Avi Siwa is a Filipino-Chinese model, TV personality, and entrepreneur who has made a significant impact in the Philippines. Born with a flair for the dramatic, she has built a career that is as colorful as it is controversial.
Her journey began with a stint at the University of Santo Tomas, where she studied Hotel and Restaurant Management for two years before switching to Computer Science at her father's behest. However, her academic pursuits were cut short when her father passed away, leaving her a substantial inheritance that she used to start her first business, H&H Martini Bar.
Located in the heart of Makati, this trendy bar was a hub for the city's underground scene, attracting the likes of ABG's, Sambos, and Lava Lounge. It was here that Avi discovered her passion for modeling, stumbling upon a fashion show with her then-boyfriend, a seasoned model who introduced her to the world of high fashion.
On the second year of her modeling career, Avi put up Kingpin Syndicate Inc., a modeling and events company that she would later abandon to focus on her Sly brand. Her foray into the world of modeling was marked by a series of high-profile projects, including a stint as a host on the first LGBT reality TV show in the Philippines, OUT!
Avi's rise to fame was meteoric, with her landing a coveted spot on the cover of FHM and a contract with Viva Films. However, it was her marriage to Patrick Ribbsaeter, an international Swedish model, that marked a significant turning point in her life. The couple met on the set of one of Avi's films and fell deeply in love, eventually deciding to leave the Philippines to start their own business empire.
Avi's wedding to Patrick was a lavish affair, with the couple exchanging vows at the Embassy club and getting their names tattooed on each other's fingers as a symbol of their commitment. However, the couple never signed a traditional marriage contract, opting instead to live together as partners.
Today, Avi is the CEO of Sly Empire Inc., a conglomerate that includes a range of businesses, from Sly Diet and Sly Fitness to Sly Boutique and Sly Agency. She is also the owner of a signature wine label and is happily engaged to Jimmy Cassells, the CEO of Spiralytics, an online performance marketing company. Despite her many accomplishments, Avi remains humble and grounded, crediting her success to her hard work and determination.
