Body Talk with Gilbert Remulla

Is it true that joining the senatorial race was a spur-of-the-moment decision for Gilbert Remulla?

“True,” confirmed Gilbert who’s running with Sen./Presidentiable Manny Villar’s Nacionalista Party. “I decided to file my Certificate Of Candidacy at the last minute on the last day, at 10:45 of Dec. 1, an hour before the deadline at 12 midnight.”

Like Vice President Noli “Kabayan” de Castro, Gilbert gained a following while working as TV host (from being a field reporter) at ABS-CBN. At 39, he’s among the youngest senatorial aspirants, young blood, bright and not yet versed in the dirty tricks of politics, exactly the type our country badly needs (and let’s hope that they stay that way — incorrupted and incorruptible with the interest of the people and not their pockets foremost in their minds).

As a former broadcast journalist, he has been fighting for media welfare and protection, “recognizing the industry’s crucial role in promoting social awareness and development.”

On a personal note, Gilbert puts high regard on the most vital social group in our country, the Filipino Family. He considers himself blessed with having the best of both worlds when it comes to his family ties. He comes from one of the most reputable political clans in the country that has improved the lives of Filipinos through public service for so many decades. At the same time, he is also married to a member, Georgia Diaz Roa (with whom Gilbert has three children), of one of the most reputable families in the Philippines’ social sphere. 1969 Miss Universe Gloria Diaz is Gilbert’s aunt-in-law, his wife being the daughter of Gloria’s sister Ruby Diaz-Roa. Two of Gilbert’s cousins-in-law are Gloria’s daughter Isabelle Daza and Georgina Wilson, daughter of Gloria’s sister Aurora.

How did you prepare for this rigorous campaign?

“Prior to this, my life was very simple, taking care of my business and a little politics, and concentrating on my family. My sport was running...I run in marathons. For a year and a half, tumatakbo ako ng mga 10 to 20 kilometers regularly. So I was physically fit. But during this (90-day) campaign, I haven’t had exercise. But I guess my fitness level is good enough to carry me through.”

How different is your diet now from your pre-campaign diet?

“I miss meals, all right, but I make up for it by eating healthy. But when you are on the campaign trail, lahat ng pinapakain sa’yo masasarap...may litson, may fried chicken. My teammates and I constantly remind ourselves, ‘Nagpapakahirap na nga tayo sa kampanya, pagkatapos hindi pa tayo kakain ng masarap?’ So, I also indulge. My regular diet consists mostly of vegetables.”

You’ve lost weight...

“I’ve lost muscle mass. Before the campaign, I weighed about 176 lbs. (He stands 5’9”; and wears medium-sized shirt, medium-sized briefs and size-9 shoes.) Now, I don’t know; I haven’t weighed myself lately.”

What’s for breakfast?

“Corned beef and rice, or fish especially tawilis, or hot/spicy tuna. I cannot start my day without having a cup of coffee.”

For lunch?

“Pasta or rice, depending on my mood or whoever I am with. For dinner, it’s the same. I try not to have meals or snacks in-between.”

How much water do you take per day?

“Ten glasses. As soon as I wake up in the morning, I drink four glasses of lukewarm water.”

What about vitamins and/or minerals?

“I take a lot of vitamin C, Berocca (for stress) and multivitamins (Centrum).”

No medications?

“None.”

Soda?

“I don’t take soda. I think it’s a very useless drink.”

Do you avoid sweets?

“I try to indulge in dark chocolate once in a while and maybe a little cake every so often.”

What food do you always crave for?

“I crave for my mother’s adobo, Adobong Imus. Napakasarap at napaka-malinamnam. It makes me overeat, so if I can, I try to avoid it.”

What about fruits?

“I always have my fruits in the middle of the day and before I sleep — papaya, watermelon, pineapple and, my No. l favorite, mango.”

Do you drink?

“Socially, yes. I drink one bottle of beer to relax at the end of the day.”

Do you smoke?

“I don’t.”

Have you tried drugs?

“Never!”

What workout do you do?

“Not much these days. In this campaign, we’re always on the run so that’s my exercise. I used to do it regularly but now, I don’t get to lift weights anymore. No more time, that’s why I’m losing muscle mass.”

Sport?

“I used to run and play squash. I’m planning to go into swimming and compete in the triathlon by the time I turn 40 this September.”

Any part of your body that needs improvement?

“Oh yes, I need to slim down my thighs. Genetically, kaming mga Remulla malalaki ang tadyang, so kailangan paliitin ko. The only way I can do it is by running.”

Most vulnerable part of your body?

“My eyes.”

Favorite part of your body?

“Hmmmm. Siguro my teeth. I take good care of them. My wife is a dentist and she wouldn’t have it any other way.”

What part of a woman’s body do you look at first?

(Joking daw) “The chest.” (Seriously na raw) “I look at her smile. That’s what attracts me the most.”

How much sleep do you get these days?

“Anywhere between three to six hours. Three on a bad day and six on a good day. I try to make up for lack of sleep by taking naps in the car between trips or when I’m on a plane.”

Do you snore?

“My wife says I do but I try not to.”

Do you talk in your sleep?

“I do. But...” (Laughs)...”I always make sure that I don’t say another woman’s name.”

Do you sleepwalk?

“Yes, I do. When I’m very tired and very stressed-out. I walk out of the room but, thank God, not out of the house.”

Favorite sleep wear?

“My boxers and an old T-shirt.”

Last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

“I pray. I talk directly to God. My God is a personal God.”

What do you usually pray for?

“I give thanks for the day and for the blessings of my children.

First thing that you do when you wake up?

“As I’ve said, I drink four glasses of lukewarm water.”

How do you cope with stress?

“I try to exercise a lot. Eating is also a good way of dealing with stress. Or I lie down by myself and try to clear my mind and think about what I want to do with my life. I listen to a lot of jazz, R&B and Broadway tunes. I watch movies at home.”

Do you have a nightlife?

“Hardly. Lately, my night life consists of meetings, meetings and more meetings.”

Love life?

“Definitely with my wife, my one and only.”

How’s your sex life?

“My wife says whenever we have time, so I take her word for it.”

Favorite city?

“I love Paris. It’s beautiful, everything in it works. It’s so rich in culture and the food is wonderful.”

Favorite hideaway (when you want to get away from it all)?

“My mother-in-law’s house in Alfonso, Cavite. She has a beautiful resthouse there.”

Outlook in life?

“Very positive. I maintain my 10-year plan. I always remind myself to roll with the punches. What I always repeat to myself in times of stress is the poem If by Rudyard Kipling which my mother loves to quote — If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run, then yours is the earth and everything that’s in it. And which is more, you’ll be a man, my son.”

If your life story would be made into a movie, who would you choose to play Gilbert Remulla?

“Among the current crop of young actors, siguro si John Lloyd Cruz or Jericho Rosales.”

And how many leading ladies would there be?

“There would only be one...” (Adding with a laugh) “...one at a time! Hahahahaha!”

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