For Marc Pingris, fiction imitates life

Jean Marc-Pingris, the dominating six-foot-four center forward of the San Mig Coffee Mixers in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), is an accomplished athlete (considered one of the best defenders in the league, he is part of the National Team Gilas Pilipinas that will represent the country in the FIBA World Cup in Spain in August this year), and a devoted husband and father as well.

 Recently, Marc took another step forward in his career when he signed on as one of the newest endorsers of House of Obagi (HOO) for its “The HOO Factor” campaign.

 Founded on a renowned skin care brand worldwide, HOO (which is the exclusive distributor of Ogabi medical products in the country) is now the destination place for skin health restoration and transformation for any woman to achieve beautiful and younger-looking skin at any age.

“Marc was chosen to be part of the campaign because aside from being an achiever in the field of sports, he also knows how to appreciate beauty. Married to actress Danica Sotto since 2007 and a devoted father to two kids, a boy and a girl — this makes him the total package.” Marc is simple and uncomplicated, even in how he appreciates beauty. “Gusto ko yung maayos, di ganoon kakapal ang makeup, natural lang, Filipina beauty talaga. Simple lang pumorma, ‘yung fresh, na ‘pag lumabas ng bahay, talagang lahat ng lalake mapapatingin sa kanya. For me, ‘dun mo makikita ang beauty ng girl, di sa makeup or damit. Sa simpleng ayos lang, dun lumalabas ang tunay na beauty,” says Marc.

For Marc, another plus factor is a woman who is well read and intelligent, like his wife Danica who he says has a wide collection of interesting books. “Isn’t it be great to have long and meaningful conversations with a beautiful and confident woman? I think reading is a major factor. It really doesn’t have to be great and deep books. A lot of fun topics and information can surely be learned through reading and that really spices up any relationship,” says Marc.

For his part, Marc’s reading list consists mostly of graphic novels and self-help or spiritual books. Here are some of his favorites:

1. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. “As a Christian, I feel truly blessed to have God at the center of my life and my relationship with my wife. This book really helped me a lot to find meaning and direction in my life. Sobrang naging clear at simplified ang outlook ko sa buhay because of this book.”

2. Life’s Healing Choices by John Baker. “I learned so much from this book. All of us have been through pains and struggles. My life growing up was such a challenge for me and my family. Through this book, I was reminded that happiness and healing is a choice. Happiness is something that is accessible for everyone because it’s inside all of us if only we choose to be positive and hopeful.”

3. X-Men: X-Tinction Agenda by Chris Claremont and Louise Simonson. “I wish a movie is made out of this graphic novel. Reading this is like watching a great action and adventure movie. The X-Men gets kidnapped and because of a device that’s placed around their necks, they all lose their powers and all hell breaks loose.”

4. Naruto Manga by Masashi Kishimoto. “I’m also into anime and I love the fight scenes in this series. I also like reading this because it’s very much similar to the video games that I love to play during my free time.”

5. Archie Comics. “Archie always brings out the little boy in me. I share some of my Archie comics to my kids. Archie and his gang are crazy and funny but there are so many positive, wholesome family values in their adventures, too.”

6. The Holy Bible. “This is the most important book in my family’s life. As Christians, the word of the Lord is the source of our strength and happiness. He has died for our sins and we are all saved through his love and unending grace.”    

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“The Reading Club” recommends The Disappeared by Kim Echlin. It may be available at National Bookstore and Power Books branches.

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You may send your comments and suggestions at gr.rodis @gmail.com and follow me on Twitter and Instagram @showbizmanila.