Body Talk with: Denise Laurel

When Nang Dahil Sa Pag-ibig (formerly titled Padre de Pamilya) premieres on ABS-CBN anytime soon, you will see Denise Laurel as trim as ever without any hint that she gave birth during her (forced) absence of more than two years.

How did she do it (get back in shape with seeming ease)?

   “A ton of will power and discipline,” said Denise in this “body talk.” “During my pregnancy, I didn’t gain much weight but just the same I would work out at least once a day — light workouts lang. I was always on my feet. Drinking lots of water helped. After giving birth, with my doctor’s approval, I started working out like crazy and eating healthy. It also helped that my son was quite heavy and that I’m a hands-on mother, hehehehe! So all the dancing and the singing my son to sleep really did wonders. I was even doing squats, hahahaha!”

Denise got pregnant (by her boyfriend whose identity she politely refused to reveal) just when her career was going great, leaving showbiz-watchers wondering where she had gone even if she was a favorite subject of blind items in tabs that later dared to name her.

Aside from waiting for the stork’s visit, what did Denise do during her absence?

“I think I went a little bit nesting crazy. Oh, I was all over the place. I’ve always adored babies and been fascinated with women expecting. I was working out, cooking and baking like a mad woman, hahahaha…loading up on things for the baby and enjoying the company of my loved ones, traveling and hitting the beach.”

Slowly but surely, sans fanfare like when she dropped out of sight, Denise returned to showbiz.

“I’ve been getting warmed up with little appearances here and there, in Maalaala Mo Kaya, Showtime, Wansapanataym and other ABS-CBN shows. Then I started taping for the new ABS-CBN soap (Nang Dahil) in which I have the honor of working with the industry’s finest…Christopher de Leon, Piolo Pascual, Jericho Rosales, Cristine Reyes, Rafael Rosell, Maricar Reyes and many others. I’m really glad to be part of the soap and to be back at ABS-CBN, my home away from home.”

Denise is also working on her new album which will be released soon.

Any limitations in choice of roles now that she’s a mother?

“Anything that would make my son and my parents…and God…unhappy I will not do.”

How heavy were you during your pregnancy, how heavy are you now and how many more pounds do you have to shed? 

“I gained the required weight for my height. You’re only supposed to gain a pound a month; I didn’t find it difficult to stick to that because I wasn’t really craving anything or feeling any different. If I remember correctly, I gained 30 pounds but mostly on the last few weeks of my pregnancy. At three months post- partum, I actually got my body back and was seven pounds shy of my pre-pregnancy weight of 96 lbs. But I still want to shed seven more pounds.”

Since you are (I presume) breast-feeding, what kind of diet do you follow (mention food that you avoid and food that you always crave for)? 

“I was breastfeeding. I kept things simple and basic. Allergies and asthma run in my family so I stayed away from nuts, eggs and seafood. I don’t eat junk food so that rules out soda, chips and fast food. The only tough part was giving up my love for chocolates, hahahaha!” 

What’s usually for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

“For breakfast, I’d probably have a mushroom cheese and broccoli omelet and some organic jello. Lunch would be salmon steak and steamed veggies with peanut butter cookies for dessert and dinner would be oriental beef with bok choy salad. Protein is very important, so I snack on almonds or fruits. Potassium is also important so I eat bananas.”

How much water do you take per day?

“I love water. I drink so much water that I lose count. I always have water with me. I drink at least half a glass almost every hour.”

What vitamins, minerals or supplements do you take?

“Just vitamin C and lots of fruits.” 

If you delivered by Caesarian section, what workout did your OB-Gyne advise you to do? 

“I had an ultrasound to see if it was already okay to work out. I used to be very athletic but after a C-section I had to start from scratch and build my muscles. It was a bit frustrating not to be able to work out.”

For her post-natal comeback, Denise is cast in the new ABS-CBN soap Nang Dahil sa Pag-ibig (formerly titled Padre de Pamilya) with Piolo Pascual, Jericho Rosales, Maricar Reyes, Rafael Rosell, Cristine Reyes and Christopher de Leon.

What part of your body needs improvement?

“A woman would never tell, hahahaha!”

What part of your body is your favorite?

“I’m contented with what the Lord has given me.”

What part of a guy’s body do you notice first?

“Do eyes and nose count?”

What else about a guy turns you on?

“I’m not sure about the term ‘turn on’ but I like guys who are silently confident, humble and family-oriented, and who are also tougher than me.” 

And what’s in a guy that turns you off?

“Arrogance, lack of consideration for everyone (OMG!!!) and vanity.”

How much sleep do you get per night? How has the coming of the baby changed your sleep schedule?

“Believe it or not, my son has actually fixed my schedule. I’m a workaholic. When I get home from work I still have so much energy that I can go on working for four days straight, hahahaha! But being a mom now. I find everything so perfect. I love playing and taking care of my son. When he sleeps or takes a nap, I sleep and take a nap, too. He’s such a good baby and sleeps through the night. He has never given me any problem.”

Favorite sleep wear?

“Really? Dyahe naman, hahahaha! Boxer shorts and a wife beater (sando). Soooo comfy!”

How many pillows do you sleep with?

“Just one.”  

Do you snore?

“Nope, not at all. Wait…maybe I do when I’m sick. That’s when I breathe a bit deeper.”

Do you talk in your sleep?

“No, sir!”

Do you sleepwalk?

“No, sir!”

What’s the last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

“I have a lot of energy. But before going to bed, I like to re-evaluate my day or week and see how I could have done things better. Then I pray the rosary or my favorite prayers. Then I pass out!”

What’s the first thing that you do when you wake up?

“I thank God for giving me another day. But then I HAVE TO eat right away, hahahaha!”

How do you cope with stress?

“I don’t like showing people that I’m stressed. I like making people smile and be happy. I love to work, work out or bake cupcakes, cookies, paint, etc., and that helps me de-stress. What also takes stress away from me is my son’s smile. One look at him  smiling and, boom, my stress is gone!”

Favorite city, favorite hideaway?

“Madrid!!! Hideaway? My home! I love being around my family and friends. I like dining alone on certain occasions.” 

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