Body Talk with Chinggay Andrada

Before she flew to Las Vegas in November 2006 and bid farewell to her then-flourishing showbiz career, Chinggay Andrada had already gained renown as Manila’s quintessential fitness icon.

At the height of her career, she was spreading her gospel of fitness through radio (via Monster Radio RX 93.1 where she produced, wrote and hosted Sportsbiz for eight years); on TV (as a sportscaster on Studio 24 News Central and Sports TV); and in print (she was the editor of Total Woman Magazine). At the same time, she managed Punch Club, her own boxing gym. She even landed on the cover of FHM Philippines’ Jan.-Feb. 2005 issue.

Many people will surely remember Chinggay as the “supergirl” clad in tanktop and tights, brandishing her well-chiselled arms and abs, unleashing a flurry of punches and kicks while flashing her menacing “don’t-mess-with-me” squint. Her fabulous physique made her the ideal poster girl for Anlene, Squibb, Sinutab, Equal, Carnation Non-Fat and other health products.

But even a super woman has to take time out for love and family, too.

Now happily married to Apollo Sebastian (a Filipino Muay Thai practitioner who trains UFC fighters) and doting mom to 3 ½- year-old-daughter Alidela, Chinggay has struck a perfect balance between work and family, co-managing their Fasi Sports Gym in Las Vegas, where they offer combat fitness classes in Muay Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Fitness Muay Thai and other sports, specifically cross-training. 

It was late last year when opportunity started knocking again on Chinggay’s door. It was a crucial challenge that entailed some sacrifices, but at the same time opened new doors for her to reprise her role as fitness guru.

Chinggay flew back to Manila in December last year with daughter in tow, touched base with long-lost friends, signed a management deal with Arnold Vegafria’s ALV Talent Circuit, and started prepping herself up for her biggest challenge so far as one of the trainers for ABS-CBN’s latest franchise, The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition.

How do you keep fit?

“My daughter Alidela Victoria keeps me in shape. I try to keep my workouts different every week, but I keep in mind cardio and strength training at least five times a week. My current workout of choice is Crossfit and, of course, boxing.”

What’s usually for breakfast, lunch, dinner? Do you take vitamins/supplements?

“Breakfast consists of egg white omelette mixed with veggies like broccoli and spinach. Lunch varies where I am during the day so maybe a sandwich and salad. Dinner consists of fish or chicken with brown rice and mixed vegetables. I take multi-vitamins — Triple Omega soft gels and glucosamine tablets.”

How much water do you take per day?

“At least 12 to 15 glasses.”

Favorite fruit?

“Mango.”

Favorite vegetable?

“Broccoli.”

Aside from your regular regimen, what other workouts do you do?

“Bikram Yoga and R.I.P.P.E.D. (Resistance Intervals Power Plyometrics Endurance and Diet). In addition, I love mixing bodyweight exercises with a workout using a medicine ball.”

What part of your body needs improvement?

“I need to have a stronger lower back.”

What part of your body is most vulnerable?

“Lower back.”

Chinggay’s three-year-old daughter Alidela Victoria

What part of your body is your favorite?

“My arms.”

What part of a man’s body do you notice first?

“His arms.”

And what kind of guys turns you off?

“Men who don’t consider staying fit and who don’t maintain a healthy lifestyle

as a priority in life.”

How much sleep do you get per night?

“Seven hours.”

Favorite sleepwear?

“Tank top and mini shorts.”

Do you snore?

“No.”

Do you talk in your sleep?

“No.”

Do you sleepwalk?

“No.”

How many pillows do you sleep with?

“Two. One behind my head and the other I hug.”

What’s the last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

“I pray and thank God for a wonderful day that has just passed, looking forward to another great day tomorrow.”

And the first thing that you do when you wake up?

“I thank God for the adventure that He has in store for me on that day.”

What’s your outlook in life? Are you an optimist, a pessimist or a worrier?

“I am definitely an optimist. Everything happens for a reason. No matter what situation you are in, something good will come out of it.”

How’s your nightlife?

“With my current taping schedule, my nightlife is limited to watching a movie with friends or bonding with Alidela while she eats her favorite treat of the night.”

How’s your love life?

“I have been married to Apollo Sebastian for three and a half years.”

Favorite hideaway?

“Boracay at the moment but I hope to travel to eight different local places before the end of 2011.”

Favorite city?

“Seattle. It’s where my parents and four of my siblings live.”

Name three men that you think have nice bodies.

“Ryan Reynolds, Chris Hemsworth and Rich Herrera.”

Name three women that you think know how to take care of their bodies the way you do.

“Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Biel and Brooke Burke.”

Using only body language, how would you make a guy know that you admire him?

“I would change my stance, make eye contact and smile.”

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