What keeps Regine Tolentino healthy and sexy
MANILA, Philippines - She parties her way to fitness. “Doing the Zumba is like having a party,” says Regine Tolentino dancer, fitness enthusiast, and licensed Zumba instructor. The Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that consists of dance and aerobic exercise routines brings together like-minded health buffs in an atmosphere of fun that engages them in an effective workout routine.
“It’s a fitness party with people you like,” Regine says. “You do different dance steps. It is not boring.”
The biggest Zumba event named “Zumba Stars Philippines Dance Concert” was held recently at the Market! Market! Activity Center. A first of its kind, the event was participated in by top licensed Zumba instructors from all over the country, members of ZIN (Zumba Instructors Network), and fitness enthusiasts as well as popular entertainers and celebrities.
A high-energy dance routine kicked off the afternoon’s Zumba fitness marathon led by Regine Tolentino together with her husband, actor Lander Vera-Perez, who is also a licensed Zumba instructor, and daughters Reigne and Reigen. Only 15 years old, Reigne is the youngest Zumba instructor in the country. She assists in the classes at her mom’s
dance studio as well as in events, as the family tours the country doing Zumba fitness concerts.
“Family fitness through Zumba is our advocacy,” says Regine, who is also an AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) instructor.
They espouse a lifestyle geared towards health and wellness while having fun. She had always been naturally “hyper,” says Regine, who grew up in the States. She was a cheerleader, attended dance classes and enjoyed ice skating.
Back in the Philippines, she put up her own dance studio, now in its 11th year, as well as a fashion boutique, now in its fifth year, which reflects her kikay side, she says. She also gives private dance and Zumba classes with high-profile celebrities such as Bea Alonzo, Julia Montes, Ryzza Mae, Gerald Anderson, JC de Vera, Tirso Cruz III, Jamie Rivera, Laurice Guillen, and Maxine Magalona, among her students.
“Zumba is for everyone, for all ages, male or female,” Regine says.
“It is the most popular fitness workout because it’s fun and easy to follow.” Her one advice is “to stick with it.” She says, “You can have a million reasons not to do it.” It helps if you have a support system at home, as it is with her and her family. It takes discipline. “Then you realize you can do it after all,” she asserts.
To stay fit and healthy, you need to follow a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle, Regine stresses. She does not smoke. She does not drink. She is in bed by 10 or 11 p.m. since she has to be up by 2 or 3 a.m. for her dance segment on GMA7’s early morning show Unang Hirit at 5:30 a.m. Whatever she does, she gives it her all. Sunday is her “cheat” day. Lunch is at her parents’ house where a 10-course meal is not unusual with paella, lechon and kare-kare. She skips the rice and soft drink. No rice with kare-kare? The vegetables take its place, she says. If it’s chicken, she has atchara to go with it. She eats tuyo with eggs. And she loves champorado. She has a sweet tooth, she confesses.
A student brings her toasted pastillas from Malabon, which she finds hard to resist. Fortunately, CalChews, a calcium supplement in a soft chewable candy form in chocolate and caramel flavors, is one sweet treat she need not feel guilty about. Adequate calcium absorption builds strong bones, optimizes bone mass, and helps reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life. Aside from calcium, CalChews contains vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption, and vitamin K, which protects the heart from calcium buildup that may lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries.
Physical activities, such as dancing and exercise, are good ways to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight, develop muscle strength, and promote strong bones. For the Zumba event, Regine created a special number billed as “Cal Chews Dance Moves,” which featured stretching and grinding (giling-giling) dance-exercise steps.
Regine is a joy to watch, bursting with energy. But it is not only her enviable 26-inch waistline that makes her sexy but also her sweet and pleasant disposition. “Be positive,” she says. “Keep a healthy balance. Keep your mind busy. Stay active.”
For Regine, Zumba is the best kind of exercise. “It is fun,” she says. “It’s a way of life.”
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CalChews is available in leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.
