Daniel Matsunaga is tough enough

When he’s not on the set of a shoot, you can find actor and model Daniel Matsunaga in the gym or on the football field. The hunky Pinoy Big Brother big winner claims that what he loves doing the most are playing football and working out. No wonder he was chosen by the action channel KIX to host its show R U Tough Enough? (RUTE).

For a strong impactful kick-off, Daniel, together with strongman Moises Torcator, pulled a truck loaded with 18 KIX girls for a distance of 18 meters. After demonstrating their brut strength, they asked Filipinos nationwide, “Are you tough enough?”

“Regardless of the adversities that are thrown at them, Filipinos are able to overcome the adversity and continue to flourish. It is part of the Pinoy spirit and I am certain we’ll find many contestants to participate in this search for the toughest Pinoy,” said Daniel.

For the final showdown on Sept. 5, the finalists have to successfully traverse an obstacle course. The challenges will test each contestant both physically and mentally. 

We sat down with Daniel to find out just how tough he is:

THE PHILIPPINE STAR: Have you always been a gym junkie?

DANIEL MATSUNAGA: I arrived here in the Philippines five-six years ago, but I’ve always worked out a lot. I had to every day because of my modeling career. I like going to the gym because there are so many options and there’s so much to do using the equipment and facilities.

Was there ever a time you were chubby or skinny and how did you overcome it?

Until I was 12, I was a chubby kid. I was always into sports, but I loved to eat and food in Brazil is really good. I was bullied in school because of my weight. It was always just little things. Other kids would step on my shoes and once, I got into a fight. So I decided to change myself. I wanted to become a more active person and improve my physique. I started working out at home when I was 13. My father put an iron bar above my door and every time I would cross, I’d try to do a pull-up. If I couldn’t make it, I’d jump and try again. I wouldn’t give up. It was really persistence, you know? I really wanted to do it, and I really wanted to lose weight. I also started playing football when I was young. With football, I was doing a lot of cardio and it really helped me lose fat. By the time I was losing fat, I was able to do the pull-ups. In the beginning, I could only do one, two or three, but by the time I was 14, I could do 27 straight. 

Why did you decide to keep on working out even after you lost your excess fat?

Well, what kept me going was really an objective in my life to keep myself fit and to integrate exercise in my life. I’m a professional football player, playing in the first division. So I need to be fit for my work and also for myself. I also have to watch what I eat, work out, and do cardio every day. It’s just good for me ’cause I like to be fit.

What’s one misconception that you would like to change about people’s views on fitness?

Normally, people say that they can’t work out because they don’t have time. But for me, working out is really more like a lifestyle. Sometimes, you really have to work out for yourself and for your future. It’s about improving yourself and your mentality — and then your body. It also reduces the risk of certain diseases in the future.  Working out isn’t just something you have to see as a task or chore, it’s a way of living.

How do you inspire other people to be fit and healthy?

As much as I can, I inspire them through my work, doing videos, and doing what I love the most, which is really exercise and professional football. A lot of people watch football here. It’s just starting, but it’s growing very fast. Also working out, you know? Working out every day, maintaining my fitness with food and exercise at the same time.

Do you believe strong is sexy? Why?

Yes, I believe strong is sexy ’cause by working out, of course you become stronger and stronger every day. By doing that, your physique will change. And then by changing, you feel more confident.  You feel better about yourself, and that’s more sexy.

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Catch KIX on Skycable Ch.63, Cablelink Ch.220, Destiny Cable Ch.10 and Cignal Ch 122. 

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