Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez: The hunks' race to a healthy lifestyle

MANILA, Philippines - Mention their names and images of two fit and adventurous hunks prancing around while shouting “Base!” in that race-around-Asia appearance come to mind. But even after that last pit stop, there’s still no stopping Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez. Aside from their respective shows (Marc on Sports Unlimited and Rovilson on Ang Pinaka), they can be seen together hosting two TV shows — Dare Duo and The Duke.

The dynamic duo is once again teaming up to support “Kenny’s Open 2009 Urbanite Run,” a one-of-a-kind marathon that will be held at the Bonifacio Global City in the Fort, tomorrow at 7 p.m.

Here, they talk about their friendship and how they stay in the race towards a healthy lifestyle:

PHILIPPINE STAR: Were you good friends even before that Asian adventure?

ROVILSON FERNANDEZ: Yes, we hosted a sports adventure show way back and somehow we keep bumping into each other in odd places, like Vietnam, for the same adventure.

MARC NELSON: We both go a long a way. I can say that, in real life, we’re best friends.

One cannot say Marc without mentioning Rovilson — and vice versa. Do you think it’s healthy for your individual careers?

MARC: It’s really hard to separate us. Maybe it’s because of the undeniable chemistry we have as a duo. But that’s okay. I love being with a clown and people don’t realize that Rovilson is really a comedian.

ROVILSON: Other than being known as the one with the buhok, Marc is the only guy who can put up with my lifestyle. I can call him because if I need to go out of town to entertain visitors or just to hang around — surprise — he’s there!

You seem to like each other a lot. How do you deal with differences to keep the tandem alive?

ROVILSON: What’s not to like about Marc? He’s very accessible. I can count on him for anything. He’s very down to earth.

NELSON: Although we don’t really have the same tastes in everything, I can say that we share more similarities than differences — we have the same sense of humor, we love the outdoors, adventure and, oh yes, standup comedy. Differences? Rovilson is the one most likely to do pole-dancing for extra cash; I’m the more subdued one. (Laughs)

ROVILSON: People who know me know that I hate people who try to be perfect. I love the people I love for their imperfections. Marc and I — we just try to be ourselves and I think that solidifies the friendship even more.

You guys seem to be everywhere all the time. How do you unwind?

NELSON: At some point, leisure and work become one, especially being in a sports TV show like I have. So I make it a point to watch DVDs, visit the beach house out of town, watch a movie with my mom instead of the crew. Mostly, relaxing is just sleeping for me.

ROVILSON: Usually when Marc and I are out of town for an assignment, we always ask if the hotel has a gym. I love books, magazines, the Internet — I’m online all the time. But unwinding for me means hitting the gym.

It seems that your duo can stand up to any dare. So if you have to give each other a dare to do, what would that be?

ROVILSON: We always pick on each other’s weaknesses. For instance, I know he doesn’t like spicy food. So I guess I would love to see Marc finishing a super spicy dish!

MARC: (Looks at Rovilson) Hmmmm… grow hair?! (Both laugh)

What sports are you into?

ROVILSON: I run a lot. If it rains and I can’t do it outdoors, I go to the gym and do the treadmill.

MARC: I love kite-boarding or anything to do with the water. I love extreme sports.

Aside from those sports, how do you keep fit?

MARC: We both eat healthy; but that means no dieting because you’ll just starve yourself and binge — there’s such a big difference. Eat five small meals a day. Choose the healthy stuff. 

ROVILSON: You can’t go to the gym all the time so just eat healthy. Be a label reader. Go for those that are low in sugar, salt, fat and cholesterol.

There is an adage that says: “You are what you eat.” If this is so, what are you then?

ROVILSON: I can say I’m oatmeal. I eat oatmeal every single day, really.

MARC: I can eat chicken, especially grilled or roast. I can eat it with bread, with salad or anything…

ROVILSON: He even drinks chicken shakes, chicken smoothies (looks at Marc and rolls eyes)… Sorry! Actually, we share the same philosophy when it comes to eating. We have a balanced diet.

MARC: Yeah, I guess it’s not only “what you eat,” it also has to be “how you eat.”

ROVILSON: Healthy eating need not only be your lifestyle. It should be your life!

What is your advice so one can eat healthy while dining out?

ROVILSON: Some restaurants suddenly have this “healthy section” on the menu just to ride on the trend. They may throw in a salad but it’s slathered with mayo, see? Here’s the idea: always order “on the side.” Order a salad and tell them to put the dressing or cheese on the side.

MARC: Eat in moderation. Or better yet, eat at Kenny Rogers Roasters.

You both have busy schedules. How do you manage to eat healthy?

MARC: We both talk a lot so we need those brain foods — nuts, fruits and vegetables — and lots of water. We try to pack our bags with the kind of food we want to eat.

ROVILSON: Oh yeah, there’s no harm in bringing your own baon.

How has healthy eating benefited you?

MARC: We feel light, active and have enough energy to manage the kind of careers and schedules we have.

ROVILSON: You’ll look and feel better about yourself and there’s an added bonus of living a lot longer!

What made you endorse Kenny Rogers Roasters?

ROVILSON: I started with the Kenny’s smoothies. If I put my name behind a brand, it has to be something that I believe in and live for. Kenny Rogers champions healthy lifestyle and there’s cohesion there with my own life.

MARC: We endorse Kenny Rogers for the same reason: health and wellness.

What are your favorite Kenny dishes?

ROVILSON: Chicken, ribs and of course, their corn muffins…

MARC: For me, it’s still chicken, hands-down. Kenny Rogers Roasters has the best chicken there is. I also love their sandwiches.

ROVILSON: We love eating at Kenny Rogers and when it rains, what do we do, Marc?

MARC: We pick up the phone and dial Kenny’s delivery service or order online.

Will you both be at Kenny’s Open U2009 Urbanite Run?

MARC: Yes, we will. But I will not run. (Pointing to Rovilson) He will.

ROVILSON: I’ve been running every day for years now. I even did a 42K run once. So definitely, I will run.

And just like that Amazing Asian Race you did — one of you will do the task and the other is going to cheer you on?

MARC: You can put it that way because I will be hosting the event. So I will definitely cheer Rovilson and all the other 3,000 runners from takbo.ph, IAmNinoy and other running enthusiasts.

What’s so unique about Kenny’s Open 2009 Urbanite Run?

ROVILSON: Actually, this came about because of the whole running phenomenon. But there is an interesting and unique twist. It will be the first night run to use a timing chip device.

MARC: Of course the singlet and the glow-in-the-dark bracelets or wristbands are so cool. And since it’s going to be at night, there’s less traffic to deal with, no diesel fumes and no heat stroke. There will also be live entertainment by Tribo Manila and deliciously healthy eating after the run. Beneficiaries are 57:75 Movement and Hands-on Manila, two institutions very dear to my heart. 

You’re both looking forward to the run?

ROVILSON: Definitely! I am excited because since it’s going to be at night, personal records will be broken…

MARC: …And who knows, maybe new records will be established. Come to the Kenny’s Urbanite Run guys. It’s everything you’ve ever wanted in a run.