Center Stage Magazine (Fall 2014 Issue)

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F I T S P I R AT I O N S P E C I A L

David Beckham

TheBeauties and

TheBeasts

Armand Labuschagne*Bea Candaza*Bella Fae* B r i a n A n d r a o s * C o c a i n e J a m e s * C o l i n Wa y n e * Cristiano Ronaldo*Daniel Sisniega* David Beckham*Davis Page*Elesha Eden* Eric Claussen* Franklin Tochi Nwosu* Greg Minnaar*Harriet Sowah* Heraldo Espindola*Janeena Chan* Jannah Mutiy*Justin Woltering* Melvin Burgos*Monique Michelle* M i r a n d a We b b * M o n s e r r a t C o r o n a d o B r i c e n o * Nick Bateman*Richie Black* Samantha Tomlin*Shaholly Ayers* Shaun Lawson* Shirley van den Bos* Sonny Crozier*Tomas Malecki* Zahra Bianca Saldua

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Shaholly Ayers

September/October 2014

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Shaholly Ayers

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S a m a n t h a To m l i n S a m a n t h a To m l i n

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Bea Candaza Bea Candaza

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Shirley van den Bos Shirley van den Bos

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CENTER STAGE CONTENTS 09/10 2014 FEATURES p. 44 FITSPIRATION BEAUTIES

Fall Special Fitness Goddesses in Various Fields

p. 118 FITSPIRATION BEASTS

Fall Special Fitness Gods in Various Fields

FITSPIRATION HOTTIES

Fall Special Fitspiration Icons in Fashion, Fitness, Sports, Bodybuilding, Martial Arts, Entertainment, Military, Marine Corp, Music etc.

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DAVID BECKHAM Leading Light of a Football Luminary: Winning Whole *FOOTBALL SUPERSTAR*FASHION ICON* MODEL* *UNICEF GOODWILL AMBASSADOR*

COVER STORY

SPECIAL FEATURE Fitness

CONTENTS 09/10 2014

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FITSPIRATION STORY:

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TECHNO-TECHIE Fresh From Innovating & Adapting

28

World World’s Best Airlines

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Fast or Fresh?

What’s the Gym Etiquette?

Fall Special

WORLD’S BEST ATHLETE

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Your Best Ailrlines who Think Outside the Box

Best Places to Live Can there be a city that is crime and pollution free, with excellent public transport and great schools to boast?

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On the Cover

David Beckham, photographed

by H&M, Styling and makeup by H&M, David Bekham Underwear

B e au t i e s

& the

CRISTIANO RONALDO

42 BEASTS

Editor’s Note

‘Fitspiration’ is a combination of two words – fitness and inspiration. Fitness is the quality of being suitable or good physical condition. It may result our competency. On the other hand, inspiration is an arousal of the mind to unusual activity or creativity. It is also a product our creative thinking and work. Basically, fitspiration is a competency based on a product of creative thinking and work.

It may be in sports, showbiz, entertainment, theatre, bodybuilding, fashion and modeling. And that is why we came up with this theme that is not just limited to one area. This issue shows the wide array of talents and capabilities of selected men – fitspiration beasts; and women – fitspiration beauties beyond the lens of a camera.

In this issue, we focus on different icons that embody empowerment to the society in various fields. Sometimes we think that being fit has to be bulk, shredded, super muscular, thin, curvy or sexy, but it actually is not enough. It is about how you live your lifestyle and how you equip other people with your work and influence them. Looking good is not enough, how you look and live inside and out matters.

This fall, we celebrate our 2nd year anniversary special dedicated to contemporary men and women, as well as our supportive readers. We are grateful to everyone for making this special issue even more possible – to our editorial team, to our

brilliant featured models, to all the amazing photographers and make-up artists, and our contributor writers. I’d like to acknowledge my fitspiration feature models in this issue for taking rigorous time and for giving an effort to make this special feature very creative. We are privileged to work with these talented and incredible people. We look forward to more years as we venture more captive moments and interesting features to tell to our dear readers and followers. I remember an unforgettable advice of my wise mentor back then when I was starting my writing and voice-over career during my senior college, he told me once that “Life and career are the same. Always remember that it’s not about how small or big you are, the amount of ‘likes’ you get, number of ‘followers’ you have, countless ‘comments’ you received, or even the total of fans you can have; but it’s always about how you value and en joy your work. Career was never about quantity, it is always about the quality you put effort to it and how you empower the society.” He was right and I agree that it’s never about the amount of accomplishments but how and why you work. No words can truly express for all the gratitude. Enjoy and happy reading to everyone!

Cheers for more years and issues to come!

Editor-In-Chief Ian Carlo Bajada

FRESH

from Innovating

and Adapting

By Israel Christian Thibault

Today, the use of ‘fresh’ has generally been plucked from teenage slang and has returned to the back of orange juice cartons. Perhaps ‘Fresh’ is not apropos in describing how a regular troublemaker got plopped into the lives of his rich relatives. But during Will Smith’s TV reign as the cool kid on the block, the word ‘fresh’ described things other than food.

Fresh was the generation’s word for groovy, hip or fly. Being fresh, was being cool in Will Smith’s case, and sitting on a spinning throne with a backwards cap and sunglasses. Today you might swap a throne for a MacBook, and the backwards cap for the latest iPhone.

The glasses? Make them vintage, and you’re all set in.

The late Steve Jobs’ company, Apple, has infiltrated the pop culture of our generation. Our idea of what’s ‘cool’ is now as heavily tied to latest fashion trends. Today, being ‘fresh’ is less about swag, and more about innovation. Apple has become an almost cultism musthave brand – complete with the beautiful design and hefty price tag. MacBook, IPhones, iPods, and iPad have all become symbols of style, freshness, and creativity. What tech company wouldn’t want to be Apple today? This, it seems, holds true – at least in Apple’s

eyes – as there are companies who are trying to get under Apple’s halo by mimicking their products.

Samsung Electronics and Apple, Inc., two of the largest technology firms in today’s world, provides a new paradigm on how vertically integrated firms today operate. Technology has been changing how value chains and markets work, so much so that how vertically integrated structures are viewed today are changing, too.

While both Samsung and Apple control much of their value chains, they, too, outsource some of the chains to other. Their business allows them to build on their proficiencies and, at the same time, to minimize transaction costs, which allows them to meet the demands of a very dynamic consumer electronics market.

Months ago, Apple sued Samsung for various patent infringements, claiming that its competitor copied many of the iPad, iPhone, and other Apple products and incorporated them in Samsung creations. The jury’s verdict favored Apple, and was required that Samsung pay a Billion dollars in damages to the mammoth technology company.

Apple argued that the products were so similar that consumers may not be able to tell the dif

ference. This might be a bit of an overstatement; an insult to people who spend hundreds of dollars and thousands of pesos on their phones.

There are a whole slew of charges – from copying the ‘rubber band’ feature on the iPhone, wherein a list snaps back after you have hit the end webpage, to the tap and zoom feature, even to the rectangular and rounded edge design of the phone. The charges are based around one idea – which company has the right to call its products innovative? Or bigger yet – what is innovation?

In the MacBook commercial, Apple argued that innovation means, “disconnect[ing] from the past” and starting from the blueprint. Innovation, to Apple, means going back to the drawing board and finding an original and creative solution. To Samsung, innovation means improving upon existing technology, (such as what has been created by apple) which to it requires just as much work as creating a new product.

What can be called ‘fresh’ – in the modern sense?

Is it something out of the box and creative, or something that makes better what is already there?

It seems that the jury’s ruling in favor of Apple is trying to say that originality – what Apple strives to have in every product – is innovation. But can it really be innovation if disadvan

tages the consumer and for the technology industry?

There’s potential for the market to go stale in Apple’s attempt to preserve its freshness. Its win over Samsung may have been a victory for Steve Jobs’ (or Tim Cook’s) claim on the ideas of his company, but many argue that the suit may have just created a monopoly for Apple in the United States. Samsung will have to redesign much of its product lineup, and other etch companies will have be more cautious about patent laws. Samsung’s prices worldwide may have to increase because of the dues it has to pay to Apple, and the company is now barred from selling some of its products in the United States.

Apple’s fight for its innovation may ironically lead slowing down innovations of other companies.

Samsung is understandably angry, releasing an official statement that “verdict should not be viewed as a win for Apple, but as a loss for the worldwide consumer. It will lead to fewer choices, less innovations, and potentially higher prices.”

Apple’s products are undoubtedly fresh – they are imaginative and well-designed. But by staking their claim on ideas that are arguably based on common sense and those that have been a part of the tech industry for a while (like the idea of rectangular shaped

devices with rounded edges that Apple is claiming is its own). “Allowing companies to take a good product and make it better and cheaper is good for consumers.

But the patent lawyers won today [with a verdict],” writes author Lea Shaver in Wired magazine, “Illuminating Innovation: From Patent Racing to Patent War”.

Samsung has been reducing the domestic patent applications and securing international patent applications. Apple is seen improving its inadequate existing patent portfolios by expanding the number of patents. In addition, Apple is strengthening technology portfolios by using corporate transactions. It is worth to monitor the competing situations between Samsung and Apple in the field of wireless network technologies because both companies have increased the patent filling rate significantly.

So who is right to say that they were working in the name of innovation? Who has the right to say they were fresh? Apple – who wanted to safe guard its success and its original and creative designs, or Samsung – who only wanted to improve on what Apple had created? It seems that a jury has decided this for now.

Perhaps being fresh is a bit of both worlds: innovation that is imaginative and inspiring, but that improves and enhances what is already there. The technology industry is moving so rapidly, that maybe in

fifteen years, designs for phones and tablets will be light years from where they are today. Maybe new products will replace them – from Apple, from Samsung, Nokia, Blackberry or maybe even a different company with a whole different lineup of products.

Samsung is no longer the Samsung of the past.

Now netizens need to wait and see if the Apple is still the Apple of the past. Rethink your iPhone, Android, Galaxy Tab, or Tablets and the technology you use daily – they will not be innovative forever. But freshly squeezed orange juice and hot, creamy pancakes in the morning? Indeed, timeless.

We all have habits in our daily lives, good or bad,

that we may not be aware of. Sometimes we float through our days without realizing that our own personal mundane and routine habits can sometimes be considered rude, or even downright inappropriate.

And these habits don’t magically disappear when we hit the gym. UK Health Firm Nuffield Health, states, “out of 2000 people, 74 percent of people polled said they had noticed that their fellow gym-goers and gym buddies committed a gym faux pas.” You know the person who spends hours on the treadmill, talking loudly to their mom or girlfriend with their loudspeakers on, or the vein-popping hulk growling in terrifying vengeance at the amount of weight he just threw down. Or, how about the disgusting drencher that didn’t wipe down his mat or weights – leaving them smelly and sticky, just for you. Fantastic isn’t?

You may take part in some of these behaviors yourself.

But whether or not you can admit to experiencing or carrying out of these habits, being properly educated about gym etiquette is important.

Your Gym Etiquette: The Things You Should Always Do and Shouldn’t Do

By Isaac Christopherson

When it’s been a long, stressful day at work and school, the only thing on your mind after the block is heading to the fitness center to run blissfully on the treadmill for hours. But as soon as you arrive, you find your excitement turning to disappointment as you wait ten, fifteen, maybe twenty minutes for the intimidating gym goers to finish using the machine or equipment that you want to use. And when you pick up a dumbbell, your hands touch not only the cold metal, but also a layer of disgusting sweat. Annoying, right? What should we do when we stumble across these irritating moments at the gym? With the help of a few frequent gym goers, here are a few tips on how to display etiquette at the gym.

Always return the weights back where it

the extra boost while lifting should try a loud belongs after use. You don’t want to be respon- breath instead. His theory concludes that sible for anyone tripping on the dumbbell left a forceful exhalation should provide the behind. Clean up after yourself by wiping your same benefits as a noisy grunt. sweat off the equipment. Think about the next person who will use the machine after you! Bottom line: be aware of others Share gym equipment; don’t hog the machine and use your inside voice all to yourself. Be respectful to others. Remember that everyone was once a newbie at the gym, including you, and everyone is at differ- Take your conversation ent levels! Leave your ego at the door. The gym elsewhere is a training house, not a competition field.

Do not make weird noises when you work out, such as grunting heavily. You’ll just make everyone around you feel really uncomfortable.

Don’t be that guy who just talks to everyone but doesn’t actually work out. Pick up a weight or something, or just leave. Avoid posing with your shirt off in front of the gym mirror for lengthy period of time. Chances are, you probably didn’t double the size of your biceps after just twenty reps. Avoid going around correcting other people’s form. In other words, don’t act like a gym instructor or gym guru. Lastly, do not forget to put on deodorant. Nobody wants to smell your body odor across the gym.

Tone it down

Nothing could be more annoying than having to listen to someone next to you relay the entirety of their day to a friend on the phone, or even worse, to you. When you make the decision to head to the gym, it should be a time to relax, detach and focus on your workout. While it is always nice to see a friend, it is not the time to catch up.

As Web MD states, “people whole stand idle and simply hang out with one another on the workout floor can ruin a positive, serious workout atmosphere.”

A good habit is to keep your phone tucked in your gym bag and if you must take a phone call, head to designate social areas.

Bottom line: Gyms are for work-

So, you can lift weights like a boss. Cool. But in outs, and not for hanging out. reality no one wants to hear you grunting like an untamed beast. Not only is it annoying, it can be dangerous. Others in the gym are focusing on their own workouts and your excessive noises have the potential to startle or distract, potentially causing someone to suddenly drop their weight or even simply lose form. Exercise physiologist Salvatore Fichera, suggests that those who think they need

Cover your bases

Be patient and respectful

A gym can be the perfect environment for bacterial growth. Some of the most germinfested spots include cardio equipment, public mats, weights and weight machines, locker rooms and, you guessed it, the drinking fountains. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should avoid these areas but be smart and bring flip-flops and your own towel to the locker room.

Laying a towel down on the gym’s mat, as well as sanitizing fitness machines are other smart moves.

A study conducted by the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine found that 51 percent of cardio equipment tested was infested with bacteria and viruses. Rhinovirus, also known as the common cold, was the most prevalent virus. If that is not enough to peak your awareness, New York University Hospital found that staph aureus, klebsillea (pneumonia, UTIs), eterobacter (skin and respiratory tract infections), and E. coli were also found on frequently used gym equipment. Yuck!

While you may be working out on your own, it is important to remember that you are sharing space and equipment with others. If there is a wait for your machine, offer it up between your sets and if you’re on a cardio machine, try to limit your workout to 30 minutes. Vice versa, if you are in need of a machine, do not hover or rudely rush the person off. Try something different. Fitness centers usually have trained personnel on the floor who can guide you with appropriate exercises. For a simple question or two, there is usually no charge.

Lastly, make sure to put all the equipment you use back where you go it. This is an incredibly simple but surprisingly overlooked action.

Bottom line: Don’t be a hoverer; it’s not cool.

One of the best things you can do in your daily routine, as well as in your fitness routine is to develop clean and Bottom line: clean and sanitize conscientious habits. These will not every machine before and after only help to improve your overall gym you use it, stick to your own equip- experience and well-being but help to ment, invest in a water bottle and maintain a safe, healthy and motivating place for others. As what experts say take a shower. “when people are rude, gross, or downright annoying, it can be frustrating because they can distract us from our fitness goals, or worse, can hurt us.”

Your Choice:

FAST R O

FRESH

By Ivanna Christensen

Grocery shopping is, basically, a search for fresh, raw goods for home-cooked food-meat for side dishes, some radish, maybe a bit of pepper, and vegetables for Kimchi soup. But it’s really a pain to go shopping for groceries. Not only the hassle of paying at the cashier and bringing bags of goods to your car and onto your kitchen counter, but the time it takes to choose your ingredients wisely, while making sure everything is fresh and in good condition. It honestly is much more convenient and faster to grab a cheeseburger meal at McDonalds – and it’s cheap as well. Nowadays, teenage consumption of these types of fast foods have increased significantly. In fact, University of Minnesota found that 92% of one hundred teenagers sought for fast foods because it is quickly prepared, 80% thought they are easily accessible, while 69% found fast food appealing to their tastes. Notice, however, that these high satisfaction ratings do not reflect the biggest problem of the spread of the fast food empire around the world – severe health consequences. Let’s put this in numbers – an average man requires about 2,500 calories a day, while a woman consumes 2,000. However, eating one Big Mac is equivalent to consuming approximately 930 calories, almost a third of the daily calorie intake. But what makes it so unhealthy that around 80% of a Big Mac is composed of fat.

Fast food consumption often leads to abusive eating disorder. We constantly exceed the limits of our regular bodily intake, triggering in the number of obese children child to increase dramatically: in the US alone, the percentage of obese children has increased from 5 to a staggering 18 percent in the past two decades. Regardless, we forego the healthy option in exchange for the faster.

But why? It’s all about convenience. Let’s return back to the Big Mac example – it costs around PHP 190 here in Manila, and takes a total of five minutes to order, pay and receive your delicious purchase. In our fast-paced world, speed is utmost importance. We simply do not have the time, or rather, cannot be bothered, to devote at least a good hour to cooking a bowl of pasta or pot of vegetable stew at home. Yet we still have the responsibility to take care of our own bodies – after all, we’re only given one in a lifetime. So the choice is yours – will it be the faster or fresher option? Physicians and researchers did numerous studies on children’s habits and lifestyles as an important part of society. Nowadays, children face big problems with obesity. As a result, researchers have learned that healthy habits could have a profound impact on the future of every child and get a better understanding of how children perceive healthy eating. For this reason, researchers have identified that healthy behaviors have numerous benefits. By making healthy food choices and explaining the nutritional value of various foods to children will improve the lifestyle of every child and make

children’s health better. (Protudjer, L. 2010) To have healthy children is the goal of every parent in the world. In a world where fast food is quickly becoming popular, it has become more difficult to control our children’s eating habits. More and more children prefer to eat junk food, and as a result they suffer from being obese and having unhealthy lifestyle. In 2004 John Reid introduced the “Choosing health” newspaper article by stating that: “while we respect individuals’ rights to make their own choices, we need to respond to public concern that some people’s choices can cause a nuisance and have a damaging impact on other people’s health.” (Reid, Choosing health 2004) In particular, this report emphasizes the existing problem of dysfunctional eating habits and the importance of maintaining healthy food choices. Doctors all around the world are seriously concerned with the problems of junk food. A person who has dysfunctional eating habits can be described as an individual who approaches meals and preparation of food with chaos. For most young children, dysfunctional eating is learned behavior.

Such eating habits like fasting, dieting, and starvation are very dangerous and may bring an enormous harm to the body and health. For many teenagers dysfunctional eating patterns are learned behaviors from their own parents, who were modeling a wrong behavior and often can be tracked to their own personal origins and eating behaviors as early as four years of age. Nowadays children commonly miss breakfast and have a hard time finding healthy snacks. Children go into the kitchen only to find something to eat and very often children’s choices are unhealthy. They can choose fluids with very little or no nutritional value, like soda, and high fat, high-sugar snack foods. British scientists have proven that children, who eat hamburgers, French fries, and other fast food more than three times per week, have a lower development rate of their brain. The health of children is one of the main problems in this world, occupying the minds of doctors and psychologists. According to recent statistics, one in three children is suffering from obesity. In many countries, advertising junk food is forbidden.

Many schools are not selling fatty foods and sweets.

Junk food is dangerous for child’s body, and especially bad for the digestive system. Eating various hot dogs, hamburgers, and pizza are not a good example of balanced meal. These foods have a lot of fat, salt, spices, additives, and carbohydrates. (Becker, 2010)

The consumption of junk food may lead to problems in the development of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal dysmotility, gastritis, colitis, cholecystitis, and may cause obesity. In addition, researchers have proven that hot dog and hamburger meat contains substances that cause mutations of cells and increase the risk of cancer. (O’Dea, 2004) To make a conscious effort in improving children’s diet is quite difficult. Children learn by example, so when the parent is eating healthy food, the children learn to eat healthy food too. Helping your children build healthy eating habits early in life will help them to be healthier, and understand the benefits of good nutrition in future. The change in eating practices is commonly blamed for the rise in obesity levels among children. It is attributed to the disappearance of the traditional family meal, having a dinner together round a table, and the increasing level of convenience and junk foods. The importance of eating together is often also cited as something that is essential to the reproduction of “civilized”, wellmannered children. The dysfunctional eating habits lead to a wide range of health problems. Dysfunctional eating habits are major causes of childhood hypertension, obesity, diabetes types I –II. These children

are exposed to the increased risk of coronary heart disease, which creates pressure on the joints. It can also cause mental and physical delays, psychological problems, low self-esteem, and may have a negative effect on the child’s relationships with peers.

The relationship between children and their environment has a profound impact on their development.

Physical, emotional, social, cultural, and economic factors should be considered when we build healthy eating habits. The interaction of these factors may promote healthy attitudes toward nutrition and eating.It is important to teach children to have healthy eating habits. Children should know the differences between healthy food and junk food. Adults have to supervise children’s food choices and preferences; make an early intervention if a child has difficulties with maintaining healthy eating habits. All children have to know why food is important, and that food choices and eating habits are important for their health and lifestyle. The best nutrition instructions to keep a child healthy and help him/her maintain healthy eating habits throughout the life include the following: eat a variety of healthy food: vegetables, fruits, grain products, fish, and meat; balance the food a child eats with physical activity; choose food low in fat, saturat

ed fat, cholesterol, sugar, and salt; and choose food that provides enough calcium and iron, vitamins and minerals, which promotes the body and brain development. Aside from those, the process of transition to healthy food habits is one of the most effective ways to help children maintain healthy eating habits. It is impossible to force them to eat healthy food if we do not follow the same requirement. Choosing a healthy lifestyle has to be an option for all family members. Parents have to eat the right amount and the kind of food in front of their children during meal time to promote healthy lifestyle and fight obesity. Care to have a big gulp of junk? Or have a big bite of fresh? Make a healthy option.

BEAUTIES and the BEASTS Photograph by Natalia Artemieva Photo credit Natalia Artemieva Photography Featured Models James Joseph Pulido, Stephanie Rogue Feature Article by Ian Carlo Bajada

2nd Anniversary Issue

F I T S P I R AT I O N S P E C I A L

SPIRATION FIT

Beauties

Stephanie Rogue Shot by Simon Harsent

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

Unique

is

Sexy

STANDOUT WITH GLORY

S

By Ian Carlo Bajada

haholly Ayers

Photographs by Nimai Wong Michael Bonner David Richardson John Albiola Marc Edwards Swimbook Michael Stokes

fitness Breakthroughs In a world that is constantly changing, we cannot avoid that we live in a fast-paced lifestyle with lots of competition. Let’s admit it that sometimes if do not keep up; we end up left behind by someone else. Every day, we face hardships – and that is inevitable for sure. There will be always a struggle or clash. It could be work, education, career, fame, fortune, capabilities, and peers or sometimes our competition is chiefly our self.

We are created equally no matter how complicated our world is. But, no matter how hard we try, there will be always an instance in our life that we are judged too soon or easily. It may be our looks, our weight, our status, our projections to the crowd, our behavior or even habits. It is true enough that we cannot really please everyone; however the world may not be a wishing-grant factory – where we always get what we want. We always have a choice to standout, to set an example, and to inspire others who feel that they are outcasts in our society. If we believe in ourselves and take the leap of faith, we can go far places that we have ever imagined and expected. Who would have thought that a young woman from St. Petersburg, Florida would be a fashion model? Of course! Nothing is impossible. You see her in social media, billboards, photography and Ads. In our fitspiration special beauties, we proudly introduce you to Shaholly Ayers, who is one of the first amputee models published in a large mainstream campaign. Beyond those cameras, we will get to know more of her. She’s not just a model, but a model with a message.

“I began modeling about 8 years ago. I was not signed by an agency. Actually, I was told that I wouldn’t be signed due to me being an amputee. So instead of giving up altogether I decided to try any way which I did. I built up my portfolio and started getting myself work”, Shaholly shared how long she’s been in the modeling and beauty business. Every success has its own stories. She was born with a congenital amputee and the diagnosis for her condition was labeled “Ambionic Band Syndrome”. “My parents had no idea I would be born without half of my right arm until that faithful day I came into the world and they met me. I am the second oldest in a family of four, my siblings all

brothers. My parents never labeled me disabled and so growing up I never associating with any social stigmas”, she explained.

In the span of her modeling career, she always has an inspiration. “I have always been inspired by strong women. I remember watching the olympics and being drawn to Jackie Joyner Kersee, and being inspired by her athleticism, Kerri Strug for killing it on vault with injured ankle... Around junior high/high school it was Angelina Jolie. She was so bold, vibrant and intoxicating. I watched every movie she was ever in.”While she was growing up, she always had a dream that is truly special to her heart. “I had always dreamed of modeling and acting. I liked making people laugh as well as making them think differently. People were always skeptical about my ability to do just about anything and I loved proving to them that I could do everything.” We asked her, what was/were the experience/s when you first start your first ever modeling gig and fitness business? “It was rough. When I started out there were no other amputee models or any disabled models working in the business. So I was one of the first to really start challenging the beauty standards. At times I wasn’t sure if it would ever happen, but I just couldn’t quit trying to make it happen.

It became almost like a battle for me, I had to win, I had to prove that being different was okay and not just okay but that it was just as good as being ‘normal’”, Shaholly said.

It is always given that every model has a very busy schedule. But how does she manage her time?

“I have always had a busy schedule. It seems like the more I have to do the more I can do. Give me complacency and give me death… I cannot function unless I’m stressed.”

“Don’t ever give up. Go after what you want in life and you are bound to get it.”

What is the secret of maintaining her physical physique? Shaholly shared some personal techniques. “I try and eat a balanced healthy Diet. I tend to favor a vegetarian diet although I am not a vegetarian I eat meat on occasion. I also enjoy the outdoors and being active as well as hitting the gym a few days a week.”

She also shared how many times she works out. “I typically work out 3-4 days a week. I enjoy full-body exercises like interval training type of workouts.”

This is always true that once we start working out, we cannot help but to chuckle that we find some difficult routines. We push ourselves and just push it to the limit. In Shaholly’s case, she shared how challenging P90x can be. “I have tried doing P90x a few times and I never get through the entire DVD it’s so difficult!”

What types of food do you eat? Do you have any meal plans or your own customized meal plans at all? Can you share us? “I like to eat about 5 meals a day, and I am always drinking water. I will just walk around with water bottles and healthy snakes so that I am not tempted to buy unhealthy fast food. I also Love Sour Cream on just about anything so as a substitution I will use plain Greek yogurt.” Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? Was there someone who influenced you? “A few years ago I decided to really start taking care of myself because I realized that being strong and confident was sexy. All the women I had looked up to were strong, athletic people and I wanted that for myself. I was

inspired by Gwen Stefani’s abs and personal trainer, Zuzana Light’s arms.” What food or drinks you can’t resist and why? “I love chai teas and Mexican food. I know they don’t go together but they’re so delicious.

I am more of a tea drinker than a coffee drinker. And Mexican food is just so delicious... I could eat tacos every day of the week… or nachos. I LOVE NACHOS! My Dad told me that when I was a baby I loved refried beans…” Name your fit-spiration icons or models you look up to. “I like Victoria Secret Model Marissa Millers body a lot. She is mucular and tone without being too bulky.” Tell us five characteristics that the fans don’t know about you? “I love Metal Music, I have 4 tattoos; two you’ll probably never see, I have an MBA Degree, I’m a cat person, I love driving four-wheel motorcycles.” Do you have any pet peeves in workout or gym etiquettes? “Yes, of course! The excessive sweating! Please clean up after yourselves and when heavy weights are left on the lifting bar!”

What are your final messages to your fans that constantly follow you or at least look up to you? “I know it sounds simple… The great thing is that it really is.

Don’t ever give up. Go after what you want in life and you are bound to get it.” How about final fitness and workout messages or reminders? “Eat clean, train hard, have fun!!!” There you have it! Good personality and good heart can take you places. Strive harder and keep in mind that we excel in various fields. Head high, but feet on the ground

Shaholly Ayers Age: 28 Birth place: St. Petersburg, Florida Twitter: @Shahollya Instagram: @Shaholl Facebook: www.facebook.com/shahollydawn

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

Going Charismatic By Ian Carlo Bajada

Photographs by Harley Tiu Patty Mendoza Mary Anne Collantes Edward Wyatt Dela Cuesta

J

Hair by Allan Arnecilla

aneena Chan

Make-up by Charlie Manapat, Anjie Gogna Liz Bautista Style by Kim Sison Jill Lao

fitness Breakthroughs “Fulfillment comes when you’re able to touch a life. When someone is inspired by your work, is happy because of your work, is less tired from their day because of your work.”

Janeena is one busy lady. She knows how to be classy yet so simple and captivating in the midst of school activities and work commitments. She has emerged to a more compelling, likeable and charismatic personality. She is chic and sophisticated on the red carpet, ads and pictorial but can easily go casual when not in the limelight. Janeena has such a wonderful personality. She’s young and modern. She’s open to new ideas in terms of style and designs and she has good proportions. Janeena is privileged and blessed to be around with positive people who want to grow as an artist or model, to share the love and to nurture the talents of others.

So how long do you think she has been in the modeling business? Well, it turns out that she’s been modeling since grade school! As far as modeling is concerned, she really admired Mischa Barton for her effortless aura, in fitness wise…none really. Her dream while growing up is to balance her extra-curricular activities and studies the best way she can and to keep being a good influence. What was the experience when you first start your first ever modeling gig? “I was just having fun since I started as kiddie model! It was a hobby and it fortunately caught on as a career,” she shares.

How do you manage your time with you busy schedule? “Keeping a planner, time management, discipline, and learning when to say ‘yes’ and ‘no’,” she enumerates. It’s really obvious that when you are involved in this kind of business, you have to maintain a certain shape or physical physique. But, how does she really maintain it? “Well, keeping a good balance of everything, moderation with the proper balance of nourishing food and sleeping early, no alcohol, and keeping away from stress!”

How many times do you work out in a week?

Do you have any favorite workout? “I walk a lot on campus and bike around the village whenever time permits! I used to be a gymnast and a cheerleader so I love that kind of workout where it feels as if you’re only having fun in one giant playground... from the floor, bars, beam, vault, and trampoline of course!,” Janeena reveals. Is there any workout routine that you find it very challenging? “I find leg raises and squats really difficult,” she openly admits.

What types of food do you eat? Do you have any meal plans or your own customized meal plans at all? Can you share us? “Well, I don’t really follow a strict diet plan. I follow my instincts and just listen to what my body needs. Water is a must! I never leave home without a bottle! The power of keeping hydrated is such a simple and practical tip that is often underestimated, but H2O especially with a few pumps of fresh kalamansi or lemon really leaves your body feeling refreshed and energized,”the female model says.

Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? Was there someone who influenced you? “Just seeing and hearing stories of how bad illnesses can take over your life. Being fit and healthy makes you more productive, and ultimately contributes in helping you live a more meaningful.” Janeena reveals. Every person has their own food guilty pleasures. We indulge them whenever we are stressed, tired, sad or even we are in the mood.

We asked Janeena what food or drinks she can’t resist.

Janeena cannot resist coffee and cold, thick chocolate milk. Now those are something!

“Be motivated and inspired whenever you workout! Don’t force yourself when you’re not in the mood... it should leave you pumped up and not bummed out!”

Name your fitspiration icons or models you look up to. “Victoria Secret Angels and Heart Evangelista,” the glamorous model says. Tell us your five characteristics that fans don’t know about you? “Some may or may not know that I ... Love adventures! The outdoors, spontaneity, and just living in the moment, I also love to sing! It’s my first passion. I can finish a pint of ice cream in one seating. I really value family and my studies A LOT! Lastly, I want to pursue a variety of careers in this lifetime... so look out! Hopefully things turn out for the best, “she shared.

What are your final messages to your fans that constantly follow you or at least look up to you? “Thank

you for believing in me, and I hope to meet you soon!

I’d love to be friends with them honestly”. Wave your magic wand, where do you see yourself in ten years?

“Hopefully completed at least half of things on my bucket list and building a social enterprise/foundation for advocacies I strongly believe in, such as proper nutrition and hunger alleviation, and protection of all beings against abuse,” she said optimistically.

Do you have any final fitness and workout messages or reminders? “Be motivated and inspired whenever you work out! Don’t force yourself when you’re not in the mood... it should leave you pumped up and not bummed out!”

Janeena Chan Age: 21 Birth place: Manila, Philippines Twitter: @janeenachan Website: www.janeenachan.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/JaneenaChan

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

and

BEAUTY BRAINS By Ian Carlo Bajada

B ea Candaza

Photographs by Kevin Gutierrez Cayuca Glen Peter Perez Ferdinand Castillejos Make-up by Zen Delos Reyes, Rolex Rivera

fitness Breakthroughs Juggling big, talented things in life is a huge pressure for individuality. It requires balance, a huge responsibility and time management. You also need consistency to make these things work and eventually exude success. It was not an easy thing at the beginning and at some point in time, it was a challenge that Bea faced to conquer, survive, and standout.

Yes that’s her! Beatrice Nathalia Candaza. One of the finalist from the T.V. Reality show The Debutante hosted by Mr. Marc Nelson in channel 11Q. A sweet looking girl who made me blushed when I first met her back in my freshman year in Global Innovative. Those pair of dark brown eyes queen-like lashes and straight, long hair, bubbly smile and her pale white rose skin took every guy to immediate astonishment.

She was an AVON model and one of the candidates for “Mutya ng Taguig” representing Western Bicutan.

In just one glance on her photos, you can practically say that she is a sweet looking girl and a girl-next-door type of model, But no! She’s more than that! Being the eldest among three siblings, she became a role model to her brother and sister and because of that she became the pride of her family. She was also featured in numerous ads and commercials (such as Vaseline, Voice, Nestle Bear Brand, Clear and Master Facial wash) and teen magazines (like Candy magazine) because of her beauty and intelligence. Now that is an ideal woman to have isn’t?

Bea was an alumnus of Global City Innovative College. She took up Bachelor of Science in Education major in English as a Second Language. Bea is also in business industry where she makes use of her managerial skills. Aside from that, she was the President of the World Council for Curriculum Instruction – Philippine Chapter which was launched last March 2012 at Meralco Theater. This angelic woman is very fun to work with in hosting events and organizing gatherings, that is why I am really thankful and blessed to work with her even if it is just a couple of years. But nevertheless, with her busy schedule in work, I still got the chance to interview our next top model. So, let us get to know her more behind the camera and that ramp.

You know what they say, always seize the day!

She’s been in the fashion and modeling industry for more than ten years already. So, how did she end up in this business and why does she want to work in this industry? “Well it was for fun at first then it became my bread and butter, I do enjoy it a lot despite the work hours, endless waiting and rejections; it is still a sweet job to have”, the supermodel shares. Of course, given that you are smart and gorgeous; how do you describe yourself in five words, you are? “I am optimistic, prayerful, goal-Oriented, determined, and giving,” Beatrice says humbly.

Bea started really young when she got into the modeling business. We are curious to know how she managed her time as a fulltime student and a part time model back then. You know what is her secret? It was simple. “I am actually working part time on a 10-7 job as well. It is challenging to divide the days in a week for all these responsibilities but when you want to do something you will always find a way, a planner/organizer is a big help because it keeps me on track, the calendar on my phone is synced to my Gmail too so it reminds me all the time,” Bea enumerated.

Do you have any in particular fashion icon or model that you admire or perhaps, you consider?

Why? “Fashion Icon would be British Actress Ashley Madewke, her style is so chic and comfortable, I could see myself wearing the same ensembles then I like Candice Swanopeoel she is actually my thinspiration,” she said enthusiastically.

Wave your magic wand, where do you see yourself in ten years? “This kind of question really excites me because your dreams unfold in your mind like they are just an arm away, well I would have probably taken my Masters already, Enjoying my job and a lov-

ing wife and mother to a beautiful family,” she shared optimistically. In your case, there is a lot of photo shoots involved in your work, so how do you maintain your healthy lifestyle? Considering that you are a busy woman. “I am not a picky eater but I make it a point to choose the healthier alternative, I eat rice meals 1 to 2x a day then the rest will be fruits or bread, I don’t drink soft drinks and eat junk food that much.”

If you were to describe or define art and beauty, what would be your interpretation? “Art is the product of man’s creativity while Beauty is God’s gift to humanity.” Tell us what Beatrice Candaza’s normal day without photo shoot, work, etc.? “Well, without any commitment, I would spend the day for school work or definitely quality time with my love ones or read a good book.”

How do you find when a random person recognizes you all of a sudden? Let’s say from a commercial, an Ad or something. “Sometimes I get shy but it’s flattering,” Bea said it gushingly. What certain qualities or characteristics of yours that were enhanced after joining modeling, acting, or hosting events? (Aside from your looks or physical appearance) “Nothing was actually enhanced physically by modeling but it did

boost my confidence and interpersonal skills.”

We are aware that you are an educator; is or are there any educational program/s that you’d like to advocate someday? Like, for instance, anti-bullying awareness, K-12 program, RH-Bill, Cybercrime law etc. “I would more likely work for the anti-bullying group because I can empathize with the victims and I would like to believe that good education also cultivates a good person.” What is your ideal leader?

“Someone that drives people to their full potential and respects everyone.”

What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it? “Failure is such a strong word, probably when I could have done things but did not such as when I could have given my best at a presentation but only gave a mediocre effort.” Lastly, what are the things that you’d like to impart to your fellow admirers, leaders or followers, and to the young generation?

“James 1:2-4 is my life verse, I have always held on to that and that you determine a person’s greatness by the things that discourage them, build a strong foundation of good character because a man can be tempted easily but the one that has values will stay righteous.”

“You determine a person’s greatness by the things that discourage them, build a strong foundation of good character because a man can be tempted easily but the one that has values will stay righteous.”

Bea C andaza Age: 22 Birth place: Manila, Philippines Instagram @beacandaza Facebook: www.facebook.com/BeaCandaza

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

ENCHANTING

ELEGANCE By Ian Carlo Bajada

Photographs by Tim Steele Davide Sionis Chris Mansfield Joe Ashton

S

Make-up by Karen Sundelowitz Louise Connor Jennifer Klein

amantha Tomlin

Style by Ashleigh Prime Dress by Sarah Day

fitness Breakthroughs “Be the best that you can be. Don’t compare yourself to others as we are not all meant to be the same. Embrace the fact we are all different and support each other in our differences.”

Modeling is not an easy thing to do where people thought you just wear fancy clothes and pose to camera. No, it does not work that way at all. It is not enough because you have to be enchanting. A model should know when to capture the interest of the audience just like casting a spell over someone or something. Aside from that, you must exude elegance in every work you do. Elegance is not just being chic or having that class but a refined quality of gracefulness and good taste. Here at Center Stage, we feature the enchanting elegance of Samantha Tomlin where she conveys an aura of elegance and gentility for fitness, fashion, theatre, entertainment and modeling photography.

Modeling and acting is something she fell into later in life. After a career in fashion on the textile side, Samantha was always being asked to go in front of the camera but felt happier behind the scenes. In the space of a few years she had a wide range of modeling work from fashion editorial, catwalk, beauty, fitness and acting in commercials, short films and starting to break into movies.

In those span of year/s, who was your inspiration in modeling/fitness business? “I am inspired by strong women that empower and support one another.

From my field of work I would say Elle McPhearson and Charlize Theron. They work hard and give back”, Samantha shares. We ask her when she was growing up, what was her dream before. “When I was growing up I was quiet and shy. I always knew I wanted to go into fashion but I thought maybe a buyer or a stylist.

I wanted to use my love of fashion and turn it into a career”, she said openly.

Of course, our first step in career has its own back story. What was your experience when you got

into the fashion and modeling business? “My first big fashion show was a charity appearance of Models of Diversity. I was older, more confident and surrounded by models of all ages, colors, and sizes and had a very positive experience”. Let us admit that when your world is revolving around in modeling, fitness or fashion, we cannot deny that schedule can be very hectic.

So, how does Samantha manage her busy schedule and keep in track to all the commitments? “Time management is a must in this business. I can’t stand being late! I have my smart phone with my diary and a hard copy of my diary at home too. I have two kids so it’s a juggling act but I thrive on the challenge and enjoy every moment,” Samantha shared it professionally and happily.

Busy schedule, coping with commitments, photo shoots and taping are just examples of daily routine of an individual in this business. We are curious to know how Samantha really maintains her physical physique. “I’m at a size that my body should be.

I maintain it with Pilates and I walk where ever possible! Take the stairs, never the lift”. How many times do you work out in a week? Do you have any favorite workout? “As my work schedule changes every week I can’t have a set time to go to the gym so I have to be flexible with workouts. I will swim or go for a bike ride and Pilates each week. I use a personal trainer to motivate and mix up the regimes when I need to”, says the supermodel. Is there any workout routine you find it very challenging? “I’m not a runner! As long as my legs are my knees don’t like anything more than a power walk,” she shares.

What types of food do you eat? Do you have any meal plans or your own customized meal plans at all? Can you share us? “I was a vegetarian for six

“Mix it up so you don’t get bored!

Train within your limits but be aware also when you can push a little harder. Above all, enjoy and make it part of your lifestyle.” years but I have started to eat fish and white meat over the last year as I was getting tired and felt I needed the protein. I think everything is fine in moderation. You can eat small meals at often times.” At some point in time, we realize that being fit and healthy is must these days because we live in a very fast-paced life. We asked Samantha if there’s anyone who influenced her about healthy lifestyle. “Having children made me realize I need to stay fit and healthy for as long as I can as there is no time to sit around! I see my friends and piers and they inspire me every day,” she revealed.

We have our own guilty pleasures, especially when it comes to food or beverage. Samantha shared and revealed to us the food and drink she cannot resist.

“I can’t resist a fizzy drink! Sugar free but still not good for you! Chocolate too but again in moderation is fine.” Name your fitspiration icons or models you look up to. “Cameron Diaz, Charlize Theron and Jennifer Lawrence,” she enumerates.

Tell us five characteristics that fans don’t know about you. “I’m positive, kind, strong of mind, always

willing to listen and a good friend.” Do you have any pet peeves when working out or going to the gym?

“Going to the gym is for some more of a social occasion to parade around! I’m happier no makeup sweaty and getting results so that I why I choose outdoor activities.”

What are your final messages to your fans that constantly follow you or at least look up to you? “Be the best that you can be. Don’t compare yourself to others as we are not all meant to be the same. Embrace the fact we are all different and support each other in our differences.” Wave your magic wand, where do you see yourself in ten years in time? “I would like to think I would have progressed further in my career and achieved more goals surrounded by the people I love,” Samantha said it optimistically. What are your final fitness reminders? “Mix it up so you don’t get bored! Train within your limits but be aware also when you can push a little harder. Above all, enjoy and make it part of your lifestyle. I never weigh myself I go by how I feel”.

Samantha Tomlin Twitter: @samtomlin5 Instagram @samtomlinmodel Website: www.samanthatomlin.co.uk Facebook: Samantha Tomlin Model & Actress Public Facebook page

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

Balance and

By Ian Carlo Bajada

M

onserrat Coronado

Photographs by Chalo Garcia Vimusefe Art Fotographia Arturo Y Roberto Torres Victor Mora Barrantes GNC

Harmony

fitness Breakthroughs

You see her in Ads and other fitness promo.

She’s from Costa Rica, and yes she is engaged… engaged to the gym. Fitness and healthy lifestyle is the only thing that matters to her – to inspire others and aspire to be the greatest. She’s tough and buff. The Center Stage was very lucky to have Monserrat in this issue. We will know how she dreamed, believed, and survived in the world that is full of surprises. Let’s get to know more of her beyond the weights and the camera. How long you have been in the modeling business? “I got the chance to make my first photo-shoot on 2010; it was just for curiosity because during my senior year in high school, my friends start suggesting me to try some modeling. (But please they were my friends so I wasn’t that sure to do it) Then the opportunity came and I decided to go through the experience (fashion photo-shoot). A year later, I start planning on become a Fitness Model and mix my passion for modeling and sports (exercise).”

In that span of years, were there any fitness figures you admire and became a source of inspiration?

“It wasn’t until a year ago I started following fitness athletes Bella Falconi, MankoFit, Mike O’Hearn, David Kimmerle, Michelle Lewis, Dana Linn Bailey, James Ellis, I can go on and on for hours. However, I always feel inspired with all the female super heroes and female fighters since I got memory not just because of their bodies but also for their willpower and strength”, she shares. When you were growing, what was your dream? “While I was growing up I always dreamed about finishing my studies and create my own business, and now that I am totally into fitness industry, I want to create a brand to motivate people, so they can get a healthier lifestyle.” You are now living your dream and enjoying every moment, what was the feeling when you started to model in a modeling gig and fitness business? “Before I made a decision to enter into a fitness contest, I was depressed with a broken heart and I was not sure

if I was going in the right direction. Finally, when I hit the bottom, I have decided to do what really make me happy, what was it? Yes, exercise. And then all is history, after my first competition I knew this was just the beginning of this exciting journey”, Monserrat recalls.

With the busy schedule you have in the daily basis, how do you keep track on these commitments?

“Sometimes it is hard, it seems like you really don’t have the time enough, but if you really want it, you will make the time, at the end of the day, and it is about willpower and how bad you want it”, the fitness enthusiast revealed. It is indeed very obvious that when you appear in an Ad or fitness promos, you have to maintain your body shape. How do you maintain your physical physique? “Nutrition is the key. You can train five times a week, two times per day, but if you eat whatever you want and have all the junk food in excess, you will never reach your ideal physique”, Monserrat advised. How many times do you train or work out in a week? Do you have a favorite workout? “I train 5 times per week; I really enjoy killing my back workout, feels amazing to go heavier in my dumbbell rows.”

What is the workout routine that you find it very challenging? “Maybe my cardio, that’s my weak point, because I don’t do much. I also think that every routine should be really challenging, if it’s not, you are not trying good enough.” Let us admit it, sometimes food is irresistible. What types of food do you eat and do you have a customized meal to watch your shape?

“I don’t follow any special diet, I just try to eat balance, a little from everything, and of course I have a pizza once in a while. You can have that piece of cake that makes you nuts with moderation; is really different to have one slice that half of the cake. Food timing is also really important, specially before and after training, before bed time and after waking up, remember food fuels the body, be sure to give what it needs not what you want.”

Since when did you start to realize that being healthy is must these days. “For me is not something about a trend, being fit and healthy improving life

quality. I had been practicing sports since I was five, so I always have someone to push me and motivate me, beside I am really competitive.” What food or drinks you cannot resist? “Is really hard to turn down on pizza, it is just so palatable, because of that I have it on my cheat meal, or any other dessert I want to try.

Just remember BALANCE & MODERATION.”

Name your fitspiration icons or models that you look up to. “There are a lot, some might be: Bella Falconi, Mankofit, James Ellis, Nicole Wilkins, Natalia Melo, Michelle Lewis, David, Kimmerle, Frank Medrano, Dana Linn Bailey, Andreia Brazier, Alicia Matos, Mike O’Hearn, Steve Cook, Pauline Nordin and many others”, Monserrat enumerated.

Tell us five characteristics that fans do not know about you. “If I stop training, I lose weight really fast. I am too bad doing pushups. I used to put barbeque sauce to all my food. A broken heart pushes me into fitness contest. During my childhood I was a tomboy.” What are your final messages to your fans and followers? “Follow your dreams, no matter how

big they seem, it’s okay to be afraid, we all are at some point. You will never regret about something you try, but you will always regret about the “what if”.”

If you can have a magic wand, where do you see yourself in ten years? “With a successful Fitness Brand, traveling and giving motivational seminars and speeches, maybe with a sport clothing line and helping others to find their way to inspire others.” What are your final fitness and workout reminders for everybody? “Remember that Nutrition is the Key; you can eat everything if you have Moderation. You will never regret the workout you did, but you will always regret the workout you miss.”

“Follow your dreams, no matter how big they seem, it’s okay to be afraid, we all are at some point. You will never regret about something you try, but you will always regret about the “what if”.”

Monserrat BriceĂąo Coronado Age: 25 Birthplace: San JosĂŠ, Costa Rica Instagram @monserratbc Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCMonserrat

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

Limelight of

Indivividuality By Ian Carlo Bajada Photographs by Steve Taylor Photography MJR Photography 3D Aperture Design by Cherie Love Angel Susie Ford

H arriet Sowah

Hair and Makeup by MK College - Hair & Beauty Dept.

Ewelina Krawsuska

fitness Breakthroughs “

She was born in Quezon City, Philippines and moved to England at four months old. At a very young age, she was influenced heavily in music and her father would always put on the newest RnB and Hip hop tracks. When she was a toddler, she loved to dance.

She started singing at different events as the years went on. When she was about 9, she started guitar lessons which were a really new exciting experience for her. From those experiences, that served her as a strong foundation not only to modeling but also finding her own individuality. This fall, we feature you our youngest yet compelling fitspiration beauty. They say being young or old is not excuse. Center Stage gives you the limelight of Harriet Sowah beyond boundaries.

How long you’ve been in the modeling business? “I’ve actually been the modeling business for around 8 months almost a year by now.” In those span of year/s, who was your inspiration in modeling/ fitness business? “It wasn’t until recently I’ve finally found some people I look up to in modeling. I look up to Supermodels, Cara Delevingne, Jordun Dunn and Barbara Palvin. One of my friends really loves modeling and wants to be one herself introduced me to these models. They really are fantastic models and are people I really look up to”, she shares.

When you were growing up, what was your goal/s or perhaps dream? “Growing up, I had huge goals. I really wanted to be a famous singer and live the high life. I’d like to sign autographs, perform in concerts the ENTIRE deal. But as I got older I realized that being famous has many cons and is something that may not be for me”, she revealed. What was/were the experience/s when you first start your first ever modeling gig and fitness business? “My first photo-shoot was really nerve racking and scary because I didn’t quite know what to do or how to position my hands or any of that. First times are always scary but once you get through it, it’s much easier and fun!”

How do you manage your time with you busy schedule? “When I’m busy, I love bringing my friends along when it comes to photo-shoots and events because they make it so much more fun and enjoyable.

That way, I won’t have to find EXTRA time with them to hang out, because they come with me! I also make sure I don’t have too much going on in one week so it doesn’t get to stressful and overbearing. I ALWAYS make room for friends, family, some alone time and homework.”

How do you maintain your physical physique?

“Exercising is extremely important if you’re a model

Always make room for friends, family, some alone time and homework.”

because your job relies on your body and appearance.

In school, it is a requirement to exercise at least once a week. That is a combination of cardio and strength workouts, I also go jogging regularly to improve stamina. Eating the right foods is also really important such as fruit and vegetables.” How many times do you work out in a week? “Roughly, it’s about every other day. It is bad to work out every day as your body needs time to rest and rebuild your new muscles!”

Do you have any favorite workout? “My favorite workouts are always core, focused on the stomach area. They are, sit ups, crunches, the jack knife and bicycle crunch.” Is there any work out routine that you find it very challenging? “Definitely those 30 day challenges. It’s quite hard keeping that same routine”, Harriet said.

What types of food do you eat? “Fortunately, I have been blessed with the genes that allow me to eat whatever I want and not gain weight at all! However, if you are planning on losing weight, I would recommend avoiding fat and sugary food.” Since when did

you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? “I realized when I started hearing a lot more about people with diabetes and high cholesterol and how it was becoming even more common.”

Was there someone who influenced you? “My personal trainer helped me by getting me to eat the right food and starting me with a simple meal plan.”

What food or drinks you can’t resist and why? “Chocolate. I can’t resist chocolate. And coke. I just sometimes think ‘Ahh, I really crave a coke right now’ and I don’t know why!”

Tell us 5 characteristics of you that fans don’t know? “I’m EXTREMALY lazy. My procrastination gets really bad when I don’t want to do something. I’m a really caring person, sometimes I like to put other people’s needs before mine. I’m really generous, which I got influenced by my mum and grandfather. When I really want something done, I can be a determined person and try and complete a specific project. And finally, I’m really picky. I get picky when it comes to all sorts of things, food, clothes, music etc.”

Harriet Sowah Age: 14 Birthplace: Quezon City, Philippines From: United Kingdom Instagram @harrietxxox Twitter: @harrietsowah

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

THE SPOTLIGHT The Theatricality of Burlesque

B ella Fae

By Ian Carlo Bajada Photographs by Scott Danenza Special Thanks to Scott Ralph Studio Photography

fitness Breakthroughs

Her family is all animal lovers and most of her family members are vegetarian. When she was little, she wanted to grow up to set up an elephant sanctuary! Growing up, she always loved going to the circus (ones without animals) and seeing the amazing performers doing such wonderful things.

This has always stuck in her mind as being something unachievable, but she have slowly come to realize that no matter how old you are, if you have a passion for something then only you have the power to make it a reality. For fitspiration beauty, we present to you Ms. Bella Fae and the other side of her world.

How long have you been in the burlesque business? “I have been doing burlesque and burlesque modeling since 2011.” Growing up who was your inspiration? “I’ve grown up in a very sporty, healthy family so I would say my family is my inspiration and drive. We swap tips and encourage each other as best we can. Two of my brothers are personal trainers, my sister is a yoga teacher and my other brother is a ski and snowboard instructor. My parents in particular set up a company that grew to become national. They are my biggest inspiration”, she shares.

What was your experience like during your first ever burlesque gig? “It was terrifying but exhilarating! I remember my first burlesque performance well! I was so nervous back stage, waiting for my turn to go on stage and then hearing my name being called.

My main worry was that my corset wouldn’t come off.

So as the moment approached to remove my corset the butterflies started again, and pop, off it came straight away! I was overcome with a wave of relief and happiness. I was so proud of my performance. Even though my style has change over time I still keep the video of my first performance on my YouTube channel”, Bella revealed.

How do you manage your time with your busy schedule? “It is hard to juggle everything. There is always so much going on. I will plan my week ahead, allowing enough time for my admin, costume repairs/

cleaning/alterations if needed, social media, housework around my already existing bookings. There is a lot to squeeze in, so planning is everything!” the burlesque beauty exclaimed.

How do you maintain your physical physique?

“Luckily I have 2 personal trainers in the family so I have sessions with them when they can squeeze me in.

I also do pole and spinning, training regularly, as well as silks and trapeze training for fun, when I have time.

My preferred discipline is pole, so I tend to give more time to pole training than anything else. So between good exercise and a mostly vegan diet I manage to stay healthy and keep fit.” How many times do you work out in a week? Do you have any favorite workouts? “I work out whenever I have time. Because every week is different, I don’t have a regular weekly work out. But I will aim to do at least 4 sessions a week. Pole dancing is good as well as being a full body.”

Are there any workouts that you find very challenging? “Silks are the hardest discipline I do.

But I love a challenge! It requires a lot of upper body strength so I find it compliments my pole training quite nicely.”

What types of food do you eat? “I follow a mostly vegan diet. This means that I will eat the eggs from my hens and I will have a couple of “cheese moments” a year but other than this I follow a strict vegan diet. I’m very passionate about knowing where my food comes from. I believe that the use of animals in the farming system is completely unjust and so I choose not to simply trust a label when it comes to animal welfare.”

Do you have any meal plans? “I don’t have a set meal plan as such. But as I have such a strict diet I do find I need to be organized with my shopping so that I don’t end up eating pasta all the time. For me the most important things I need to include in my meals is iron, protein, and good fats.”

Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? Was there someone who influenced you? “I have grown up with it, so being fit and healthy is set in my mind. Knowledge is key to everything. Half the battle knows what’s good and what’s not. The way I see it if I want my body to be fit and healthy for as long as possible, then I need to look after it!”

Name your fit-spiration icons or models you look up to. “I love Jenyne Butterfly and Marlo Fisken.

They are both professional pole performers, and their bodies are in such incredible shape! I love muscles!

They are my biggest fit-spirations when it comes to training!”

Tell us 5 things about you that fans don’t know? “My 2 favorite animals are snails and fruit bats. Like my parents I am an entrepreneur. As well as my burlesque business I have 2 other businesses I run as well. I can speak 3 languages, English, French and a language my brother and I made up when we were little. The language has no name. My favorite food is pasta! My two favorite music genres are Jazz and Drum & Bass.”

Do you have any pet peeves in workout or gym etiquettes? “Not so much a pet peeve, but something which would probably annoy some people but makes me smile. The weight moaners are always very funny!

I can never understand why they need to be so loud.”

What is your final message to your fans? “Thank you so much for your support and encouragement! It means the world to me, and I need it”, Bella Fae said it genuinely.

How did Burlesque help you to become successful and to become an artist? “I feel Burlesque brings out the best in me and over the years has helped me become more confident and happy in myself.

Burlesque also gives me a wonderful creative outlet for example when creating an act with a new, routine, music and costume. I’m completely in control and I can go as sparkly and colourful as I want to. There aren’t really any limits with burlesque, and that’s one of the many reasons I love it. Once an act is ready all need is a stage and an audience and the fun can begin!”

“Knowledge is key to everything.

Half the battle knows what’s good and what’s not.”

Bella Fae Age: 25 Website www.bellafae.com Twitter: @Bella_Fae Facebook Bella Fae Youtube MissBellaFae

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

Moving to the Beat:

Distinction for Dance By Ian Carlo Bajada Photographs by John Tuckey SDR 1000 Photography Andreas James Mike Wester Jack Russel

E

lesha Eden

fitness Breakthroughs

Dance is a movement in a pattern. It is usually to musical accompaniment; do or perform a movement. There are wide varieties of dances, it may be a pop, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, jazz, tap dancing, break dancing, ballroom dancing and many more. A dancer must be a performer and an artist. They should be able to move freely and at ease. Certain dancers exude movements in a graceful and rhythmical manner.

Center Stage is very privilege to introduce a beauty in the field of dance. Here, you will know the diversion of the art of dancing in terms of routines, lifestyle and passion for performing. Elesha Eden – an entertainer who performs not only for the audience but also for fitness, beauty and passionate lifestyle. Let us get to know her beyond the stage and beyond the performance.

Elesha Eden has been modeling for two years now and only recently gone full time. She lives in United Kingdom. She has just started modeling professionally full time. Elesha has danced from the tender age of 8 years old and she just finished college where she gained a triple distinction star in dance.

In those span of year/s, who was your inspiration in modeling/fitness business? “I do not have a particular inspiration but I admire many forms of photography and fashion and have a deep passion for dance which pushes me to become better and challenges me to be the best I can be and hopefully become.”

What was/were the experience/s when you first start your first ever modeling gig and fitness business?

“I was still in school when I had my 1st modeling job so I was quite apprehensive but I found it natural to be in front of the camera and loved the experience and my nerves soon disappeared.”

How do you manage your time with you busy schedule? “I spend my time modeling and dancing and it is busy but I wouldn’t have it any other way, I am very fortunate to do what I love.” How do you maintain your physical physique? “I work out daily to maintain my fitness, dancing helps with muscle

strength and definition and keep me toned.” How many times do you work out in a week? Do you have any favorite workout? “I work out when I can but I try and do at least 1 hour a day if not dancing.”

Is there any workout routine that you find it very challenging? “I find all work outs to be challenging, but I like to challenge myself and push my body to get stronger, I love insanity workout.”

What types of food do you eat? Do you have any meal plans or your own customized meal plans at all? Can you share us? “I eat a fairly healthy balanced diet but I do not count calories or diet, I do love my food and it is important to eat but I burn it off with exercise, I drink lots of water which is essential when working out.”

Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? Was there someone who influenced you? “Being healthy is important to stay fit and especially when modeling lingerie or swimwear.” What food or drinks you can’t resist and why? “I do love cake I have a sweet tooth.” Name your fitspiration icons or models you look up to. “I do not have any fitspiration as i believe in being yourself and following your own goals.”

What are your final messages to your fans that constantly follow you or at least look up to you?

Wave your magic wand, where do you see yourself in 10 years? “Keep strong and never give up. You never know what’s around the corner, but i aspire to become a professional dancer /model and reach my highest potential possible.”

Dancing is an art. It is the product human creativity. Being able to dance is a superior skill that you can learn by study, practice and observation. Art of dancing is beyond choreography but an extension of fine art involving beauty, music, dance, and an audience.

Elesha Eden Age: 18 Twitter @Eleshaeden Instagram @Eleshaeden Facebook www.facebook.com/eleshaedenmodel

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

Living the Dream Building a Life By Ian Carlo Bajada Photographs by James Hickey Robert Voltaire Harry and LHGFX Dan Galic David Ford

M onique Michelle

Special thanks to James Hickey Studio Robert Voltaire Photography LHGFX Photography Dan Galic Photography David Ford Photography

fitness Breakthroughs

They say our experience is the best teacher in life. It helps us to be firm and strong. However, not all experiences are good. Most of the time, the bad ones or the unfortunate events commonly happen to us to teach us valuable lessons in life – acceptance, patience, gratitude and empowerment. When given an opportunity or a chance to write our own story, we equip ourselves to do something beyond our potentials and just do the impossible things. Life teaches one thing when we grab that opportunity – do great things outside our comfort zones. Here at Center Stage, we are honored to tell a story and present Monique Michelle’s amazing journey. It is a journey that gives an empowerment of self-discovery for talent and career.

Monique has been in the modeling business for about six months now. She has been in the medical sales most of her career until she had a horse almost flips on top of her in early 2013. She saw the horse coming towards her when she fell and it’s about to crush her and it definitely changed her perception in life.

When you were growing up, what was your goal/s or perhaps dream? “My dream growing up was to be a model, but I never attempted it because I lacked the confidence in myself to try”, the model shares. She manages her time and busy schedule by making to a point that she has an organization in details and time and make follow up in her work.

How do you maintain your physical physique?

“Fitness physique starts in the kitchen, if you don’t have the proper nutrition, you won’t be successful no matter what you do to work out. And it’s not a “diet” as people generally perceive it, it is a lifestyle of eating clean and healthy”, Monique imparted.

How many times do you work out in a week?

Do you have any favorite workout? “I lift weights about 4-5 times a week, cardio 5-6 times a week once a day, and make sure my body has at least 1 full day of rest a week. It is just as important to not “over train” than it is to “undertrain”. My favorite work out is an

exercise called “curtsy lunges”. Is there any workout routine that you find it very challenging? “All work out routines are challenging when you continue to push yourself each time”, the fitness enthusiast pointed out.

What types of food do you eat? Do you have any meal plans or your own customized meal plans at all? Can you share us? “I eat 6 times a day and my foods include lean proteins, veggies, complex carbs, fruits, and a gallon of water a day. My meal plans are customized by Teri Crenshaw. Each individual person has different needs depending on their body and goals.

You can find Teri on Facebook or you can reach out to her at www.terifitonline.wix.com/terifitonline.”

Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? Was there someone who influenced you? “Well, after my near death experience in early 2013 from the horse accident. So, I guess the horse might have had some influence on me”, Monique shares and laughs.

What food or drinks you can’t resist and why?

“Coffee-I am a much happier person after my morning coffee.” Name your fitspiration icons or models you look up to. “Andreia Brazier and Teri Crenshaw”, she enumerated.

Tell us 5 characteristics of you that fans don’t know? “Well, I am loyal, I have a very strong work ethic, I am passionate, I am also compassionate and as well as a persistent person,” she specified. Do you have any pet peeves in workout or gym etiquettes?

“I hate when people on the treadmill talking on the phone.”

What are your final messages to your fans that constantly follow you or at least look up to you? “It is never too late to follow your passion and dreams no matter when in life or what has happened previously.” If you can wave your magic wand, where do you see yourself in 10 years? “I hope to be able to say that I have accomplished my initial dreams of being a model and business owner as well as any new dreams and goals I continue to set for myself in my journey”,

Monique said optimistically.

What are your final fitness and workout messages or reminders? “Moderation and motivation-don’t give in to the weaknesses that will prevent you from reaching your goals but at the same time don’t deprive yourself. Start today because a year from now can pass and you don’t want to say to yourself if ‘If I had started last year I would be where I want now’”, the fitness beauty emphasized.

Opportunities are hard to come by, but if you grab them immediately you can go a long way from your dream and goals in life. As what they say, there is no harm in trying and doing the impossible things in life. Do the things while you can because time flies very swiftly. We can never get them back when we don’t seize every waking moment of our life. Set your priorities in life, take an action, live the dream, and build a life for others to be inspired and be motivated.

Now, Monique Michelle earned her professional card with the WBFF. It is her goal that she set for herself along the journey of her trying to make the “unattainable” attainable.

The experience with the WBFF has been amazing for her and she continues to complete them as professional athlete. She feel if more people were inspired to go after what seems impossible, they would be so pleasantly surprised to additional opportunities that opened up in the world.

“Moderation and motivation - don’t give in to the weaknesses that will prevent you from reaching your goals but at the same time don’t deprive yourself.”

Monique Michelle Birthplace: Heidelberg,Germany Instagram @mmfitmode5 Twitter @mmfitmode5 Facebook mmfitmode5

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

ASPIREto INSPIRE By Ian Carlo Bajada

J

annah Mutiy

Photographs by Eric Wainwright Jannah Mutiy Special thanks to Wainwright Photography

fitness Breakthroughs

She is 19 years old and she has been in the modeling business for about six months now. Jannah Mutiy was born in Albuquerque New Mexico but currently lives in New York. She started in fitness again and became more connected with it because she became insecure after she had her daughter. Her daughter gave her a reason to believe in love at first sight, but after she had her daughter, she went through some complications that her body fell apart. It took her awhile to think her body was beautiful. Her daughter makes her see life beautifully. Later on, she ended up gaining and started insecure. But one day, her boyfriend, Melvin, dragged her to the gym. She was shy at first and got a little uncomfortable. Thankfully, he had patience with her. He helped her grow and gain confidence. It made her stronger than she ever had.

Both of them started to build their confidence.

Her boyfriend showed her the way of fitness again. If it wasn’t for him or Mariah, she wouldn’t be as strong as she is today. It gave her also to see life and other opportunities. Fitness helped Jannah to gain selfconfidence and motivation to keep going. They have inspired one another as well as found her individuality.

Jannah’s main goal is to help and inspire other people. She faced inevitable challenges along the way.

Her mom was diagnosed with cancer and almost gave up, but she didn’t. Her daughter helped her to see the light and she always thought that her little girl was her source of strength to never give up. Jannah’s mother overcame cancer became stronger. And that is why she has a tattoo of hope with a feather and birds in it – a symbolism that there is always hope for everything.

In those span of year/s, who was your inspiration modeling/fitness business? “I have to say that my mother is my inspiration. She overcame cancer.

She is a very strong woman. She always made me the person I am today. Another person that inspired me is Mankofit. She taught me to focus on my goals.” When you were growing up, what was your goal or dream?

“My dream was to reach out and listen. Guide and

encourage others on their dreams.”

How do you manage your time with you busy schedule? “I work well around my hours of work. I currently work at GNC. I try to balance everything. I try my best to make it to gym. I usually go every morning or at night time. When I’m off with work, I work out 10X harder. As much as possible, do not make excuses.”

How do you maintain your physical physique?

“I eat good food. I always watch and balance my diet.

I always make to a point that I don’t miss my gym time.” How many times do you work out in a week?

Do you have any favorite workout? “I train 5 times a day in a week and my favorite work out is working on delts.” Is there any workout routine that you find it very challenging? “My most challenging work out would probably be legs and abs (abs core routine: Hold for 15-30 sec. First warm-up with 100 crunches, 50 leg raises, side plank each side, side plank oblique crunches 10 each side, and front plank with deep and slow mountain climbers or fast mountain climbers.”

What types of food do you eat? “I make it sure that I eat lean meat like chicken and turkey. I also include vegetables such as spinach, broccolis, sweet potatoes, kelps, and cucumbers; fruits like blueberries, strawberries, kiwis, bananas.” Do you have any meal plans or your own customized meal plans at all? “I usually cook differently because I like to try new things and not get bored. For example instead just plain boiled chicken, I marinade it with herbs and bake it. I mix it also with chicken breast and boiled veggies with it. I add a splash of lemon to catch the flavor. I tend to make recipes as I go because I don’t want to have the same old boring things.”

Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? Was there someone who influenced you? “I was always fit since I was in middle school. I played sports such as soccer and I used to dance which was my passion. The person who influenced me was actually I as well Mankofit because

I have seen her change drastically. As I saw her doing something, it reminded me why I should go back eating healthy and get all the nasty junk out of my body which I feel more energize and healthier,” she shared

. What food or drinks you can’t resist and why? “Well, have to say chocolate and milk shakes.

They may be the hardest to resist and I am not sure why I crave them randomly.” Name your fit-spiration icons or models you look up to “It would have to be Mankofit and Dana linn Bailey”, she enumerated. Tell us some characteristics that fans don’t know about you. “I’m very outgoing, I’m fun to be with, I love being adventurous, I’m very loving and caring, and most of all I’m very spontaneous.” Do you have any pet peeves in workout or gym etiquettes? “My biggest pet peeve would probably be when some people underestimate me because I’m small and a girl. They think I can’t lift heavy weights or stuff. I also hate when people stare at me for a long time like I’m from

another planet.”

What are your final messages to your fans that constantly follow you or at least look up to you?

“My message to everyone is don’t let people bring you down. Set a goal for yourself and accomplish it. Find your happiness and dreams. Surround yourself with positive people. Get yourself together in a positive way. Don’t lose focus.”

Jannah Mutiy Birthplace: Albuquerque New Mexico Facebook: Jannah Mutiy-Mrs.wolfy Instagram: Mrs_wolfy_

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

Staying on Track By Ian Carlo Bajada

M iranda Webb

Photographs by Chris Maul Special thanks to Chris Maul Photography

fitness Breakthroughs

Miranda Browning Webb is 29 years old. She graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with my B.S. degree in Exercise Science. She have competed in two National shows to date, the first was Nationals in Ft. Lauderdale placing 8 out of 21 women and just recently at the IFBB North Americans coming in 6th out of 14. How long you’ve been in the modeling business? “I honestly just recently began doing photo shoots in the last couple of months. I have been focused on health and fitness since 2008 and training to compete for three years now.”

We asked her who her inspiration in modeling/ fitness business was, “I would have to say Rob Bailey is a pretty HUGE inspiration. He may not compete in the fitness industry, but his dedication, drive, and determination are admirable”, Miranda said. When you were growing up, what was your goal/s or dream?

“Growing up I wanted to make it to the Olympics as a fast pitch pitcher”, she shared.

Everyone has their first experience when you tried out new things. What was you experience when you first start your first ever-modeling gig and fitness business? “I absolutely loved the modeling/photo shoot experience. I had an amazing photographer and make-up artist that made the shoot a lot of fun”, Miranda recalled.

Since you have competed in different tournaments, it is given that you will be busy. So, how do you manage your time with your busy schedule? “This is a tricky question. Although my schedule is loaded with running children to and from school, my son’s travel soccer, my daughter’s dance, simply being a mother and wife, as well as my own training, you just make it work. If you are passionate about something, you will find a way to piece the puzzle together.”

How do you maintain your physical physique?

“I have an amazing coach, Trae Kidd that keeps me on point both in the off-season and during prep. I maintain a clean diet year round; it’s certainly a lifestyle.”

How many times do you work out in a week? Do you

have any favorite workout? “I work out currently 7 days a week, strength training is my favorite. Don’t sign me up for cardio! Cardio is essential during prep so I will do it, but I prefer strength training”, Miranda said and laughed.

Is there any workout routine that you find very challenging? “Super setting exercises for a particular muscle group always shocks the system, to make the workout a bit more challenging.” What types of food do you eat? Do you have any meal plans or your own customized meal plans at all? Can you share us? “I keep my foods pretty simple. My daily foods include: egg whites, turkey and chicken breasts, salmon, oatmeal, cream of rice, sweet potatoes, basmati and jasmine rice, broccoli, spinach and 1st Phorm protein!

My coach creates my diet plans specifically for my goals and me”, she enumerated.

Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? Was there someone who influenced you? “I actually battled with bulimia for a bit, and one day I realized that I wanted to be around for my children, set a better example and lead a healthier lifestyle”, Miranda revealed. What food or drinks you can’t resist and why? “I LOVE my 1st Phorm chocolate mocha protein shakes! I also use the protein to make pancakes and waffles for breakfast…”

Name your fitspiration icons or models you look up to. “Joele Smith IFBB Pro is one amazing woman and mother. Certainly someone I look up to and hope to be like her one day. Although a professional athlete, she is always willing to do whatever she can to help.” Tell us 5 characteristics that fans don’t know about you? “I love sweets! (Love finding ways to make them healthy), I work out for FUN… because I LOVE IT, 9 times out of 10 you will find me in workout attire, I am a mother to 4 children under the age 8, and I am passionate about doing what I can to help others!

(I created The Paying it Forward Project… check it out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thepayingitforwardproject)”.

“If you have a dream, never let anyone convince you that you can’t reach it.”

Do you have any pet peeves in workout or gym etiquettes? “Only pet peeve in the gym really is someone that is on their phone on the piece of equipment that I need to use.” What are your final messages to your fans that constantly follow you or at least look up to you? “If you have a dream, never let anyone convince you that you can’t reach it. YOU CAN achieve absolutely anything you set your mind to! Write the words to your own story!”

If you can wave your magic wand, where do you see yourself in 10 years? “In 10 years I would love to see myself on that Olympia stage next to my favorites, Dana Linn Bailey, Tycie Coppett, Joele Smith, Tamie Marie I could go on and on….” What are you final fitness and workout messages or reminders?

“Diet is huge. Stay focused and stay on track.”

Miranda Browning Webb Age: 29 Facebook: Miranda Browning Webb Instagram: mirandawebb

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

and

Indescribable

Priceless

Triumph By Ian Carlo Bajada

S

Photographs by Deniz Sarac.

Gert Leeftink

hirley van den Bos

Bodypaint by Gert Leeftink

fitness Breakthroughs

Shirley van den Bos is 27 years old. She was born and raised in the Netherlands and moved to Florida 15 years ago, which is a beautiful and lovely state in America to live in. She decided years ago to live a fit and healthy life and started to lift weights.

Shirley changed her lifestyle, which meant eating clean, healthy and working out almost every single day of the week.

“This all became an addiction, then my best friend Jaimy Maktari came into my life, she introduced me to the world of bodybuilding and fitness competitions. From that day on she made me so excited to compete at fitness competitions that she started to coach me and taught me how to train for competitions.

She is also a beautiful figure competitor herself and has won several prices. She always gives me this warm feeling of trust and believes, her support still gives me the strength to go on and keep fighting for my place on stage. This all results in a first place and over-all title as a bikini fitness competitor at the treasure coast championships in port St. Lucie FL August 23, 2014.”

The feeling that she had and still has is indescribable and priceless. Every day she is thankful for the good things in her life that embrace her, also her positivity brought me where she is today. “Anything you want to accomplish in your life, is possible as long as you believe in yourself, my dream was to create a nice, healthy and fit body and to become a fitness model... And look where I am now”, she shared. She also said that she feel blessed because she is surrounded with good and positive people. As what they say, positive attracts positive!

About her training: “I love to hang out in the gym, it makes me feel physically fit, good looking and mentally happy.” Fitness really enhanced Shirley’s life. “Working out is not something I have to schedule in my day to day life, it’s part of my lifestyle, it’s no different than eating, sleeping and brushing my teeth every day. It also a good stress relief and gives me a good sense of energy.”

When she is offseason, she works out six days a week and has one rest day. When she is in preparation for a competition, she still works out six days a week and adds some extra cardio also on her “rest” day. “When I’m offseason I wouldn’t call my diet a “diet” because it’s not, it’s just a healthy lifestyle with clean healthy food, for example: chicken, beef, fish, rice and vegetables. During my contest preparation my meals include a lot of fish, egg whites and vegetables”, Shirley added.

Since she changed her lifestyle, Shirley realized that it’s so important to eat healthy and work out regularly. It makes our body so much healthier and you actually feel so much better, fitter and happier. “When I saw my body change, the progress I made, I became addicted to the progress and this keeps me motivated to continue and to say no to fast food and sugars in during my preparation for competitions,” the fitness beauty enthusiast shared.

She confidently said that she eats junk food.

On her resistance to food: “And that’s not a shame, it’s good to eat junk food once in a while but you have to limit it. It’s good for your body; it will increase your metabolism and is also mentally good. What I can’t resist when I’m aloud to eat some “junk food” is my special handmade stroopwaffle cake, it’s the best!!

And I also have a weakness for cheesecake from the cheesecake factory”, Shirley enumerated.

Her goals for the future are to earn her procard and to stay fit and healthy. “My advice to all of you is, chase your dreams and don’t be afraid for the unknown. Life And progress don’t come easy, you take one step backwards and two steps forward, the thing is you have to move on, believe in yourself! My coach Jaimy always says in Dutch to me: komt goed mop!!

Which roughly translates to, everything is going to be all right sweety”, she concluded.

“Chase your dreams and don’t be afraid for the unknown.. ”

Shirley van den Bos Age: 27 Birthplace: Netherlands From: Florida, USA

fitness breakout

SPIRATION FIT

Beasts

Andrew England

Shot by Richard Rollinson

CenterStage

D

FIT

SPIRATION

d n Daring

Dauntless a

By Ian Carlo Bajada

aniel Sisniega

Photographs by Francisco Calvillo Jose Luis Lozano Bruno Olvez

fitness Breakthroughs Confident yet creative – those are the qualities that a person should possess these days whenever placed in a fast-paced, competitive work place.

Exuding confidence and infusing creativity simply shows that the person is not only dynamic and resourceful, but also demonstrates the qualities of being bold and sexy. Fitness helps you to be dauntless to stand out among the rest and modeling gives you a chance to be daring and unique in your own way.

This time, we dare to move beyond boundaries. We meet the best of both worlds of you’re not so ordinary, cunning, determined and cool dude from Mexico City.

Center Stage reveals the ‘fitspiration’ journey and prowess of Daniel Sisniega.

Daniel has been in the modeling business for quite some time. He started exhibiting his Adonis-like body since he was twenty years old. His five-year and counting modeling career showed a lot of opportunities for everybody especially his fans and also got a privilege time in meeting new people.

And when you start enjoying the things you do in life, you cannot get enough to look back who actually inspired you. In the case of Daniel – when he started his modeling gig, he was inspired by Daniel Miagany.

Now, Daniel’s biggest inspiration as a cover model is Sean O’Pry and also Tosh Yanez.

While growing up, he always knew what he wanted in life. He actually aspired to be an international model and a professional dancer. Added to that, Daniel really aimed to work for important artists and fashion designers as well. His determination lit up around the universe and so, he was very fortunate that everything that he planned for the very beginning actually happened.

Every person has some significant experiences when we are privilege to do what we truly like and want. Well, Daniel was involved by accident in the fashion industry when he was a kid. Lucky enough, a

friend of his mother – who was a model and an agent, saw him and included Daniel in a television commercial. The significant experience was a spark to his modeling career and until now, whenever he recalls that experience, it always excites him.

Daniel Sisniega is a busy model, and as a model, there are no rooms for excuses. He manages his time by working out every day. He goes to castings and rehearsals at least five days a week. Daniel always tries to be as busy as he can.

The equilibrium between fitness and modeling are really relevant. As a model, one should be very consistent, especially maintaining your own physical physique. Good for Daniel, he thinks that he is really blessed with a very good metabolism. He loves food but he always try to eat healthy stuff. Of course, on top of that maintaining our ideal body shape is to work out every single day. Daniel tries to work out every day and his favorite work out would be lifting weights (chest day). He finds ‘leg day’ as very challenging like everyone else. On the other hand, he said that he drinks a lot of water and avoids carbs after four in the afternoon.

They say ‘you are what you eat’, and no doubt to Daniel’s healthy lifestyle because he was essentially guided by his loving parents. His folks helped him to live a strong and nourishing way of life. With this practice, it helped him in the long run to become disciplined and responsible.

Everybody loves to eat, whenever you’re working in the office, hitting the gym or even enjoying the good vibe relaxation inside your room. This shows that we cannot deny or resist some food that delights our mood, behavior or focus. Center Stage asked Daniel Sisniega what food or drinks he cannot resist. He said

that the food and beverage that he cannot really resist and truly love is beer and jelly.

Guilty pleasures, indeed. Furthermore, we get to know more of Daniel Sisniega beyond the gym and the camera.

What are your five characteristics that fans do not know about you? “Well, while I´m not working I am a normal person who goes to the gym, go out to dinner with friends and live a life like everyone else, I am quite goofy sometimes, I love to sing and doing impersonations, I love to make people laugh...”

What are your final messages to your fans that constantly follow you or at least looks up to you?

“Thank you of course for always supporting me, I love you guys :) and remember to all of the them that the only thing that I ever wanted to do, is to inspire others with my work, it feels pretty amazing when I receive feedback from them or even meet them on the street!”

Any final fitness and work out messages? “No matter how tired you feel, don’t miss a gym day!”

“No matter how tired you feel, don’t miss a gym day!”

Daniel Sisniega Age: 25 Birth place: Mexico City Twitter: @DannySisniggles Instagram: @DannySisniggles Facebook: www.facebook.com/DanielSisniega

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

Shades of Black: Rich & Rabid By Ian Carlo Bajada

R

ichie Black

Photographs by D’Andre Michaels Mak Cielo Erick Herfs Jim Jordison Ray John Pila Martin Ryter Hollywood DGU Photography Richie Black Photography

fitness Breakthroughs Rich – in a sense that he can master the cards of modeling, adult entertainment, photography, graphic art, and death metal music. Rabid – his extreme or intense passion in various fields puts his audience in an astonishment state of mind. What is the totality? It boils down to an infusion of creativity and a burning sensation of determination

He is like a demigod model on a catwalk, a striking actor who can talk the talk, an athletic god in every page, a captivating photographer in every scene, and a badass graphic artist. He is truly a modern and contemporary man with undeniable, diverse talent and skills. No wonder, he is one of the top performers in adult industry as well as the illuminating male model of this time. He is adored by many agents, photographers and of course, ahem… gorgeous and titillating women and ladies.

Women would always describe his seductive, luscious lips so bright. Some of his costars would define his funny wits and naughty smile as an asset.

Speaking of which, the trails of his dark, sexy ink marks in his rock, sculpted body would be an astonishing appeal to which the fragile, luminous skin catches the sight of others. Richie’s virtuous ego and humorous wit is very might and astounding to the crowd. As you go along, the Center Stage was privileged enough to introduce to you the relentless yet remarkable Richie Black.

He started back in 2012, where he started is modeling gigs aside from doing adult business work.

“I had no influences, it was a part time source of income for myself”, Richie added. Do you want to know what his original plan was? “Music was my main goal.

I wanted to tour in a metal band.” He said. This explains why he loves death metal music, not to mention that he is a death metal vocalist.

Of course, with this kind of job because of the busy or hectic schedule it requires time management.

How does he manage his time? Very simple: “I basically draw, I always lift weights, I photograph, I swim and practice guitar.” Involved in the modeling and adult business, he has to maintain a sculpted, physical

physique. But, how does he do it? “I lift consistently, and try not to eat shit food, sugars, or candy. Plus I’m gluten free because I’ve been allergic to wheat my entire life.”

How many times do you work out in a week?

“I lift for a minimum of two hours each time at least four times a week minimum”, Richie explaining his training regimen for an entire week. We asked him if he has any routine for any that matter. “I don’t have a workout routine, but I know what sets and reps work for my body”. Personalized or customized, it works for him and it always pays off.

What types of food do you eat? Do you have any meal plans or your own customized meal plans at all? Can you share us? “Simple. Don’t eat crappy food...but my metabolism is so high I have to eat a small meal every two hours.” So ladies and gentlemen, always bear in mind not to eat crappy food, okay?

Richie exudes much disciplined ways when it comes to healthy lifestyle and diet and that is why he maintains his ideal body and shape.

Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? Was there someone who influenced you? “When I was twenty years old, I started lifting. Arnold inspired me. I have his newest edition of the body building encyclopedia and I followed a lot of his techniques to the television.”

What food or drinks you can’t resist and why? “Anything with meat and potatoes I’m a sucker for, or pizza but gluten free pizza is actually healthy for you.”

Let us dig deeper with Richie Black, shall we?

Tell us five characteristics that fans do not know about you? “I am what I am. I’m crazy, humorous, ADHD, artistic, insomniac, and I’m an asshole, plus a huge metal head”

It is natural for him to hit the gym to work out, and we asked him if he has any pet peeves regarding gym etiquettes. “Just re-rack your weights like a goddamn man! We’re not your mother!” Center Stage has word of advice to all the gym goers. Please be responsible to all the equipment inside the gym and do not forget to put it back where it belongs in the first place.

After all, you are not the ones who use the gym for workout. Observe your gym etiquettes.

What are your final messages to your fans that constantly follow you or at least look up to you? “I’m in the process of making a T-shirt brand and hats etc.... be on the lookout and keep watching my scenes.” You can catch his other scenes in Naughty America, Brazzers etc. Do you have any final fitness and workout messages or reminders for your fans out there? “If you think you’re tired or done with all your sets, make yourself stay there for an extra half hour and keep on pushing. You don’t make gains in you’re not reaching your full potential.”

Photography is one of his passions. He photographs almost everything as long as it catches his at-

tention. When it comes to music, Richie has a vast collection of almost every genre. Do you know what his top choice in music is? Well, it turns out that his music selection is death metal. Hopefully, we see him in a concert doing a metal concert where he screams his heart out loud. Cars and sports are part of every guy’s interests. Richie prefers extreme sports like MMA fighting, motorcycle stunts, motocross or skateboarding exhibition. Well, you better bring you’re A-game so you can keep up with him. Do you like some fast and furious kind of thing? No problem at all! Ladies, you may join Richie Black to his backseat of the car.

Just make sure that muscle cars are on your sleeves especially a Nissan GTR.

There you have it! The different shades of Richie Black are not so bad at all. One thing we’re sure about when we discovered his shades in career, when you are to describe him; always know the four things about Richie Black: rich, rabid, relentless and remarkable.

“If you think you’re tired or done with all your sets, make yourself stay there for an extra hour and keep on pushing. You don’t make gains if you’re not reaching your full potential.”

Richie Black Age: 24 Birth place: Montana Twitter: @richieblackxxx Instagram: @therichieblack Facebook: www.facebook.com/RichieBlack

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

incredible Journey of STAR SPANGLED HERO

By Ian Carlo Bajada

C

olin Wayne

Photographs by Pat Lee Michael Stokes Luis Rafael Ulrich Oehmen Furious Fotog David Vance Biography credit Colin Wayne

fitness Breakthroughs Noun: soldier – an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army. You must possess the qualities of bravery, loyalty and discipline. Noun: model – someone worthy of imitation or may be an act of representing something. As a model, you have to be confident, inspiring, perhaps daring and of course unique. Noun: athlete – a person trained to compete in sports. You have to show athletic prowess such as: endurance, vigor, balance, determination and intense energy. Noun: father – a male parent and the founder of a family. A father has to be supportive, nurturing, patient and understanding. It is a big responsibility to carry, but all in all, Colin Wayne has proven he did. It actually requires a proper training. We are not just talking about a typical preparation but a very rigorous training. He did it like a hero, but by being a man and a leader.

He was born on August 25, 1989 in Huntsville, AL. He has a small athletic frame while growing up.

He played all types of sports like football, baseball, basketball and soccer during his high school years. After which, he pursued JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) and later on realized that he wanted to pursue a career in the military. On September 26, 2006, Colin enlisted in the Alabama Army National Guard, a month after his seventeenth birthday. He was shipped off to basic training and AIT (Advanced Individual Training) as a Military Police. Colin was out in Missouri for about twenty three weeks. He was deployed to Cairo, Egypt in support of Operation Bright star in late 2008.

Colin’s military career is usually in between deployments. He worked as a Security Operations Manager of a gated retirement facility. He was considered very young at that time. Later on, he resigned in 2009 to be deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In June 2011, his life changed when his son was born. It was the best thing happened to Colin Wayne. Late 2012, he went into (Inactive National Guard) and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a DOD civilian contractor. Sometimes some things we cannot control.

May 3, 2012, there was a 107mm rocket impacted 3.5 feet from him in a gym that he was working out at. He was medicated twice and seven days later, he arrived

back in the US to do further treatment. Colin sustained a lumbar contusion L1-L3 in his back, permanent tinnitus in his left ear, and shrapnel to both arms, stomach and a piece went all the way through his leg, missing his shine bone by centimeters.

Colin Wayne’s professional modeling and being an athlete of today’s generation actually started in December of 2012 where he shot with Golden (Furious Fotog) and on the 29th of December 2012, he launched his first ever fan page. Since then, he got picked up by the best fitness modeling agency in the USA and have shot with several of the United States best photographers from New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Ohio, and Tampa and everywhere in between. He got sponsored by SHREDZ in March 2013 and he is the face of the company for physique. In short, he started training in 2009 right before his deployment to Iraq at 145lbs, and have been training nonstop ever since. As what he said “Train insane or stay the same.” Apart from working with privileged people, he also won some awards by being the cover model and has appeared in various magazine publications. Colin Wayne’s incredible story filled with struggles and triumphs can truly amplify the hearts of the people and most especially be a role model and be an inspiration to our today’s generation and the next to come. Indeed, we are heroes in our own unique way. All you have to do is write them, and write it for others.

“Train Insane or Stay the Same.”

Colin Wayne Age: 25 Birth place: Huntsville, AL Twitter: @colinwayne1 Instagram: @colinwayne Facebook: www.facebook.com/ColinWayne

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

the art of a

WARRIOR By Ian Carlo Bajada Photographs by Jaylyn Todd Leo C Peter Tamlin Biography cresit Nick Bateman

N

ick Bateman

fitness Breakthroughs Sun Tzu once said in his philosophical literature The Art of War that the commander should always stand for the virtues of wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage and strictness. Warriors should have tactical dispositions. Tzu said that the good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat and then waited for an opportunity of defeating an enemy. Thus the good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy. Hence the saying: One may know how to conquer without being able to do it. But for Nick Bateman, he knows it already.

For a warrior himself who beat the odds, he is no stranger in martial arts and discipline. He is an actor and a four-time world champion martial artist who landed his first major acting role in Hobo with a Shotgun. Nick Bateman was born in Burlington, Ontario. Nick desired to be a Ninja Turtle back then and at the age of four his mother enrolled him in Goju Ryu Karate.

In 1998, Nick became a regional champion for karate and during his time he began acting and doing numerous television commercials. In 1999, his focus turned primarily to martial arts and he began to compete at the world level. His talents as a martial artist led him to his first world championship in 2003. He went on to win three more world titles. In 2003, at the age of seventeen, he was induced into the WKU Hall of Fame as competitor of the year. He has also won Sport Martial Arts Viewer’s Choice Awards.

He also began performing in televised martial arts events using weapons and doing choreographed fight scenes with a team called Sideswipe. He competed at the 2004 ESPN International Best of the Best Martial Arts competition where he placed second against ten world champions. While competing at this event in Miami, a Model Universe competition was going on in the same venue. A friend jokingly signed him up to compete and he place fifth out of one hundred models.

It was at this Model Universe event he met Calvin Klein and began a career as a model. During his modeling career he lived in Milan, as well as New York and Miami. In 2006, he moved to Vancouver, BC and enrolled in a business program at Capilano College. Upon graduation in 2008, he decided to move home to Burlington, where he opened his own karate school called Bateman Martial Arts Academy. While running the business, he continued to model and in 2009 he worked with top photographer Bruce Webert for the Abercrombie & Fitch campaign. Nick maintains his passion for acting and stunt work, infusing karate and stunts in a number of acting roles.

“Warriors should have tactical dispositions.�

Nick Bateman Age: 28 Website: www.nick-bateman.com Instagram: @nick_bateman Facebook: www.facebook.com/NickBateman

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

SUPERHUMAN

AGAINST BARRIERS By Ian Carlo Bajada

J

eff Seid

Photographs by Luis Rafael Justin Tayler Jeff Seid Attreo Studio Photography Biography cresit Jeff Seid

fitness Breakthroughs Every superhero has their weaknesses. Superman is always weakened by Kryptonite. The Incredible Hulk is tamed every time he sees Betty Ross. Every individual has their weak and soft spots. Sometimes man is vulnerable too.

We are challenged because of heartbreaks, failures, discrimination and rejection that often times lead to deterioration. But those hindrances along the way should not stop us from achieving our vision, goal, and mission. We must set these challenges as motivation to work our way up just like what Jeff Seid did – who was the youngest IFBB professional.

He was born June 12th, 1994 in Renton, Washington, United States. He began playing sports at the age of five and was considered as essentially the beginning of what has become an epic journey. Jeff has always been very active and athletic kid growing up. He soon realized that being physically strong and in great shape helped and gave him an even greater advantage over his competition.

This desire and overwhelming passion to be different than everyone else inspired him to begin lift weights at the age of twelve. It was this passion to be unique that gave him the drive and motivation to be the best and accomplish all that he can so that one day, when he dies, his name and legacy will live forever.

During his senior high school, Jeff was an All-American wrestler, All-State football player, and had set multiple records in track.

He had multiple full ride scholarships for football and wrestling and pretty much planned on having his college education paid for through sports.

But sometimes life doesn’t happen the way you expect.

During Jeff’s first football game of his senior year, he tore his ACL and was on the verge of shattered dreams.

“It was a pretty depressing time in my life. Not only was my dream pf playing sports in college shattered but all of my scholarship offers were gone, leaving me with no way to pay college.”, Jeff explained.

He tore his ACL second-time couple of months later after the first injury he got. “I thought my life was over.” Jeff laughed. A few days after his first surgery, he was on the bodybuilding website and he stumbled across the new bodybuilding category called Men’s Physique. Jeff had been training consistently for six years at that time and he knew that this was his calling.

Needless to say, a month later after he tried it out and won the overall title at his first show. Exactly a year after his first competition, he went on to win the Jr. Nationals competition which made him the youngest IFBB Professional in history! Two months after becoming an IFBB Professional, Jeff won his first Pro show that qualified him to step on stage at the first ever Mr. Olympia Men’s Physique Showdown.

“This is just the beginning of my journey that has taken me to various parts of the world and has introduced me many incredible people. I’m very excited about this new chapter in my life and to see what this world has in store for me!” Jeff said optimistically.

“Train Insane or Stay the Same.”

Jeff Seid Age: 20 Birth place: Renton, Washington, US Twitter: @jeffseid Instagram: @jeffseid Facebook: www.facebook.com/JeffSeid

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

EQUILIBRIUM: The Fundamentals of an Artist C

By Ian Carlo Bajada

ocaine James

Photographs by Photofabs Wright Aperture Images ROGUE

fitness Breakthroughs

He’s one-quarter English, one-quarter German and half-Filipino. He started practicing martial arts when he was six, Cocaine holds a black belt in traditional Karate, fought for the British National Karate Team, and went on to train in everything from English catch wrestling (with the legendary Billy Robinson, rest his soul) to going to Thailand for a crash course in Muay Thai. He grew up in Gloucester, England (famous for cheese rolling, Dick Whittington and serial killer Fred West) but moved to Los Angeles, California when he was 18 to study acting. James fell in love with an old friend, moved back home, and they’re now a happily married couple who have been together for 14 years! Center Stage reveals Cocaine James’ fundamentals and the lifestyle of a true artist and a fitness enthusiast.

How long have you been in the modelling business? “I first got into modelling when I was 17, which terrifyingly was 16 years ago! I actually attended modelling classes, where I learned how to do everything on the catwalk (when my friends make fun of me for that, I ask them to walk across the room while taking a suit jacket on and off and trying to look graceful – they soon understand!) as well as things like how to conduct yourself, how to communicate with clients, what needs to be in your kit bag… all the fundamentals that sadly seem to be eroding today”, he said

Who was your fitness inspiration? “My inspiration in terms of physical fitness, and indeed most avenues of life, is Bruce Lee. I grew up on a steady diet of pro wrestling and action cinema but, while I loved their physiques, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Hulk Hogan didn’t look anything like me. Bruce, on the other hand, was a badass little Asian guy – and I even had a Lee-like haircut for a time! It was his flexibility that I admired the most (when I went to Florida for some Karate training I was given the nickname “Rubber Band” because I was so flexible, so this resonated with me) but I loved the way that Bruce was so ripped and shredded without having all the mass.

I have a pretty broad back and shoulders so, when I was determining what body shape I wanted, I seriously considered going in the direction of bulking and adding mass. But ultimately I got into rock music and decided that a cross between Bruce’s definition and Iggy Pop’s heroin chic was what I wanted to work towards!”, James revealed.

When you were growing up, what were your goals or perhaps dream? “I’ve always loved acting and wanted to be an actor ever since I started watching Bruce Lee movies (interesting, as most people think of him as “a martial artist” rather than “an actor”).

However, I’ve been playing videogames since the age of three and when I was seven years old I fell in love with British games magazines. So since then I always wanted to write about videogames. I spent a lot of time on the stage and acting in productions growing up, and I moved to LA to study acting in Hollywood when I was 18. When I came back to England I started writing for games publications and spent ten years editing various magazines. So I guess one dream came true and one came halfway true!”

How do you maintain your physique? “I noted earlier how I got into modelling at 17, but the dream was initially shortlived as I ballooned to 17 stone/238 pounds. Yes, I was one pound lighter than Homer Simpson when he was “239 and feelin’ fine”! It got to the point where I looked like crap and my knees, which I’d already damaged as a teenager, were really suffering from carrying all the weight, so I had to do something. In the first instance, I used a hyper-aggressive interpretation of the Atkins Diet to drop a huge amount of weight. Where Dr Atkins recommended a two-week “Induction Phase” of only having ten grams of carbohydrates per day, I stayed on the diet (on and off) for two or three years only having TWO grams of carbs per day. Bear in mind that this was back in the early 2000s, so very few people actually knew what “low carb” meant, even fewer people believed that it actually worked, and trying to find low-carb-friendly food

was pretty much impossible.

Thankfully today I don’t have to worry about following something so strict – I just try to eat clean, avoid gluten wherever I possibly can, and get as much decent exercise as my body can manage. Although, having suffered a pretty bad neck injury a few years ago, I’m very limited in the amount of physical activity I can withstand these days,” the fitness enthusiast shares.

How many times do you work out in a week?

“I haven’t been doing any exercise at all recently, as my neck has been in very rough shape of late. But when I’m back at full strength I’m looking forward to resuming my daily regime of DDP Yoga. It’s a great programme and something I can do with my wife – she loves it and it has given her a great shape for the summer! But if time and the English weather were no issue, I’d work out by playing six hours of basketball a day like the good old days – having Diamond Dallas Page yelling at you is cool, but nothing gets you in shape like shooting hoops.”

What types of food do you eat? Do you have your own meal plans? “We went vegetarian a couple of years ago, partly because I’d spent so long eating animals on the Atkins Diet that I felt I needed to redress the balance a little bit. But I’m back to being an omnivore these days. There’s nothing I don’t eat, though I do my best to avoid gluten and certain heavy carbs. For some reason, with bread and rice I can practically feel myself bloating as I’m eating it!

The only meal plans I have are, if I need to lean down, switching to a liquid diet in the lead-up to a shoot.

Lots of soup, lots of yoghurt and lots of blending! And if I REALLY need to lean out, I’ll imbibe nothing but wine and water before the shoot. Obviously there are better diuretics out there, and far healthier ways to achieve the same thing, but after lots of experimentation this is the most effective method for me.

Indeed, I used to think I was the only person who did this until I listened to the commentary for the Game of Thrones pilot – it turns out that Alfie Allen (Theon)’s personal trainer gave him the exact same advice about drinking nothing but wine the day before the shoot in order to look more cut for a topless scene, so clearly I was onto something!”

What food or drinks can’t you resist and why?

“I have very good will power (which you HAVE to have if you’re going to do Atkins), but there’s a whole lot of stuff I really have trouble resisting. My main Kryptonite right now is the wasabi pea; I actually had to get my wife to empty the snack drawer and

take them all to work with her, because they come in big bags and once they’re open, I can’t stop until the whole thing is demolished! As for why that is, I’ve no idea – though I react the same way to salty pretzels, so clearly my body is craving sodium…”

Wave your magic wand, where do you see yourself in 10 years? “In ten years… wow, I’ll be 43 for one thing, so at the very least I’ll be going through a midlife crisis! Hopefully I still have the hair, or my wife won’t be a happy camper. My life definitely seems to move in ten-year segments, so I’ll probably be in a very different phase. There’s a very distinct possibility that I’ll have moved to the other side of the camera by that point, but I know that wherever I am and whatever I’m doing, I’ll be having a heck of a lot of fun”, he said it optimistically.

What are your final messages to your fans that constantly follow you or look up to you? “I’ve had a lot of great support over the years and I really feed off the positivity I receive. Sometimes I get messages from aspiring models asking for advice, which really brings me back down to earth and reminds me how fortunate I am to be doing the things I’m doing. Sometimes it’s messages from people I’ve met who were really overweight and found inspiration in the fact that I used to be really heavy, but now I’m known for being lean and lithe. Whatever it is, I truly appreciate every message, email, Like, Share or comment that I receive – without an audience an artist is nothing, so I’m forever grateful to everybody that has helped, followed or supported me on this crazy journey!”

Cocaine James Age: 33 Birthplace: Gloucester, England Facebook: www.facebook.com/dietcokejames Webiste www.cocainejames.com

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

Unleashing the

ALPHA MALE

M

By Ian Carlo Bajada

elvin Burgos

Photographs by Ulrich Oehmen Special thanks to Ulrich Oehmen Photography

fitness Breakthroughs

He is the Alpha Male and the Rabid Wolf of fitness and bodybuilding business. His name is Melvin Burgos. He has been in the modeling business about a year now. He is 19 years old also known as Wolf Brah.

He started at about 15 years old and started with just lifting and mixed martial arts. Melvin’s main goal was to have fun and enjoy. He used to be in the streets a whole lot and had to do something about it, He has changed over the years into something unique grabbing photo shoots from top photographers. He began to love the new stuff and Melvin started doing physique modeling and body building. When he was younger, he was bullied and he was always picked on for being short or weird looking. Well that changed and nothing can take him backwards. His message is something he needs to send and give people a better path and choice of life and become something the image that’s planted in your head. As what he said, “Don’t just lift or do things you love but become that image you picture not anyone else!”

In those span of year/s, who was your inspiration in modeling/fitness business? “My inspiration at first was Zyzz. Well, he had the life style of being happy and being able to break through and show others how to get out of the dark room and enjoy life. He also makes the best of your body disregarding all haters, so yes, it gave me a cool personality to begin with but his message was also to be yourself no need to do what he did. He taught me to be happy and train hard and that was a message that he sent as he passed away at a very young age. I didn’t want that route, so I do respect him and much love for saving me from a depressing life style and learning about what being “shredded” is. My ultimate inspiration would be Frank Zane. In my opinion, he has one of the craziest physiques even when he got old. The man is legendary and I hope to achieve a physique like that day. Maybe even better, as he’s just a little taller than I am and I believe I can achieve it. He also has very unique training routines which I admire”, the body builder enthusiast said.

When you were growing up, what was your goal/s or perhaps dream? “Well at first, I was in the streets so I really didn’t have one, until I decided to make a change. I wanted to do something but didn’t know what it was. I’ve tried MMA, buut even though I got good at it, my asthma interfered. It was very hard to fight no matter how my weight or conditioning preparation was. But, overall I started training again to protect myself and feel good about myself. I decided to start lifting more often and that’s when I found body building and physique modeling. It became my ultimate dream as well as changing lives of others.

The way it changed my life is something I started to do for the people. I’ve helped many people. It is amazing how I became an inspiration especially in their lives which also means a lot to me!” Melvin shares. What was/were the experience/s when you first start your first ever modeling gig and fitness business? “Well I was just a normal lifter and a big photographer wrote me named Ulrich. He was great guy. The first time he wrote me, I didn’t know who was he and just said no. I even declined him. I guess I wasn’t ready and I was just playing it safe. But months later, he wrote me again. My mind was blown away with the incredible shots he do for magazines and all that. I ended up doing it and that’s when my life changed. I started to earn money and was able to fix my life little by little”, the fitness model recalled.

How do you maintain your physical physique?

“A lot of people don’t know that I know how to diet and create diet plans. And when I do diet, my body always reaches its full potential. My size maintains with eating many calories and training extremely hard. Often times, I like to eat bread - a lot of it. Added to that, I also eat meat and vegetables – which are my favorite emergency foods and seem to make me look pretty massive. I also like to take bread/yeast. It has been a way to help expand muscle mass along with meat. I do this the whole year, but as I get older, I do have to stay with my main diet. As the old tricks, it will stop to work

in some years. Maintaining my shape is something that is constant. You have to get as much nutrition as possible.” How many times do you work out in a week?

Do you have any favorite workout? “I work out up to 6 days a week. My favorite workout is definitely chest and arms! Also, I love to pump calves as well to add something,” Melvin said. Is there any workout routine that you find it very challenging? “Some of my back routines run in circuits and it always brings me to my knees laid out from all the back tension. I also wake up super sore from it, here’s one of them – ‘Wolf Brah Back day’.”

• Warm-up properly also do at least 6-10 sets of pull-ups before beginning and stretch back in body building poses few seconds each to expand the blood flow easier • 6x8 dead lift go up • To your heaviest in a 5 reps range in set 5 set 6 get light weight for about 21reps • Lay pull downs 6x12 do a pyramid in weight change for each set mix up the grips wide and close • Bent over row 4x10 push out these reps don’t lift to lightly either this will bring out mid back very well ,again switch up the grip to hit different areas • Seated row 5x12 same sequence as the lay pull down • Finish off with abs at least 10 sets of favorite abs workout; pull-ups and at least 3 sets of back extensions I prefer doing hanging leg raises and decline sit-ups for abs for couple sets each

What types of food do you eat? Do you have any meal plans or your own customized meal plans at all? Can you share us? “This is my diet I try to maintain year round near photo shoots or so on I cut carbs lower but this my diet ‘Wolf Brah meal plan 1/5’”

Meal 1.

Oat meal, 1 toast with peanut butter spread, almonds and fruits with whey protein/rice protein.

Meal 2.

The fun meal of a burger or a stacked sandwich with side of vegetables/fruit; do not eat pork beef or chicken this is a flexible meal. For anyone doesn’t mean to go crazy and eat candy don’t go so low of yourself freeze up some grapes and snack on them or Greek yogu.

Meal 3

Post workout (can fit in between the time you train doesn’t have to be part of meal 3 can named as post workout. The pre workout can be the same from the morning. I rather you use black coffee or keratin

free pre workout caps fat burner pre workout and gat Nitra flex pre workout add BCAA for extra boost in training. The post meal is 4 oz. steak, 4 oz. chicken brown rice and vegetables with side of fruits and baked potatoes or sweet potatoes or as my favorite if you have it Yuka I love on the side of my meals good source carb and protein within them.

Meal 4

Frozen grapes or berries or fruit and veggie smoothie no added sugars etc. with baked chicken ,sweet or baked potatoes ,brown rice or small portion of any rice for flexible meal along with avocado if in sight or fiber one bread one slice if not those grab a extra banana for the day

Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? Was there someone who influenced you? “Well, there are so many people that actually don’t eat healthy or exercise. Eventually, they are getting very sick and finding out new issues with their lives. We have to be active and eat normal food. When you start living right, you enjoy your full length of life, you help others, and you eat healthy as well and feel good about yourself. As for me, have to inform myself and gain knowledge to living a healthy lifestyle so I could also help others.” What food or drinks you can’t resist and why? “I cannot resist the sizzle of ginger ale or those strong sizzling fruit juices outside. I can’t resist them sometimes, but my main sources of drinks are water and green tea.” Name your fitspiration icons or models you look up to. “Well, I look up to Zyzz, Jaco de Bruyn, Tavi Castro and Frank Zane,” the bodybuilder enumerated.

Tell us 5 characteristics of you that fans don’t know? “I am very humble, quiet and much focused person. They also say that my vibe they get from me is something that motivates them to push harder and do better.” Do you have any pet peeves in workout or gym etiquettes? “I don’t like talking during my set, stopping me from going to gym for some things that are completely pointless, missing the gym, and people who train less.”

Wave your magic wand, where do you see yourself in 10 years? “I see myself as huge inspiration, changed many lives and very successful into fitness and physique modeling. Maybe, I will have the chance again getting into MMA again but likely to be a body builder of physique model,” Melvin hopes optimistically. Do you have final fitness and workout messages or reminders? “Get up and go the gym and make sure to eat every few hours. Train as hard as you can.”

Melvin Burgos Age: 19 Birthplace: New York City, United States Facebook: www.facebook.com/aestheticwolf Instagram @wolf_brah_

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

Styling Sharp Looking Smart By Ian Carlo Bajada

T

omas Malecki

Photographs by Walterlan Papelli Chris Yates Graham Martin Mark Fiddian Oliver Morris Make-up by Michael Di Giovanni Zaneta Swiatlovska

Clothing design by Zak Timo Retouching by iDeLick Media Special Thanks to Gwen Robbana Angel Creations Ge Parmeggiani Sandra Porto

fitness Breakthroughs

Tomas has been in the modeling business for about five years already. He was born and raised in Poland. When he was 20, Tomas moved to England to finish his education in Cambridge and then after couple of years, he was offered first shoots and started to work as professional model in United Kingdom.

In those span of year/s, who was your inspiration (modeling/fitness business)? “I need to say that I never really had any inspiration at all. However, I was always into fashion and follow new trends also create my own style. I’m always so pleased to attend all high fashion events I’m envied too and meeting new people,” he said.

When you were growing up, what was your goal/s or perhaps dream? “I was always told by my parents that I can achieve everything I like if I’m going to put hard work to it! But back then, my dream as a little boy was to become a fireman,” Tomas laughed.

What was/were the experience/s when you first start your first ever modeling gig and fitness business?

“Well, I remember I was so happy and much stressed when I went first time to studio. I was so scared I will never forget that. But everything went well and after couple of weeks, I saw myself in the magazine witch was amazing felling I so proud from myself,” the fashion model exclaimed.

How do you manage your time with you busy schedule? “I always try to be organized with everything but unfortunately is not always easy as it sounds.

I wish day would be longer for few hours. Sometimes I’m so busy with work that I don’t have time for anything but like everyone knows hard work always pay you back,” Tomas shared.

How many times do you work out in a week?

Do you have any favorite workout? “I’m going to the gym twice a week. I do swim a lot as well, as that’s make me relax after my busy day but I believe if you eat healthy that’s already half of the success.”

Is there any workout routine that you find it very challenging? “Well to be honest, I didn’t like to

go to the gym in the beginning. I don’t like it at all. I didn’t see any point until I started to see the effects.

And after a few weeks, it has become my routine and I actually started to enjoy going to the gym and work out. Now, when I’m away or don’t have the time for it ‘cause of my busy schedule, I feel very bad like I’m missing something. But I make it to a point to go the pool and swim at least.”

What types of food do you eat? Do you have any meal plans or your own customized meal plans at all? Can you share us? “I don’t really, but I believe that is very important to watch what we eat. I always stick to healthy options. Personally I love seafood.”

Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? Was there someone who influenced you? “Oh yeah, my friend who’s is running a magazine about healthy lifestyle have always told me that I should change my diet so I did try it. I saw the change in my body very quickly. I have more energy and my skin change too, so I will definitely recommend that to everyone.”

What food or drinks you can’t resist and why?

“I can’t resist the apple pie from my mum. I just love it whenever I’m coming back home and she always make it for me. I could eat that every single day,” he shares.

Tell us 5 characteristics of you that fans don’t know? “I’m very sarcastic. I have very specific sounds of humor. My best friends always said that on the beginning they thought that I’m arrogant - which is not true at all, as far as you know me, I’m actually I’m nice guy. I’m very stubborn if I’m going to put something into my head, it is very hard for me to change my mind or give up. I believe that helped me to achieve my goals but obviously they are some bad side of that too. I hate people who are always unhappy with what they have and don’t do anything about and just complaint around about it. I’m always motivated. I’m quiet cheeky too. I’m open-minded and I just love to travel and try new things, learn about different culture and people.”

What are your final messages to your fans that constantly follow you or at least look up to you? “I would definitely thank my fans for following my work and my progress, as well as the positive tweets I’m always receiving from them.” Wave your magic wand, where do you see yourself in 10 years? “I see myself working in fashion, probably just for bigger campaign (fingers crossed)”

Male model Tomas Malecki talking about he’s style and fashion tips. “To start, I must say that the best thing that you can do for yourself is to get your body/ healthy game on. Select your clothes that will look good on you. It is great if you’re going to look after your body too. Keep things simple as much as you can.

Many people think that being flashy means something, definitely not for me. You can look great or even look better if you’re going to put everything well and simple together. Always say that your accessories are a key, so don’t be afraid to use them! Nice watch or

collar bar or simple bag is a good finish for your outfit.

Always look great and smart! I think that is very important. Don’t forget to be confident. You are not going to look good and sexy if you don’t feel like that first.

Avoid logo! Your clothes should only advertise just you and your impeccable sense of style. Don’t forget about your shoes.

They always say that shoes can make or break your entire outfit, so if you are in your closed shoes or wearing just sneakers and sandals, it is time to invest in some classy shoes that are durable enough.

Always wear clothes which are fit to you and they are for your age! You don’t want to look like you are off to play basketball or something. Last role; don’t be worried about impressing others.

The most important thing is if you like and confident enough the way you look, you don’t have to worry about rest.”

Tomas Malecki Website: http://tomazmalecki.co.uk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/tomas.malecki Instagram @TOMASMALECKI Twitter @tomasmalk

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

Going

EXTREME

G

By Ian Carlo Bajada

reg Minnaar

Photographs by Greg Minnaar www.thetruecollection.com www.santacruzbicycles.com Biography credit Greg Minnaar

fitness Breakthroughs

Greg first started to get noticed as a world class downhill racer at the age of 17, in 1999, racing select World Cups (including one in his home country of South Africa, in Stellenbosch) on a local shop team, aboard a Kona Stab Dee-Lux bike with a Marzocchi Monster T. fork. In 2000, he was picked up as a junior

by British international team Animal Orange, which used Orange frames (222 for downhill and Ms. Isle for dual slalom) and RockShox suspension. That year Greg podiumed at a World Cup points series race for the first time.

The following two years Greg rode for the Global Racing team, aboard similar bikes to the previous years’, and on this team, at the age of 19, he won the overall World Cup points series in the Elite downhill. In 2003 Greg switched to the Haro Lee Dungarees team, which used Intense designed and built DHR frames for the dowhill and their own short travel Werx trailbike frames for Four Cross, with Manitou suspension. It was aboard this team that, at the age of 21, Greg became World Champion of downhill.

In 2004, Greg was offered a spot on Team G Cross Honda, which used one-off internally geared frames made by Honda, with a Showa suspension. He accepted and stayed for four years, winning his second World Cup points series overall victory in 2005.

The 2007 season ended on a bittersweet note with a dislocated and fractured shoulder early in his winning World Championship final run although Greg got back on the bike to salvage a painful 4th place finish. In addition, Greg was forced to switch teams yet again when Honda pulled out of the sport and he chose the Santa Cruz Syndicate team, alongside riders Steve Peat, Nathan Rennie, and Josh Bryceland for the 2008 season.

Minnaar has won the UCI Downhill World Championship three times - in 2003, 2012 and 2013.

He has finished second three times (2004, 2006 and 2009) and taken the bronze three times (2001, 2005 and 2010).

Minnaar has been crowned Downhill World Cup champion three times (2001, 2005 and 2008) for winning the Mountain Bike World Cup points series.

He was also crowned Downhill World Champion in 2003 for winning the season ending event. He has also done well in the Four Cross event, with one win in the 2003 World Cup points series, in Fort William, Scotland, and a fourth place finish at the 2005 World Championships.

In the 2008 World Cup, Minnaar podiumed at every one of the seven events in the series, taking the win at Fort William, Mont-Sainte-Anne and Canberra. This gave him a comfortable lead going into the finals at Schladming, Austria, where he placed fifth and clenched his overall lead to take the well-deserved title.

In 2009 World Cup series, Minnaar took first place at Pietermaritzburg South Africa, Fort William Scotland and Bromont Canada. He also came 6th at La Bresse in France, 3rd atVallnord in Andorra, Maribor in Slovenia and in Schladming Austria. Greg also came 22nd in Mont-Sainte-Anne leaving him with a 2nd place overall. In the World Championships atCanberra Australia he lost 1st place to his team mate Steve Peat by 0.05seconds

Minnaar has twice (2003, 2004) been crowned the champion of the NORBA points series. Having won BikeRadar’s Most Wanted award in 2013, the carbon Santa Cruz V10 continues to be the lust of many downhill fans, despite its debate-leading 26” wheel size. On top of this, at just over 15kg and with many trick modifications, Greg Minnaar’s bike is as good as they get.

While in Cairns, Australia for round two of the 2014 UCI World Cup, we caught up with Greg Minnaar’s mechanic - Jason Marsh - who talked us through the intricacies of Minnaar’s bike and the modifications made to suit individual courses.

Minnaar usually runs a high handlebar setup, and has the reputation of experimenting with bar

height depending on the steepness of the course. In order to reduce the amount of weight on the front wheel, Minnaar went with a huge 32mm stack of stem spacers and raised the crowns on the front fork. This wasn’t an easy process; with Marsh having to get some long bolts custom made for the adjustment.

All of the Santa Cruz Syndicate team, including Minnaar, Steve Peat and Josh Bryceland tower at around 6ft 3in, and even the production extra-large frame size isn’t quite enough for Minnaar or Peat. To help with this, Chris King’s ‘Buzz Works’ prototype shop made some custom offset headsets to give even greater reach, placing the 1 1/8in steerer tube 8mm forward of the stock position in the 1.5in headtube.

Providing the 250mm of rear wheel travel is a Fox ‘RAD’ (Racing Applications Development) rear shock, a more refined version of what Minnaar used to win the 2013 world championships. This prototype rear shock is looking rather polished and could be a hint at a future production shock from Fox. Greg was running a softer 400lb spring, seeking greater traction in the slick mud. With this spring change, he had to settle for a heavier steel spring, instead of the usual 450lb titanium spring he’d normally use.

At the front, a Fox 40 Float RC2 fork offers a huge 40mm stanchion tube diameter and air-spring preload adjustment. It features a few hidden ‘RAD’ modifications that Marsh couldn’t tell us much about, but did hint at the Kashima stanchions being even slicker and the inner bushings polished for next-level small-bump compliance.

Further customizing is seen with Minnaar’s Shimano Saint drivetrain and brake setup. Normally 10-speed, Minnaar uses a parted Shimano Ultegra cassette to provide just 7 gears, in a 11-19T ratio. Sitting in place of the cassette’s lower gears is a custom, drilled ring to reduce weight. In addition to the clutch style rear derailleur, a special edition Gamut Greg Minnaar P30’s chainguide ensures the chain stays on the less-common 37t size chainring. This guide uses friction slides instead of pulley wheels to keep the chain secure and is sold in limited quantities with a piece of Minnaar’s clothing. Minnaar unusually chooses resin brake pads over the more often common metallic’s. These softer, far less-durable pads provide greater initial braking bite and far less bed-in time. The mud in Cairns had Minnaar quickly burning through pads and Marsh had set aside his last pair of resin pads for race day.

The Santa Cruz Syndicate team don’t use Shimano’s latest R99 Ice-tech rotors as they aren’t offered in the six-bolt mount pattern that the Chris King hubs require. Instead, Minnaar uses XT/Saint RT86 203mm rotors. At just over US$2,700, Minnaar’s carbon wheelset continues the dream-bike trend, consisting of 487g (claimed) Enve 90-Ten carbon 26in rims, Chris King ISO hubs and DT Swiss double-butted spokes.

These wheels were setup tubeless. Maxxis DHR II is the normal tyre choice in the dry, but the slick mud in Cairns had Minnaar on Super Tacky Maxxis Wet Scream’s in 2.5in width.

Greg first started racing BMX at 4 yrs of age.

He soon moved over to motocross and raced for 11 years before his parents bought a bicycle shop and his path to DH stardom began. Greg was initially inspired by the rivalry between Nico Vouilloz and Steve Peat.

He worked his way up to the Santa Cruz Syndicate team to eventually ride alongside one of those childhood heroes. With back-to-back World Championship wins on the Syndicate, Greg’s goes from strength-tostrength. Widely recognised as one of the smoothest and most consistent DH racers on the circuit.

Greg Minnaar Age: 33 Birthplace: Pietermaritzburg, South Africa Facebook: www.facebook.com/GregMinnaar Websites www.thetruecollection.com www.santacruzbicycles.com

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

No Limits

& Boundaries By Ian Carlo Bajada

E

Photographs by Ariya Xie

ric Claussen

Special Thanks to Xie4to-graphy

fitness Breakthroughs

Eric has been in the modeling business just over a year now. His journey began when he decided to turn his life completely around and head in the opposite direction in which he was going. Eric was a functioning alcoholic/drug addict for 16 years and near the end he was drinking and using cocaine on a daily basis. He had a lot of fun but eventually crashed and burned. He finally hit rock bottom and checked himself into a mental institution on Oct 17th 2011. From that day on, he assumed a new identity and focused on living the rest of my life being completely sober. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder and severe depression, he was put on meds to keep me normal. I started working out every day and eventually got off all my medication. It’s been over two and a half years since he has been on any medication and things are going great for him.

Eric Claussen’s new drug of choice was working out and he loves getting his daily dose. He lost 50 pounds and got into the best shape of his life. Eric posted his transformation photos on Facebook and a photographer reached out to him and asked him to do a shoot. He went with it and instantly, he was hooked.

The pictures came out really amazing! Eric is an avid reader and personal development enthusiast. Anthony Robbins has been his Ultimate Mentor/Idol through his transformation. Shaun T (from Beach body’s Insanity Program), Greg Plitt, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have been Eric’s inspiration through it all.

When he was growing up, Eric wanted to be successful and travel the world but never really applied himself because he had so much fun getting wasted and chasing tail. That became his daily focus and nothing else mattered. Life was a party and all he ever wanted was to keep that party going!! Now he has cleared his head and changed his focus. Eric continues to improve himself by learning and growing ultimately becoming very successful so that he can travel the world and help people along the way.

Honestly, Eric was excited and nervous at the same time when he did his first modeling gig. He had no job, he had no money, but that didn’t stop him because of this burning desire he had inside. Eric drove 12 hours away in his busted up 1997 Ford Escort with just enough money for gas to get there. “When you want something bad enough you’ll do just about anything to get it”, the fitness enthusiast shared.

Eric have taken on a new business opportunity and juggle modeling and this business the best he can.

This business opportunity is a stepping stone for him to use while he keeps on preparing for the life he truly wanted and desired. Eric hits the gym at least once a day sometimes going at 4 in the morning and then working a 12 – 14 hour day. Some days are tougher than others but he stays consistently hungry and knows that if he keeps it up; his big break will come. Weight training is his favorite; Eric absolutely loves working out his arms and back. He changes up my routine every two months to keep his muscles confused and constantly improving.

Eric Claussen eats tons of egg whites, tuna, chicken, fish and veggies. He combines that with a bunch of protein shakes and his once a day Shakeology shakes. And he’s feeling like a million bucks. When he changed identities, Eric literally became a health and fitness nut. The first part of his transformation he got involved with Beach body’s Insanity program. His transformation was absolutely amazing. He was beyond hooked so he became a Team Beach body Coach so he could help guide other people to make positive lasting changes in their lives. The “high” he gets from working out is way better than any drug he ever did and there are no negative repercussions. That’s why he loves getting his daily dose. “It keeps me in a great mood; my energy levels are through the roof and look and feel amazing!! Shaun T was my first fit-spiration because he made my transformation possible which has opened new doors to my life”, Eric shared.

He does have a serious sweet tooth and after

“We all have gifts and talents and we need to share those talents with the world by continuing to work on them and bettering ourselves with each passing day. Believe in yourself and keep going...” moving to South Florida, Eric’s cousin introduced him to a little place called, Cold Stone. He was amazed.

Eric loved the place and usually hits it up once a week or once every two weeks. What can Eric say, he loves ice cream. The Mint Mint Chocolate Chocolate Chip is his favorite! Right now, Eric sticks close to and supports the guys he has met out on gigs or has worked with photographers he has worked with. “We’re all in this journey together and the more we help each other out the better we will all be. We share common interests and lift each other up. That’s what it’s all about.

Helping each other succeed. Jonathan Brownell, James Joseph Pulido, Adam Aye, Chase Ketron, Bailey Ink-sane Lee, Assad-Lawrence Hadi Shalhoub are a few friends I look up to”, Eric stated.

Five characteristics that my fans don’t know about Eric Claussen are the following: “I love all food.

I prefer blondes. I’m a Christian. I love to laugh and I’m pretty nuts, crazy, insane and just love letting go not worrying about what anyone thinks.”

“Pet peeves in the gym… I’m totally focused when I’m at the gym. I like to get in, crush my work out and get out. I’ll say what’s up but don’t really want to chat for a while until I’m done working out.” He

saves the conversations for after my workout unless it’s crazy important. “My final message to my fans and people who look up to me is never give up on your dreams. We all have gifts and talents and we need to share those talents with the world by continuing to work on them and bettering ourselves with each passing day. Believe in yourself and keep going. You can and will make your dreams become a reality if you keep taking massive action and never give up”, the fitness model imparted.

Ten years from now, Eric sees himself as a successful bestselling author, motivational speaker, personal development fitness and life coach, actor/ model, father of three beautiful children, married to his soul mate, absolutely enjoying every passing moment of his life and helping others to achieve the greatness that resides in them.

“My final message is every great person was once a beginner. Start today on your journey of a lifetime and unleash the greatness that resides within you.

You are the creator of your own destiny. Make your life fun, exciting, extraordinary and enjoy every minute of it!”

Eric EC Claussen Age: 34 Birthplace: Huntington Long Island, New York Instagram: @eric_claussen Twitter: @EricClaussen1

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

NEVER Back

DOWN

J

ustin Woltering

By Ian Carlo Bajada Photographs by Justin Woltering

fitness Breakthroughs

Justin has been in the modeling business for 7 years, and has landed 25+ different magazine covers, commercials and editorial print works, and a national fragrance campaign. Over this time, Justin has been in a natural progression to working as an actor/producer on various film projects, including national commercials and a new independent feature film in the works.

As a youth, he admired bodybuilding and fitness legends Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Lee. These figures became an inspiration and played role in his dedication to training and the lifestyle. He was your typical 150lb hard gainer and has had to work his ass to find success.

He was also very fortunate to receive the wisdom of professional bodybuilders, and learn the technique of nationally ranked power lifters at a very young age in New Jersey. This paired with a thirst for knowledge left him with the tools necessary for success. Martials Arts has also always been a constant in his training regimen. This combination of martial arts and resistance training helped Justin to transform from a hard gainer to a fitness cover model, bringing in a complete physique that is also fully functional. He is also as passionate about business as fitness. Justin believes in setting a goal, works his ass off, and gives back until that goal becomes a reality. In addition to his exclusive clientele, he is fortunate to help thousands of people with his website www.jusitnwoltering. com and ebook Bigger Better Faster.

In those span of year/s, who was your inspiration in modeling/fitness business? “In addition to the golden age of bodybuilders like Zane and Serge Nubret, the 90s and early 2000s era of physique cover models like Frank Sepe and Greg Plitt were a solid inspiration”, the bodybuilder enthusiast said. When you were growing up, what was your goal/s or perhaps dream? “I honestly didn’t know, I just knew that I didn’t want a normal life. I wanted to be great at something or at least try to be”, he recalled.

What was/were the experience/s when you first start your first ever modeling gig and fitness business “I randomly moved to the Midwest from New Jersey after being kicked out of school ( for the second time) and I was dealing with a lot of family turmoil as well as I witness my parents’ divorce after having 8 children. I didn’t realize this at the time, but this served as a major inspiration to be leader and prove to my siblings that no matter the hardship, if you work for it, your dreams can come true.”

How do you manage your time with you busy schedule? “This is a never ending balancing act, especially as a family man, business owner, and artist. So I have always believed in the saying, “Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance”. Life will never go according to the plan; however it is necessary to control everything within your power to create the right opportunities for success”, Justin elaborated.

How do you maintain your physical physique? “Nutrition is priority number 1! My wife is an amazing cook and helps prepare all of my meals in advance, I started landing magazine covers once we got together. As for training, I work my ass off moving heavy weights day in and day out. Functional training, martial arts, cardio, and flexibility are all crucial to my success; however the heavy weight lifting is the foundation for my size, strength, and work capacity.“ How many times do you work out in a week? Do you have any favourite workout? “I work out 5 days a week.” Is there any workout routine that you find it very challenging? “If it’s not challenging it’s not worth doing.”

What types of food do you eat? Do you have any meal plans or your own customized meal plans at all? Can you share us? “This could be an article all to itself, so without getting into micro or even macro specifics here is what daily nutritional intake roughly looks like: Meal 1: 2 Scoop Dymatize Iso100 Liquid Fish Oil; Meal 2: 6 whole eggs, veggies; Meal 3: 2 Scoop Dymatize Iso 100 Fish Oil; Meal 4: 10oz Bison,

“Never give up! Keep working hard every day to keep your dreams alive!”

Sweet Potato, Broccoli; Meal 5: Post Workout Shake; Meal 6: Salmon Sweet Potato Asparagus. My favorite foods are: steak, eggs, salmon, sweet potato, oats, asparagus, almonds, broccoli, apples and blueberries”

Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? Was there someone who influenced you? “Honestly, being healthy wasn’t my initial inspiration into fitness. I wanted to see how far I could push myself, look like the guys on the magazines, and get chics ( laughs) but overtime the real truth of fitness revealed itself to me. There is no better feeling than eating clean and training hard.

No drug can take the place of this feeling, this is the ultimate high!”

What food or drinks you can’t resist and why?

“Pizza, Ice Cream, and Cereal, can’t get enough!”

Name your fit-spiration icons or models you look up to. “Give a shout out to my Dymatize team mates Lawrence Ballenger and David Morin, these guys are badass, they eat sleep and breathe fitness! And have fun doing it!”

Tell us 5 characteristics of you that fans don’t know? “Well, I am the oldest of 8 siblings, I have a

degree in Business Management, I enjoy drawing and the arts, I was born in Kansas City and I moved out on my own and started from the bottom with no money and 1986 Lincoln”, Justin shares.

Do you have any pet peeves in workout or gym etiquettes? “One of my biggest pet peeves is people who put more effort into their outfits and accessories then into the intensity of their workouts. We are here to get dirty and work hard, this isn’t a fashion show”, the fitness model stated.

What are your final messages to your fans who constantly follows you or at least look up to you?

“Thank you for your undying support! I will never quit, and keep working harder every day to bring you the most authentic content I possibly can!” If you can wave your magic wand, where do you see yourself in 10 years? “I see myself taking care of my family and producing films, fitness, and business projects that inspire millions of people.”, he said optimistically. What are your final fitness and workout messages or reminders? “NEVER GIVE UP! Keep working hard every day to keep your dreams alive!”

Justin Woltering Website: www.justinwoltering.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Bigger.Better.

Faster.NOW Bigger Better Faster2.0 www.biggerbetterfasternow.com/ buy/

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

WORK Hard PLAY Hard

By Ian Carlo Bajada

D

avis Page

Photographs by Stan Fleming XL-Images Jay Fuertez

fitness Breakthroughs

Davis Page grew up as an athlete. He was the only four sport athlete in high school (football, basketball, baseball, and track) and went on the play three years of college baseball at Tyler Junior College and Abilene Christian University. He then went on the play two years of independent professional baseball in the states and 6 months overseas in Australia. Since then, Davis worked odd jobs until he achieved his Personal Training Certification. Davis now trains at a gym in Hurst, Texas and also runs the athletic department for the City of Watauga. He began modeling at the beginning of this year. He did his first shoot in March of 2014 and Davis’ career really began to take off. He has done several shoots, a commercial, and a workout video in that time.

In those span of year/s, who was your inspiration in modeling/fitness business? “Suzanna Sutton was the first trainer I ever worked with. Her drive and determination to be great led me to want the same thing for myself. Her mentor at the time, Brett Buckles, was also a big part of me becoming the trainer that I am today. They both played huge roles in my early success and my development as fitness professional”, the professional trainer shared. When you were growing up, what was your goal/s or perhaps dream? “I always wanted to play professional baseball growing up. From the time I was born, I had good hand eye coordination and my parents knew that my brothers and I would be athletic. I did get the chance to play professionally but not with an affiliated organization.” What was/were the experience/s when you first start your first ever modeling gig and fitness business? “Initially, I really just wanted to do a photo shoot to get myself on paper to help with my personal training business. I dieted very hard, watching my carbohydrate intake for approximately 6 weeks. I always had a good base of muscle underneath my initial body fat. The diet was the key to my success. It was a tough first experience but I fell in love with the meal plan and the lifestyle after that experience”, he recalled.

As a personal trainer and a fitness model, we

cannot deny that schedules are sometime pretty rough and hectic. How do you manage your time with you busy schedule? “I am very fortunate to have two of the best jobs I could ask for. I run my personal training business from 5:00-11:00 AM every morning. I then proceed to my Parks and Recreation position with the City of Watauga. They issued me a flex schedule which allows me to get 40 a week when I have time. The majority of the programs I manage take place in the afternoon and evenings. It makes things very easy to manage my time”, Davis shared.

Of course, as a personal trainer, we have to practice what we preach. We have to have balance and consistency. How do you maintain your physical physique?

“My schedule is probably a little different than most. I do physique training six days a week with my trainer, Brett Buckles, each day focusing on a different muscle group. I also do power lifting 1 day a week to keep my legs and core solid. I also do some sort of plyometric exercise or high intensity interval training every day.

This could include anything from my own plyo routines, stadium bleacher sprints, interval training on the stair master, long distance running intervals, etc. I am on a meal plan year round that keeps me lean, cheating once a week typically on Saturdays”, the fitness enthusiast elaborated.

How many times do you work out in a week?

Do you have any favorite workout? “I work out six days a week, 2-3 times a day. I am addicted to lifting weights and high intensity interval training. My favorite workout would have to be running stadium bleachers.

Bleacher running is all about being creative and finding different ways to increase your heart rate and make the quads and glutes burn. On a typical day, I will do straight up sprints, lateral shuffles, karaoke, bunny hops, sand bell tosses, and sand bell carries.”

Is there any workout routine that you find it very challenging? “The harder the workout, the better. Bleachers are one of the toughest workouts for me to accomplish because of the minimal rest I allow in between sets. Also, long distance running is not my

forte. I have good stamina and endurance but anything beyond two miles is challenging.”

What types of food do you eat? Do you have any meal plans or your own customized meal plans at all? Can you share us? “Initially, I was on a very intense low carb diet originally. Now, I focus on a high protein, high healthy fat, and low carb diet. I eat lean ground turkey, lean ground beef, eggs, chicken, fish, steak, deli turkey for my protein. I get my healthy fats from coconut oils, cashews, almonds, peanuts, and the lean ground turkey and beef. The carbs I intake consist of rice, oatmeal, and sweet potatoes. I only consume around 50-100 grams of carbs a day to keep me lean. I add carbs before big lifts such as legs or chest”, Davis enumerated.

Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? Was there someone who influenced you? “I really just fell in love with the lifestyle more than anything else. I knew I wanted to be a personal trainer and the dieting just came with the territory. As a trainer, my body is my marketing tool. I saw what diets could do to people and I wanted to try it out for myself. Suzzanna Sutton and Brett Buckles are the ones responsible for giving me the information to transform my body. I am motivated in my own right because of my competitive spirit and drive to be the best at whatever I am doing at any present time”, the fitness trainer said.

What food or drinks you can’t resist and why?

“I have no problem with self-control when it comes to food or drinks. If I had to choose, a large meat lover’s pizza will do the trick. Ill have a Dr. Pepper probably twice a year just to see if it still tastes the same. And if I am out and about with my friends on a weekend, fireball whiskey is my go to”, Davis stated. Name your fit-spiration icons or models you look up to? “It would have to be Gerardo Gabriel.”

Tell us 5 characteristics that fans don’t know about you? “1) I am a very outgoing person, but I really enjoy my quiet time. I am an introvert that became an extrovert when I began running boot camps months ago. I enjoy kicking back, watching sporting events and movies with my cat, Kali. 2) I have an identical twin brother. He is my best friend and we are alike in so many ways. We also have our differences. He is currently in his transformation stage so stay tuned. 3) I am a big family person and a momma’s boy at heart.

I love my parents and my brothers to death, as well as my brother’s wife. I don’t get the chance to see them as much as I would like, but we make time to go out to dinner on a regular basis and our family vacations

are way too much fun. 4) I am in love with the game of golf. I am about a 10 handicap at the moment and working to get to the single digits very soon. 5) I am a believer in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Favorite verse: Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid, do not be discouraged; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go”, Davis specified

Do you have any pet peeves in workout or gym etiquettes? “I don’t really have any pet peeves, but I do have a few guidelines. My gym attire usually never changes. It involves a tank top, old school converse shoes, and a snap back. It a comfort zone more than anything else. Also, I am big on being on time. I am lenient with my clients in that regard but I like to keep things in order as much as possible.” What are your final messages to your fans that constantly follow you or at least look up to you? “Life is all about being positive. To my people out there, always look for the positive in every situation. You get one life to live; do not waste a second of it. Set smart goals and work your ass off to achieve them. Set goals according to your fitness and life in general. Place these goals in a visual place where you will see them every day. Rearrange your priorities and do what makes you happy. Follow your dreams and you will have no regrets when you look back on the life that you have lived.”

If you can wave your magic wand, where do you see yourself in 10 years? “I plan to own/manage my own indoor athletic facility. It will have a personal training section and a speed and agility section. I want to influence the lives of adults to get on top of their fitness and provide professional instruction to youth athletes of all ages to progress the athleticism of the generations to follow. I also would like to be on the cover of a major Men’s health and Fitness magazine”, Davis said positively

What are your final fitness and workout messages or reminders? “In regards to one’s health and fitness, everyone has to start somewhere. Whether your goal is to gain 10 pounds of muscle or lose 20 pounds of body fat, your journey will begin when you make the decision to make it a priority. I realize that life sometimes gets in the way of your health and fitness. This is only the case because health and fitness is not a priority in your life. Stop making excuses and start making sacrifices.

Surround yourself with positive influences and continue to press on towards the goals that you set out for yourself. Have faith not only in the person you currently are, but who you will become”, the professional trainer concluded.

Davis Page Age: 27 Birthdate: August 10, 1987 Instagram: @davis_pageÂŹ_817 Facebook: Davis Page

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

The

Phenom By Ian Carlo Bajada Photographs by Emma Shamaya Special Thanks to Emma Shamaya photography

S

onny Crozier

fitness Breakthroughs

Sonny Crozier recently started out in modeling last 8-12 months. He left school at a young age just after GCSE’s as he was getting a hard time there from his fellow pupils. He has been a full time body builder ever since, and he never liked his job. That’s why, he was so motivated to change his life for the better and make a journey into the fitness industry. The last four years, Sony has been training on and off until the last year or two. He met his friend Natasha Murray; who was his best friend. She coaches him and helps push him to his limits every day. She always keeps him motivated and got inspired by her hard work. Sonny would love to follow those footsteps and make a path of his own one day.

When you were growing up, what was your goal or perhaps your dream? “While I was growing up, I never really had any real friends. Honestly, I plodded through school and never really knew what i wanted to do. It’s only the last couple of years I have met some amazing people and decided that I want to start up my own business and work for myself. I love to do the things that I really love. After all, when you love your job, you will never work a day in your life.”

What was the experience when you start your first ever modeling gig and fitness business? “My first modeling experience was recent and for the ‘official help for heroes’ charity calendar of 2015’ that’s coming out soon! I also started my nutritional advice business about a year ago, helping people out with diet plans to get them in the best shape they can be.”

How do you manage your time with your busy schedule? “I find it very tough to manage my time, I get up for work at half 6am, carry out a physical job until 4pm.. then I go to the gym from work for 1.5 hours, get home and spend a couple hours doing work for the nutrition business before I have to shower and prepare my meals for the next day.”

How do you maintain your physical physique?

“It’s very hard to balance the amount or macro nutrients. I need to maintain my physique while working so hard and not losing size but also staying cut for modeling purposes. My meals are worked out so I never go

hungry as I don’t believe in starvation to lose fat, just eating well. Also strict workout plans are keys to success!”

How many times do you work out in a week?

Do you have a favorite workout? “I try to train 4-5 times a week, depends on how hard the days have been physically. If I had endless energy and time, I would gladly train 7 days twice a day. Without a doubt, my favorite workout has to be back and shoulders... a big v-cut back and broad shoulders are the difference in looking like a man and a boy in my opinion.”

Is there any workout routine that you find very challenging? “Yes! I’m 6’4. I have very long arms and legs, so I find it hard. I have to push or pull a lot further than your average guy and they take a long time to build for me personally.”

What types of food do you eat? Do you have any meal plans or your own customized meal plan at all? Can you share with us? “I eat all types but as cleanly as I can, and try to stay away from sugar etc. I don’t like to have it too complicated or weigh it out as it’s too time consuming... But it works for me and that’s all that matters in the long run... Here is a copy of my diet plan, I maintain this 6 days a week and have a cheat day every Sunday as it shocks the metabolism” Breakfast: 100g porridge, handful of raisins, 1 scoop protein, pinch of cinnamon 4 large whole, 2 egg whites scramble Snack: 300g 0% Fage yoghurt or cottage cheese, 1 tablespoon organic peanut butter. 1 portion of fruit of your choice.

Lunch: Wholegrain sandwich, wholegrain pita or 2 cups of wholegrain pasta + 2 chicken breasts or Turkey, salad, tomatoes, peppers etc, tablespoon of fat free mayonnaise or fat free sauce for pasta.

Pre workout: 2 scoops protein, 1 apple, orange or banana Post workout: 2 scoops protein, 70g raisins or any other nutritional equivalent sugar source (Dates, gummy bears, powerade etc.)

Dinner: Choice of 2 salmon filets / 1 large steak / 2 lean steak burgers. + 1 choice of Large sweet potato, 2 cups wholegrain pasta, 2 wholegrain burger buns + Large selection of mixed vegetables or salad.

Before bed: 300g cottage cheese or 1 scoop casein protein, 1 tablespoon organic peanut butter.

Since when did you realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? Was there someone who influenced you? “I don’t think of it as a must, if I did I would probably think of it as a task and not enjoy or do as well at it; i simply do it because i love it and find the feeling of being fit and healthy enjoyable. The gym is an escape from all my stresses and a place where i can ease my mind from everyday life... Think of it as my church in a way!”

What food and drink you can’t resist and why?

“I can never resist a dominos and a glass of wine... who can’t? We are only human!!! I try to make it my cheat day Sunday that I allow myself these sinful food and drinks, gives me something to look forward to during the week.”

Name your fitspiration icons and models you look up to? “I look up to my friend Natasha Murray, another friend I met at TFE competition whilst working on the NGM stall, he’s name is James Ferguson... he has won a couple of competitions including the WABBA worlds in Athens as first place fitness model.

I am pleased to say I will be competing alongside him on stage at TFE on November the 9th and spending a week modeling in Marbella with a few other models and friends on September the 5th so would be a great inspiration for me.”

Tell us 5 characteristics of you that fans don’t know? “Well, I have a very erratic nature and can never settle down. Always agitated and bottle up things on my mind. I get stressed easily and get myself worked up and frustrated. I have learnt ways of dealing with all this which help keep me calm (gym for example). But I am also a very kind hearted individual that most of the

time puts others first. I love to laugh act stupid with my friends, it’s what life is all about!”

Do you have any pet peeves in workout or gym etiquettes? “Oh god, yeah... don’t get me started!

People with bad form are one thing... may swell not train. Another classic is when people leave bucket loads of sweat all over the machines or benches without cleaning up. Or overly load grunting and groaning from guys that are lifting too heavy, it’s not masculine... it just makes you sound a complete idiot!”

What is your message to your fans that constantly follow you and look up to you? “My message is... keep on doing what you’re doing! if you have a dream, make it work.. Don’t ever lose faith in something you love because only then will it edge its way out of reach!

Believe in yourself and you’ll go a long way!”

Wave your magic wand, where do you see yourself in 10 years? “Wooosh.... I see myself a qualified PT having a few people working for me and my company. I also see the nutrition business growing whilst I do what I love and carry out my modeling on the side. A couple different clothing lines I could throw in there for good measure but that’s still top secret!!! Currently designing my website as we speak and all will be revealed in due course.” What are your final fitness messages or reminders? “Don’t forget your meal prep, and stay consistent whether it is dieting or training or both! Fail to prepare.... prepare to fail!!!”

Sonny Crozier Age: 24 Birthplace: Epsom General hospital Twitter: @croziersonny Facebook: Sonny Crozier

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

The BARRIER BREAKER

B

rian Andraos

By Ian Carlo Bajada

fitness Breakthroughs

Brian Andraos has been in the modeling and fitness business for about three years. Since he won the bodybuilding championship in Lebanon 2011, he started getting lots of offers after his break. He is a 28 year old American Syrian living in Lebanon. He has got some good reputation after winning some Facebook voting contest then best motivational transformation picture and later on he won the best male fitness model in UK 2014.

In those span of year/s, who was your inspiration in modeling/fitness business? “Since I was a kid and I did have only one hero, or an inspiration, his name is Dwayne Johnson aka the Rock, not because of his muscles for sure. But because he was penniless with no hope yet he didn’t give up.”

When you were growing up, what was your goal/s or perhaps dream? “Well you might find it weird a bit, but when I was a little kid I wanted to be an astronaut. When I grew older, I wanted to be a video game designer. Later on, I wanted to be an actor. Now, I am an international fitness model. I think that is the beauty of life. You never know what years are hiding for now.”

What was/were the experience/s when you first start your first ever modeling gig and fitness business?

“Actually I still remember my first day standing in front of the camera. I don’t even know what to do or how to pose. I was quite embarrassed but luckily things went amazingly well that from my first modeling cast I was called to do an acting role on TV.”

How do you manage your time with you busy schedule? “Well, I guess I have lost some or let me be honest, I have lost that normal relaxing lifestyle where I can go and hang out with friends. I do set my priorities as starting in preparing my 7 meals a day. Then, I do reply to the hundreds of messages I receive from the fans. Then I work as in an engineering office in the morning. Then I do my first workout session. During my break I plan some diet and workout programs for clients or do some interviews. And on my weekend I usually do my outdoor jogging then I try to make my photo shoots session weekend. So basically my week is fully busy

with minimal free time. And if I do I’d rather watch a movie.”

How do you maintain your physical physique?

“Every night I prepare the meals of the next days which provide me what I need to eat every three hours. This is the most important tip not to get indulge is some junk food if you kept yourself unprepared. I do cardio daily.

And I never compromise on my intense weight lifting workouts. I sleep every day at the same time. Wake up at the same time. Eat my meals at the same time. I try to eat clean 90% of the week allowing myself to have a cheat meal on Sunday. Most of the time, my cheat meal would be Nutella, Crepe and ice cream.”

How many times do you work out in a week?

“Usually, I work out seven times a week, unless I’m preparing for a contest or a photo shoot, then I might go up to 10 times a week.” Do you have any favorite workout?

“In general , my strong point which what made my special and better than other athletes is my full rounded shoulders, so I love to do almost all kind of shoulders workouts especially standing military press. And love all kind of bench press whether incline flat or decline.

And I love deadlifts.”

Is there any workout routine that you find it very challenging? “Actually I do believe in the variety and I make sure not to rest more than 30 seconds to one minute max in between the sets. And I make sure to do combinations between drop-sets, super-sets and some giant-sets.”

What types of food do you eat? “That is my favorite question indeed, actually and all my fans right now know that I am so obsessed about peanut butter. So I make sure to start my day with pancake peanut butter than I make, sure I’m a good chef. I make sure to make the pancake sugar free and low carbs. I eat egg whites, chicken breast, veggies, broccoli, thyme and beef daily.

And I try to put fish and salmon in my weekly program as much as I could as long I’m not that seafood lover.”

Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? “Well actually I was raised as a fat kid with asthma; my sedentary unhealthy

lifestyle was something that I wanted to change. It took me so much hard work and so much effort to get to this point. And all I can say that you only have one body .so make sure to take good care of it.”

Was there someone who influenced you? “Actually yes, a breakup with some harsh words that my dream will only be a dream and heartbreak made me so determined to go even beyond my limits and thank god what is what I did.” What food or drinks you can’t resist and why? “Peanut butter for sure, and all kinds of chocolate especially Snickers and Oreo.”

Name your fit-spiration icons or models you look up to. “I like Alon Gabbay . He is an amazing athlete.” Tell us 5 characteristics of you that fans don’t know? “I am so weak in front of sweets and donuts.

I am a big freak of video games. I love horror movies so much. I had paranoia of going to a restaurant with friends because I get seduced so I usually try to avoid it.

Finally, I’m afraid to love again.”

Do you have any pet peeves in workout or gym etiquettes? “Actually yes, a lot, especially of those who

think of the gym as a place to meet people and socialize or those who take ‘selfies’ more than they even workout.” What are your final messages to your fans that constantly follow you or at least look up to you? “Never give up on a dream that you can’t live a day without thinking about. And remember that the only thing that stands between you and your dreams is YOU. Neither life nor bad luck, it’s only YOU. Stay hungry for your dreams.” Wave your magic wand, where do you see yourself in 10 years? “In Hollywood (hopefully)”

Do you have any final fitness and workout messages or reminders? “The secret about being fit and getting the body of your dreams is your hard work. Being dedicated and persistent and self-motivated is something very important. And remember that hard work beats talent. Last advice, when you feel like quitting, it is actually the time that you should push forward, the extra mile is never too crowded.”

“When you feel like quitting, it is actually the time that you should push forward, the extra mile is never too crowded.”

Brian Andraos Twitter: @andraosbrian Instagram: @brianandraos Facebook: facebook.com/brianandraosfitness

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

MIND

OVER

MATTER

H eraldo Espindola

By Ian Carlo Bajada Photographs by Ulrich Oehmen Special thanks to Ulrich Oehmen

fitness Breakthroughs

Heraldo Espindola is from Argentina. He is only 29 years old. He is person that when he proposes something, he gets to the end no matter what it costs. He never leaves anything half done and gives his 110% in everything and thanks to his great mental strength.

How long you’ve been in the modeling business? “I’m not (laughs). Just did some photo shoots with an Argentine photographer called Guillermo Novaira a year ago and now with Ulrich Oehmen and Luis Rafael. Only that for now but I would like to be in the modeling business of course!”

In those span of year/s, who was your inspiration in modeling/fitness business? “I did not know much when I started this fitness world, just knew I wanted to train and improve myself. With the passage of time I met people who were my great inspiration as Sergi Constance, Jaco de Bruyn and Shaun Stafford; and of course when I met my coach Ignacio Torres met a great athlete who taught me a lot, he’s a great example of effort and dedication.”

When you were growing up, what was your goal or dream? “My country is a country of football so it is logical that as a kid my dream was to be a football player, in fact I was quite good at it (laughs). I still admire David Beckham and I wanted to be a bit like him: model and football player.”

What was/were the experience/s when you first start your first ever modeling gig and fitness business? “Well as I said before, I have little modeling experience but I can say is a mixture of feelings such as nerves, uncertainty, even shyness. You do not know how to work; angles, lighting, different camera lenses ... however is fascinating when you see the pictures and you realize that the photographer got the best of you, you cannot believe you are the person in the picture (laughs).”

How do you manage your time with you busy schedule? “The truth is that it is complicated. Often you do not have the time you want but must somehow

generate it. Therefore you must plan work schedules, training, meals and extra responsibilities to fulfill it.”

How do you maintain your physical physique?

“God seems simple but it is not for at all. The society has a misconception about this profession. This involves a lot sacrifice, beyond the training you should consume supplements and maintain a healthy and balanced diet. What the viewer sees is the end result of months of sacrifice. Beyond all this is a lifestyle.”

How many times do you work out in a week?

Do you have any favorite workout? “I train from Monday to Saturday and double shifts during the competition season. The kind of workouts and routines are prepared by my coach Ignacio Torres depending on the time of year, the competitive schedule and stage of preparation.”

Is there any workout routine that you find it very challenging? “The hardest part of the preparation is the weeks prior to the competition. It is restricted diet and intensified training but maintaining quality.

So the hardest part is that you find yourself low on energy to perform your daily activities, but it is important to be calm with yourself and never lose focus on what you are doing and your goals.”

What types of food do you eat? Do you have any meal plans or your own customized meal plans at all? Can you share us? “The meal plan is also provided by my coach. I cannot be very specific because it is so varied as training and is complementary to it. Depend on whether I’m on stage volume, marking or maintenance until the next preparation. What I can say is that there are several foods in the day between 7 and 8 and is not at all similar to a normal diet.”

Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? Was there someone who influenced you? “In this case I gave the first impulse was my girlfriend. One day we were talking and she told me that I was chubby (laughs). That was the moment when the story began. I started the gym like a normal person but seeing good results I decided

“Everyone can achieve anything if you believe in yourself..” to be better each time. I met people from the fitness environment who provide me qualified advice on my first steps; the truth is without them I would not be where I am now.”

What food or drinks you can’t resist and why?

“The truth is there are many tasty things to eat but I think my biggest temptation is in Burger King. Obviously during the season I cannot eat any of it but when I’m off season sometimes you have some permission (laughs).”

Name your fit-spiration icons or models you look up to. “I do not like to name anyone to not forget any. But I can say that I admire all the athletes who make up this great WBFF family, each has its own unique qualities. There is a great potential in both sexes and in all categories.”

Tell us 5 characteristics that fans don’t know about you. “Hmmm five characteristics of me…I’m too obsessive hours and hours, I do not like cleaning but I love to cook, I like to travel and see different places and I like to do all kinds of sports. And I was forced to add a sixth characteristic which is that I am very stubborn (laughs).”

Do you have any pet peeves in workout or gym etiquettes? “I have no particular pet peeve; I just arrived and do what I have to do. But if I have to point

out something perhaps is that I strictly respect the rest periods between exercises and I do not like to be disturbed while I’m training.”

What are your final messages to your fans that constantly follow you or at least look up to you? “I’ll use a phrase that said my friend Ignacio Torres and stay carved in stone: “Belief is power.” Everyone can achieve anything if you believe in yourself, if you have strong mentality and of course it is very important the support of loved ones. But beyond all never give up, facing adversity with patience because everything will be going well.”

If you can wave your magic wand, where do you see yourself in 10 years? “In 10 years I see myself with my pro card and several world titles in the WBFF or at least I hope (laughs). Anyway I’m working to achieve that there’s no doubt.”

What are your final fitness and workout messages or reminders to everyone? “Millions of stories both in training and with friends, training partners, competition, anecdotes of the places that you have the possibility to know, everything. This brings you closer to many people and I like being part of this and of the great family of the WBFF.”

Heraldo Espindola Age: 29 Birth place: Argentina Instragram: @heraldo_pf Facebook: Heraldo Espindola

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

LEADING THE WAY FOR OTHERS

A

By Ian Carlo Bajada

rmand Labuschagne

Photographs by Chris Wessels Special thanks to Chris Wessels Photography

fitness Breakthroughs Armand Labuschagne is 29 years of old and he lives in the Johannesburg area.

How long he has been in the modeling business? “This is my fourth year in the modeling industry.” Armand’s interest in fitness and health started when he was 15. When he attended HTS Middelburg and wanted to get bigger and stronger for rugby. He joined a gym and motivated by the results of hard work, Armand became eager to increase his knowledge about fitness and health. Even at this young age, he knew that the Fitness industry is where his passion lies.

He enrolled at the HFPA (Health Fitness Professionals Association) and started his studies as a Personal Trainer. After completing the first part of the course and obtaining a certificate in exercise science, his career in the fitness industry started in earnest in 2005, when he joined a private gym in Nelspruit. In June 2006, he furthered his career by joining a wellknown health club in Nelspruit as Fitness Manager up until the end of 2008.

His career: “From January 2009 – January 2014 I worked as a full time Personal Trainer at Virgin Active in Johannesburg. During this time (2009) I completed the second part of my studies and obtained a diploma in exercise science, which broadened my knowledge of the human body and the science behind performance in any sport.”

In 2014, he joined Beulah’s Gym in Florida, Roodepoort (Johannesburg area) and worked there as a personal trainer as well. In September 2014, Armand stepped up his game and joined the likes of Freddy Klopper, a well-known bodybuilder and icon in the health and fitness industry where he is still instructing, leading and motivating people in exercise activities.

In 2011, he took up the challenge to appear on stage for the first time when he competed in the Body Beautiful SA pageant. Armand has been competing every year since then. He believes in total body symmetry, good posture, proper nutrition and a good balance

between all aspects that form a healthy lifestyle. He specializes in muscle gain, fat loss and creating wellproportioned attractive physiques while obtaining and maintaining health and fitness.

“When I commit to something I don’t stop when I get tired, I only stop when I am done. I believe in being consistent and pacing oneself, instead of starting with a bang and not completing what you have started. I believe in a healthy balance in life. Family is very important to me. I always strive to treat others the way that I want to be treated, however difficult it may be at times. Everybody wants to reach the peak, but there is no growth on the top of a mountain. It is in the valley that we slog through the lush grass and rich soil, learning and becoming what enables us to summit life’s next peak. As a participant in the Mr SA Pageant, I believe that I embody all the qualities that a Mr South Africa should possess: intelligence, commitment, good looks, a healthy, fit physique, inner power and the strength and ability to handle conflict and difficult situations in a professional manner. I strive to increase awareness about child abuse and to make a positive difference towards a better South Africa for all. I am a leader who inspires and motivates … the perfect role model for boys and men to aspire to.”

In those span of year/s, who was your inspiration in modeling/fitness business? “I’ve always looked up to well-known South African fitness models like

Llewelyn Cordier Ryno Cordier and Stian Lemmer who stay friendly and down to earth even though they have been so successful in their modeling careers.”

When you were growing up, what was your goal or dream? “From a young age it was always a dream of mine to become a man that will be remembered as someone who made a positive difference in the lives of others. I wanted to have a physique that would inspire others to lead a healthier lifestyle by eating well and exercising regularly.” What was/were the experience/s when you first start your first ever modeling gig and fitness business? “When I first started working in the health and fitness industry I realized that there was a huge potential for business and that the industry will expand yearly to become as big as in the USA in the near future. I knew that I had no time to waste if I wanted to be a part of it so I had to try and get my name out there by entering competitions.”

How do you manage your time with you busy schedule? “I’ve learned to prioritize by doing the most important things first.” How do you maintain your physical physique? “I exercise twice a day with clients from Monday to Friday and once with a client on Saturdays. During competition preparation I would add an hour or cardio as well. I rest on Sundays. My nutrition is always quite strict but I allow myself one “cheat” meal per week.”

How many times do you work out in a week?

Do you have any favorite workout? “I exercise with weights 11 times per week of which 5 are high intensity super set based and 6 are heavier low rep workouts.

I enjoy chest training the most.” Is there any workout routine that you find it very challenging? “Leg training is always the most challenging since it uses the most effort and energy consumption.”

What types of food do you eat? Do you have any meal plans or your own customized meal plans at all? Can you share us? “I follow a ketosis style of dieting when getting ready for competitions which looks something like this” Meal 1: 4 whole free range eggs plus 4 egg whites.

Meal 2: 50g whey protein isolate plus 1 tbsp of natural sugar free peanut butter.

Meal 3: 250g cooked chicken breast or hake plus 1/4 cup of raw almonds or cashews.

Meal 4: same as meal 2.

Meal 5: 250g cooked steak or salmon plus a green salad (lettuce, cucumber, spinach, green pepper) or broccoli.

Meal 6: 4 whole free range eggs plus 4 egg whites.

Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? Was there someone who influenced you? “When I moved my personal training business to Johannesburg I realized that I’ll have to combine my knowledge with a body that looks the part of a good personal trainer in order to be successful since there are so many people in the fitness industry that reside here.” What food or drinks you can’t resist and why? “Peanut butter! Somehow I always crave it and it’s been an all-time favorite of mine! On bread, croissants or even just straight out of the jar” Name your fitspiration icons or models you look up to.

“Llewelyn Cordier Ryno Cordier and Stian Lemmer”

Tell us 5 characteristics that fans don’t know about you? “I’ve actually got an artistic side as well. I write poems and songs for the guitar. I play the guitar as well and sing as well but I’m not too great on the singing part.” Do you have any pet peeves in workout or gym etiquettes? “I really don’t like it when people look down on other gym goers. I believe we should respect each other and judge according to appearance. We all have a different story.” What are your final messages to your fans that constantly follow you or at least look up to you? “Never compare yourself to someone else. Always try and beat your best and learn from your mistakes by taking as many notes as you can along your journey to success.”

Wave your magic wand, where do you see yourself in 10 years? “Married with kids and my website (www.armandfhm.com) going strong. Still doing a bit of personal training on the side but mostly doing online personal training.” What are your final fitness and workout messages or reminders? “Your body grows better after the workout not while you are training. Training too frequently might cause over training.

Eat well and rest enough to get the results you want.”

Armand Labuschagne Age: 29 Birth place: Nelspruit Twitter: @ armandlabuschag Website: www.armandfhm.com

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

No Rooms for Excuses

F

By Ian Carlo Bajada

ranklin Tochi Nwosu

Photographs by Derrick Walker Mika Relli Yacouba Tanou Sadrea Muhammad Maryam Roz

fitness Breakthroughs

Franklin was born in Nigeria and came to the United States at the age of eight. He did not speak English at all when he came to United Sates, which made adjusting rather difficult. That also made him an easy target for being bullied in elementary school. He eventually overcame those struggles. That time was one of the biggest struggles in his life. Franklin can relate that to his modeling career. When he decided that he wanted to become a model, he was 30. “There were many obstacles that I had to face; some of them being, my weight, my confidence, my walk and even negativity from people around me. Through all of that I managed to overcome again. Instead of focusing my attention on the negativity, I focused it on the way that what I was doing could impact my modeling career and myself positively. I have been modeling in the modeling business for a little over a year.”

In those span of years, who was your inspiration in modeling/fitness business? “During my journey of becoming a male model, I tried reaching out to David Gandy so many times on Facebook and on Jan 17th 2014 David responded to one of my message by saying “people always laughed at what i said i wanted to achieve”. This few words meant so much to me because people did laugh at my goals and dreams. I truly do not think he actually know the impact those few words made in my life.”

When you were growing up, what was your goal or dream? “I was a great soccer player and I thought I would become a professional soccer player. I was pretty good. My nickname was the ANIMAL.”

What was/were the experience/s when you first start your first ever modeling gig and fitness business?

“My first modeling gig was so scary. From being very shy to now being in front of hundreds of people. That experience was one of the real reasons that I started walking miles. I noticed that when I got on the runway I became very nervous to the point that my legs would shake. That experienced helped me to improve my walk. After that first show I started walking instead of running. Plus I lost enough weight that I didn’t need to

run it anymore. I cat walked 8 miles almost everyday.

This gave me so much confidence that I was able to audition for other runway shows and get picked.”

How do you manage your time with you busy schedule? “I manage my schedule by putting all of my appointments on a calendar. I try my best to follow my calendar as strictly as possible. This helps me to stay on track and allows me not to forget any of my planned engagements.”

How do you maintain your physical physique?

“I maintain my physique by walking a lot of miles. I try not to lift very heavy weights because I don’t want to get too buff. I want more of a swimmers body than a weight lifters body.” How many times do you workout in a week? “I workout about 4 times a week just to maintain my shape.”

Do you have any favorite workout? “My favorite workout is walking. I enjoy it. I am at a peace when I have my headphones in while walking, it allows to think and daydream.” Is there any work out routine that you find is very challenging? “I find yoga very challenging and very interesting.”

What types of food do you eat? “I eat a little bet of everything. I try my best not to over indulge on any type of food.” Do you have any meal plans or your own customized meal plans at all? “I do not have any meal plan but I try to keep away from some unnecessary calories. I rarely drink sofa, juice or put creamer or sugar in my coffee.”

Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? “When I turned 30 I realized that being fit and healthy was a must for me to achieve my goal. Being fit and healthy will boost self-confidence.”

Was there someone who influenced you? “No one influenced me to get fit. I truly believe that for one to get fit and healthy it must come within. You must want to be fit and healthy and you must have a goal and a plan. Most people want to lose weight and get a little healthier but they are not ready to put in the work. If you want to lose weight do not make excuses.

No it’s too cold outside, no it’s raining, and no I am tired. If you want it bad enough, no excused will deter you from achieving it.”

What food or drinks you can’t resist and why?

“I love pounded yam and egusi soup. Pounded yam and egusi soup is a Nigerian dish and I can’t resist it.

I truly can’t tell you why I can’t resist it but if I was to guess why it might be because it tastes so good. My mouth is starting to water just by writing and thinking about it.”

Name your fitspiration icons or models you look up to. “I look up to male model David Gandy because he is one of the best in male modeling world.

The gift of being able to display different emotions through the eyes is a skill that a lot of male models do not have. When I look at picture I usually look at the eyes and I want to feel something. I don’t care if it is sadness or happiness. Mr. Gandy perfected the art of modeling so well that if you look at his picture he always displays an emotion through his eyes. I am always working to perfect that skill.”

Tell us 5 characteristics that fans don’t know about you. “I am very humble. I am encouraging, respectful, optimistic and understanding. Do you have any pet peeves in workout or gym etiquettes? “I really can’t stand when someone ask to workout with me and complain the whole time.”

What are your final messages to your fans that constantly follow you or at least look up to you?

“Please know who you are as a person because if

you know who you are then no one can change you into someone that you are not. Always believe in your abilities and if you are insecure about your abilities work hard to improve them and try your best to perfect them. I like to think of myself as abnormal because to me being normal is being basic. A person’s abnormality makes them very unique. I live strongly by these 4 words. DREAM+PASSION+DRIVE=SUCCESS. Always dream big and never let anyone who didn’t have your vision deter you from achieve greatness. Stay positive minded and always try your best to inspire others through your passion, drive and success. No one can be you but you, when you try to be like someone else you will lose who you are.”

Wave your magic wand, where do you see yourself in 10 years? “In ten years I see myself being well known all over the world not only for my looks but for the passion I have to inspire others. I see myself writing an inspirational book. I see myself as a husband and a father of 3 or 4 lovely and happy kids. In 10 years I will be the most inspirational and successful Nigerian born male model.”

Do you have your final fitness and workout messages or reminders? “Know what your goals are and work hard to achieve it and no more excuses. If you really want it please go and get it because no one is going to give you that perfect body you crave but you.”

Franklin Tochi Nwosu Age: 31 Birth place: Nigeria Instagram: @officialtochinwos Facebook: Malemodel franklin tochi Nwosu

fitness breakout

CenterStage

FIT

SPIRATION

: F E H C R

E T S A M E

TH

Serving

Healthy Options

S

By Ian Carlo Bajada

haun Lawson

Photographs by Gilles Crofta Matt Marsh Stewart Williams

fitness Breakthroughs

As a teen, Shaun Lawson was very active.

Playing sports was his life. After leaving school, he decided to take on his other passion as a career...

FOOD! He did a 3 year course in Hospitality Management to fulfill his dream of becoming a Chef. Shaun ended up losing muscle. He had gained through sport and turning it all into fat as a result of his long and unpredictable hours working with food in awardwinning restaurants. He managed to reach 90kg by the age of 21! He felt tired, sluggish and most of all unhappy about his physique. The denial spiraled out of control to a point where he knew he had to change his life. This triggered a new dream to become the first Shredded Chef! Shaun joined a local gym and started eating correctly and training. He got his weight down to 72kg in 8 weeks! Friends and family thought he was sick. After training for 2 years, he decided that it was time to start competing in order to take his training to the next level and inspire people to be better than what they perceive is their best! Since then, Shaun has competed in several competitions, winning the Miami Pro European Championships and featured in The Sun newspaper. He competed in his first fitness modeling competition in April 2013.

In those span of year/s, who was your inspiration in modeling/fitness business? “I am inspired daily by different people who have changed their lives through fitness through to top body builders, muscle and fitness models such as Phil Heath, Jay Cutler, Jaco de Bruin and Simmeon Panda.”

When you were growing up, what was your goal/s or perhaps your dream when you were little?

“I always wanted to work in hotels and restaurants.

These, with my passion for fitness made me want to inspire people and help them realize that regardless of what hours you work and what industry you work in you can always find time to pursue your passion.”

What was/were the experience/s when you first start your first ever modeling gig and fitness business?

“At first I was overwhelmed by the other competitors and I expected it to be a very competitive environment,

however I was pleasantly surprised by the level of support and friendliness I experienced.”

How do you manage your time with you busy schedule? “I make sure that regardless of what shift I am working, whether I finish at 4pm or 11pm I make time to train. Whether it is a 20 minute high intensity sprints on the street or a full workout at gym I do something to keep up my fitness levels.”

How do you maintain your physical physique?

“By keeping a regular fitness regime and sticking to a healthy food options.” How many times do you work out in a week? Do you have any favorite workout?

“At least 6 times a week. Yes, my favorite body part to train is chest.” Is there any workout routine that you find it very challenging? “No because I understand the benefits of every type of training which motivates me.”

What types of food do you eat? Do you have any meal plans or your own customized meal plans at all? Can you share us? “I try stick to whole unprocessed foods, such as grains, vegetables and lean meats. When I am competing I have a strict eating plan but when I am not competing I have learnt through years of eating and training what my body needs to stay fueled and in shape. The biggest piece of advice I can share with you is to make the right choices when deciding what to eat.”

Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? Was there someone who influenced you? “When I was overweight and had lost all of the weight I realized how much easier normal daily activities were and how much better I felt physically and mentally. That’s when I realized that I can’t go back.”

What food or drinks you can’t resist and why?

“I became a chef because I love all kinds of food but I have learnt that when it comes to junk food I need to eat in moderation. Some of my weaknesses are chocolate, biscuits, crisps and fast food in general.”

Tell us your characteristics that fans don’t know about you? “I am shy. I am extremely determined and give 110% to everything I do. I am self-

“You determine your own future. Don’t let anyone tell you can’t be what you want to be, because with passion and drive there is no limit to what you can do! Just keep on being better than you were yesterday!” conscious. I am caring and compassionate.”

Do you have any pet peeves in workout or gym etiquettes? “People not replacing their weights at the gym. Negative attitudes and excuses. Being asked mid set ‘how many sets do you have left’ and the person staring at me until I am done. These are the times when I feel my focus is mist challenged.”

What are your final messages to your fans that constantly follow you or at least look up to you? “You determine your own future. Don’t let anyone tell you can’t be what you want to be, because with passion and drive there is no limit to what you can do! Just keep on being better than you were yesterday!”

Wave your magic wand, where do you see

yourself in 10 years? “I would like to own my own restaurant serving healthy food to help people achieve their fitness goals. I want a family that I include in my fitness activities so that they can be the best that they can be.” What are your final fitness and workout messages or reminders? “Never skip leg day! Always make sure you are training to your full potential. If it’s not hard work then it’s not working.”

Shaun Lawson Age: 26 Instagram: @shaunl88 Twitter: @ShaunLawson2

fitness breakout

WORLD’S

BEST Airlines

Who think outside the box

By Everett Potter

Great companies always think outside the box. In the recent Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards survey, the Kiwi Airline came in no. 2. And while readers didn’t specifically rank in flight entertainment, ANZ’s (Air New Zealand) fresh, amusing spin on the standard safety video surely gave passengers a memorable impression of the airline. But, what makes a world class airline? Well, according to travelers and passengers of Travel + Leisure, the factors that affect the performance of a competitive airline are the following: cabin comfort, in-flight service, customer service, value and food. It’s no doubt that these following airlines keep the passengers travel a lot and keep coming back to their world class service.

1 2 3 4 5

Singapore Airlines Air New Zealand Emirates Korean Air Cathay Pacific Airways

6 7 8 9 10

Asiana Airlines Virgin America Qatar Airways Virgin Atlantic Airways Thai International Airways

No. 1 Singapore Airlines For the 17th year in a row—ever since T+L inaugurated the World’s Best Awards—Singapore Airlines has been readers’ overall favorite. This year, the airline came out on top in every category: cabin comfort, food, in-flight service, customer service, and value. The 32-inch seat pitch in economy class helps, as do the flight attendants, famous for their above-and-beyond service and sarong and kebaya uniforms. Bedtime turndown service is even part of the flying experience for those with pockets deep enough to book the A380 first-class suites that feature sliding doors, 23-inch TVs, and stand-alone beds hand-stitched by master Italian craftsmen Poltrona Frau.

No. 2 Air New Zealand The Kiwi carrier has been steadily climbing up the ranks of the world’s best airlines. Two years ago, Air New Zealand ranked seventh, and last year, it was fourth. Cabin comfort, food, and especially improved in-flight service vaulted it into the No. 2 position this year. T+L readers felt that the airline’s value had improved during the past year, and its innovative OneUp program, which allows you to bid for an upgrade seven days before you fly internationally, beats paying through the nose for business or first. Another popular innovation: cuddle class, an economy row of three seats that can convert to a bed.

No. 3 Emirates Emirates have slipped slightly from No. 2, a spot it held for the past two years. While the airline maintained steady scores for cabin comfort, inflight service, and food, readers demoted both the airline’s customer service and value scores this year.

Still, there’s nothing wrong about coming in third.

And forward-thinking innovations like the airline’s signature Shower Spa in first class should keep the airline up to speed with the very best.

No. 4 Korean Air Korean Air vaulted up the list from last year’s ninth place, thanks to major improvements in readers’ perceptions of in-flight service and food, as well as cabin comfort and value. Tastier Western, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean dishes have certainly helped.

But, taking a page out of Singapore Airlines’ book, it’s the improved level of service that has brought

this airline into the rarefied ranking of our top five carriers.

No. 5 Cathay Pacific Airways Cathay Pacific went up the list from seventh place last year. The airline worked hard and offered improvements in every area, according to our readers, but especially in the areas of value and food. Leave it to Hong Kong–based Cathay to be among the first to have rice cookers on board. Each seat is outfitted with power outlets and iPod and USB ports—not to mention a 32-inch seat pitch in economy class—and these special touches keep the airline highly ranked for cabin comfort.

No. 6 Asiana Airlines Asiana is the comeback kid this year. The carrier fell to No. 13 in our 2011 rankings, but in 2010, it was No. 6. What’s the story? According to T+L readers, Asiana has upgraded its cabin comfort, in-flight service, customer service, and value. It fell a little short in its food ranking, but it was so much better in the other critical areas that it’s firmly back in our top 10. Now that Asiana, like its formidable Asian peers, offers suites, it’s clearly a contender.

No. 7 Virgin America Virgin America remains the highest-ranking U.S. airline in our survey, despite slipping two slots in the overall rankings from last year. (It holds up even better among the survey’s domestic rankings with a No. 1 rank in every category.) The Red touch-screen system that allows you to order snacks and drinks, shop, and give back to fight cancer or to offset your carbon footprint is a prime example of how Virgin America is truly in step with the expectations of 21st-century travelers.

No. 8 Qatar Airways Ranked No. 11 in 2011, Qatar has made a move into the top 10, although not yet back to the No. 3 ranking it earned from readers in 2010 or 2009’s No. 2 spot. Readers did give kudos to improvements in the airline’s in-flight service and to welcome changes in cabin comfort, namely the 32-inch seat pitch.

Hiring celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa to oversee the in-flight menu is another crowd-pleaser.

No. 9 Virgin Atlantic Airways Virgin Atlantic ranked eighth last year and could use a little maintenance in the eyes of T+L readers. The airline fell a bit short in every category this year, but most especially when it came to food, in-flight service, and value. Even cabin comfort was found to be less comforting this year compared to last. That said, the airline still made it into the survey’s top 10—and continues to make headlines for its cheeky spirit. Earlier this year, for instance, Upper Class passengers had the distinct pleasure of drinks served with ice cubes crafted to resemble Sir Richard Branson’s head.

No. 10 Thai International Airways Ensconced at No. 10, as it was in 2011, Thai Airways pretty much maintained the status quo, according to our survey, although readers did feel that the airline offered more value than it had in the past. Thai has certainly been keeping up with other quality carriers, installing niceties like Audio Visual on Demand (AVOD). But since most of its flights are within Asia or to Europe (with North American service only to Los Angeles), it lacks the visibility of the top-dog Asian airlines. Regardless, our readers think it deserves top 10 status.

COVER STORY

ModelPowerhouse: Leading Light

of a

Football Luminary

Feature by Iya Isabelle Bluewater Ian Carlo Bajada Isaac Christopherson Photographs by H&M David Beckham Body Wear UNICEF Per-Anders Petterson Style by H&M Biography credit David Beckham

DAVID BECKHAM

CenterStage

D

FIT

SPIRATION

avid Beckham

The soldier is the army and the army is the soldier. He wins by outthinking and outfighting his opponent with the best tools at his disposal. A thousand years ago, horses and armor, swords, shields, and lances represented the best tools for fighting at anyone’s disposal. With them, men clashed in battle, outthought and outfought each other as individuals and as armies, and decided the fates of many great cultures.

Fast forward to the present day and these tools of war have long passed into history, replaced by weapons faster, more precise, and infinitely more destructive. Still, history can surprise us with the resiliency of the old.

America’s first major battle of the 21st century featured high tech Special Forces soldiers riding horses into battle with their Afghan allies much like the days of old – albeit supported by pilots in the likes of F-16s and F-18s instead of archers.

Regardless of the time or the place, the warrior within a man stays the same. He learns strategies that follow the principles of the ages.

In the context of Football, they are somehow related. In Britain, David Beckham has better captured the essence of strategy inside and outside the football field.

To win whole means to win with your resources and your objective intact. Any other result means you have at least partly failed at your mission. When you fight, you fight for something of value, and should you destroy yourself or that something of value while fighting to obtain it, then you have lost your real purpose for fighting. A football player is not only fearless in training and in games. As a team and significant key player of a match, it is about winning whole. One should remove the enemy’s hope for victory, use all your advantages, exploit your enemy’s weaknesses, and attack along an unexpected line. These strategies made him a football legend and his football career lasted for a long period of time.

David Beckham is one of the Britain’s most iconic athletes and decorated football players of all time. He is the most capped out-

field player in the history of the English game.

Beckham’s career began when he signed a professional contract with Manchester United, making his first-team debut in 1992 aged seventeen. During his time there, United won the Premiere League title six times, the FA Cup twice and the UEFA Champions League and the World Club Championship in 1999.

Beckham was runner up in the FIFA ‘World Player of the Year’ Awards in 1999 and 2003. In 2003, he left Manchester United to sign for Real Madrid, where he played for four seasons. While at Madrid, Beckham became the first British footballer to play 100 hundred Champions League matches and, in his final season, Real Madrid clinched the 2006 – 2007 La Liga championship title.

In 2007, Beckham moved to LA Galaxy in a world record breaking five year deal before loaned under a unique time-share agreement to AC Milan in January 2009 and then again in January 2010. While playing with the LA Galaxy, Beckham won two MLS Cup Championships in 2011 and 2012. Beckham has most recently signed a five month deal with Paris Saint Germain at the end of January this year.

He has also been appointed global ambassador by the Chinese Football Association.

Married to Victoria and father to four children, Beckham’s fame extends far beyond the pitch. Noted as a keen advocate of charitable work, he has supported UNICEF since his days at Manchester United becoming a Goodwill Ambassador in 2005 with a special focus on UNICEF’s Sports for Development program.

David is also on the Leadership Council for charity Malaria No More. Born in the East End of London, Beckham has been a passionate supporter of London 2012, playing a key part in securing the Olympic Games for his home city – David is an ambassador for London 2012.

fitness Breakthroughs He’s known for scoring big goals in Europe - and trying to do the same thing in America. His pinpoint kicking accuracy has made him one of soccer’s biggest stars, and his moviestar status makes him one of the world’s most recognizable people. Here’s a closer look at David Beckham!

David Beckham: Growing Up

Soccer has always been the biggest thing in David’s life. He and his dad used to play for hours when he was a kid. Because he was always kicking the ball around, David never did all that well in school. He dropped out when he was 16 and went to play soccer for Manchester United’s junior team. He played his first pro game for Manchester two years later when he was only 18 years old.

By 1996, David was a regular with the Manchester team and one of the most popular players in England due to the fact that he helped the team win an FA Cup and a Premier Division title in the same year.

David was also the FIFA World Player of the Year runner-up in 1999 and 2001.

One year later, in 2002, David helped England advance to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in South Korea and Japan. Unfortunately, David and his team lost to Brazil that year. In 2003, David was transferred to Real Madrid in Spain for a mind-boggling $40 million. But after being plagued by injury and scandal, the English soccer star decided he needed a change in scenery. In 2007, just like Pele (aka Edson Arantes do Nascimento did in back the 1970s, David got on a plane and took his famous game to the U.S., signing an enormous five year $250 million contract to play for the LA Galaxy of the MLS. But his injuries subsisted and he missed quite a few games with the Galaxy at

the start of his contract.

By the time he was healed and ready to play, it seemed like it was already too late. Despite scoring a goal and assisting his American teammate Landon Donovan, the Galaxy failed to qualify for the end of season playoffs.

In October 2008, Milan in Italy announced that David was going to join them on loan for a short while. Even though David made it clear that he was NOT leaving the MLS and would return to play in LA at the start of the 2009 season in March, the move didn’t sit too well with Galaxy fans. They were angry and didn’t seem to lake David that much – some held signs up at games saying, “Go home fraud” and “Part time player.”

Still, David decided to go play on loan with Milan for a second season. Unfortunately, while in Italy he tore his left Achilles tendon and needed surgery in March 2010. Because of his injury, he was forced to miss the 2010 FIFA World Cup as a player.

In May 2010 it was announced that David Beckham would work as a mediator between management and the players and as an English member of the coaching staff for the England national football team at the 2010 World Cup.

David Beckham: Glam Life

David’s personal life is just as headline-worthy as his soccer career. Since the beginning of his professional soccer career, Beckham has been the subject of paparazzi attention.

That media attention skyrocketed when he married Posh Spice, the British singer for the popular group the Spice Girls. In 2002, he had the movie Bend it Like Beckham named after him - although he never appeared in the Keira Knightley flick.

David Beckham Charity Work, Events and Causes

Among his many philanthropic interests, soccer superstar David Beckham is a founding member of the Malaria No More UK Leadership Council, and a supporter of Help for Heroes, a charity aimed at helping injured service personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

His own charity, the Victoria and David Beckham Charitable Trust, provides wheelchairs to children in need, and his focus on helping children has led to his appointment as a UNICEF Ambassador.

In this role for the international charity, Beckham’s focal point is UNICEF’s Unite Against AIDS Campaign. He traveled to Sierra Leone in January, 2007 with the organization, and following the visit he commented on his experiences there:

“We can’t turn a blind eye to the tens of thousands of young children who die every day in the developing world mostly from causes that are preventable.”

“In Sierra Leone, one in four children dies before reaching their fifth birthday – it’s shocking and tragic especially when the solutions are simple – things like vaccinations against measles or using a mosquito net to reduce the chance of getting malaria. Saving these children’s lives is a top priority for UNICEF and as an ambassador I hope I can help to draw attention to this issue across the world.”

Beckham helped raise $185,500 for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) by auctioning off two tickets to the World Cup party on eBay. He was entered into NSPCC’s Hall of Fame in 2004. In March, 2008, Beckham visited Xinhua Hospital in Shanghai to visit children with leukemia.

David Beckham has supported the following charities: CHOC Children’s, Comic Relief, Elton John AIDS Foundation, FC Harlem, Help for Heroes, Malaria No More, mothers2mothers, National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Peace One Day, Prince’s Trust, Raising Malawi, Red Cross, Sport Relief, UNICEF, Victoria and David Beckham Charitable Trust and WildAid.

UNICEF SOCCERAID FOR TYPHOON HAIYAN Photo credit Per-Anders Peterson

HIGHLIGHTS OF FOOTBALL CAREER

fitness breakout

Cities in some of the world’s biggest economies like the U.S. and Japan don’t make the cut. So, which are the world’s best places to live in? Read ahead to find out.

Vienna, austria

The World’s Best Places To Live

By Rajeshni Naidu-Ghelani

Can there be a city that is crime and pollution free, with excellent public transport and great schools to boast?

Human resources consulting firm Mercer has put together a list of cities that come closest to offering you all that. In its 2012 and 2013 Quality of Living report it looks at living conditions in 221 cities worldwide and ranks them against New York as a base city in 10 categories - economy, socio-cultural, environment, politics, education, and healthcare.

Austria’s most populous city – Vienna – has won the title of the world’s best city for quality of life since 2009. It is also one of eight European cities to make the top 10 list, showing the region’s dominance in the survey Vienna is the cultural, economic, and political center of the country. It has the highest per capita GDP among all Austrian cities at over $55,000. Vienna’s ability to transform old infrastructure into modern dwellings won the city the 2010 United Nations urban planning award for improving the living conditions of its residents. Under a multimillion-dollar program, the city refurbished more than 5,000 buildings with nearly 250,000 apartments. Vienna is also the world’s No. 1 destination for conferences, drawing five million tourists a year — equivalent to three tourists for every resident. The country’s economy has, however, not been immune to the crisis plaguing Europe, and shrunk 0.1 percent in the third quarter of the year, as the European Union entered its second recession since 2009.

ZURICH, switzerland

auckland, new zealand

Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, keeps the number two spot from last year after holding the title of the city with the best quality of life in the world previously. It is also one of three Swiss cities to make the top 10 rankings – tying with Germany for the most number of cities on the list. Known as a global financial center, one out of every nine jobs in Switzerland is based in Zurich. Its low tax rates attract overseas companies and the assets of the 82 banks based there are equivalent to more than 85 percent of the total value of assets held in Switzerland. The city is also the country’s biggest tourist destination, famous for its lakeside location and chain of hills that run from north to south, providing an extensive range of leisure activities.

The cost of living in Zurich is the sixth highest in the world, according to Mercer. Both Zurich and Geneva make Switzerland the most expensive country to live in in Western Europe. The city also attracts people to buy luxury properties here, because of its low taxes, safety record and good education system, according to real estate firm Knight Frank.

New Zealand’s largest and most populous city, Auckland, offers the best quality of life in the Asia-Pacific region, now for the second year in a row. It has been consistently placed within the top five best places to live in for the past six years.

Auckland is uniquely set between two harbors, with 11 extinct volcanoes and numerous islands making it the city with the world’s largest boat ownership per person.

Auckland is New Zealand’s economic powerhouse - its 1.4 million people account for more than 30 percent of the country’s population and contribute 35 percent to the country’s GDP. Auckland is also home to the most educated people in the country, with nearly 37 percent of its working population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

In March, the city launched a 30-year initiative called “The Auckland Plan” to make it the world’s most livable city. The plan aims to tackle challenges in transport, housing, job creation and environment protection. However, the city has been impacted by the global economic slowdown. In the third quarter New Zealand’s unemployment rate hit a 13-year high of 7.3 percent.

munich, germany

vancouver, canada

Munich is Germany’s third largest city and one of the country’s key economic centers. It is also one of three German cities to dominate the top 10 rankings for the best quality of life.

Holding on its fourth spot from last year, Munich is home to some of Germany’s most notable businesses, including engineering firm Siemens and insurer Allianz. The city generates nearly 30 percent of the gross domestic product of the State of Bavaria.

Munich’s per capita purchasing power was more than $33,700 in 2011, the highest among all German cities and 30 percent above the national average. Drawing immigrants to its industries from all over the world, more than a fifth of the city’s residents are foreigners.

Munich ties fellow German city Frankfurt for having the second best infrastructure in the world, according to Mercer. In total, four German cities including Dusseldorf and Hamburg dominate the top 10 infrastructure rankings highlighting the country’s first-class airports and high standard of public services.

Vancouver is the only Canadian and North American city to make the top 10 list this year, similar to 2011.

Vancouver has made it to a number of rankings on the world’s most livable cities over the past decade and has been among the top five in the Mercer quality of living survey for the past six years. Home to one of the mildest climates in Canada, Vancouver is also its greenest city with the smallest carbon footprint of any major city in North America. Surrounded by water and snowy mountains, Vancouver’s government constantly promotes green building, planning, and technology with the ambition of becoming the world’s greenest city by 2020.

In terms of infrastructure, Vancouver also tops the rankings for North America at ninth with Montreal and Atlanta landing in 13th place. Overall, Canadian cities still dominate the top of the rankings for North America despite only Vancouver making it into the global top 10. Ottawa comes in at 14, Toronto at 15 and Montreal at 23, while it’s closet U.S. competitor is Honolulu at 28 globally.

PHOTOGRAPHY FEATURE ADVERTORIAL

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WINNERS, LOSERS,

In a world where everyone wants to shine, real champions possess a strong work ethic and a certain amount of humility. They single handed after the playing field by elevating everyone in their midst.

What really matters?

• Mentality over Muscle The thin line between victory and defeat is one is one composed not of muscle but mentality. Definite winners and losers are the ones who single-handedly after the playing field by dramatically influencing the approach and attitude of their teammates. “One of the most important things a leader does is to promote the idea of task cohesion” Patrick Devine said.

• Not by Talent Alone Talent alone, however, is not enough. “Great players can have great impacts, but great players with great attitudes have really great impacts.” It’s like when a star comes along and spreads his intensity and desire to the other players, it’s huge. When what drives you, as opposed to being a part of a team and winning a championship, you’re doomed to fail. Along with talent, there are several attributes that all winning teams possess.

• Work Ethic If you have a player who is constantly working to improve, it’s the number one sign of a winner who’ll making winning contagious. The focus isn’t 100% on outcome, but on getting better and making the people around you better. If players see their star working his tail off, they’ll fell compelled to do the same. The whole mentality was based on working as have as use you could and as smart as you could.

• Humility Humility leads to an understanding that I’m not always the best, and that another person on any given day can win. If you look at the best athletes, must display this sort of respect for opponents.

• A Love of Pressure You see how much fun it is playing in front of that many people, so instead of becoming nervous; you should be really excited. The level of concentration should be night rocket high. That’s when you truly excelled.

• Self-motivation For many teams and athletes, dominance can lead to complacency. As a result, true winners motivate from within. Sometimes this means convincing oneself, and one’s team, that tough times are important and imminent. Success is directly related to motivation. “When someone believes it’s him against the world, it doubles his resolve – even if it’s not true.”

RONALDO STRIKING BOUNDARIES:

Written by Matthew Futterman Joshua Robinson Reed Johnson Tim Lewis Ian Carlo Bajada Photographs by Peter Hapak CR7 Nike Biography credit Ronaldo’s Moments KidzWorld Workout Plan credit Men’s Health

WORLD’S BEST ATHLETE

WORLD’S FITTEST MAN

How Do You Stop a Superstar Like Cristiano Ronaldo?

Since the U.S. men’s national soccer team began its string of participating in seven straight World Cup tournaments in 1990, it has faced world champions and all-time greats.

They have never, however, had to figure out how to stop the likes of Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

A dozen years into his storied career, any superlative that can describe the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year has been used. Ronaldo is ridiculously fast, sometimes appearing faster with the ball than without it. He has unmatched foot skills, and he is as driven a competitor as the human race can produce.

World-wide, he has one peer. “Messi is an artist turned footballer,” said Arsenal coach Arsène Wenger, referring to Argentina’s Lionel Messi. “But Ronaldo is an athlete.”

He doesn’t like to just beat opponents as much as obliterate them, even if it means running up the score, ripping off his shirt and flexing for the cameras, as he did in last month’s UEFA Champions League final. Still

just 29, he has scored more than 300 goals for club and country, including an outrageous 51 this season as he led Real Madrid to the European club title.

“If he has a good day, he can do anything,” said Jermaine Jones, a physical midfielder for the U.S. who figures to shoulder part of the burden of slowing down Ronaldo. “He is a perfect player. But you wake up in the morning, he feels good, you feel good, and then you go have a battle.”

As the U.S. prepares to face Ronaldo and Portugal on Sunday in Manaus—the second match for each team in the World Cup’s group stage—everything is falling into place for the Americans, who won their crucial opener against Ghana on Monday. Portugal, beaten 4-0

by Germany in its first game, has lost three of its top players to suspension or injury. A win would clinch a spot in the knockout round for the U.S.

Also, Ronaldo may be slightly hobbled. He has been suffering from chronic tendinitis in his knee the past month.

He cut short his training on Wednesday to treat the injury with ice, a common occurrence of late.

But then, even Ronaldo on one leg is as frightening a prospect as any U.S. team has ever faced.

The U.S. has lined up against top players before in the World Cup. The results have been respectable—surprising, even. The 1994 team played Brazil’s Romario at the height of his career; it lost 1-0. In 2002, the last time the U.S. faced Portugal in the World Cup, the Portuguese featured Luis Figo, who had been named the world’s top player in the previous year. The U.S. won, 3-2. In 2010 England brought Wayne Rooney; the Americans managed a 1-1 draw.

But those stars weren’t at the level of Ronaldo, who beats opponents every which way. He scored eight goals for Portugal in qualifying—three with his head, three with his right foot and two with his left. More troublesome, he scored about one-third of his 51 goals for Real Madrid this year by sprinting into open space on one of his deadly diagonal runs, picking up a pass and bearing down on a hopeless goalkeeper.

Unfortunately for the U.S., there is no corollary in soccer to the rules in American football allowing contact with receivers at the line of scrimmage. It is almost impossible

legally to slow an opponent before he gets the ball.

“The whole back line has to be very aware of where he is at every moment,” said U.S. defender Omar Gonzalez. “Once he starts to pick up speed, you can’t slow him down. So if you are one-on-one with him you have to try to hold him up until you can get some help.”

Ronaldo also roams the field like a predator, lining up on the left, right or in the center at any given moment.

Homework in the video room can only do some much.

“You can know exactly what Cristiano Ronaldo will do but that doesn’t mean you can stop him,” U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said recently.

What to do, then?

“Well, you can foul him,” said the U.S.’s DaMarcus Beasley, who had a shaky game at left back against Ghana, struggling to keep up with the speed and power of Ghana’s wingers. Beasley figures to bear much of the Ronaldo brunt on Sunday. “Everyone knows Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world. Even one or two extra guys can’t completely stop him.”

Jones said Thursday the team was taking inspiration from the NBA Finals in which the San Antonio Spurs beat LeBron James and the Miami Heat.

“I always say that a team is important, not just two or three players,” Jones said. “The Spurs were the better team and that is why they won the championship.”

In other words, stopping Ronaldo will take a combination of intense pressure on Portugal’s midfield—to make it difficult to feed him balls in dangerous positions—and at least two players to converge on him once he gets the ball. The more offensive-minded midfielders Michael Bradley and Alejandro Bedoya must chase back to fill in open spaces and help on defense. Fabian Johnson, the

right back for the U.S. who has been wreaking havoc with his runs up the wings the past month, will likely have to temper those efforts.

Johnson, who plays in Germany’s Bundesliga, said Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery of Bayern Munich, are the only players he has faced that he could compare with Ronaldo.

“Nobody stops these players,” Johnson said. “They will create chances every game.”

Cristiano Ronaldo:

Soccer’s Perfect Villain

It’s too early to tell who will be the hero of the 2014 World Cup. But one player already is emerging as the tournament’s favorite antihero and consensus whipping boy: Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese and Real Madrid superstar striker.

A longtime bête noire of the international soccer media, Ronaldo routinely gets chastised in the press for what is perceived to be his arrogance and preening selfregard. Although Ronaldo contends that his confidence is misconstrued as chest puffing, he seldom misses a chance to toot his own vuvuzela.

“I don’t think I have to show anyone anything,” he said at a news conference before Portugal’s opening match last week against Germany. “Look at my statistics and my CV—I have nothing to prove. My career has been great so far, and I just want that to continue.”

As a writer for Britain’s Daily Telegraph dryly noted afterward, “Portugal’s talisman has many qualities, but modesty is not one of them.”

But after Germany thrashed Portugal 4-0 in Salvador, Bahia, with Ronaldo playing conspicuously subpar, the schadenfreude overflowed from South America to Europe.

“You lost, playboy,” chortled a front-page headline in the Brazilian newspaper Folha de S. Paulo, next to a photo of a scowling, purse-lipped Ronaldo. “Ron-NILdo,” the German daily Bild cackled, making a pun out of the striker’s failure to net a single goal.

Even Ronaldo’s fellow Iberians couldn’t resist taking a whack. “A shadow of himself,” Spain’s El Mundo Deportivo wrote dismissively. Ronaldo also drew stinging criticism for ripping off his captain’s armband after Germany scored its third goal.

“There has never been a football player so disgusting as Cristiano Ronaldo,” Brazilian journalist Mário Magalhães fumed in a recent blog post. “He subverts the

noble idea of football as a collective agreement. He represents the climax of our narcissistic times.”

After being routed by Germany, Portugal now faces a must-win game Sunday against the U.S. in Manaus. Ronaldo reportedly is nursing a bad knee that could threaten his future career, but his plight is unlikely to elicit much sympathy beyond the Bay of Biscay.

So why the extreme antipathy? Is it his 21 million euro salary? His supermodel serial dating? His sculpted abs, which he never tires of displaying during warmups or after scoring goals? His habit of seemingly using stadium video screens as a personal vanity mirror for checking his grooming?

Ronaldo, after all, is hardly the first multimillionaire athlete to be found lacking in humility. But other jocks— Muhammad Ali and Joe Namath come to mind— made tactical boasting part of their personal legend.

Other contemporary soccer idols aren’t judged nearly as harshly. Brazil’s Neymar, still a boyish 22-year-old, gets a pass for his spiky, artfully mussed haircuts. Argentina’s Lionel Messi provokes grumbles in Buenos Aires for playing in Barcelona, but he’s generally regarded as easygoing and self-effacing, at least on the playing field.

One detects a certain double standard toward Ronaldo.

He’s considered a flop artist, but that’s hardly a capital offense in high-stakes modern soccer.

He never head-butted an opponent in a World Cup final, thereby getting ejected and probably costing his team a victory (see: Zinedine Zidane). He never held court on prime-time TV to announce which Rust Belt team he would abandon in order to chase megabucks in the Sunbelt (hello, LeBron James). Yet those athletes’ reputations have largely recovered.

Ronaldo never has been accused of biting an opponent or uttering racist slurs, like Luis Suárez, the Uruguayan goal-scoring machine who also plays for Liverpool of England’s Premier League. Yet after Suárez scored both goals in his team’s 2-1 victory over England on Thursday, his grinning, triumphant visage graced newspapers and websites world-wide. Ronaldo, by contrast, has been mocked with YouTube montages of him appearing near tears during the Germany debacle.

Nor is Ronaldo the first star footballer to be labeled with the dreaded M word, “metrosexual,” a term that was practically coined to describe England poster boy David Beckham. The difference, perhaps, is that Becks was clever enough not to take his ever-changing hairstyles and fashion mutations too seriously. In the British tradition of great pop chameleons, he tried on new identities and mix-matched personas with a wink and a

rib nudge that made even skeptical sportswriters smile occasionally.

Ronaldo, on the other hand, seems frozen into a rigidly impeccable self-image, right down to his manicured eyebrows. That dovetails with the impression, fair or unfair, that he’s not a true team player, but rather a pampered loner.

What no one ever has seriously disputed is his talent. If he pulls himself together to play against the U.S., it won’t make him universally beloved overnight. But it could be hard (or at least harder) to dispute his commitment to team and country. This time, Ronaldo may have more to prove than he thinks.

Growing Up

Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo was born on February 5, 1985, on the island of Madeira, which is a few hundred miles south of Portugal. He grew up in a small house in the city of Funchal and began playing soccer for a youth team in Madeira, where his dad was the team’s equipment manager. At just 12 years old Cristiano moved 600 miles toLisbon, which is on the mainland of Portugal, to play for Sporting Lisbon’s youth team. The move was a difficult one for Cristiano, since he was away from his family and many of his teammates made fun of his Madeiran accent.

Teenage Soccer Star

While some kids chose to tease Cristiano about his accent, no one was teasing him about his soccer skills.

His dazzling footwork and goal-scoring abilities made him a teenage super-star. He played his first game for Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese Super League when he was 17 and quickly became known as one of the most exciting young soccer players in the world.

Teenage Millionaire

Cristiano’s talent caught the eye of Manchester United manager, Alex Ferguson, who bought him from Sporting Lisbon for a mind-boggling $20 million US! Cristiano had great success playing for both Manchester United and for Portugal. He scored the opening goal for Manchester in their 2004 FA Cup victory and helped Portugal advance to the finals at Euro 2004. In 2009,Manchester United accepted an offer of 80 million pounds (that’s over $120 million US!) from Spain’s Real Madrid soccer team for Cristiano, who had apparently made it known he wanted to leave England for Spain.

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FITSPIRATION SPECIAL STORY

Royal Beauty:

The Fitness Transformation Feature by Ian Carlo Bajada Photographs by Jan Claud Candaza Marko “Burft” Sunguad Amcel Ong Glen Eric Tayag Ivan Bayot & Focus 5 Team Workout Clothes by Amazing Playground

Make-up by Tricia James Lubiano Special Thanks to Marvin & Igor of Slimmers World Makati, Arnaiz Ave. Amis Quizon Tumang of The Amazing Playground Slimmers World Makati, Arnaiz Ave. The Amazing Playground Miss World PH

Follow Zahra on Twitter and instragram @Zbiancasaldua

HIGHLIGHT SPECIAL: ZAHRA BIANCA A. SALDUA

fitness Breakthroughs

Zahra lived in Jordan for 13 years. Before she moved to the Philippines, she was so athletic that she played soccer, track, swimming, and almost made it to the Jordan National Badminton Team (but didn’t because she couldn’t get a Jordanian passport). She had an athletic body to go with that of course. Unfortunately, when Zahra moved to Philippines in June 5, 2005, she spent the first three months doing nothing but to eat and sleep.

She had no activities because she didn’t enroll into a school ‘til September. Even when she was in school, Zahra was still trying to fit in and figure out the culture. She gained weight and became around 140lbs.

She seesawed with that number that ‘til she became 18

going into her third year of college.

By the time she was taking her internship, Zahra gained another 10lbs because again, she wasn’t very active since. She didn’t have time to work out and all they did was eat in the office. So, she was 150lbs.

In her graduating year, she was 19 at that time, Zahra realized that she really needed to step up her game and lose all that weight.

She jogged 4-5x a week, even did some random dancing, Pilates, and trained out with the school cheerleading squad the Altas Perpsquad. From 150lbs, her weight became 132lbs. She hit my plateau and thought she wouldn’t be able to lose anymore since she was big boned and had Arabian blood (her mom

is Arab). She had a new found confidence and joined Miss World PH 2013.

When Zahra got in, she had to lose weight fast.

She barely had time to work out since they had so many activities for Miss World, so she made sure that she ate right by eating no carbs whatsoever and ate mostly fish, vegetables, and fruits. Also, she had a big help from a supplement called Dieneolean, a fat burning and a muscle-building supplement.

Zahra went from 132lbs to 126lbs in 2 weeks and lost another 4lbs the next two weeks because she continued her healthy eating. She ended up at 122lbs.

Now, she’s back to 130lbs because she have had 3 consecutive months of stress and that pushes her to stress eating due to late nights and low energy. But now, she’s back on track and soon you will see a different transformation.

In this feature, Center Stage is very lucky to have a woman who has diverse talents to inspire not only the today’s youth but also to women in every age.

Zahra Bianca A. Saldua or also known as Zahra Saldua

is an event and marketing specialist, Miss World Philippines 2nd Princess, TV and radio personality, and an events host. So, how long she’s been in the modeling business? “I don’t consider myself a professional model because I don’t do this fulltime, however I am a freelance model and I’ve been doing this since 2006.

So I’d say about 8 years,” she shares.

In those span of year/s, who was your inspiration in modeling or fitness business? “For modeling: Tyra Banks because proved to everyone that you don’t have to be a stick to be a model. For fitness: Carmen Elektra, Jennifer Aniston, and Jennifer Lopez because they are all in their 40s and still look amazing because they are dedicated to their healthy lifestyle and I am determined to be the same. But if it were a fusion of the two, my no-match choice would be Christy Brinkley.

60-something years old but she still looks like she’s in her 20s,” Zahra enumerated.

When you were growing up, what was your goal/s or perhaps dream? “Oh wow, that’s really a broad question for me. Although, I have to say that I

WORK HARD. PLAY HARD: Zahra together with Fitness Trainers - Marvin (Left Photo) and Igor (Middle Photo) of Slimmers World Makati, Arnaiz Ave. did have one sure dream that I’ve wanted since I was ten. This was literally my answer in the Q&A portion during the Miss World PH 2013 competition. I’ve always wanted to work for the United Nations. Traveling and helping people? That’s my ultimate dream.”

With her work, we cannot deny that schedule is sometimes hectic and full. So, how does she manage her time? “I keep track of what I do by having a planner and try to schedule everything. When I say everything I mean EVERYTHING. Schedule when to wake up and what I will be doing throughout the day.

I evaluate my priorities and get them finished ASAP because procrastinating just makes things worse. I learn how to say “No” to certain things. I make sure that all my plans coincide with each other. For example, if I have a meeting already in Makati on Monday, I try to set all my meetings in Makati on that same day so that I won’t have to fight traffic,” the Miss World 2nd Princess said.

Your work is very challenging, how do you maintain your physical physique? “I try as much as possible to work out at least 3x a week. There are seasons where I can’t work out because of my profession and I maintain my physique by eating healthy so that I won’t have much of a hard time at the gym when I get back.” Do you have any fave workout? “I love squats, leg workouts, and cardio. I just love it.” Is there any workout routine that you find it very challenging?

“There are many, however I have to admit that I seriously hate pushups, burpees, and planking. Those are the three worst workouts ever invented! But you gotta do what you gotta do.”

What types of food do you eat? Do you have any meal plans or your own customized meal plans at all? Can you share them with us? “I don’t have meal plans because I tried to do that but it’s really hard for me because I’m always outside. I just have rules: If it’s white, don’t bite. I.e. white sugar, white rice, white bread, you get the idea. No fried food, fatty food, oily food and junk food. No soft drinks or any high in sugar drinks. Avoid sweets, but if you’re really craving (especially for women) then indulge a little to avoid binge eating. Snack on fruits and veggies instead of chips and cookies. GO HEALTHY and find things that work for you. I eat basically anything so if I just follow these rules then I’ll be fine,” Zahra advised enthusiastically.

Since when did you start to realize that being fit and healthy is a must these days? Was there someone who influenced you? “I’ve always been into sports since I was younger so being fit and healthy has always been a part of me since I was 10 and started getting active. The person who first influenced me though, and is basically the person in my head when I work out, would be Uncle Mo. He used to be a body builder and when I was a 2-year-old toddler, he would bring me to the gym with him. We were very close and

as I grew up he taught me how to eat right, how to work out, and the importance of fitness and health in life.” What food or drinks you can’t resist and why?

“Honestly, I can’t resist GOOD food especially if it’s something that I don’t usually eat every day. I don’t have a favorite so everything is a temptation to me.

When it comes to drinks, I’m a big fan of Mango Juice and Chocolate Milk. Mango is my favorite fruit and chocolate milk just makes my life better especially on a stressful day.”Tell us 5 characteristics of you that fans don’t know? “I didn’t know how to put on makeup on my own until 2013, I prefer chucks over heels and gym clothes over gowns, I don’t drink or smoke at all, I very seldom go to the clubs. I’ve only been to the clubs probably 6X in my life and I’ve been single since birth.”

Do you have any pet peeves in workout or gym etiquettes? “Although sometimes I am guilty of it, I don’t like when people complain a lot in the gym. Just do your workout and get it over with. Also, I hate it when guys just leave the weights just anywhere. Seriously, you should put them back in the rack where you found it. Lastly, I don’t like it when guys start checking girls out, or worse, checking themselves out too much.” What are your final messages to your fans that constantly follow you or at least look up to you?

“Never let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do.”

Wave your magic wand, where do you see yourself in 10 years? “By that time I’ll be 32, so I’d probably be married and pregnant with my second child, but still a workingwoman who happens to be a business mogul in Asia and a personality in the Philippines,” she said optimistically.

Do you have any final fitness and workout messages or reminders that you wanted to share to the readers and to everybody? “Be patient and don’t stop. It’s only hard in the beginning, so you have to find ways to keep yourself motivated because once you start seeing results it’ll become addictive and a way of life. Don’t wait for people to help you or support you. Remember you’re doing this for yourself and no one else. If you don’t like a certain workout or certain diets, then ask for some help and find something that works for you because there are so many ways these days that can help you make fitness and workout fun.

Don’t set impossible goals like 10lbs in a week unless you have a ruthless trainer and you work out every day for 4 hours like in the biggest loser. Give yourself a little credit. DISCIPLINE IS KEY. Enough said.”

FITNESS REVELATION: Major transformations of Zahra Saldua

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CENTER STAGE FEATURE TRAINING REGIMEN

LEARN FROM THE PRO, ACT LIKE A PRO,

Follow Justin Woltering www.youtube.com/ watch?v=4xmMUqgnjMw Training regimen by Justin Woltering Feature by Ian Carlo Bajada Workout by Justin Woltering

www.facebook.com/Bigger.Better.

Faster.NOW

WORKOUT SPECIAL BY JUSTIN WOLTERING

Day 1: Squat

Day 3: Deadlift

1. Squats: 5 sets of 5 with the heaviest weight you can handle.

2. Leg Press: 3 sets of 15, using as full a range of motion as possible – no ego lifting!

3. Dumbbell Stiff Leg Deadlifts: 3 sets of 20, keeping your back perfectly arched. Switch to a barbell if your gym’s dumbbells are too light.

4. Weight Decline Sit-ups: 3 sets of 10, as heavy as you can handle. Hold the weight behind your head, not in front!

5. Seated Calf Raises: 3 sets of 15, squeezing and holding every rep at the top. This should hurt!

1. Conventional Deadlifts: Work up to one top set of 4 with as much weight as you can handle. Rest, decrease the weight by 40-50 pounds, and do as many reps as you can. Rest, and once more decrease the weight by 40-50 pounds and do as many reps as you can.

2. Front Squats: 4 sets of 6 with as much weight as you can handle. This exercise is hard, but don’t puss out! The low reps will keep you from seeing stars as the bar is pressed close to your neck.

3. Barbell Rows: 4 sets of 10. Go heavy, and cheat a little bit if you need to, but make sure your lats and traps are doing the work.

4. Ab Wheel: These are cheap and incredibly useful, so buy one if your gym doesn’t have one. Do 3 sets of 15-20 rolls, and have someone add a plate to your back if that gets too easy.

5. Standing Calf Raises: 3 sets of 20, again squeezing and holding every rep at the top.

When it comes to calves, it’s no pain, no gain!

Day 2: Bench Press 1. Barbell Bench Press: 5 sets of 5 with the heaviest weight you can handle.

2. Incline Fly-to-Press: Using dumbbells on an incline bench, descend into fly position but press the weight back up while squeezing your pecs.

4 sets of 15, and don’t be afraid to go heavy if your form is good.

3. Wide-grip Pull-ups: 4 sets of 10, adding additional weight as needed. Each set should be to near failure!

4. Incline Dumbbell Curl: Lie back on an incline bench, and strictly curl from top to bottom. 5 sets of 15 here, and don’t go so heavy you have to cheat!

5. Incline Skull Crusher: Superset these with the incline curls, 5 sets of 15.

Day 4: Military Press 1. Standing Military Press: 5 sets of 5 with the heaviest weight you can handle. It’s okay to cheat the first rep from a dead stop, but stay strict on every rep after.

2. Machine Incline Bench: Pick your favorite upper chest-focused pressing machine, and pump out 4 sets of 15 reps. Stretch your pecs between every set for maximum blood volume and growth.

3. Parallel-grip Pull-ups: 4 sets of 12, adding weight as necessary.

4. Side dumbbell raises: 5 sets of 20, and don’t go light! It’s okay to start the set with a decent range of motion, but to finish it with some partial reps and cheat reps. Side delts grow best from a combo of heavy weights AND high reps!

5. Reverse Pec-dec: 5 sets of 25. This time, be as strict as possible, and make every set burn!

The rear delts grow well from a lot of volume and pain.

MANNY PACQUIAO: Made From Training

Written by Mark Adrian Francisco Photograph by Chris Farina Tracy Lee

There is an old saying that “Practice makes perfect”, which can be applied to life in general whether it’s an artist mastering his craft, a soldier undergoing rigorous training or a dancer perfecting her pirouettes. But for an athlete, these words are seared in his mind and no other athlete has embodied this better than Manny Pacquiao.

Already considered as one of the greatest boxers of all time, Manny’s countless victories proves that unwavering discipline and a determined heart never goes unrewarded. His sheer determination and courage have inspired not just the Philippines, but the entire world. Manny has proven that one can achieve anything he sets his mind to. Champions are defined both by their victories and their struggle. Manny has not only always tasted victory, but instead of letting this loss dampen his spirit, it only fueled his desire to win even more – a trait of a true champion.

In the midst of the bone-crushing jabs and punches, what sets Manny apart from many sports superstars is his humility. The easy-going smile he flashes every time he enters the ring has mystified sports analysts for years. It’s as if Manny is not perturbed by the fact that a title is on the line, or that millions of people are watching around the world, or that he could get a beating from his opponent. For some, the weight of carrying the hopes of an entire nation on one’s shoulders is a daunting and even impossible task and may lead some crack under pressure. But it is not so for the People’s champ. Manny makes it look so easy and effortless. Once that bell rings and the ‘rumble’ begins, Manny lets go and does what he does best: fight with all his might.

The premise of sports is determining who the best is and being an athlete means competing with worthy opponents who challenge you. In a quest for supremacy, the athlete needs to be ready not just in terms of mental preparedness, but also equipmentwise. As a dedicated athlete, Manny knows that he needs to take advantage of the things that he already possesses. The first thing is the wisdom and persuasion of his coach and mentor Freddie Roach. Every technique that Manny employs in the ring comes from the experienced mind of Freddie Roach. It is advantageous for Manny to listen and to learn from someone who has already been in the same path he is now as Freddie Roach was once a professional boxer

too. This prevents Manny from making the same mistakes that Freddie Roach committed during his professional years. The country is also another thing that keeps Manny motivated knowing that he could bring honor to the Philippines and knowing that by stepping into the ring, he could unite a divided nation. But perhaps the greatest source of Manny’s determined focus is his family. His wife and kids give him strength and courage to do his best.

Training brings out the athlete’s passion for his sport. It is through this ritual of constant repetition of techniques and endless hours of pushing one’s self to the limit that brings out the athlete’s best form. Training shapes the athlete in a way that is uniquely his own. Because it is in training that he discovers things about himself that he didn’t know he possessed. One of the reasons why Manny keeps on winning is because of his unpredictability. Even if his trainings are shown on television and his workout regimen are broadcast all over the news, giving his opponents an ample amount of information they can use against him during the fight, Manny’s endless training sessions shaped him to become multi-dimensional fighter which no ones can seem to put into a box. It is always a new Manny that enters the ring every fight. His opponents can watch all his previous fights but still, they cannot anticipate the new techniques that Manny has picked up from his painstaking trainings.

Whether in or outside the ring, Manny Pacquaio has proven time and again that nothing can stand in the way of a man who is fueled with determination. Passion is a key in achieving the success that one aspires for. And Manny Pacquaio has showcased this before the Filipino people and the world in more ways than one. His drive and his perseverance affects the nation in a way no other person in this country can but what endears him more to the people is the fact that even though he is in the pinnacle of success, his feet are still firmly planted on the ground.

He continues to epitomize the saying “Practice makes perfect”, becoming better and better each time he enters the ring. Manny’s passion for excellence, with the help of superior training, is a lethal combination that can knockout any opponent with a single punch.

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