Leah Salterio

Vin tries to be healthy for Sophie and daughters

March 5, 2025 Leah C. Salterio 192 views
Vin
Vin Abtenica with wife of two years, Sophie Albert and eldest daughter Ava
Anne
Anne Curtis-Smith, brand ambassador of Anko’s home living collection

VIN Abrenica and Sophie Albert have been together for 12 years now, since they got together as sweethearts after they joined “Artista Academy,” a reality TV competition on TV5.

They met in “Artista Academy,” where they first got to know each other. It took one year before they became sweethearts. Today, they have two daughters, Ava, who’s turning four on March 15 and Amara, who was born last November.

“I try to be healthy all the time,” Vin said. “It’s not that I’m not healthy before. I’m healthier now.”

Meanwhile, Sophie, for her part, wants to go back to her figure before she had two children. “At home, we are trying to always to prepare and eat healthy food. We try not to eat out.

“We are really watching our health, especially we have kids. We are still trying, but we do it slowly. We are really trying.”

Being married is one of the best times of Sophie’s life, as she attested. She and Vin have stayed married for nearly three years now.

“Of course, married life there’s no challenge,” said Sophie. “Being a mom, there’s a challenge where you have to be intentional about the way you act, the way you speak, all the choices you make.

“There are little kids watching you. You always have to be good examples to your kids.”

Vin and Sophie graced the recent launch of Anko’s home living collection at the Alveo Showtoom, with Anne Curtis-Smith as brand ambassador.

Anko, Australia’s much-loved home and lifestyle brand, proudly welcomes Filipino-Australian celebrity Anne Curtis-Smith as its first brand ambassador in the Philippines

Anne is the perfect match for Anko — a mom, actress and entrepreneur who effortlessly balances family and career while creating a home that is both stylish and functional.

“Just like Anko, Anne believes that great design should be beautiful, practical and accessible to all,” said Rachel Turner, country manager of Anko.

“It makes my heart so happy to be part of a brand that brings my all-time favorite Australian products to the Philippines,” said Anne.

“Anko was a big part of my childhood and now, seeing it here brings such a wave of nostalgia with their toys and arts and craft ranges alongside their much-loved home and lifestyle products that match every living space or family occasion,” the celebrity shared in a video.

The announcement coincides with the launch of Anko’s latest Home Living collection, showcased through a condo takeover event at Alveo Land’s Mergent Residences model unit, located in its Greenbelt 3 Makati showroom.

Designed with functional elegance’ in mind, the collection reflects a growing preference for practical yet stylish interiors, all embodying the brand’s commitment:

“Bagay sa ‘yo, bagay sa bahay mo, at bagay sa buhay mo” (Anko matches you, your home, and your lifestyle). “We pride ourselves in curating a range that can both offer new global trends, along with timeless pieces that will last the test of time. From marbled dining pieces that elevate the table to playful stripes that add personality, every piece is designed to be effortlessly livable. Our breathable Australian cotton bedding offers mix-and-match colorways for a personalized, comfortable retreat,” said Nicholas Holmes, Anko Homewares Buyer.

“We’ve also introduced versatile storage solutions, including modular linen-look organizers that keep essentials tidy in any room, making it easier than ever to create a beautiful, clutter-free home,” shared Siri Thanissorn, Anko Living Home Design Manager.

Anko partnered with Nicole Rosenberg, founder of Melbourne-based Liberty Interiors and a famous Australian interior designer, to design the condo space using Anko products. She shared easy, expert-approved ways to create a beautiful and functional home.

“I appreciate how Anko’s home living collection makes styling not only effortless but also exciting, allowing anyone to create a beautiful and functional home without overspending. Whether it’s adding warmth to a living room, optimizing storage in a small space, or refreshing an entire home, Anko has something for every home and lifestyle,” said Rosenberg.

The collection features thoughtfully crafted pieces such as the ribbed faux fur throw, U-shape blue vase, dune small bowl and fragrant candles, proving that great design can be accessible and affordable.

Rachel also hinted at the upcoming launch of Anko’s third store, set to open in a Quezon City later this year. “We’re always looking for ways to bring Anko closer to Filipino homes, and we’re excited of what’s ahead. We can’t wait to share more details soon,” said Rachel.

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