Ad Board chief Matec Villanueva: It pays to be fit

Like the 30-seconder TV commercials she produces, our encounter with new Advertising Board of the Philippines chair Matec Villanueva, though extremely brief, left a very strong impression. 

In the mornings, she breezes through her spinning or cardio workouts. Wasting not a minute, she is off to a hectic work schedule before anybody really notices. 

Matec is a respected veteran of the advertising industry.  A senior executive officer of Jimenez Basic Advertising, she was the Adboard vice-chair last year as well as chair of the Radio Research Council (RRC). 

Lean and athletic, Matec plays volleyball and golf, among other sports. Determined, quick-witted, and an achiever, her energy never seems to wane.   

As the chief executive officer, so to speak, of the advertising industry, she will surely inspire industry practitioners to develop the values of the wellness and fitness-oriented campaigns they create.  

Philippine Star:  How long have you been working out? 

Matec Villanueva: For the past 23 years, I’ve been going to the gym five times a week, Monday through Friday. 

How do you manage your time between work and your regular workouts?

I do my workout first thing in the morning (6 to 8 a.m.), while my clients and teammates are asleep.  

What is your best body part? Any other body part you need to improve?

Best body part, my legs. Need to improve, my abdominals and back.

What is your favorite exercise? Describe your regular workout regimen.

I am a spinning fanatic. I can do it every day. To do it well, I realized I had to warm up. So I do at least 20 minutes on the Elliptical machine, then do the 40 to 45- minute class. I put in at least an hour of cardio every day.

What is your diet like? Do you indulge or crave?

I’ve cut down on my carb intake. I have freshly brewed coffee when I wake up at 4 a.m. I also have two pieces of whole wheat sugar-free bread with olive oil spread just to make sure I have enough energy to do my workout. 

I have breakfast two hours after a workout. My cranial-sacrum doctor told me that I should not bother my body with food while it’s busy burning my fats.  

Lunch is my best meal (meaning I eat rice) and dinner is my lightest meal: low- fat yogurt with nata de coco bits or fresh green salad with oil and vinegar dressing.

I snack with nuts. I take light drinks and water. 

I indulge every so often by treating myself to a buffet at the Mandarin or the Shangri-La. Or have a small piece of chocolate cake or candy bar about two to three times a week.

So, what do you do when there are so many cocktails and parties you have to go to?

I rarely go to cocktails. I’m not much of a party animal. On the rare occasions I do, I usually just don’t eat or choose to have the vegetable sticks.

Were you into sports at a young age? Are you still interested to develop your sports skills?

Yes, I was ... and I’m now trying to pick my golf. 

Are you proud of your current lifestyle? Do you see yourself keeping this lifestyle forever?

Yup.

What is your current fitness goal?

Get my body fat to under 20 percent. 

What’s an ideal gym for you?

One that offers good overall service – from the reception to the locker room to the gym floor to the workout area.  Since I am from the service industry, I know how that customer delight is critical.

What is your advice for busy career women who would like to include fitness in their lifestyle?

Kung gusto, may paraan. Kung ayaw, may dahilan. Gusto mong gumanda? Gumawa ka ng paraan. (If you want to, you will find a way. If you don’t want to, you will always look for an excuse. Do you want to be beautiful? You have to find a way to do what it takes.)

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  Post me a note at mylene@goldsgym.com.ph