Would you prefer an old BF or a good-looking young husband?” That’s the ongoing joke of Fil-Brit Philip Younghusband, a strong contender for the second edition of Celebrity Duets like MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando. It was interesting to watch respected and best-in-their-field celebrities go out of their comfort zone on national television to sing and perform with professionals. It must be nerve- wracking, to say the least, to be scrutinized by veteran theater and concert director Freddie Santos, renowned composer and arranger Danny Tan, and the very first Celebrity Duets grand winner Tessa Prieto-Valdez. Phil, the current face of Hanford and No Curfew, is the only Asian in (the English Premier League Champions) Chelsea FC’s reserve team.
In a play station game, one Filipino (who up to now remains anonymous) discovered that the Younghusbands have a Filipino mother (Susan Placer). He tipped off the Philippine Football Federation who didn’t waste time recruiting Phil and his older brother James to be part of the Philippine team. He is currently the national team’s Most Valuable Striker. The 150-pound, 5’11,” 21-year-old charmer has hazel green eyes and a striking resemblance to Josh Harnett and Mark Wahlberg. Like the latter, he spends most of his spare time in an Alabang gym under the watchful eyes of celebrity personal trainer Bobby Agustin. As of press time, he is the running favorite of the reality singing show (every Saturday at 6:45 p.m. on GMA 7) and he has declared that if he wins, he will put up a foundation to help promote football all over the Philippines. We sneaked in one gym session and asked a few questions:
PHILIPPINE STAR: Did you ever have a weight or fitness problem?
Phil YOUNGHUSBAND: Not really. I’ve always been active and in perfect shape.
When did you start playing football? Do you play any other sports?
I started kicking the ball at around three years old and entered Chelsea Football Academy at nine. Aside from football, I also love tennis. I am a huge Roger Federer fan. I am pretty much an active person and can do all kinds of sports. (He cites basketball, swimming, and golf as interests in his website.) I’m very competitive.
Back in England or when I was still with Chelsea, training is done every day and starts early in the morning. Currently, I’m on football break and busy with my Celebrity Duets stint, but I never miss a day without going to the gym.
What part of your body are you most proud of?
My bum. (Laughs.) A friend told me it’s the ninth wonder of the world!
What part of your body needs further improvement?
My abdominals. I am developing it together with my trainer Bob so I can do a cover on Men’s Health Philippines sporting a perfect 12-pack.
What is your fave gym exercise?
I’m usually doing lots of major weight training to build my physique. I also love training on the speed bag.
How do you exercise when you are traveling?
Doing lots of walking and I always stay in five-star hotels because the gym is complete.
Do you follow any strict diet?
Not really. I eat just about anything ’coz I burn it off easily anyways. Except fish! I hate seafood and can’t stand the smell except for tuna.
Any food cravings you succumb to on cheat days?
Potato chips!
Any vices?
Gambling! (Laughs.) It depends. Like once in a while, I drink on social occasions. But recently, my passion to win Celebrity Duets and build my body has prevented me from such vices.
How much sleep do you get every day?
Eight hours.
What is your current fitness goal?
To have the world’s sexiest abs.
How do you do that?
Weight training, protein diet, vegetables, and fruits.
Do you take supplements?
I take lots of anti-stress vitamins. Vitamin C to keep me from getting colds, and hair and skin vitamins. I’m a very vain person.
I spoke briefly to his PT who claimed that Phil will have his to-die-for abs in 12 weeks as long as he continues his daily training and stays away from beer. He’s passionate and competitive, so it won’t be surprising if he gets not only his sexy abs but the Celebrity Duets trophy as well. Fans of Phil Younghusband can send their text votes by typing DUETS PHIL to 2344 for Globe, Sun, and TM or 367 for Smart and Talk N Text.
* * *
Post me a note at mylene@goldsgym.com.ph.