Aljur Abrenica on his diet: “I used to have a 30" waistline, now I’m down to 28" and I’m a guy." (Photo by RUDY LIWANAG)

Last night saw the much-awaited pilot episode of GMA-7’s latest offering that features one of its prized talents Aljur Abrenica.  Before that, teasers of him topless with only a loincloth covering his private parts kept airing.  Who would have thought that this reality-based artista search product would someday portray a much-coveted role first played by award-winning actor Cesar Montano?  No one, except respected beauty expert Ricky Reyes.

It happened more than three years ago after performing as  a guest in the now defunct variety show S.O.P.  The location was  Calatagan’s Golden Sunset resort, a business owned by Ricky Reyes himself.  He called then 17-year-old Aljur, Machete.  When the latter inquired who Machete was, Reyes shortly replied “Basta. Ikaw si Machete.”  Curious, Aljur did some research.  And when he finally learned everything about the wooden statue that comes to life under certain circumstances, he not only acknowledged and basked in the compliment, he “owned” it.  He confidently told himself: “Bagay sa ‘kin ‘yan.  Ako ‘yan.”

The making of “Machete”

Not knowing for certain if there would be a remake or another adaptation of the film, Aljur started preparing himself physically.  Formerly an athlete in Don Bosco, he was used to training in the gym.  He also had help from his personal trainor Billy James Renacia whom he met when he was 19.

“Before kasi, I’d lift weights but I’d get sick often.  I’d lose weight but it’s not in proportion. I’ve been training since I was 16 but it wasn’t until I trained under him that I saw the physical changes,” he tells.

And then the dream finally came true.

On his last taping day for “Ilumina,” Aljur was told he wouldn’t have any vacation because he will be doing another project – another TV series.  He almost felt sad because the Holidays were about to begin and he had been working continuously all year that he too wanted to take a few weeks rest.  But upon hearing the word “Machete,” he was just all too happy to oblige.

“I didn’t enjoy much of the food during Christmas and New Year because I was set to do "Machete".  I would eat in the morning or whenever I woke up.  My first meal would be kahit anong masarap: spaghetti, spare ribs, hotdog, salad, gulaman.  I would eat all of it but after that meal, I am back to regular food.”

Aljur knows all too well that the secret to maintaining his great physique is in the food he eats.  This much he learned from his trainor who created his so called “Machete Diet,” a term that’s fast becoming a byword with fitness enthusiasts. It is composed of boiled camote and saba; steamed fish, beef, and chicken; no rice; no salt; and no sugar.

“What’s ironic about it is I eat more now than I did before.  And the serving is bigger than the normal serving.  I eat every two hours which is like six to eight meals a day.  But instead of getting heavier, I build muscles because of the protein, fiber, and carbs,” Aljur shares adding in jest, “I used to have a 30 waistline, now I’m down to 28 and I’m a guy.”

Apart from his diet, Aljur still maintains his workout at least four times a week.  When his taping schedule normalizes, he would want to step up his fitness regimen by swimming.  And if there’s any chance, he also wants to try mountain or rock climbing.  Makes one wonder, how does a busy body like him relax?

“It’s hard for me to relax, especially if I’m in the middle of a project.  But when I feel stressed out already, I go to Batangas.  Doon nakakahinga ako nang maluwag,” he shares. 

The man behind the statue

The Abrenicas own a piece of land in Tingga Batangas where they’ve started their own little business: a bar they named Ichiban; a restaurant; and a resort that opened last January 19.  The next plan is to have a hotel.

“My Dad has a lot of plans and he always tells us, me and my siblings, ‘Sa inyo din naman ‘yan mapupunta ‘pag dating ng panahon’ and I acknowledge that.  My brother, the one after me, switched to culinary because he wanted to help in the business,” he tells.

On the other hand, Aljur who used to dream of becoming a pilot wants to take up Business Management in the future instead, at the University of the Philippines, no less. “School will have to wait.  It’s not within 2011 but it’s definitely in my plans,” he tells.

Aljur knows all too well how much he owes it his showbiz career - the blessings and the break he has been receiving.  “I appreciate how people appreciate me.  The more people notice me, the more I am thankful for the blessings.  Mas minamahal ko lalo ang trabaho ko.”

It has been three years since then and more than being grateful, he recalls his early days with fondness. “I wanted to become a singer.  I didn’t want to audition for Starstruck but my girlfriend at that time persuaded me because there was an extra application form.  Sabi niya sayang naman daw.  Wala naman daw mawawala kung susubukan ko.  We’re no longer together.  She couldn’t handle the idea of pairing with a love team.  Pero kung hindi dahil sa kanya…”

Aljur claims he’s currently loveless but admits to being an old fashioned gentleman who still believes in courting a girl by serenading her and writing love letters.  Needless to say, she’s easily turned off by aggressive girls.  “It’s easy to just send a text message. Napakadaling mambola sa ganon at ang dami ko nang nakitang ganyan.  Pero old school ako e. Gusto ko ‘yung Maria Clarang babae,” he reveals.

As far as misconceptions are concerned, Aljur disclaims, “People used to think na mayabang ako at natural akong suplado.  It started when I was new in the business because I would bump into people and unless they greet me first I wouldn’t.  I was just shy.  Nahihiya lang talaga ako.  I’ve learned to change that,” he concludes with a big smile.