Carlo Orosa: Fit to manage stars

Afew months ago, I received a text message from Carlo Orosa.  He was in San Francisco and would like to hit the gym the following day.  Unfortunately, he forgot his membership card and sought my help.  That request wouldn’t be difficult had it not been for the fact that I was under the penetrating Florida sun at the massive Epcot.

Glad that my kids were lined up for a ride, I found myself a quiet shade where I could make some phone calls.  I had to make two actually.  One to the headquarters in Dallas and another call to Seattle where the people who can make the calls to the San Francisco clubs are based.  I worked at it with a passion because I support Carlo’s dedication to his regular workouts.

Managers like Carlo are aware that his talents need to have a healthy lifestyle not only to look their best but also to have the energy and stamina required by their punishing schedules. 

In recognition of what Carlo has done to the careers of Christian Bautista, Karylle, and Sam Concepcion, Stages promoted him as its talents group head.

Listen in to the thoughts of a celebrated talent manager:

Philippine Star: How did you become an artist as well as a talent manager?

CARLO OROSA: My love for music started in our school glee club at La Salle Greenhills; then in high school, I joined the Kundirana where my singing and performing for different audiences here and abroad were honed. I went mainstream in the early ’90s when I released my first self-titled album under Octo Arts EMI Recording. I did concerts, TV etc. I also loved the theater and became one of the founding members of Trumpets, Asia’s first professional Theater Ministry. My years as a professional singer led me to developing and managing talents.

Is this job physically, mentally and emotionally draining?

Carlo: Yes!  The goal for each talent is to nurture, develop, represent, negotiate, and bring out their potential as an artist in their field. Through a process of training and being at the right place at the right time.  Sometimes it doesn’t happen overnight.

What makes this job of yours fulfilling and inspiring?

When you see that the plans and goals for the talent exceed your expectations, when they begin to conquer other territories.

What are your stressors and how do you cope with them?

I have good people under me like assistants who do most of the legwork. I can’t do it all alone. I also have advisors whom I consult from time to time.

You exercise quite regularly. How does this help you?

Yes, I do exercise regularly to keep me fit and alert.  If you want to stay in the business long, you got to stay healthy!

Do you follow a strict diet? How do you complement your exercise regimen with diet?

I don’t eat pork and beef anymore. Just fruit, vegetables, and sometimes chicken.  I also take lots of oatmeal in the morning.

What are the primary benefits of exercise to your talents?

Strength is the big factor. When you are out on the road all the time or doing three shows a day, you need to eat well and be strong all the time. Good excercise and diet will keep you going.

Are you also promoting healthy living to people in your office and your family?

Yes, they see me rushing to the gym all the time. They know it’s an important part of my life.

Do you prepare your own meals?

I eat out most of the time, but breakfast I do it on my own. Oatmeal or cereal with soy milk and fruits. That’s every day!

What for you is well-being? What do you do to achieve that?

I try to balance everything. I use to be a workaholic, but lately I am learning to shut off everything when I have to. Trust that things will run on their own course. You don’t have to stress yourself with work all the time.

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Post me a note at mylene@goldsgym.com.ph or mylenedayrit@gmail.com.