Reigning Binibinis share fitness tips

CEBU, Philippines -  families out to celebrate Mother’s Day last Sunday and mall-goers who happened to walk past were treated to a glittering sight at the Ayala Activity Center, when Nestle Fitness flew in this year’s batch of Bb. Pilipinas title-holders.

Minus the half-Cebuana Bb. Pilipinas-International 2012 Nicole Schmitz who is currently in Australia, the four stunning beauty queens — Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Janine Mari Tugonon, Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism Katrina Jayne Dimaranan, first runner-up Elaine Kay Moll and second runner-up Annalie Forbes — headlined the consumer brand’s Zumba party and fitness day, much to the delight of pageant spectators. The girls also accommodated their camera-wielding fans with photo opportunities.

Filipinos really do love their beauty queens, as evidenced by the people who mobbed them and lined up to have their pictures snapped with the radiant Binibinis. Later on, the foursome changed into their active wear for the free Zumba sweat session. Who can resist joining in the fitness fun with the beauties leading the pack in all their long-legged glory?

On the sidelines, Cebuanos were able to try out free samples of Nestle Fitness Breakfast Cereals in its different variants. A free nutrition counseling booth, where anyone interested could learn more ways to manage their weight and health, was also set up in another part of the venue.

Even if Nicole wasn’t able to make it, the people from Nestle could not help raving about her. “Nicole is the best representation for fitness. She won the Nestle Fitness Best in Swimsuit during the pageant, so we think she is a good inspiration to women. Overall, we believe it is her confidence that perfectly embodies the Nestle Fitness brand. It is very evident in how she carries herself,” said JP Bayangos, Consumer Marketing Manager for Nestle Breakfast Cereals.

Except for the statuesque Moll (5’10”) who had already been here previously for a basketball game versus a team from the University of San Carlos, the other three were first-time visitors of Cebu.

We wasted no time in asking the ladies what it took to achieve their enviable Binibini-worthy bods.

Janine Mari Tugonon, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2012: “I haven’t been eating rice since last year. If ever I do, only during occasions or when I really need to. Less carbohydrates, more on vegetables, fruits and nuts. For breakfast, I usually have bread or salad, then another salad for lunch. I’m all about salads! I also eat fish, chicken and meat but very minimal. What I usually crave for is sisig, since that’s my favorite. But that’s so oily, right? So no sisig for me these days. As for my exercise routine, I go to the gym regularly and I do ballet at home. Soon, I’m going back to the studio of Ballet Manila to train again. For me, diet and exercise have to go together. Dieting alone does not work for me.”

Katrina Jayne Dimaranan, Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism 2012: “Well, it takes a lot of discipline. I remember a couple of years ago, I wasn’t really that fit. But then I realized that it’s better to be healthy, so you need to have proper diet and regular exercise, which are very important. Breakfast for me normally consists of whole grain toast or whole wheat. I also slice a banana and put organic peanut butter on top of it. Then soy milk. I love vanilla soy milk especially on my cereals. For lunch, a quick salad. If there’s no time for that, then I’ll have fruits instead. I take a small dinner, maybe something protein-rich like fish and chicken. A lot of wild fish is healthier, like what we usually buy in the province. Cravings? Chocolates, ice cream and a lot of pastries like donuts. But when I crave for sweets, I actually munch on Nestle Fitness cereals. It’s great that they have all these flavors, something that I would definitely recommend for anyone. In general, just always have a positive attitude towards life, because if you’re happy and you feel good about yourself, then it will show on the outside.”

Elaine Kay Moll, Bb. Pilipinas 2012 first runner-up: “I subscribe to the practice of achieving balance in everything. I can eat anything, but not too much. I have oats, bananas and cereals in the morning. For lunch, I’ll have meat or vegetables with rice. I can’t live without rice! I’m a basketball player also so I often go jogging usually with my teammates.”Annalie Forbes, Bb. Pilipinas 2012 second runner-up: “I eat whole grain cereals with fruits because they have a really energizing effect. I usually pair that with one egg, but I don’t eat the yellow part because that’s cholesterol. Basically, I eat a lot in the morning. I take a small lunch, then just fruits for dinner. They say that during night time, our body doesn’t digest food easily or quickly. That’s why it’s better to eat more in the morning, since that will serve as our energizer for the whole day. I actually read an article in the internet that when you’re sad, it’s better to eat what you want so that your happy hormones will come out. But of course, stay in control and still watch out for your diet. I do have one day in a week, which is Sunday, where I allow myself to eat what I’m craving for. Working out everyday also helps, even if it’s just cardio exercises. So this Zumba session we’re doing today is very helpful. What I do is, I exercise at home every morning once I wake up. I do some stretching, some arm weights, and a routine to tone my legs.” (FREEMAN)