Healthy inside out

MANILA, Philippines - Among today’s showbiz celebrities, Regine Tolentino ranks high among the list of age-defiers — the elite few whose youthful looks and lithe physiques make it look like they’ve stumbled upon the secret to immortality.

Unlike her much younger contemporaries who have all succumbed to “going under the knife” to hack away at those unsightly fats and unwanted pounds, Regine can only shake her head at such shortcuts, which only provide short-term results.

In her book, real wellness — and the beauty that springs forth from it — comes from within.

A stickler for the all-natural approach to fitness, Regine’s success story is a testament to the benefits of a healthy diet, regular exercise, a happy disposition and a harmonious family relationship, which have made her the best choice for her latest endorsement for Organique, a nutritional drink derived from the Acai (pronounced ah-sah-ee) berry originally found in the Amazon jungles, which has been recently touted for its miraculous health benefits.

“It was my brother and his group of martial artist friends who first told me about this Acai berry,” Regine recalls.

She adds, “And it was serendipitous that the Organique people approached me during an event last year, where they encouraged me to try it. And because I loved the results, I’d always tell my friends about it. I guess that’s when they realized that I’d make the perfect endorser, along with Ms. Cory Quirino, another tireless health and beauty advocate.”

A firm believer in all things green and organic, Regine swears by the far-reaching benefits of the dark purple berry.  She says, “It’s rich in antioxidants, which basically combat cell damage, which causes aging. Aside from strengthening the immune system and boosting energy, it also works wonders on my hair and skin. My mom, who is a Stage 4 cancer survivor, has been taking it regularly, and she’s been showing great improvement as well.”

These days, the TV host/actress has her hands full with her Unang Hirit stint, where her daily dose of exercise and dance routines literally wakes up sleepy viewers better than a cup of brewed coffee.

While she engages in others sports and also indulges in occasional marathons, Regine feels more at home with the more core-oriented and holistic advantages of dancing.

Even before the Zumba craze started, Regine’s RT Dance Studio had already become the go-to fitness haven among celebrities and their kids. Interestingly, even Regine’s husband of 17 years, Lander Vera-Perez, attributes his leaner physique to regular Zumba sessions despite being a late-bloomer in jumping in on the fitness bandwagon.

A firm believer in the saying, “Do what you love and the money will follow,” Regine’s entrepreneurial savvy also allowed her to cash in on her first love. Aside from conducting regular dance workshops for budding artists from the major networks, the dance biz eventually inspired her to establish her own boutique specializing not just in dance and fitness apparel, but also casual to formal ready-to-wear ensembles, as well as concept costumes for TV or movie shoots.

As she continues to reap an abundance of blessings, Regine continues to preach her gospel of fitness and wellness, her exemplary lifestyle being the best testament to the maxim, “health is wealth.”