Happy new you with Cohen

Being a fan of good transformations, I’m always amazed at the many people who are determined to revamp their forms and figures for the better. It’s inspiring and encouraging. Plus, it makes one seriously think: “Can I really do that myself?!”

Although I didn’t need any more proof about the effectiveness of the Cohen lifestyle program (one of my good friends is a living testament and has lost 70 lbs. and counting!), I got curious to meet other successful graduates and see their dramatic changes. The New Me Cohen Lifestyle event at the NBC Tent held last October 20 was a peek into the transformed lives of Cohen lifestyle enrollees. There was a photo exhibit with some impressive and before-and-after shots, a cooking demo showing that diet food need not be boring, and finally, a fashion show where graduates strutted their new figures on the catwalk. The event was one of new waist sizes, revived confidence, and good vibes. Cornering the “models” before their big debut, I was able to gain key insights about their journey from insecure and plump to healthy and sexy. 

Barbara Cdr Young, CEO,

Cohen Lifestyle Centre Philippines:

Lost 46 lbs. in 4.5 months

What was the last straw that pushed you to start this lifestyle change?

I felt that it was my last chance, since I had already tried everything, and none of the other programs worked. I was running out of options, so this was my last chance to look the way I wanted to look. And, I was determined; walang point mag-cheat!

How did you feel when you lost all that weight?

It was so liberating! Then, I thought that when you find something that works, it would be very selfish not to share it with others. It took two years before we finally set up shop here in the Philippines. Now, there are thousands who are enrolled. And more and more people enroll because of the testimonies of graduates.

What’s the first thing you did to celebrate your new body?

I had pictures of myself taken. I realized I had very few photos of myself before, since I would always shy away from the camera. Plus, I went shopping for more colored clothes—hindi na laging black nalang!

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Venus Navalta, chairperson,

Zenith Optimedia:

Lost 30 lbs. in 4 months

What was the last straw that pushed you to start this lifestyle change?

I wanted to look better, and I wanted to prioritize myself. It used to always be about family and career, but I felt it was high time for me to take care of myself.

How do you feel now that you’ve lost all that weight?

It’s so much fun and so liberating. It makes you feel good to hear comments from my staff, like “Mother, ang payat-payat mo na!” And I feel and look younger. I was with my grandniece, and I was even mistaken for her mother!

What’s the first thing you did to celebrate your new body?

I really had to shop. My pants got so loose, I had to buy new pairs because my old ones were falling off. And from a predominantly black wardrobe, I now can explore colors and whites! I never dared to wear white before.

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Aimee Masangcay-Tanpinco, entrepreneur:

Lost 28 lbs. in 6 months

What was the last straw that pushed you to start this lifestyle change?

My wedding couturier Paul Cabral convinced me to try Cohen. I knew that the pictures of my wedding would last forever, so I wanted to be fit and look fit on my wedding day.

How do you feel now that you’ve lost all that weight?

Now, I feel much more confident and more beautiful.

What’s the first thing you did to celebrate your new body?

Walk down the aisle! Our wedding was last September. I actually did the program with my then-fiancé, and we encouraged each other every step of the way. I must say, we looked good in our wedding photos. I still have 15 lbs. to go, but I know I can do it with my husband’s support.

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Don Raphael Marasigan, school principal and swimming coach:

Lost 70 lbs. in 3.5 months

What was the last straw that pushed you to start this lifestyle change?

I used to be an athlete in college, but over the years, I just grew bigger and bigger and bigger. I’m also a swimming coach, and there were times when people refused to believe that I could even swim because of my huge size.

How do you feel now that you’ve lost all that weight?

I feel 10 years younger. My dream of becoming a triathlete is now coming true.

What’s the first thing you did to celebrate your new body?

As soon as I was fit and ready, I went for an aquathlon, and I won third place. Then, I did a triathlon for beginners. I want to try more triathlons, and I’m eyeing to do the Ironman challenge next year.

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Ginbee Go, SVP Cardbanking head, BPI:

Lost 56 lbs. in 8 months

What was the last straw that pushed you to start this lifestyle change?

I was told that my knees could no longer support my weight. I said, ‘Doc naman, kaya ako nag-jo-jog to lose weight.’ So, I had to diet first. Also, I wanted to be able to fit into clothes that I liked looking at, and not just settle for styles that fit me. I wanted to go back to my highschool days, when I could wear whatever I wanted!

How do you feel now that you’ve lost all that weight?

“I feel good, positive, and lighter. I feel more confident even when I’m in front of other people.

What’s the first thing you did to celebrate your new body?

I shopped! Nothing fit me anymore. From a size 16, I became a size 0. My wardrobe needed a makeover.

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Gigi Sanares, restaurant, resorts, & real estate developer:

Lost 82 lbs. in 7 months

What was the last straw that pushed you to start this lifestyle change?

I felt my knees starting to hurt late last year, so I knew I was getting to heavy. Plus, I didn’t want to be fat at 50! I wanted to be fit at 50.

How do you feel now that you’ve lost all that weight?

I feel great; I can run up and down the steps without any pain. The most rewarding is that I feel a lot healthier now.

What’s the first thing you did to celebrate your new body?

While I had thought about it while I was on the program, I didn’t really feel like binging. Instead, I treated myself to a whole new wardrobe. I used to be a size 14, now I’m down to a 0 or 2. I had no choice but shop!”

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Isabel Alberto-Recto, early-childhood educator:

Lost 26 lbs. in 5 months

What was the last straw that pushed you to start this lifestyle change?

I couldn’t keep up with my children anymore. I lost my sense of fashion because styles couldn’t fit me, and I couldn’t justify getting dressed because of my size. When we went on vacations, I’d even hibernate inside the room because I was embarrassed to stroll around.

How do you feel now that you’ve lost all that weight?

I feel amazing. My sense of fashion was revived, and I feel more confident. More than that, I’m healthier now.

What’s the first thing you did to celebrate your new body?

Shop, of course! I wanted to reward myself — I deserved a new wardrobe! For the first time, I can now shop in regular stores instead of specialty shops that carry bigger sizes.