Filipina-Japanese Beauty Queen Yana Sonoda Shines as VIVA’s Newest Star
Philippines’ top talent management agency, VIVA Artists Agency, welcomes Yana Sonoda in its constellation of VIVA stars, the management officially announced on their Facebook page on November 22, 2023.
The Filipina-Japanese rising star shares with you her journey as she starts her blog series with Philippine Primer!
IMAGE from Viva Artists Agency’s Facebook page
Born in the Philippines, Yana “Yuki” Sonoda moved to Japan at the age of 10. While in Japan, she continued dreaming of becoming an actress, simultaneously pursuing a degree in international business law at Rikkyo University and carving out her identity as a beauty queen.
The half-Filipina, half-Japanese beauty queen initially attracted a lot of attention in the Philippines as she achieved the title of second runner-up in the Miss Universe Japan 2020 competition.
Upon her return to Philippines in March 2022, Yana Sonoda was unstoppable in reaching her full potential. The young actress appeared in various prestigious events in the country and took on lead roles in notable films, including Pula ang Kulay ng Gabi (Night Dyed Red) alongside Filipino actor Aljur Abrenica and Losers-1, Suckers-0 with veteran actress Ara Mina.
As the industry continues to recognize her talents, Yana was given the title, “Breakthrough Artist of the Year”, proving her growing prominence and impact in the entertainment scene.
Now, Yana signs with VIVA Artists Agency, adding a new chapter to her flourishing career. She spills the details in an exclusive column on Philippine Primer!
Hello, everyone! It’s been a while. Yana Sonoda here, an actress from the Philippines! I just took a short break in sharing my adventures with you, but I’m back and ready to update my blog regularly. Please look forward to it, I have a big announcement to make.
I will be transferring to VIVA ARTISTS AGENCY, the largest entertainment agency in the Philippines!❤️
What is VIVA ARTISTS AGENCY?
VIVA is home to the most famous entertainers in the Philippines. Some of my favorite people belong to VIVA: Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, and Billy Crawford of the popular Philippine noontime show, “SHOWTIME”; Filipino singers, Sarah Geronimo and Regine Velasquez; and Filipino actresses including Nadine Lustre, Julia Barretto, Yassi Pressman, and Kylie Verzosa.
Memories with VIVA’s Artists
Actually, I have a few memories with them. But I remember meeting Nadine Lustre when I was at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo. Nadine also happened to be there, and I was so excited that I called out to her, and she responded too!
I also have fond memories of Kylie Verzosa. There was a world beauty pageant, and Kylie was representing the Philippines. It was held in Tokyo, so I went there to support the Philippines as a fan of Kylie (of course, I was also cheering for Japan).
Suprisingly, I also became friends with Kylie’s mother when we were cheering next to each other. For some reason, we are still friends on Facebook. LOL!
Why are you so happy to join VIVA?
It’s a question that you might be thinking right now. But besides the memories with VIVA’s artists, it was also because of VIVA’s entertainers who supported me when I was having a difficult time in Japan.
As you might know by now, I was born in the Philippines but moved to Japan when I was 10 years old. When we moved, there was a time in my life that I couldn’t speak in Japanese. But when I came home from school every day, I always looked forward to watching the Filipino TV show, ASAP (like SHOWTIME now), and it made me laugh through the hard times. They have always given me energy and courage.
So, I am very happy to be part of the entertainment industry (and VIVA), which I have longed to be in since before. I am really happy now. ❤️
I will do my best to be a performer who can spread energy and courage through the screen, just like the artists who have inspired me. Thank you so much for your continued support!
You can also check out my social media accounts to know more about me and my future activities! Thank you!
💕Love, Yana.
Stay tuned for Yana Sonoda’s blog series on Philippine Primer! Follow Yana Sonoda on her social media accounts and be part of her official fan club by visiting www.teamyana.com.
Social Media Accounts
Facebook: Yana Sonoda
Instagram: @yukidusnd
TikTok: @yanasonoda
Twitter: @YanaSonoda
Youtube: Yana Sonoda
