How did Anthony get this kind of body?

MANILA, Philippines - “I’m training pretty much every single day, three to four hours of team practice. I’m studying nutritional medicine as well.”

That’s Anthony Semerad of GlobalPort Batang Pier giving select media members a sneak peek into his typical day during the recent Euphoria Maxx presscon.

“It was quite tough because from college, I used to be one of the bigger guys there,” added Anthony talking about his game transition from National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA, playing then for San Beda College) to Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). “I can bump around and then leading to the professional league, the guys have a lot of experience, they’re veterans, you know, they know what they’re doing… So, it took (me) sometime getting used to it. It is my third year now.” In his budding basketball career, Anthony, the small forward-power forward, has played against his twin brother, David of San Miguel Beermen.

“It’s funny because the way we were brought up, we were really made to push each other and compete,” recalled Anthony, “but surprisingly, since we’re grown-ups, we’re really happy for the success of each other… there’s no jealousy... I guess it’s the way we were brought up.” According to Anthony, there’s a bit rivalry when he and David play; they would give their 110 percent to prevent each other from scoring and “go hot and get physical.” That fighting stance remains only inside the court and within the playing time. 

“It’s my passion,” Anthony said of his sport. “You wanna do something that you really enjoy and that’s basketball right now. Who knows in the future if I go into acting? It has always been my dream as well? Yeah, let’s see what the future holds.”

Away from the games, Anthony is an offshore student, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Health Science (with specialization in Nutritional Medicine) at the Australasian College of Natural Therapies (with campuses in Sydney and Brisbane, where the Semerads hail from). “It’s a four-year course. I’ve got two years left... I wanted to be some type of health care professional. So that’s why when I found this course, when it popped out, (I told myself) it really fit my lifestyle.” By the way, Anthony already earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from San Beda College.

“It’s hard. You really have to put in all the work and effort because no one is going to push you (that) you’re going to this class and do this,” he said of distance learning. “It’s up to you to put in the work. (There’s a virtual classroom and) the teacher’s there. I (would) study for three to four hours a day. It’s quite tough because going from business and going straight to medicine is something different. But it’s something that I enjoy which is okay... right now, with my first and second year, it’s all online. On the third year, that’s when I have to go maybe and stay in Australia for one month. On the fourth year, most of my time will be there, probably around six months.”

As soon as he completes all the academic requirements, Anthony will head to the Philippines and share his skills and knowledge with his kababayan. 

“My aim is to open a wellness center and really promote prevention rather than a cure,” he said. “Before we get a particular disease or an illness, we already know the right steps to take to prevent it.” His approach is wholistic, added Anthony, whose course is grounding on natural medicine and complementary medicine. 

His line of work and his interest in wellness make Anthony the perfect personality to promote Euphoria Maxx’s new line of Sports Nutrition products. They are Euphoria Maxx Creatine, Euphoria Maxx BCAA, Euphoria Maxx Glutamine and Euphoria Maxx L-Arginine capsules.

Based on the information provided by Bargn Farmaceutici Phils Co. (BFPC), makers of Euphoria Maxx, its products are formulated with premium, high-grade materials which help users kick start a high-intensity workout, promote lean muscle development and support faster muscle recovery.

In a statement, BFPC managing director and founder Nino Bautista said, “With each ingredient carefully formulated and added to Euphoria Maxx, we set new standards for active sports nutrition. Consumers, specially bodybuilders, want a product with high-quality formulations to help them keep up with their game and get the most out of their workout.”   

“Actually, I’ve seen a lot lately, especially on social media,” Anthony said of the latest lifestyle trend, “a lot of celebrities are actually posting on how (having) a healthy lifestyle is beneficial. I think it really starts getting big... it is something that we can look forward to in the future. It’s gonna be big.”  

How’s his personal life? Is it as interesting as his professional life? 

“I’m just going with the flow right now,” replied Anthony, whose parents are proud of his achievements. “Whatever happens happens, whoever I meet I meet, I’m just enjoying. I’m dating.”

(Euphoria Maxx Sports Nutrition is exclusively available at Watsons Personal Care Stores. For more information about the product, workout and diet tips, visit the Facebook fanpage @euphoriamaxxfanpage.)