Sexy Summer: Unveiling the ‘Best You Ever’ at Century Tuna Superbods 2024
Aaron Beau Davis, Key Trajano, and Tony de Oteyza on dominating the fitness game
From Jon Avila in 2006 to Kirk Bondad in 2022, Century Tuna Superbods has been providing fitness inspiration to countless aspiring individuals, encouraging them to strive for the fittest version of themselves. In 2024, the search resumes as season 9 of the competition welcomes new candidates from diverse backgrounds.
On April 27, 2024, Century Tuna hosted a preliminary competition for Superbods 2024 with the theme “Best You Ever,” where over a hundred aspirants showcased their physiques and wit on stage. Among the contestants, 36 individuals now remain for the grand competition. The panel of judges included Century Pacific Food Inc. executives Greg Banzon, Carlo Endaya, Bea Ballesca-Martinez, Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, and Century Tuna Superbods 2022 grand winners Kirk Bondad and Christelle Abello.
The top 18 finalists for the male category are Nikko Nackaerts, Tony de Oteyza, Angel Mallari, Jerico Ejercito, Jether Palomo, Kris Guevarra, John Jenric Saldivar, Michael Ver Comaling, Jose Vicente Sobrevilla, Patrick Patawaran, John Paulo Dela Cruz, Carlo Adorador, Aaron Davis, Jeff Ong, Enzo Bonoan, Derick Hibaler, Naia Ching, and Joshua David Spider Webb. Meanwhile, the finalists for the female category are Monique de los Santos, Mariah Nicole Valdez, Justine Felizarta, Brooke Barredo, Lea Macapagal, Hazel Ortiz, Morena Carlos, Chrystel Mae Correos, Jasmin Ariola, Julia Sucgang-Bonoan, Nælah Alshorbaji, Clare Dacanay, Jessica Marasigan, Miaow Ayesa, Keylyn Trajano, Teodora Marie Reiss, Imelda Schweighart, and Inka Magnaye.
For more fitness inspiration and motivation, we interviewed some of the aspirants about their fitness journey and advocacy. Read through their insights on how they stay fit and become the best versions of themselves.
Tony de Oteyza, fitness trainer:
What does fitness mean to you?
Fitness, to me, is about being as physically adaptable for the world as possible. It’s a combination of strength, speed, and control over your own body.
What do you like most about the best version of you?
I like being comfortable seeing my own reflection in the mirror, proud of the work I’ve put in throughout the years. No one else put it on me. I had to do the work myself, and that makes me really proud.
What are you most proud of fitness-wise?
Just being able to move freely and not have my body hinder my performance in moving around the world in any way. Fitness built my mentality and confidence as well, so you can say that’s a huge benefit.
What’s your favorite workout routine, and why?
Building my body came mostly from lifting weights three times a week, with a focus on building up strength in my shoulders, back, legs, chest, and arms for maximum aesthetics.
How do you stay motivated?
I enjoy being in fantastic physical condition. It’s just something that I feel is built into my DNA. The moment you stop trying to improve yourself is the moment your spirit dies. I truly believe that.
I always knew I was going to achieve the physique I have now. I saw it in my mind when I was young and just thought, “Yup, that’s where I’m going to be.” Now, I’ve moved my focus into motivating others and showing them how I got into the physical position I’m in right now. I’ve got a website too.
Key Trajano, model entrepreneur:
What does fitness mean to you?
Fitness means everything to me. Growing up, I’ve always been body-conscious, trying to blend in with everyone and wanting to be hyper-feminine until one day I realized that only working out and eating healthy would make me confident in my body and in myself. Fast forward to this day, it became my lifestyle, and finding the right formula for my body type, now I feel better, stronger, and more confident than ever.
What do you like most about the best version of you?
The confidence and pride that I can express freely. I am a trans woman making history in the Philippines, competing in a female category for a fitness pageant. It speaks a lot to everyone that no matter your “herstory” and flaws are, you can make a better story out of it, control and shape your destiny if you choose to be brave and courageous in fulfilling your dreams.
What part of your body are you most proud of?
My legs! Grateful to have been born with long ones actually, and I feel that it is also the strongest part of my body.
What keeps you motivated?
I stay motivated because I see results. The journey to these results takes time; pain and hard work are vital as this journey is the key to achieving the body that we aspire to.
Aaron Beau Davis, model and athlete:
What does fitness mean to you?
Fitness for me is a state of mental and physical well-being. It’s about staying fit and active, allowing myself to feel energized and become confident in both mind and body.
What do you like most about the best version of you?
The thing I appreciate most about the best version of myself is the sense of fulfillment and inner peace that comes from aligning my actions with my values and goals. It’s not about perfection but rather about progress and becoming a better version of myself each day.
What are you most proud of fitness-wise?
I’m most proud of just having the drive and the consistency to try new things and get out of my comfort zone. My biggest achievement from fitness would be receiving a full ride basketball scholarship from Far Eastern University. Proud Tamaraw!!🔰
How do you stay motivated?
Staying motivated in fitness involves a multifaceted approach for me. I focus on setting realistic goals, tracking my progress, and celebrating small victories along the way. Surrounding myself with a supportive community, whether online or in person, also keeps me accountable and motivated. Additionally, I find inspiration in trying new workouts, exploring different fitness activities, and reminding myself of the positive impact that regular exercise has on my overall well-being.
Images courtesy of Tony, Key, and Aaron
