James Reid: from lanky to yummy

By Nickky Faustine P. de Guzman

SIX YEARS in the entertainment industry and James Reid has grown (literally and figuratively) into a big star. From a lanky boy snatching the hearts of many as the Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Clash big winner in 2010, Mr. Reid, has now grown more buff, and is the face on many magazine covers is the endorser for many products.

Mr. Reid recently joined Anne Curtis and Derek Ramsey (“He is my ‘fitspiration.’”) as an endorser of Century Tuna. His commercial — which highlights his chiseled body plus his pretty face — currently has 4.1 million views on Facebook.

The 23-year-old actor said he worked hard for his abs. “I don’t like repeating exercises because my body gets used to it,” he said on Sept. 7 at the Makati Shangri-La before an audience of frantic fans.

“I liken it to a championship game,” he said. “If you want to win, you naturally want to surround yourself with a teammate you can put your total faith. This, to me is Century Tuna.”

Despite his hectic schedule — he has just finished a world tour with his reel- and real-life partner Nadine Lustre and is now taping episodes of his hit prime time show Till I Met You on ABS-CBN — he said he squeezes in time to go to the gym, or he does no-equipment exercises in between shows or in the comfort of his home.

“I do high protein diet,” he added. He said he has no cheat days (“I’m pretty controlled.”) and likes vegetable salad with tuna on it.

From skinny boy to becoming sexy, Mr. Reid said he has no issues with body objectification because he said he worked hard for it and “because I liked it. I am now more confident.”

Hollywood stars like Kit Harington, Chris Pratt, and Nick Jonas have spoken out against male objectification. But in the Philippine entertainment industry where great looks can lead to greater stardom, this is not an issue. At least, Mr. Reid is healthy.

His body goals? “To maintain my body,” he said.