Superbods of Boracay: Monika and John

MANILA, Philippines - On Finals Night, it was hard to pick a favorite. Someone from the audience whispered, “How can I choose, they’re all so beautiful?” Each of the 20 finalists of Century Tuna Superbods 2012 were at their fittest and finest — after months of training in fitness, grooming and overall personality development with the best in the industry, why wouldn’t they be? Everything came down to that night last April 14 at Astoria Plaza in Boracay. It was a salute to the sexiest up-and-coming men and women we can all expect to see more of very soon — the winners, this year’s Superbods, have definitely been busy since they took the crown.

Meet Monika Sta. Maria and John Spainhour, two exceptional individuals who will be representing Century Tuna and its pursuit of promoting health and fitness. Monika Marlena Sta. Maria looks like the girl next door, only she comes in the most coveted shade of tan and is 70-percent legs. John Spainhour is a 24-year-old model with a face that’s launched so many different brands.

In a interview with The STAR, they share their excitement over winning the prestigious title — no doubt a platform for many other victories, staying healthy and fit, doing their thing and doing it well. Salute!

PHILIPPINE STAR: Of the different stages of the Superbods process, which did you find most challenging?

MONIKA STA. MARIA: The most challenging for me was the question and answer portion! I have to say, it may look simple but having to answer a question on the spot in front of a huge crowd listening to what you have to say is very scary to me.

JOHN SPAINHOUR: The hardest parts were the parts that had me talking with a mic to a group of people I didn’t know. I’m always afraid I’ll say something wrong.

Anne Curtis making the men of Superbods work

What kind of diet and exercise regimen did you have to practice to get fit for Superbods?

MONIKA: The most important exercise regimen to me is doing regular jogging whenever you can. I usually do a lot of sit-ups after a jog.

JOHN: I didn’t have to change much for the competition. I go to the gym about five times a week doing free weights, most of the time. I like doing a lot of the core power lifts like power cling I usually focus on cardio twice a week, but I made that more of the focus for the competition. I eat what I feel I need more of, and I try to change it up. Lots of protein is what I try to control the most.

What’s your favorite sport/fitness activity?

MONIKA: My favorite fitness activity is jogging! It gives me the time to reflect on simple things like what tasks that I need to accomplish for the day.

JOHN: I go to the gym the most, but my favorite activities are the ones that give the most adventure like scuba diving, mountain bike ride, sport bike riding, skeet shooting, hiking, and snowboarding. It’s hard to pick just one! It’s the variety that makes it great.

What is your guilty pleasure?

MONIKA: My guilty pleasure is food! I love eating different kinds of food! I learned that I should just take small amounts so I can taste the different food and then compensate for it with exercise.

JOHN: Video games. I’m a nerd. I like first-person shooters more but I play action RPGs the most. I’m weird, I know.

Is there anything you would never eat?

MONIKA: I would say junk food. It is very unhealthy and I feel bad when I eat it.

JOHN: I would try just about anything but some things I will only try once.

What songs are most played on your playlist right now?

MONIKA: Turn Me On by David Guetta because it reminds me of Century Tuna Superbods finals night!

JOHN: Chester See’s Tonight I Know, the original, and the remix for a more upbeat version. Both versions are great.

Second placer JC Rezabek and Janelle Olafson Superbods winners John Spainhour and Monika Sta Maria; first runner-up June Macasaet and Azel Shane Smith Photos by John Darilag

What’s your favorite thing to do online?

MONIKA: My favorite thing to do online is to go on my Facebook and Twitter. It’s nice to still be updated with your friends’ lives even when you don’t get to spend much time together. It’s also very humbling how a lot of people show their support for me in everything that I do through these sites.

JOHN: Watch YouTube videos. There are some really crazy, funny videos people put out, and I love to laugh. Things like Toby Turner and Team Four star. Just to mention a couple.

What’s your dream gig?

MONIKA: My dream was to endorse a product that really reflects my lifestyle –– this is why I joined Century Tuna Superbods, and I had the great honor of winning! 

JOHN: To be in a movie filmed in space somewhere. A bit weird, but it wouldn’t be worth it if it weren’t crazy and never done before.

Have you ever been starstruck? By whom?

MONIKA: I was starstruck by Anne Curtis. She is such a confident and beautiful woman!

JOHN: Not really. I’ve been excited to see some famous people, but I try to keep a level head about it. They see people go crazy over them all the time so I try to just be me.

If you could follow in the footsteps of anyone, career-wise, whose path would it be?

MONIKA: I haven’t really thought of that. I just want to be my own self. I’m just trying to be the best at what I chose to do, which is modeling, and keep myself grounded no matter what.

JOHN: Probably Johnny Deep. Most of the characters he plays are the kind I would love to do, like Captain Jake Sparrow. I love these characters because he is randomly silly, yet witty, funny and relaxed. The express the way I like to live my life.

How would you describe your personal style?

MONIKA: My personal style changes together with my mood. So I would say it’s spontaneous.

JOHN: I’m a laid-back guy so I usually wear relaxed casual clothing. Nothing too flashy and it has to make me feel good about myself.

Monika, women your age will begin looking up to you from now on. What cause would you rally for? What are you most passionate about and how would you like to contribute to society through this?

MONIKA: I am seriously most passionate about fitness. Being fit, eating healthy and maintaining an active lifestyle makes you happy about yourself and pushes you to do more things! I used to feel bad about myself when some designer clothes didn’t fit my hips, but now, when that happens I don’t feel bad because I know I am healthy and I am happy about the way I am.

JOHN: Healthy living. If you want to improve your life it is best to start with yourself. This will give you a solid foundation to improve the other aspects in life. I actually have the opportunity to do this though Century Tuna. People need to know that being fit and living a healthy lifestyle is going to be different for each person. The route you take towards getting fit and healthy will also differ.

What was your life like before Superbods? What kept you busy then?

MONIKA: I did photo shoots, fashion shows, castings and of course, gym. If I wasn’t doing any of those, I would meet up with my friends and do activities like bowling or laser tag.

JOHN: I did a little bit of college last year but then started working as a model full-time.

Has your life changed at all now that you’re a Superbod?

MONIKA: It’s quite the same! I’m still doing fashion shows and trying my best to go to castings. Now, I’m just a lot more motivated to eat healthy and be active. I’m set on doing my best to live up to the title of being Century Tuna’s new Superbod together with John!

JOHN: I realize more and more people will be looking up to me as a role model, so I have to be more conscious about how I present my self.

What’s next for you? What can your followers expect?

MONIKA: John and I are going to be making appearances for Century Tuna! Watch out for us!

JOHN: Definitely more modeling, but to do more than that I will need to learn Tagalog. I’m working on it.