When people meet Sarah Chang, it’s easy to be charmed by her cheerful, approachable, girl-next-door vibe. She’s kind, modest, and a little goofy—just the way her friends, family, and co-stars love her. But don’t let the bubbly personality fool you: behind the smiles is a woman with a warrior’s spirit and an unstoppable drive.
Sarah isn’t just a talented actress. She’s an award-winning international action star, film producer and director, real estate entrepreneur, and former USA National Wushu Champion. And yes—somehow, she manages to balance all of that while being a hands-on mom and devoted wife.
Finding Her Second Home in the Philippines
Sarah’s story with the Philippines began on a movie set. She flew in to shoot Blood Hunters, which was filmed in Bataan. Then came The Trigonal in Bacolod. But it was more than just back-to-back projects that anchored her here—it was love, both personal and professional.
“Those months filming here changed everything for me,” she shared. “I fell in love with the country… and I fell in love with my now-husband too.”
That husband is Vincent Soberano, a filmmaker and real estate investor who shares not only her passion for storytelling but also her love for building a good life—literally and figuratively—here in the Philippines.
So what does Sarah love most about living here?
“The people,” she said without hesitation. “Filipinos are the coolest, most easygoing people I’ve ever met.”
She now splits her time between Taiwan and the Philippines, often spending a week to several months at a time in Pampanga, where they’re part of a vibrant expat community in the Clark/Angeles area. “We have so many close friends here. It really feels like home.”
🎥 Bringing Films—and Jobs—to the Philippines
As a filmmaker, Sarah is doing more than telling stories—she’s helping create jobs and opportunities by bringing international productions to the Philippines. And when asked why she chooses to film here, she doesn’t miss a beat.
“Three reasons,” she smiled. “Skills, cost, and communication.”
“Filipino crews are incredibly skilled. From lighting techs to camera operators, they know their stuff. Second, the costs are significantly lower. You can produce a film here at a fraction of what it would cost in the U.S. And third, most Filipinos speak English really well, which makes collaboration with international teams so much smoother.”
Of course, there are some cultural differences—like the classic “For a while, ma’am” phrase she now finds more endearing than confusing.
“At first I thought it meant it would take forever. But turns out, they mean just a minute!”
Still, Sarah has nothing but love for Filipino crews.
“They’re upbeat, hardworking, and genuinely want to do a good job. As long as you communicate clearly, they’ll meet you halfway. I’ve never been let down.”
🎭 Actors With Heart (And Humor)
Sarah’s admiration extends to Filipino actors, too. “They’re professionals, but they’re also hilarious! There’s always laughter on set. It’s not just work—it’s bonding. That’s what makes the experience unforgettable.”
👩👧👦 Family First, Always
Behind all the accolades and film credits is someone who prioritizes family above all.
“I don’t want to miss my kids’ birthdays or school events. I want to be there for every recital, every milestone.”
Thanks to flexible work schedules, both Sarah and Vincent are able to juggle their passions while being fully present parents. With support from their family and home team, they’ve built a system that works—where career goals and parenting don’t have to clash.
🏠 The Business of Building Futures
While Sarah may be known for her kicks and camera presence, her real estate hustle is just as strong. She and Vincent have invested heavily in Philippine and Taiwanese properties—particularly distressed or undervalued properties they flip into profitable rentals.
“We’ve built a portfolio that’s about 95% occupied,” she shared. “We know how to spot the right properties, in the right locations, and manage them well.”
The success of their real estate ventures has given them the freedom to diversify, including Sarah’s growing skincare business.
“I’m a proud distributor of Riman, a top Korean skincare brand. I started in Taiwan and now I’m bringing it to the Philippines. I believe in it because I’ve used it—and it works!”
💪 Her Real Superpower? The Team
Sarah is the first to admit she didn’t get here alone.
“My team is everything—starting with my husband. When I first tried producing films, I had zero experience. So I surrounded myself with people who knew what they were doing. I learned on the job.”
Whether it’s film or real estate, her success is built on trusting and empowering people who share her values: loyalty, hard work, and positivity.
💼 For Dreamers, Doers, and Entrepreneurs
So what’s her advice for others trying to navigate their way in this crazy world?
“Be aware of what’s happening in your industry. Don’t just work—learn how to make your money work for you. Inflation eats up your savings, so don’t let it just sit in a bank. Invest in things that create passive income—real estate, high-yield savings, even small businesses.”
And her biggest tip?
“Make your money make more money. It’s the only way to keep up in today’s economy.”
