Body Talk w ith a Green Archer

At 6’9”, Arnold Van Opstal (AVO) towers over everybody everywhere, whether at the campus of De La Salle University where he’s taking up International Studies, on the hard court as a prominent figure during UAAP games as the Green Archers’ center and on the ramp (in the recent Bench show The Naked Truth). He’s currently playing for the Hapee Fighters team in the PBA D-League but will still play for La Salle in the UAAP next year.

“It will cap his basketball career at La Salle,” said Paula Punla who co-manages AVO (and other basketball players) under the Star Factor, Inc. with Edgar Tan and Dondon Monteverde.

Is AVO’s height an advantage or a disadvantage?

“Both, actually,” smiled AVO, a Sagittarian (Dec. 15, 1991) who weighs 220 lbs.; and who wears size-XL shirt and briefs and size-14 shoes.

The tallest (“By far,” he stressed) in the family, AVO started playing basketball at age 12. He’s a quarter German, a quarter Dutch and half-Filipino. “But I hardly mention my Dutch side,” AVO begged off, “because it’s a long story, hahahaha! Oh yes, I come from a close-knit family, really wonderful parents and the best big brother anyone could ask for.”

How do you maintain your body? 

“It’s hard for me to gain weight and I easily lose weight so maintaining my body for basketball is pretty hard. You want to make sure you’re on top of everything, all the time.”

What kind of workout do you do (aside from basketball rehearsals)?

“All functional movements. I focus on balance and strength in the gym.”

Any part of your body that needs improvement?

“I actually want to improve every aspect but in functional terms.” 

Part of your body that’s most vulnerable?

“My groin.”

Favorite part of your body?

“I appreciate everything God has given me.”

First thing that you notice in a girl?

“Her attitude and confidence turn me on.” 

Lights on or lights off?

“Off.”

What kind of diet do you follow?

“I try to stick with complex carbs and high protein sources for food.” 

What’s usually for breakfast, lunch and dinner, any snacks?

“I always have granola for brekky. My snacks are simple. Sometimes I eat chips. For lunch and dinner, I just eat whatever I feel like at the time.”

How much water do you take per day? What vitamins/supplements do you take?

“I take protein powder and some multi-vitamins. I try to take five liters of water a day.” 

How much sleep do you get per night? Do you share a room?

“No, I have a room to myself. I try to get six to eight hours of sleep every night.” 

How many pillows do you sleep with?

“I usually sleep with three.” 

Do you snore or sleepwalk?

“I snore when I have colds and I don’t think I’ve ever sleep walked yet.”

Favorite sleepwear? 

“Bench Boxers.”

Last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

“Probably browse the Net.” 

First thing that you do as soon as you wake up?

“Take a shower and brush my teeth.” 

How’s your nightlife?

“I go out when the occasion calls for it.”

How’s your love life (any girlfriend?)?

“My love life is great, very happy with my girlfriend as of now.” 

How do you deal with aggressive girls?

“I usually wouldn’t mind them.” 

How do you relax, cope with stress (massage, music and/or movies)? 

“I’m a big movie junkie and I love music. I also enjoy bringing my dogs to the field and having them play.”

Favorite hideaway (when you want to get away from it all)?

“Sydney.” 

Three women that you find sexy?

“Anne Curtis, Solenn Heussaff and Marian Rivera.”

Using only body language, how would you make a girl know that you admire her?

“Give her a smile.”

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