Running Man

Despite the legions of fans literally chasing him down the road, actor and runner Piolo Pascual has learned to stay focused and disciplined when it comes to achieving his fitness goals.
By Angel Constantino 
Photos By Dix Perez

Published: Runner's World Philippines, April-June 2011
Section: Cover Story

Last January, I officially joined the Runner's World team as managing editor. It was a great opportunity as it merged two of the things I love most—writing and running. One of the things I worked on was the cover story on actor and runner Piolo Pascual. He was very accommodating and easy to talk to despite being a big celebrity, and he had a lot of interesting insights as a runner.

Below is an excerpt from the article:

When Piolo Pascual geared up for his first 10-K—the Timex Run in November 2009—he did not expect all the buzz that would surround it. While running alongside his coach, Rio Dela Cruz, Piolo was oblivious to the crowd of runners, mostly women, trying to get his attention and doing their best to keep up. He was there for only one thing: to finish the race.

Running has always been a part of Piolo’s workout regimen. “It’s one of the most relaxing sports and I’m very comfortable with it,” he says. “I grew up not competing in any sports, but running has always been part of my routine for cardio. When I got into fitness, I would run to lose weight or to tone my muscles.”

When Timex invited him to join his first race, he welcomed the challenge. “It was very surreal,” recalls Piolo. “It was my first ever competition, the first time I got to start something and finish. It was really fulfilling since I’m not usually competitive.” And finish he did, with an impressive time of 47:56, ranking 23rd out 1024 10-K runners. The running community took notice—suddenly, he wasn’t just a celebrity who had joined the running bandwagon. His time was something runners not only admired, but also aspired to reach.

Piolo himself was surprised by his excellent performance at the race and the admiration he received. “It was flattering, of course, but it doesn’t end there,” he says. “You just have to keep getting better.”

Click here for another excerpt from the article on FemaleNetwork.com.

To read more about Piolo and for all you need to know about running this summer, grab a copy of Runner's World's first stand alone issue!

I had a great time working on this issue with art director Glen Concio, editor in chief Marie Calica, and team publisher Christine Ong.

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Grace Under Pressure

A mainstay of the fashion and beauty scene, well-recognized on TV soaps, professional model, versatile actress, and adept TV host Angel Aquino rises to every occasion. 
By Angel Constantino
Cover photo by Jay Tablante

Published: Women's Health, October 2010
Section: Cover Story

Angel Aquino couldn't be any more different from the character she plays on ABS-CBN’s popular primetime show, Magkaribal. Vera Cruz is a mean and conniving model-turned-fashion mogul who stops at nothing to get what she wants. Her piercing stare and shrill scream are enough to make you run in the opposite direction.

Angel, in real life, is friendly and down to earth. Dressed in a plain black button-down, shorts revealing toned, kilometric legs, and sandals, she warmly greets everyone when she arrives at the cover shoot. Her smile lights up the room as she candidly talks about her career and personal life.

The fact that she can portray a character so different from her is a testament to her skill as an actress. Angel admits she enjoys playing the villain. “I was excited about the role,” she says. “It’s fun because the show is about fashion. I get to dress up, play Barbie, and be a bitch without having to feel sorry about it. It’s a pat on the back when people tell me I’m doing a good job.”

Though she never had any formal acting lessons, she gets inspiration from her idols, veteran actresses Cherie Gil and Sharon Cuneta. “I watched a lot of Pinoy movies when I was younger. I know the silhouette of a kontrabida, what their head and neck movements are.”

One aspect Angel finds challenging about the role is when she has to cry. “It’s emotionally taxing; it doesn’t come easy for me,” she admits. “I’m not a Bea Alonzo or an Erich Gonzales,” she says, referring to her younger co-stars. “When I do scenes with them, I’m surprised that they can make their tears fall without batting an eyelash," she adds. "It’s easier for me to be angry because I can draw energy from the environment and the people around me. The emotional investment is not that much compared to crying, which you have to draw out from the deepest part of your soul.”

Angel says part of being an actress is being vulnerable. “If you just open your mind and heart to the situation and to your co-actors, the perfect emotion comes out of you," she says. "I used to process a scene too much. I didn’t want to expose myself before, but now I can handle myself better. I’m less afraid and more self assured.”

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Eyes of the Blind

Metrobank Outstanding Teacher Evelyn Caja oozes with passion and enthusiasm for her work. She reveals why there is no greater satisfaction than teaching her visually impaired students.
By Angel Constantino
Cover photo by Monica Barretto

Published: Star Teacher, December 2009 - January 2010
Section: Cover Story

Ms. Evelyn Caja is truly one of the most passionate and inspiring teachers I have ever met. She dedicated her life to teaching special children. If all teachers could be like her, students in the Philippines would definitely excel!
 

Roselle Ambubuyog graduated Summa Cum Laude and valedictorian from the Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in Mathematics. She now works for a company based in Spain that develops software and provides training for the blind to gain access to technology.

Carolina Catacutan is a Cum Laude graduate of Mass Communications from the University of the Philippines. She is a professional writer, teacher, and founding member of ATRIEV or the Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration, and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired.

Roselle and Carolina are both visually impaired and successful in their fields—but their similarities don’t end there. Both were also students of special education teacher Evelyn Caja at Ramon Magsaysay High School.

Seeing for the Blind
Growing up as a pastor’s daughter, Evelyn lived a simple life. Every other year, her family would move from one place to another, depending on where her father would be assigned. She says, “Medyo hirap yung elementary, high school, and college days ko because my father did not earn much, but I survived. I’ve always believed that poverty is not a hindrance to success.”

Evelyn graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from the Philippine Normal University in 1967. “I chose that course because teachers were in demand at the time. It was also the only course my father could afford. My tuition fee was only 60 pesos a semester. Coke only cost 10 centavos at the time!”

It was during her college days when she first encountered a blind student. “When I was doing my practice teaching in PNU, there was a blind student mainstreamed in the class where I was assigned. Ang galing galing niya even if she was totally blind! It was my first exposure to a blind student in the regular program.”

It wasn’t until six years later when she pursued her interest of teaching the blind. She was employed at a public school in Zamboanga del Sur when she heard of a scholarship program for a master’s degree in Special Education, Teaching the Blind. “I decided to take the exam. Fortunately, I passed and was sent as a government scholar to PNU in Manila.”

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MTV Famous

August cover girl Claire tells us why winning this year’s MTV VJ Hunt totally rocks!
By Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, August 2005
Section: On the Cover

This was my first cover feature for Candy. Luckily, Claire was very friendly and bubbly, making my job a lot easier!

Here is an excerpt from the article:

Fast Facts
Full Name: Mary Claire S. Olivar
Nicknames: Claire, Claire-Bear, Clairol
Age: 19
Birthday: January 21, 1986
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Why did you decide to join the MTV VJ Hunt?
I thought it would be a really cool job and that I would meet a lot of great people. When I was in high school, I interviewed MTV VJ Sarah Meier for a project and she is just the coolest person for me. I know it sounds corny but meeting her really inspired me to get into this line of work.

What made you stand out from all the other people who auditioned?
The producer said what he remembered about me was that I wore a bright yellow top!

How did you feel during the auditions?
I auditioned in Megamall and it was nerve-wracking ‘cause there were literally hundreds of people. I had to wait for hours—I was applicant 168! I was trying to memorize my spiel while the people in front of me and behind me were also trying to memorize theirs. It was so confusing ‘cause we all had different spiels.

What was it like being with the other finalists?
It was really fun and the atmosphere was not competitive at all. Everyone was super nice and friendly. A lot of romances developed among the finalists too! Haha!

To read more, grab a copy of Candy's August 2005 issue!

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