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The six local fitspirations who will finally get you moving

We get it: When it comes to working out, #TheStruggleIsReal. Faced with a busy schedule and the fact that you wouldn’t want to sweat even more in this already oppressive heat, it can be quite the challenge to put on your workout gear and head to the gym.

But let’s be real: Excuses, excuses. You know a little exercise never hurt anybody, and when you actually make the time and effort to pick up that dumbbell, you’ll see it’s worthwhile… especially when you see all the #gainz. So, how to finally sign up for that gym membership you’ve been delaying for, oh I don’t know, two years? All it takes is a little bit of inspiration.

Zee Lifestyle rounds up some of the city’s fittest. Scroll through this list, and we bet you’ll be saying #goals in your head at some point.

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PIO SOLON

Pio Solon (Photography by Jon Lim: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, July 2013)

Pio Solon (Photography by Jon Lim: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, July 2013)

WHAT HE DOES Owner and personal trainer at Epic Performance and Fitness Solutions

HOW HE STARTED Studying sports science in college, and being an age-group swimmer as well as teacher and personal trainer

FITNESS ADVICE People should be consistent with their workouts. Beginners have to be consistent, as it’s the fastest way to achieve progress and meet goals

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JAY CASTILLO

Jay Castillo

Jay Castillo (Photo by Arnauld)

WHAT HE DOES Regular gym and yoga.

WHAT GOT HIM STARTED Way back before, I used to be part of the badminton varsity team. Well, that says I really love to be fit.

SUPPORTING REGIMEN I don’t know if people would believe that I don’t have any supplements. Coffee is my pre-workout. Also, because of yoga, I’m an oriental vegetarian practitioner to prevent stiffening of the muscles.

FITNESS ADVICE Enjoy what you’re doing.

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NICOLE CAMBAL

Photo by David Gonzalo

Nicole Cambal (Photo by David Gonzalo for CrossFit Subtero)

WHAT SHE DOES CrossFit, yoga and accessory work like body building

WHAT GOT HER STARTED A desire to be more active. I used to have a very sickly body. I’d stay in bed sometimes because of how weak I was. Before CrossFit, I was 92 pounds and very underweight. Now I’m 105 pounds and I feel better and look better.

SUPPORTING REGIMEN I am on the Zone Diet, in which you measure your carbs, protein and fat, and eat steadily the same amount throughout the day to keep insulin and hormone spikes at bay. The only supplements I take are protein shakes and fish oil.

FITNESS ADVICE Wear something cute! Buy cute training bras that will help liven your mood to work out.

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ALAN CHOACHUY

Alan Choachuy (Photography by Jon Lim: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, July 2013)

Alan Choachuy (Photography by Jon Lim: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, July 2013)

FITNESS IS… about getting stronger, fitter and healthier.

WHAT HE DOES Owner and trainer at METAFit Fitness Boot Camp

WHAT GOT HIM STARTED Participating in The Biggest Loser and weighing in at 309 pounds. After coming out of the camp at 240 pounds, he incorporated fitness into his daily routine.

FITNESS ADVICE I’m living proof that you can be what you want to be, as long as you put your heart to it.

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PAUL GABATAN

Paul Gabatan (Photography by Jon Lim: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, July 2013)

Paul Gabatan (Photography by Jon Lim: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, July 2013)

WHAT HE DOES Professional TRX trainer

WHY HE LIKES TRX The workouts are very versatile and help you build a solid core and increase muscular endurance. It also benefits people of all fitness levels.

FAVORITE MOVEMENTS Atomic pushups, inverted rows, and single-leg jump squats as they give a total body workout.

FITNESS ADVICE I would strongly recommend hiring a certified TRX trainer to perform the exercises safely and effectively.

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CHIP LOPEZ

Chip Lopez

Chip Lopez

WHAT SHE DOES Crossfit. I also do TRX, yoga and boxing when I get the chance.

WHAT GOT HER STARTED I used to be very sickly growing up. Exercise was the only thing that made me feel better.

SUPPORTING REGIMEN I’ve been on a plant-based whole foods diet for three years now. I always have my protein shake to cap off every workout. I either take Superfood Grocer’s Superforce or Garden of Life’s Raw Meal, and I incorporate Superfoods in my diet like chia, moringa, maca, spirulina and camu-camu.

FITNESS ADVICE Find your WHY. This will continually serve as your motivation when it’s hardest to get out of bed. Also, take time to figure out what’s fun for you and what feels like punishment.

People

A Destination Wedding in Capiz; A Love Story in Focus

by Oj Hofer | photography by Pat Dy | styling by Romero Vergara | bridal gown & groom’s tuxedo by Oj Hofer

As June draws to a close—a month filled with vows, veils, and wedding bliss—it’s only fitting to end with a love story that began not in a chapel, but behind the lens of a camera. Meet the groom, Phillip Novo: a seasoned maritime officer commanding international vessels by profession, and a passionate hobbyist photographer in his downtime. Mr. Novo has captured countless scenes from around the world, but nothing compares to his candid portraiture study of the woman he would soon marry—Mitch Alianza—in a heartfelt ceremony at the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Roxas City, Capiz.

Philip keeps it classic in sun-washed Seychelles beige linen.

Mitch channels Persephone in a gown that blossoms with spring’s charm

Capiz became the couple’s destination of choice as an homage to the bride, who hails from the province. Historically, Capiz was the second Spanish settlement established in the Philippines. With its 80-kilometer coastline and a mesmerizing stretch of rivers and swamplands, the province offered a natural allure to the wedding party. Yet for the groom, it was more than scenery—it was about honoring his bride’s heritage and heart.

Their love story spans continents, email inboxes, and a few overpacked pieces of luggage. Phillip recalls their serendipitous encounter involving jumpsuits, hot air balloons, and the rhythm of a life lived in sync.

The Sacred Heart Shrine in Capiz, transformed into a lush tropical dreamscape.

Wicker baskets, solihiya chairs, and cascading greens brought understated elegance to the naturalistic reception at Istorya Forest Garden.

How did you meet Mitch?
Right after covering a friend’s wedding. I spotted her navigating the space with this quiet confidence. We didn’t even speak—just exchanged a look. Later came a few messages, a first date, and her walking toward me in a black jumpsuit. That moment? Unforgettable. I thought, “Ka-Vogue!”

When did you know she was the one?
Honestly, from the start. I had just closed a big chapter of my life—career goals, family responsibilities—and when I held her hand for the first time, I didn’t want to let go. Everything just aligned.

You proposed in Turkey—why there?
Cappadocia. Picture it: fairy chimneys, floating hot air balloons, and this surreal landscape. It felt like a dream, and in that dream, I asked her to marry me.

Who plans your trips—beach bum or mountain guy?
I map out the adventures, and Mitch plans what we wear on them. She packs only what fits and flatters—and trust me, she always looks like she stepped out of a fashion editorial. Our luggage deserves its own Instagram.

If you had 10,000 lives, would you marry her each time?
Every single time. Even if we met in another galaxy.

What’s one quirky thing you love about her?
She’s endlessly resourceful. Whether it’s an outfit or a life goal, Mitch can pull it together like no one else. She’s sharp, creative, and once she sets her mind on something, there’s no stopping her.

What’s your message to Mitch as you set off on this next big adventure together?
Hi, Love—keep holding my hand. No matter how the winds blow, let’s keep making memories, telling stories, and seeing the world—together.

A Sky Full of Balloons, a Heart Full of Yes — Philip Proposes to Mitch in Magical Cappadocia

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People

The Cardinals–an Amazing Gallery of Portraits on Cardinals in the Philippines by Artist Jun Impas

by Jing Ramos

With the recent death of Pope Francis on April 21, the Catholic Church is now focused on the election of the new Pontiff. The succeeding Pope will be challenged with continuing Pope Francis’ appointments and reforms, which leaned heavily on social justice and environmental issues.

According to the Code of Canon Law, the two most important functions of a Cardinal are to advise the Pope on matters of Church governance and global issues, and most importantly, to assume a vital role in electing a new Pope when the Holy See (Sede Vacante) is vacant.

In 6th-century Rome, the first individuals known as Cardinals were the deacons of the seven regions of the city. Since then, Cardinals have become a privileged group among the Roman clergy. It wasn’t until the 11th century that Cardinals were officially granted the right to elect a Pope. They were given the honor of wearing a red hat, which soon became their symbol. Often referred to as “Princes of the Church,” Cardinals wear distinctive red attire and are addressed as “Eminence,” a title that conveys dignity and respect.

Currently, one of the most favored contenders to continue Pope Francis’ progressive agenda is Cardinal Luis Tagle. He brings significant experience as the Pro-Prefect for the Section of the First Dicastery. Also serving as President of the Interdicasterial Commission for Consecrated Religious, Cardinal Tagle is the Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Urbaniana University. Beyond his titles, he is widely known in the Vatican as a trusted figure within Pope Francis’ core group.

Cardinal Luis Tagle and artist Jun Impas

Jun Impas, a highly respected Cebuano visual artist known for his realistic paintings, shares his gallery of Filipino Cardinals. The artist’s accurate and detailed depictions capture not only the physical likeness but also the presence of his subjects. “As a realistic painter, my works revolve around human figures, religion, significant cultural events, and quintessential Filipino scenes. I believe in the beauty of the ordinary, and that the most touching and telling of any story is better felt when captured in infinite duration, as in a realism painting,” the artist concludes.

Cardinal Orlando Quevedo

Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus of Manila Gaudencio Borbon Cardinal Rosales

His Eminence Pablo Virgilio David, Cardinal Bishop of Caloocan

His Eminence Ricardo J. Vidal, Cardinal Archbishop of Cebu

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Events

The First NUSTAR BALL

Janine Taylor, June Alegrado, Jackie Lotzof, Frances Siao, Ina Ronquillo and Christine Pelaez

The NUSTAR Ballroom, a magnificent venue at the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu, sets the stage for last night’s first-ever NUSTAR Ball.

Black was the color of night at the Zee table.

Glamorous guests from Manila and Cebu converged at the NUSTAR Ballroom, an exquisite venue within the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu. The evening unfolded with a seated 5-course dinner. The opulent feast started with Beetroot Salmon Gravlax, adorned with caper berries, caviar, set with delicate edible flowers; and a main course of Compressed Pork Belly with Crackling Skin and Baby Scallops. Another highlight was the auction of coveted items like Dior and YSL handbags, a limited-edition Bulgari watch, and an exclusive 2-night stay in Nustar’s opulent 3-bedroom villa—complete with a private pool and a dedicated butler. The charity evening benefited the Cameleon Association, an NGO based in Iloilo City created in 1997 that developed a global approach to act on the causes and effects of sexual violence against children.

Nora Sol, Beth Go, Frances Siao and Marylou Ong

Ina Ronquillo, Maryanne Aboitiz and Jackie Lotzof

Designers Jun Escario and Philip Rodriguez

Philip Rodriguez with NUSTAR Malls two power ladies: May Adolfo and Joanna Salazar

Lana Osmeña with Mariquita Yeung

PJ Castillo and Kaye Abad with Cary Santiago

Drew Sarmiento with LV Manager Adrian Decuigan

Cary Santiago with Eva Gullas

Manila socialites Julie Boschi and Ching Cruz with June Alegrado

It was a night of elegance, luxury, and unforgettable memories as ladies in long gowns and gentlemen in black ties danced the night away.

 

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