Drew joins Paris marathon

MANILA, Philippines - Drew Arellano is vocal about his steady relationship with Iya Villania with whom he will go with in France this month. Yet he was quick to dodge rumors that he is set to ask for his lady’s hand. He’s actually competing for a marathon challenge scheduled April 15 in Paris.

“It’s too cliché to do it in Paris. I’ll propose when she least expects it,” he said with a smile, proudly saying that his eight-year affair with the MYX VJ can only be described as “getting better every year.”

The travel host for GMA 7’s Unang Hirit expressed delight that his workout-buff partner is tagging along as he competes for the 42-km challenge. The fact he is setting foot in Paris for the first time should make the trip extra special.

“Siya yung magiging yaya ko,” Drew added with a laugh, then admitted he really wanted to go on a vacation with Iya. “It’s a bonus that there’s a race.”

Drew has been joining running competitions for the past five years. Regularly he wakes up at 3 a.m. to run within the vicinity of Bgy. San Antonio in Ortigas. By average, he participates in 20 triathlon races in a year. Name it, Ironman, Death March... he’s into them. He is even part of a celebrity running group gathering twice a week.

He pointed out, “I enjoy running. It’s self reflection and you just need rubber shoes. I’m not a fan of treadmill kasi iba pa rin yung totoong takbo.”

Apart from his daily exposure in Unang Hirit, Drew also hosts Weekend Getaway airing on GMA News TV Friday nights at 10:15 and AHA Sundays after GMA 7’s Slamdunk.

He was awarded twice by the PMPC as Best Travel Show Host for Balikbayan, the former title of Weekend Getaway when it was still under QTV channel. Drew also bagged EnPress’ Best Host for Educational Show for AHA.