Beauty and the beach

The hashtag #LaBoracay2014 has gotten much attention on social media this week, with mixed reactions from all sectors — some are amused and excited, others are disgusted at the conspicuous display of bodies and bikinis this side of “thin-seltown.”

It’s  the peak of summer, if you haven’t noticed, ladies and gents, time to brighten up, get that Belo sunblock, take off your clothes (not all of them)) head over to our 7,107 beautiful islands and Instagram away. And don’t forget to hashtag.

Last week’s hottest beach shebang? #CenturySuperbods2014 drew a stellar mix of the country’s biggest stars, a standout selection of the best bodies and nonstop workouts to make sure we get to maintain that “transformation.” The T-word was the big buzz for the season, as everyone awaited the unveiling of a shirtless John Lloyd Cruz in Boracay.

Leading to that grand unveil was a Zumba-thon in the morning, with participants doing nonstop workouts. The BNO Boys hosted while everyone got possessed with the heat and sweat of the morning sun. I must compliment the transformation of the BNO Boys, who underwent the Century challenge and really showed great results! Credit for all the transformation goes to fitness coach Jim Saret and nutritionist Nadine Tengco, who I promise, will be my new best friends. Hello, Century!

I had promised everyone I was going to Zumba with them as soon as I woke up from the past night’s festivities, but I preferred to Zumba in bed — in my dreams. Must remind myself to be more disciplined, to think like a Superbod!

The best Superbods batch

The White Party the night before was equally eventful. The #CenturySuperbods contestants were formally introduced by host Gelli Victor to the sizable media delegation present. It was not easy to have favorites since almost everyone looked like a winner — a truly spectacular and very international Superbods batch — half Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Chinese, American and pure Pinoy, too! From the point of view of someone who’s been judging this competition for a few years now, this is, indeed, the best #CenturySuperbods batch ever.

Joey Mead King, that rock star of a supermodel mentor and Asia’s top, top model herself, started the ball rolling as soon as she rocked that ramp and grabbed that mic. I am amazed each time she does her runway-slash-hosting duties — how she commands the floor and makes you sit up and take notice. She also coached the contestants with their walk and how to carry themselves best. The smooth styling of the show, directed by Robby Carmona, another stalwart in his field, was more than evident in how fast-paced it was. Never a dull moment, each segment was a highlight! Standouts in the audience were Nanette Medved-Po, forever a vision in pristine style, and Marielle Santos-Po, wearing Rajo Laurel’s Palawan summer collection.

Then came Anne Curtis, and the world stopped. She put one leg out in her flowing Charina Sarte lapis lazuli beach dress and owned the stage like no one else can. This was the perfect lead-up to the night’s transformatory unveil. A cleanly unshaven John Lloyd Cruz walked onto the center of the stage. Everyone went wild. He then took his floral buttoned shirt off, waved it to the crowd, to reveal him wearing a sando — a leaner, meaner John Lloyd Cruz, “macho” dancing in front of the audience. “From Superbad, I’m now a Superbod!” Even in these “heated” circumstances, JLC’s sense of humor shines through.

“Why didn’t John Lloyd take his shirt off?” ranted some of my followers on social media. Because he didn’t have to. Transformation doesn’t mean abs. It means a change in mindset and lifestyle. It is both internal and external. He went on a strict diet, lost close to 20 lbs. and looks happier and healthier. In the end, that should be the goal — to be happy and healthy. Abs optional.

Postscript to the announcement of winners after a few months of intense training and grueling challenges — Mario Lumba and Sara Polverini emerged as this year’s #CenturySuperbods. The runners-up and the special awards went to the other early favorites, who, I must say, made judging this year extra difficult but extra pleasurable.

And then fun times at the after party at The District with DJ Mars Miranda. Time to take a dip in this Labor Day weekend sun. But I won’t take my shirt off.

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(More shirt and shirtless tales at twitter.com/officialtimyap and hot picks on Instagram, too!)