Body Talk with Migz Zubiri

When his name was dragged (as “beneficiary”) into the scandal of the alleged cheating in the 2007 elections, Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri (who placed No. 12) promptly resigned and earned praises for it.

“A man of integrity,” commented Funfare’s Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre. “I admire him even more for not clinging on to power.”

You know, very much unlike some public officials who are kapit-tuko, short of strapping themselves to their seats even if an “eviction” notice has already been served on them, desperately holding on to straws at the cost of self-esteem and subjecting themselves to public ridicule.

For this Body Talk, I asked Migz’s wife Audrey Tan to describe Migz The Man and not Migz The Politician.

Listen to what Audrey has to say:

As you can tell, he is not your usual “golf and tennis” guy. Migz has always been inclined towards martial arts and mastered Taekwondo and Arnis at a very young age, winning gold medals and earning a black belt along the way. This is why he was very passionate in passing the law on Arnis being a national sport as it is 100 percent Filipino and we should be proud of it. 

When Migz says he is a “cowboy,” you can take it both literally and figuratively! Cowboy because he is a very down-to-earth guy, super simple. You can put him anywhere and he will fit in just fine. At the same time, he is also a very active agriculturist, farmer and rancher — a cowboy through and through!

In fact, when he was in college, he joined the UP Ranchers Club in UP Los Baños where they regularly wrestled cows and to this day, he continues to join rodeo competitions in Bukidnon and Masbate and can still bring a cow down! Cowboy talaga.

He is also an avid fan of watersports such as water skiing and wake boarding. He loves scuba diving and has dove in all the beautiful spots around our country. I enjoy scuba diving with him because I feel safe knowing I am with a certified rescue diver. 

Migz is again running for senator with the UNA Team.

An Arian (April 13, 1968), he stands 5’8”; weighs 195 lbs.; and wears large-sized shirt, 34”-35” briefs and size-9 shoes.

How did you prepare for this grueling campaign?

“I did a lot of cardio exercises to increase my resistance.”

Did you go on a special diet for it, special workout?

“Yes, low-carb diet and a lot of liquids, multivitamins and supplements.”

Is this campaign harder than the first one?

“Yes, because being in the opposition, we don’t have the resources that were available to us before as a member of the admin slate.”

What do you usually bring with you to the sorties (medicines, vitamins, drinks, etc.)?

“Multivitamins (Pharmaton) and COQ10 supplements for increased resistance from fatigue and lots of water.”

What kind of regular diet do you follow?

“High-protein, low-fat diet.”

No cheat day?

“Yes, I do have cheat days especially when I’m campaigning in the field where I eat what they feed.”

Favorite veggies?

“Broccoli, cauliflower, malunggay and monggo.”

Favorite fruit?

“Durian and mangoes.”

How much water do you take per day?

“At least 500ml per meal and another 500ml in between. Total of about three to four liters a day.”

How often do you work out?

“I used to work out every other day. But because of the elections, my workout is the campaign.”

What part of your body needs improvement?

“My abdomen and love handles.”

What part is most vulnerable?

“Nose and throat.”

What part is your favorite?

“My legs.”

And what part of Audrey’s body is your favorite?

“Her legs.”

How much sleep do you get per night?

“Only three to four hours because of the campaign.”

Favorite sleepwear?

“Boxer shorts.”

How many pillows do you sleep with?

“Two.”

Do you snore?

“Yes.”

Do you talk in your sleep?

“Sometimes.”

Last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

“Pray and kiss my wife good night.”

First thing that you do upon waking up?

“Pray and brush my teeth.”

How do you cope with stress?

“By hanging out with my kids and watching movies with my wife Audrey.”

Favorite hideaway?

“Calatagan and Bukidnon.”

How do you divide your time between work and family?

“Because of the campaign it has been so difficult to give long quality hours to my family. So after the elections I plan to take my family on a month-long vacation.”

What kind of books do you read?

“Biographies, history books and a lot of lifestyle magazines.”

What kind of movies do you watch?

“Action movies and, because of the kids, a lot of children’s movies.”

What kind of music do you listen to?

“All kinds but I enjoy classic rock, glam rock, alternative and sometimes some current pop music.”

Recall your memorable experiences while you were doing the TV show The Explorer.

“We did a show about this island called Gato Island where we dove into a deep and long cavern in the dark, only to emerge at the end in a cave full of sharks. That was my most memorable explorer moment.”

(E-mail reactions at entphilstar@yahoo.com. You may also send your questions to askrickylo@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)