Raymart’s key to looking young

CEBU, Philippines - When Raymart Santiago strode into a restaurant along Escario Street to chitchat with Cebu media, comments of him looking younger than his years quickly flew about.

Told of this observation, the actor didn’t miss a beat and remarked with a naughty chuckle: “Siguro kasi wala na akong problema!”

Having hogged the headlines the past years for his marital woes and court face-offs with wife Claudine Barretto, it was understood what “problems” he was jokingly referring to, even without him elaborating or us poking our nose on the subject.

A contrast to the somber Raymart as seen on television interviews in recent memory, the fellow before us was a jovial man this particular afternoon, poking fun at his very public domestic spats and at being paired with much younger actresses – with that trademark Santiago charm and humor.

“Siguro parati ka lang masaya sa buhay mo, walang problemang dinadala. Wala kang inaapakang tao,” added Raymart on his secret to defying Father Time looks-wise. “Relax lang ang buhay mo. Sa tingin ko, yan ang mas makakabata sayo.”

Physical upkeep does the trick too, said Raymart. “And of course, you also need to exercise and eat right. I employed a nutritionist two years ago who taught me how to eat right. I was turning 40 years old then, so I asked myself what else I can do. So I tried to go on a diet.”

Raymart said he had an offer last year to cover a men’s health magazine, but he still lacked in some areas and is still trying to gain in the right places. He said he no longer smokes (he stopped eight years ago) and drinks only occasionally.

Formerly dubbed Junior Comedian and then later on Action Prince, Raymart is currently seen weeknights in the GMA-7 tearjerker “Second Chances” along with Jennylyn Mercado, Camille Prats, and Rafael Rosell.

“I play the husband to Jackie Rice’s character…we’re both adventurous, until an accident happens and she dies. The grief will leave my character not giving needed attention to our children and our restaurant. One day, I’ll meet Jennylyn’s character, where I’ll save her from a certain situation. Destiny will have us crossing paths and developing feelings for one another,” shared Raymart of his character and the series’ plot.

Off-cam, the star is busy with various businesses, including restaurants and drone equipment rentals.

Asked what his other sources of happiness are these days, Raymart named his proclivity for living life on the edge. “Skydiving,” he said of his current passion. “I have pet birds, and it made me think that I wanted to experience flying. It’s actually safe, and I eventually got to enjoy skydiving. I was supposed to skydive in Bantayan Island, but the location turned out to be far. The skydiving community in the country is very small, so we all know each other through Facebook.” – VAB