by Robbie Pangilinan

Japanese hot model-actress Maria Ozawa has been in Manila for almost four years already. She says she has found life, livelihood, and love in the Philippines.

The 33-year-old Maria co-owns the popular Singles Bar at Holiday Inn Express  in Newport City. She is happy with current boyfriend Jose Sarasola, former Pinoy Fear Factor contestant, a chef, and also an entrepreneur.

Maria is hands-on at the posh lounge bar, which she describes as a “gentleman’s club” where wealthy personalities hang out and relax. The TV5 star actually helped conceptualize the club and her famous red kimono enclosed in a large glass case welcomes the guests to the bar. Maria makes it a point to visit Singles several times a week and even share drinks with the guests.

Back in 2015, the actress of Japanese and Canadian descent, came to the Philippines to do a cover photo shoot for the June issue of the leading adult magazine of the country. She also made the movie “Nilalang” with Cesar Montano and engage in numerous photoshoots for billboards and magazines.

The well-traveled Maria fell in love with the Philippines and the Filipinos, who she describes as “so friendly and always smiling.”

Maria is religious about her self-care regimen. She goes boxing at the gym whenever she can, walks a lot, and drinks plenty of water.

“Body and facial maintenance are really important to me – nails, lashes and hair. Putting on a face mask every night is a must. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but doing it everyday is the key,” says the very busy Maria who adds that one can find time anytime when one really looks for it. 

While other foreigners dislike the very humid Philippine weather, Maria soaks it all in.

“I love the humidity here. It’s good for moisturizing the skin,” says the proud Asian.

The seemingly perfect Maria is game about going under the knife. She admits she is open to surgical procedures and wants to try liposuction for smaller thighs.

Believe it or not, Maria does not have her permanent fashion style, because she always wants to be different and not go by the trend.

“When I see something that I like , branded or not branded, I’ll pick up anything from anywhere,” adds Maria who has never joined a beauty contest/pageant in her life.

To be on the safe side, Maria goes for the classics, and adores Italian businessman and fashion designer Guccio Gucci.

“It will be my honor to dress up for Gucci as I have been following the brand for decades! He is my dream designer!”

Maria is excited to start shooting a film that will be out on Netflix very soon.