, both online and offline. “Staying true to your core values is essential,” she advises. For her, collaborations should be genuine, not an act of pretense. “You can’t pretend to be someone you’re not; authenticity is much more appreciated,” adds the multi hyphenate creative, commending brands like Onitsuka Tiger that value authenticity.
Always forward-thinking, the fashion influencer hinted at diverse projects including a unique film collaboration with GMA Network. Without revealing too much, the multifaceted artist candidly shared, “It’s a first. It’s something they haven’t done before. I’m excited about it because I’m deeply involved.”
Sofia Andres embraces the journey
Just like fellow actress Evangelista, Andres has also made significant 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 shares, adding that her dedication to her craft is 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,” explains the 25-year-old actress-entrepreneur. This emotional depth makes her performances resonate with authenticity and passion.
Looking ahead, Sofia’s ambitions are expansive. “I understand that our job isn’t forever, so I’m focusing on building a network to create more opportunities,” she notes. “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 adds that she is launching a makeup line soon.
As the event in Omotesando wrapped up, it became evident that Onitsuka Tiger’s anniversary was not merely a celebration of their history, but also a showcase of the participants’ enthusiasm for the future with the message that passion propels you forward.
For more information, visit Onitsuka Tiger Philippines’ official website. Follow them on Instagram.
