Meaty roles for Aljur Abrenica

“I’m no longer a baby.” That’s Aljur Abrenica speaking in his first TV commercial. His well-chiseled body is proof of that statement, carrying the pretext that you can no longer box him in some tight-fitting hero costume or teeny-bopper role. Aljur is ready for mature and meaty assignments that bare his manly appeal and knack for action.

He may be missing on the small screen. But Aljur is cooking up something for the big screen. The past months have seen him hopping from one movie set (GMA Films and Regal Entertainment, Inc.’s Temptation Island which will open in theaters on July 6) to another (Panday) and back. He travels to the north and spends at least five days per shooting day. In Temptation, Aljur takes on the good-boy-next-door role originally played by Alfie Anido. His character is torn between his desire for his ladylove (played by Heart Evangelista) and the urge of his testosterone. He, on the other hand, transforms from human to dragon in Panday. Aljur and his love interest in the film, Rhian Ramos, will also engage in swashbuckling scenes.

Since both roles require him to be in tip-top shape, Aljur eats healthy. Topping his must-eat list is Century Tuna Healthylicious Hotdog, which he is endorsing. Aljur says he doesn’t deprive himself from nibbling or munching on his favorite comfort food. The tuna hotdog has Omega 3 and Taurine that make one smart and fit.

“I’m excited that now I can eat (my favorite food staple) healthy,” shares Aljur. “It’s fun to eat healthy and delicious food. I’ve been waiting for this kind of endorsement that fits my personality and lifestyle.” On his free days, he goes to the gym to look good and feel good.

The young actor also cannot contain his happiness over the tuna hotdog project as shown in his TVC and billboards along major thoroughfares. 

These days, Aljur is living in a suitcase and always on the road. Away from klieg lights, Aljur has started the recording of the songs for his second album and is a semi-regular of Party Pilipinas.

Below, Aljur shares with The Philippine STAR how his typical day goes:

6 a.m. — I’m ready for work. Honestly, my wake-up time depends on the call time for the shoot/taping. I leave my house on an empty stomach. But as soon as I get to the set, I have my breakfast. I’m not a picky eater. I just eat what others have for the day. But I also prefer Century Tuna, cereals and bread. 

8 a.m. — I’m on the set. We shoot a minimum number of 40 sequences in one day. I study the script, memorize my lines or send SMS to family and friends in between takes. We usually pack up the following day. When I reach home, I check on my mom and siblings before going to bed. I go to their rooms. I try to catch up with them since we hardly see each other. 

Free day — I’m up and about after lunchtime. I eat my first meal of the day. Then, I go straight to the gym. I do dumbbells and barbells. My workout routine also depends on my trainer. I devote an hour for my workout and visit the gym thrice a week. If my schedule permits, I want to work out every day. After, I head to a movie house. 

Later in the night, I would meet up with my musician friends like Moymoy Palaboy if they have gigs. We go to bars with bands. You know, I come from a musically-inclined family.