Real-Life Goddess: Asher Ann Cabangon

Have you ever met a stranger and felt sooo drawn to her? I'm sure you can relate.

I met this beautiful stranger in a pranic healing center and spent time talking about energy bodies. Today, we finally get to talk about our physical bodies! 

I would like you to meet my dear friend, Asher.

Lornadahl: How would you describe your personal fashion style?

Asher: Very simple and comfortable. I usually wear sleeveless, plain and dark-colored t-shirts, shorts and leggings. But I am now transitioning into wearing dresses since I find it comfortable and more formal.

Lornadahl: Which celebrities serve as your style icons?

Asher: Actually, I don't have one since I am happy with the way I dress up.

Lornadahl: How hard is it to get clothes that fit you? Any particular body part that makes shopping extra challenging?

Asher: OMG! So hard! I rarely buy new clothes but when I see something that I like, I definitely go for it. However, I usually have a hard time fitting them in my bust, arms and legs. Ang ending, I can't buy it na since it doesn't fit me and it really feels frustrating 'coz I looked like suman .

Lornadahl: That's sad. How about accessories? What's the best for tall women?

Asher: Hmmm...I think earrings. You can wear them without worrying that they won't fit your body. Also, it highlights your face especially when you tie up your hair.

Lornadahl: If you were to endorse a local clothing for big women, what would it be and why?

Asher: As I've said, I rarely buy new clothes so I don't usually have a local brand. But when it comes to sportswear, I recommend Decathlon since they have a variety of sizes that would fit me unlike our local brands.

Lornadahl: When you pick up a magazine or watch TV, do you see bodies that look like yours that aren't being desexualized, or used to signify laziness, ignorance or lack of self-control?

Asher: In magazines, NO! But now that social media is becoming a new platform for advertisements, YES! I am happy to see commercials and billboards that show plus size models! I really admire those companies that show the reality about our bodies especially women's.

Lornadahl: How do you deal with I'm-so-fat-and-ugly days?

Asher: I exercise or I eat ice cream! Either of the two, depending on my mood. Ha-Ha!

Lornadahl: Do you think a great number of Pinoy men appreciate big girls?

Asher: Not really. There may be some but most of them still like girls who have small waist, big boobs and butt. You can see it on social media. Men like and react more to sexy girls than big girls. 

Lornadahl: If you would appear on a billboard or magazine cover, how would you look like?

Asher: The way I am. No make-up, no accessories, wearing a nude color sando and shorts in a forest with waterfalls. Just like when Eve came to the world but not totally naked. Ha-Ha! Seriously, I just want to look natural, looking away.

Lornadahl: What's the secret behind your self-confidence and body acceptance?

Asher: My only secret is just to be happy the way I am. If you keep listening to the people around you, to lose weight or to refrain from overeating, you will end up being frustrated. It's YOUR BODY! You are the only one who has the right to decide what you want to do with it. So choose to be happy without listening to other people's opinions. 

Lornadahl: For most people, including myself, acceptance took a long while. Tell us how your journey went. Any defining moment, any influential person in your life that made it happen?

Asher: It took me 3 years before I fully accepted the new me. Not to brag, but I used to be one of those girls who were idolized during my teens. There were times that I was afraid to attend meet-ups or reunions 'coz I don't want to be the topic and end up getting embarrassed. I even stopped posting pictures on social media 'coz I was afraid that old friends will criticize me. 

My defining moment was when I went to Masasa Beach in Batangas with my friends and my mom. I used to wear bra and shorts whenever I go to the beach but I was really hesitant to wear the usual outfit that time. There were boys and they might compare me to my friends. My friends loved taking sexy pictures and, as #SquadGoals, they want to pose along with them. But I wasn't really comfortable with it since I'm big. As expected, I kept hearing people's comments like I am a balyena and the likes. Then, my mom took off her rash guard and had her photos taken with me. So I told myself, "My mom can do it, so how can't I? I don't care anymore what other people will say. I'm here at the beach to have fun and I won't let their body-shaming comments get into me!" So there, that was the defining moment for me.

Lornadahl: How did you discover pranic healing? Was it part of your self-love or body acceptance journey?

Asher: I discovered pranic healing through my mom. She made me attend the courses which were very helpful for my whole being. Pranic healing is an energy school conducting meditation and healing. You're right, it's a big part of my self-love journey. I understand myself even more! I learned to forgive myself and to give more love to people who continue to criticize me. Also to be more kind to myself and other people. It made me realize that inner beauty is more important than being beautiful only on the outside. 

Lornadahl: True! I recall being drawn to you because you project this positive aura and you have this infectious smile! Sana all! So, what is beautiful about being big?

Asher: People can easily recognize you! Sometimes people mistook me as an expectant mom and they allow me skip the long queues. Haha! Kidding aside, I think I became prettier and sexier with the curves that I have right now. 

Lornadahl: How do you respond to the argument that obesity is unhealthy?

Asher: Actually, this may vary to different people. There are people who have underlying medical conditions which is why they can't lose weight. There are some who have eating disorders who can't control themselves. And there are people who have genetically obtained their body types. Some people may be skinny but has more medical problems than those with bigger bodies. I'm just saying that we have no right to judge other people without knowing their story. Yes, obesity is unhealthy but we must consider some factors before we blame them for being obese or unhealthy.

Lornadahl: Do you worry that, when you talk about feeling of sexual attraction, people are repelled or disgusted by the size of your body/

Asher: Yes, it's so humiliating! Some even tease you of who can possibly endure the sight of your body!

Lornadahl: How do you feel if people stare at you? yell degrading stuff at you? Do you ever experience that?

Asher: I'm not really comfortable when people stare at me even during my skinny days, how much more now. I experienced people say degrading stuff, this is common in public transportation. Especially in jeepney drivers who force you to move so they can squeeze in more passengers.

Lornadahl: Do you ever confront people? What happens when you do?

Asher: Rarely. It's okay for close friends to tease me. If random people, it's not okay. Some apologized to me and let them feel sorry for what they have done. But I let it go when I feel that it was a sincere apology.

Lornadahl: What do fat people want to be called?

Asher: The way they prefer to be called. We should ask. In my case, I want to be called by my name.

Lornadahl: Does a big woman's self-appreciation and self-love root from the culture/environment she's accustomed to? What can you say about Filipinas and their self-appreciation?

Asher : Somehow. Even if you have a strong belief in yourself, there are times when you will feel down because of the negative comments you hear from other people, including your relatives.

To Filipinas out there, build your confidence. We cannot expect from other people that they will boost ours. Sometimes it's our fellow Filipinos who drag us down. Crab mentality is still an ongoing issue. So, be your own happiness.

Lornadahl: Some big girls are unaware that they're beautiful and sexy. What would you tell them?

Asher: Start finding your inner beauty. Being kind to yourself is the first step. Appreciate the small things about you. Keep on reminding yourself everyday that you are beautiful. What you perceive in yourself is what others will perceive in you. Stay positive and believe in yourself!

.

Why I'm Rooting for Nadine Lustre

When my fellow plus size women and/or post-pregnancy mums get bashed for wearing swimsuits in the beach, it is always initially infuriating. Then I calm down and remind myself that most people are still not ready. But when the likes of Nadine Lustre gets a seemingly endless round of nasty remarks for doing so, I can't help but feel appalled and sad for them. So who are the select ones 'allowed' to be seen donning a bikini? Are we talking about a small fraction of the world population? That's nuts.

Some of Nadine Lustre's post about her recent getaway

[Seeing these actually makes me wanna run to the beach, too.]

And all keyboard warriors unite to find faults in her body and her bikini. 

Photo lifted from Google Images.

Just like how Boy Abunda reacted to these photos, I find Nadine Lustre sexy...in a holistic way. I like how she often smiles and how she makes my bungisngis self want to laugh along with her. Her hair is beautiful and I like how she seems to prefer it tied up in a ponytail when she's off-duty. I appreciate her morena skin (and I hope she keeps it, in spite of this). And her eyes! And her clavicle! And her legs! To put it simply, I find her beautiful and yet very relatable. So why criticize her for having stretch marks, baby fats, unflattering bra and God knows what else when you can most likely see the same thing/s on your body? And why look down on her as if having Pinay attributes is something to be ashamed of?

In the book Team Real, Nadine Lustre admits she finds herself ordinary-looking and even went on naming her flaws. The thing is, she embraces her body - assets or imperfections alike. For someone who has a longer list of so-called 'factory defects' and probably longer history of body-shaming and self-doubt, I find it truly mature for a 22-year-old to embody self-acceptance. It took me longer to fully love and celebrate my own, you know.

Now let's go beyond the physical. I've seen a million behind-the-scene clips, I've watched her in press cons and I've seen her in the flesh once and and I can say that there's more to love about this woman. 

 Let's hear it from this guy. 

Now let's hear it from Ms. Personality herself.

You gotta love this girl. Simple pero rock. There's a lot of testimonials saying how independent, down-to-earth, accommodating and warm she is. On- and off-cam, mind you. They say she'll drive herself to work and carry her own stuff to the set. She can't say no to requests for photo opps. And I could just imagine how she can light up the entire room when she walks in. By now, you've probably seen photos of how involved she is in home renovations or household chores. In this day and age wherein self-entitlement somehow becomes more common than common sense, I consider this a welcome change. 

Plus I find her really smart (watch her interviews and you'll know what I mean) and talented. I like the quality of her singing voice, her comic timing and I'm particularly impressed with her photography and editing skills. Seriously, I can hardly wait for the follow-up music video to this! Much respect for stars with behind-the-cam aspirations, too. Fans calling her a "game changer" must be right; she's truly someone tomorrow's generations could emulate. 

But, wait. There's more! Nadine Lustre sometimes explodes...and she's not scared to express it. If it were true that talo ang pikon, then she's probably not frightened to lose. How fierce! For me, it's always better to be honest if you're hurt or pissed off than give everyone a false impression. She's as real as it gets and, if it were true that everything she does is merely publicity stunts, I'm sure she'll eventually get tired of being someone she's not. And it's OK if you don't share my opinion.

One of her 'patola' moments...that ironically made me appreciate her more.

I've read so many demeaning comments directed to her in so many who-wore-it-better polls and showbiz articles and I'm actually shocked they never run out of negative things to say. This lady hardly deserves it! Sure, some of her poses look kinda awkward and some of her portrayals calls for improvement, but I choose to appreciate her for who she is and I refuse to compare or associate her with somebody else. I choose to be inspired by how she reminds us that beauty and sexiness can't be tied to our flesh alone. I choose to laud her for giving her best now and for aiming to be a better artist tomorrow. I choose to look forward to the days she'll remain grounded while being able to entertain us in a different level and at the same time motivate us plain Janes and 'pangets' that we can reach our dreams, too. That's why I'm rooting for her, not just for FHM or any award-giving bodies. I'm rooting for her success in all aspects in life. Achieve na achieve!

And for the bashers, I don't expect this short blog entry will make you change your minds about Nadine Lustre. But I appeal for you all to watch your thoughts and be more careful in judging others. After all, your hurtful words reflect more about you - your background, your issues, etc. Let's just agree to disagree and refrain from spreading negativity. And if you don't like what you see on TV and billboards, then just look away. Stop the hate!

Spread love!

MUSIC MONDAY: Jade, Sapphire, & d'Rachael's "Unconditional Love"

After watching A Beautiful Body Project 2013, (check it out, check out out!) I felt it was necessary to look up the photographer Jade Beall and the uplifting song that played during the video. 

As an expectant mum, there are so many dramatic body changes that took place recently and I am so grateful to have started my body love journey way back. I'm not saying the darkening of my neck and underarms and the addition of stretch marks never bothered me, but knowing your self-worth paves the way for everything. It also makes me focus more on the growing miracle inside me and how I can best take care of her. It's such a wonderful feeling!

Anyway, I truly enjoyed how familial love is overflowing as the singers performed this song. It makes me wish we'll become a musical family, too. Haha! 

I dedicate this song to fellow mothers-to-be; may this song remind you that motherhood will NOT ruin your beautiful body. Our bodies are more than artifacts to look at, it's a living proof of strength, among others. Pregnancy prepares us for the biggest manifestation of our physical strength and for our most challenging yet rewarding journey on earth. I am yet to experience this in full, but I already understand the overflowing joy that awaits me and my husband. 

Someday, we will take pride in how our bodies expanded to carry our little child/ren and we will express that the stretch marks will be worth it. Someday, the breast pains will stop and we'll feel grateful how our milk and determination were instrumental for our child's wellness. But for the meantime, let's give ourselves unconditional self-love and pass it on to the beautiful soul living inside us, waiting for that destined day s/he'll meet her mother.

MUSIC MONDAY: To This Day - Shane Koyczan

"To this day

I hate pork chops

I’m not the only kid

Who grew up this way

Surrounded by people who used to say

That rhyme about sticks and stones

As if broken bones

Hurt more than the names we got called

And we got called them all

So we grew up believing no one

Would ever fall in love with us

That we’d be lonely forever

That we’d never meet someone

To make us feel like the sun"

Now THIS is something we should spread generously. Bullying is one of the reasons why it's so hard for us, for our children and possibly the next generations, to recognize our inner light. Let's fight it, let's make it history!

Shane Koyczan and his spoken word was such a great discovery. Read up about this project here and this poem here. 

Body Gossip's #BodyLove Flashmob

Why did I just learn about Body Gossip's #BodyLove Flashmob this week? Had I learned about this earlier, I would have helped organized the same thing here in Manila.  

This positive body image campaign will be held tomorrow, June 28th, at 13:00 in London. Attendees are expected to bring a heart-shaped paper which shows their favorite body part. This peaceful protest against oppressive messages we are constantly bombarded with will run for 3 minutes. Aside from the designated venue, teenagers/students all throughout the nation will be gathered in their respective schools to express their support. I'm already dabbing the corner of my tearful eyes just by imagining it. 

I explained this campaign to my boyfriend last night over dinner. I told him I'll write down "my legs" as an answer. I know they house a couple of battle scars and visible varicose veins but I love how smooth they look and feel. I may have weak knees, but I love how my legs allow me to do long walks - something that I love doing. I love 'em just the way it is. 

But he felt I should write down "my boobs" too. Of course! If there's any body part most people would remember me for, it would have to be my mammary glands! My twins even earned names - Suzy and Geno (probably because Suzy seems like more discreet for suso). I've shared how they felt more like a burden than assets here, but I'd have to agree. I love them! 

Since I can't fly to London tomorrow to physically participate in the flashmob, I decided to offer online support. Here's my tweet and my fanpage post. And I'm hoping this little post would encourage fellow Pinay curvies to do the same. Let's remind everyone that our bodies are beautiful, too! 

So if you're interested to show your body love, just send me an email to Lornadahl.Campilan@gmail.com so I can forward the heart file. 

I love my body!!!

EDIT: The following day, I'm grateful my friends Shiela and Cleo were willing to show their support, too. 

L-R: Shiela, birthday girl Cleo and myself

POETRY: What She Wants

Photo lifted here.

WHAT SHE WANTS

CB FOLLETT

Inside
is the little girl
from not that long ago.

What does she want?
She wants what she always wanted:
to be taken seriously.

Outside there’s a woman round
as an over-ripe plum. People point,
their voices cruel, jesting.

What does she want?
What she’s always wanted:
to be taken seriously.

MUSIC MONDAY: Billy Joel - "Just The Way You Are"

♫♪ I said I love you and that's forever ♪♫♫
♫♫ And this I promise from the heart ♪♫♪
♫♪♫ I could not love you any better ♪♫♫
♪♫♫ I love you just the way you are ♪♪♫

Attending What's Your DNA? Discover and Nurture Your Abilities this weekend once again made me dialogue with the suddenly short-haired woman in the mirror and re-examine our mission in this short stay on earth. It was the much-needed checkpoint to investigate on how I make use of my gifts and other potentially unexplored strengths that could further enhance the goddess in me. It was a great reminder of my flaws and weaknesses, too...and they don't make me an inferior or less lovable person. Not at all!

According to Coach Ella, Bily Joel initially felt everything would have been perfect if he were just a bit taller like everyone else. But his mother smothered him with appreciation and encouragement, saying he loves him just the way he is. This aided him in his self-acceptance journey and eventual realization of his musical inclination. Aren't you glad and grateful he came up with such an inspiring song?

Real-Life Goddess - Elli Isaac

How I met Ziggy's mother? We first crossed paths during Saleng, my first benefit gig for Traveling Bonfires. The spoken word artists weren't in cue yet but we gave in to this lady's request to share her just-written poem to the Conspiracy crowd. With my long history of nocturnal exploits, I understood the urgency when she stated she had to leave for work that evening. Ok, ok. Open mic muna!

Our next series of benefit events for breast cancer awareness would not have been as memorable without her participation and generous support. Elli Isaac agreed to model, together with a breast cancer survivor, for the nude sketching session. The artworks from the renowned artists of Artventures@Conspiracy were exhibited during the benefit gig entitled Alab ng Dibdib. This time, Elli served as the host.

However, I wasn't able to return the favor by attending the book launching of Ipuipo sa Piging - Mga Tula at Isang Bidyula wherein her poetry was included. Again, graveyard shift got in the way. What amazes me is how we end up seeing each other in random events like the 2nd Manila Skafest and NU 107's farewell "party", among others.

Bumping into Elli during NU 107's last night on air
L-R: Danna, Elli and my newly-digital permed self

Lornadahl: We Pinays are bombarded with reminders that "white is right". Have you always been convinced that brown is beautiful?
Elli: I'm not really into skin color. But yeah, it's common to tag those white ass chicks to be really pretty.

Lornadahl: If you grew up thinking that only the mestizas are beautiful, how did you make a major mental turnaround and embrace the skin you're in?
Elli: It's my skin. It's me. Random people comment they love my skin color and I look like I just came back from the beach. Isn't that a luxury?

Lornadahl: So you never grew up thinking you're less attractive because of your skin color? You're lucky!
Elli: Do not get me wrong. I get oh-so fugly days most of the times. But it has nothing to do with my complexion.



Lornadahl: Did you ever try whitening products, too? Any rants and raves to share?
Elli: I'm not really into beauty products. I learned using makeup only a year ago when I modelled for a friend's make up class. I'm the type of woman who wakes up, smokes a cigarette, takes a bath, towels dry, fits in some clothes and leaves the house.

And face the world with laughter, yes?

Lornadahl: I used to think that being morena is limited to black outfits. I hated how I looked in white, pink, yellow and orange. How about you? Any colors you find unflattering for our skin type?
Elli: I try any color. Earth colors are still the best. I have to admit that my favorite color is pink and I love wearing it now. Just stop yourself wearing anything neon unless it's for a high fashion shoot.





And pink loves you back!

Lornadahl: Ouch. I had an episode of wearing neons in public. Haha! Don't you think it's a cool statement that non-celebrity morena women can feel like they're on high fashion shoot, too?
Elli: Of course! There's nothing wrong wearing what you feel like wearing, as long as you're able to carry yourself well. It has nothing to do with the people around you. As long as you're able to please yourself, you're good to go. Also, remember that when you're at your weirdest, you're wearing your true self. So just be yourself.

Lornadahl: Can you tell us what is your fashion style?
Elli: I like wearable clothes. Clothes that I could walk with, run with. I'm not into wearing heels. I'm into slippers, sneakers, and flats. My wardrobe is mainly composed of sando's and skirts too. I'm not into wearing jeans. I can't seem to find a perfect fit.

Lornadahl: Why is it hard for you to find jeans? Any particular problematic body part?
Elli: My hips and my waist seem to be not compatible with each other.

Lornadahl: Which celebrities serve as your fashion icons? Why?
Elli: I'm not good with names. And even if I am, I can't even name one. I'm not fond watching the boob tube nor checking magazines. I guess I have to say I have my hands up for Lady Gaga.

During the shoot for Victoria Court's Director's Cut Challenge, March 2010

Lornadahl: Do you think Pinoy men prefer mestizas over morenas?
Elli: Seriously, men prefer a woman who resembles their mom.

Lornadahl: How would you feel if fellow Pinoys call you "mukhang katulong" or "mukhang pokpok" because of your skin color?
Elli: I seriously don't care. Paulo Coelho said: What others think of you is none of your business.

Lornadahl: Do you consider dark men sexy? Why or why not?
Elli: With men like Richard Gomez and John Estrada, YES.

Lornadahl: Do you think you are/were treated differently because you're morena?
Elli: Color has nothing to do with how you're being treated. It comes with attitude.

Lornadahl: And you are a strong, outspoken woman. Who would dare to treat you differently, right?
Elli: Well, I've been getting comments that I'm intimidating. Fact is, a conversation starts with a hi, but don't expect it to come from me because even if I really like someone, I wouldn't start a conversation with him.

Lornadahl: Do you think being morena is better when you're slim? Would it also work for plus-size women?
Elli: I've been both so I don't think there should be a comparison.

Lornadahl: Do you confront people when they call you names (ex. baluga, kirara, etc)?
Elli: Well, the mere fact that I'm gaining attention is something. I just have to silently thank them that they're spending time talking about me.

Lornadahl: How do dark people want to be called?
Elli: I prefer sun-kissed. It's posh.

Lornadahl: What's your secret for that even skin tone? I'm envious!!!
Elli: Nothing. I just take a bath regularly.

Lornadahl: Do you also have a preferred skin tone for your romantic partners?
Elli: No. It has never been something I look for. I dig for the attitude and the outlook in life. I want someone crazy.

Lornadahl: How do you convince your son that brown is beautiful?
Elli: We never talk about that.

Elli and Ziggy

Lornadahl: What if your son asks you to try whitening products? What would you tell him?
Elli: Verbatim: "Sige, bibilhin ko 'yan pero kukunin ko sa allowance mo. Wala kang pambili ng meryenda mo for the next 15 days. Ok lang?" I bet he'll say no.

Lornadahl: Tell us about your tattoo.
Elli: The tattoo was designed by my coworker-friend Duane Pascua and was given as a gift while I was pregnant way back in 2006. It has been years of me wanting a tattoo that will define me as a whole. Then I realized that Duane's drawing was my totality. I was a walking abstract - often misunderstood even as a mother.

Mother and child tattoo

Lornadahl: Who's your artist?
Elli: PhilTag founder Nero Nievo is my tattoo artist. I only have one skin so it's better having the tattoo done by one of the best and pioneers of the tattoo industry.

Ziggy's name on her wrist

Lornadahl: Do you still get insecure about your complexion? get intimidated when surrounded by mestizas?
Elli: Never occured to me.

Lornadahl: How do you deal with I'm-so-fugly/dark days?
Elli: This usually happens when I lack sleep so I sleep instead.

Lornadahl: There are so many morenas out there who still battle with skin acceptance. What would you tell them?..
Elli: I think there's a commercial that said: Embrace the skin you're in!



All photos were lifted from her Facebook account.

***End of the Interview***

MUSIC MONDAY: Dan ex Machina - Beautiful Women, Busy Plot

♪♪ Baby sweet baby in my defense ♪♫♫
♪♫♫ You've plain lost the will to open your heart again ♪♫♪
♫♫ I can do it all faster now ♫♪♫

Here's one cool track from Ask A Guy Who Likes Fat Chicks. Yep, he maintains an amazingly honest and empowering website...and makes music! Where can I get one?

Follow him on Twitter here.

A Big Hand for Vogue Italia

Thanks to Vogue Italia, we, extra seksi women, now have a major milestone to look back on June 2011. What else could possibly bring tears of joy to our eyes and make us exchange fist bumps than such an esteemed magazine immortalize not one, not two - but THREE voluptuous women on their cover? The black-and-white spread may be a reminder of the rubenesque past, but, hey, this is one statement that declares the body acceptance revolution is no mere trend. I'm thrilled to see moooore sensual depiction of big women - confident and comfortable in their curves - in the future.

Exhibit A: Belle vere (Truly Beautiful Women): Tara Lynn, Robin Lawley and Candice Huffine.


Exhibit B: Curves here, there and everywhere!


Exhibit C: How To Rock Lingerie!

To see more photos, go visit Vogue Italia.

In this blog entry, the editor sounded prepared for any rebuttals and disapprovals. She stated:

We've always been criticised because we publish pictures of super-skinny women only, so this time I'd like to be criticised because there are very curvy women on the cover of the magazine. And I'd also like to underline that sensuality is not related to size, it's quite the opposite. And that beauty doesn't follow preconceived standards. Everyone should be happy with his or her own body, without paying attention to trends and to what aesthetic prejudices impose as a rule.

Here are more inspiring and contagiously hopeful messages from Candice Huffine regarding this cover shoot.

Special thanks to Oh La La Curves! for sharing this link.

Call me overly optimistic, but this representation made me feel as if the body acceptance revolution is on the roll. And my beloved Filipinas will follow suit. How and when? I may not have concrete answers to offer, but I just can't wipe this childlike smile in my face.

A Big Hand for Eboy!

The Biggest Loser: Pinoy Edition

Tonight finally witnessed the pilot episode of this reality show for Pinoy heavyweights who, under the guidance of health and wellness experts, aspire to get rid of their excess pounds and/or baggage and vie for the winning title, P1 million cash, a condominium unit and a Vespa scooter. Thanks to my company's observance of the Memorial Day, I get to watch this episode in the comfort of my own home. Special thanks to Derek Ramsay for being my favorite cardio workout!

All contestants had their own difficult past to turn away from and burning desire to return to their loved ones in better shape. I can relate to most of their sob stories, but the real star in my eyes would have to be the chef/restauranteur Eboy Bautista. I used to see him in the confines of Sykes Asia and, I admit, I used to concern myself if he'd fit in the elevator or what. It was amazing to see how his seemingly fun-loving nature reflects onscreen. When he smiles, I feel myself smile along with him. With his charming personality and his heavy appearance (he's the biggest at 488 pounds), Eboy is hard to miss.

Eboy Bautista.
Lifted from his Facebook fanpage.

Based on his interviews, there's sadness beneath his jolly exteriors. Losing his father to cancer, he aims to become a portrait of fitness and inspire the rest of his family to switch to an active, healthy lifestyle. Know what? I'm crossing my fingers for his victory. Either way, being casted as a contestant in this show proves to be a win-win situation already. I just hope he remains focused to his goal and succeed in his ongoing preventive combat against health concerns. Way to go, dude! I won't get to watch anymore as I'm on graveyard shift.

Eboy's inspiration

***

His presence in the show made me retrace my body acceptance journey back to 2004. It was the time I recognized I was growing too comfortable with the call center lifestyle - too accustomed to saccharine treats after stressful exchanges with American clients, too addicted to all-important diss/cussions over alcohol with chums and too accommodating to excuses that would keep me away from the soothing arms of my bed.

I sprang into action. I attended yoga classes, took gym membership, got impatient with my weight loss, resorted to diet pills, realized it was an upper, started overindulging, ceased caring since everyone's gaining weight, too, and so on. Looking back, I realized I hardly took care of myself. I was always there for everybody else but myself and I was hell-bent to attain what I thought what I wanted to improve myself (namely, juggling graveyard shift, graduate studies and, in one point, business start-up). Just like every youthful fools there is, I thought I can sleep when I finally kick the bucket. Now I know better. Treat your mind and soul well and you treat your body well. You can't focus on one and hope it will compensate for the other.

Now that I'm back to the graveyard shift after a good year of sound night sleep and 6 months of mostly-chillax bumhood, the Curacha in me really tries my best to pause for a thanksgiving prayer, insert dreamland in my itinerary and consume 80% raw food for detox and give out more energy in my daily exploits. I know I will leave this nocturnal lifestyle soon enough, just you wait.