Body Talk with Azkal Anton del Rosario

To be a good athlete, you have to be graceful. In a sense, sport is poetry in motion.

“And even better if you are stylish,” according to Chris Cahilig, head of the PR consultancy bearing his name which is drumbeating for McJim Classic Leather which Azkal Anton del Rosario is endorsing. “Anton is one of the few prominent athletes who gets consulted by reporters for his sense of style.”

No wonder Anton is just as visible in fashion shoots as he is on the football field, dishing out tips about grooming, men’s fashion and even what a lady should wear on a date.

That’s why McJim tapped him to be its image model.

A Capricorn (Dec. 23, 1981), Anton stands 5’11”; weighs 154 lbs.; and wears medium-size briefs and medium-size shirt, and size-9 (US) shoes.

How did you get into football?

“Growing up in the States, the main thing for kids to do was play sports. We’d be put into different leagues, from football to basketball to baseball to tennis, etc.

“Football was the sport most loved by my family and I must admit that my brother was the one who pushed me to get this far. We had a strong good competitiveness growing up and that’s what made me stay with football aside from love of the game.”

What kind of family did you come from (how many siblings)? How much of you is Filipino and how much is American? What kind of upbringing did you have?

“I have three siblings, all boys ages 35, 32 (me), 30 and 23.

“I consider myself practically 75 percent Filipino. I was raised in San Francisco but both my parents are of Filipino roots. My mom is Spanish, brought up in Quezon City and my dad is Filipino who was born and raised in New York. Although raised abroad, I am a Filipino through and through.

“My parents raised me and my brothers well. We were taught that family and God were first. We were brought up Catholic and very respectful of others, especially toward elders. My dad taught us not to take any s--t from people and I guess that’s why I have an edgy side. LOL!”

How do you prepare for a game?

“Three most important things for me — eat well, rest and hydrate.”

Is it hard to maintain a body like yours?

“I would say yes. I commit myself to playing football six days a week which is not an easy task. Not only do I train for football, I also try to get in the gym multiple times a week. Doing so allows me to eat what I want. You still have to dedicate yourself and put in that extra work.”

You look good enough. Is there any part of your body that needs improvement?

“My love handles and legs. LOL!

“Love handles are hard to shake off. I am known to have ‘chicken legs.’ No matter how hard I work out, they stay the same skinny size.”

What kind of diet do you follow? What’s usually for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Any snacks between meals?

“No diet in particular. I try to stay away from certain things but I’m never strict.

“Breakfast is four to five bowls of cereal, oatmeal and juice. Lunch is a sandwich, sushi or burger. Dinner is usually Mang Inasal-type chicken if not pasta.

“I take many snacks in between meals but everything is done in moderation. I never overdo things unless I have a tub of ice cream in front of me.”

What workout do you do?

“Aside from training, I go to the gym. I recently started yoga. Off season, I’ll do plyometrics and Crossfit.”

What part of your body is most vulnerable?

“My legs. It’s part of football and on-game injuries. Legs are the most susceptible part of the body in football. I’ve had my fair share of injuries.”

And what part of your body is your favorite?

“My legs. They keep my body moving and allow me to play the sport I love.”

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

“Eyes. I think they are the sexiest things in a girl.”

And what kind of girls turns you off?

“Bimbos. Airheads who think they are better than others.”

How much sleep do you get per night?

“Seven to eight hours usually. Depends on what time the kid wakes up in the morning.”

Favorite sleepwear?

“Boxers.”

Do you sleep in the nude?

“Yup. Depends on who is around.”

How many pillows do you sleep with?

“Two to three pillows. The Uratex ones are the best.”

Do you snore?

“Depends on how tired I am, but usually no.”

Do you talk in your sleep?

“Not that I know of. I hope not. LOL!”

Do you sleepwalk?

“I don’t ever remember doing so. LOL!”

Last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

“Give my fiancée and son a goodnight kiss.”

First thing that you do as soon as you wake up?

“Give my fiancée and son a good-morning kiss.”

How do you cope with stress (massage, music, meditation, etc.)?

“Massages, for sure! They relax me and help with recovery.”

Favorite hideaway?

“Bali. It has everything one needs for a tranquil life.”

Favorite cities?

“San Francisco, San Diego and Amsterdam. Each of these places has something I love.”

How’s your love life?

“Very good! My fiancée and I are at a great place in our lives and we are in no rush to get married. We want things to be perfect. It’s a life-long commitment so you can’t just rush it.”

How’s your sex life?

“I plead the fifth, hahahahaha!”

Lights on or lights off?

“I like to mix it up.”

Name three men that have a body as nice as yours?

“Hahahahaha! My body isn’t that nice... If I were to choose people, I’d say the Boys Night Out (BNO) boys! Toni, Slick and Sam.”

And three women that you find sexy?

“My fiancée, my fiancée and my fiancée.”

Using only body language, how would you make a woman know that you admire her?

“A simple stare, not a creepy one. LOL!”

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