With his new admirable physique, GMA Artist Center’s Aljur Abrenica is now the epitome of sexiness and fitness. It’s a physique that he did not achieve overnight though, but something he worked hard for in preparation for his newest project “Machete.”

“Machete,” based on the late Pablo S. Gomez’s novel that had been translated into film twice (first with Cesar Montano and then Gardo Verzosa) in the ’90s is now being aired on primetime on GMA-7. Aljur’s leading lady in the drama-fantasy series is Bela Padilla who’s playing her first major role as the talented Rosella, a young woman born with a rare skin disease. Also playing the other female lead role is Ryza Cenon, as Marla, the sculptress who makes life miserable for Rosella.

Also in the cast of “Machete,” directed by Don Michael Perez, are Gwen Zamora, Chariz Solomon, Steph Henares and veteran actresses Gina Alajar and Rio Locsin. Aljur revealed that he got hooked on the fitness gym a few years back when he learned he was going to land the role of Machete, the super hunk statue. With the help of his friend and personal trainer Billy James Renacia (he said Aljur has the discipline and motivation to achieve his goal), the 20-year-old actor was able to build those muscles and accentuate those abs.

And Aljur showcases this impressive physique in Men’s Health magazine where he is featured in the cover of its February issue.

“Bata pa ako dream ko na maging cover ng Men’s Health magazine,” Aljur told a group of entertainment writers. For about two years, he religiously went to the gym, “at least one hour everyday.” But he also had to watch his diet – absolutely no sugar and salt. He got his carbohydrates from brown rice, boiled kamote and saging na saba. For his supply of protein, Aljur got them from chicken breast among other healthy options.

But even before becoming coverboy of Men’s Health magazine, Aljur’s physique has been noticed as he was named One Asia World’s sexiest in a ranking of the country’s most attractive celebrity men. He topped a listing of a hundred names that included Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby among others. Second to him in that list was another Kapuso star, Dingdong Dantes.

The disciplined gym-buff is also into martial arts and some sporty activities. In his free time, he plays music which has resulted to him scoring his self-titled debut album under GMA Records and Sony Music.

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NCCA’s Philippine Arts Festival at SM Supermalls

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts brings the best of Filipino artistry to the malls as it celebrates the Philippine Arts Festival this February at the SM Supermalls.

Now on its 24th year, the country’s biggest arts festival will gather artists all over the country to further promote Philippine culture in the seven arts. The Philippines has been recognized as the cultural center of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) for 2010 and 2011.

This year, it also hopes to bring our culture closer to the communities with the support of TV host Boy Abunda and actor Dingdong Dantes to make sure that the young Filipino is aware of the beauty of Philippine arts.

The SM Supermalls takes part in this year’s celebration through Architecture and Dance appreciation through Sayaw Pinoy and the Architecture and Allied Arts Exhibit. Through its partnership with the NCCA, it hopes to see “a Filipino nation united, empowered, and sustained by its cultural and artistic life and heritage.”

Sayaw Filipino, which began as Bahagharing Sayaw in 2007, has provided the venue for interaction and collaboration among the different dance troupes and companies, including both professional and upcoming groups, all over the country. Performers include the Halili-Cruz Dance Company, Lahing Balangan Dance Troupe, the Sinukwan Performing Arts, Powerdance, the PNU Kislap Sining, and the Philippine Dance Teachers Association.

Performances will take place today (Feb. 4) at the SM Mall of Asia, Feb. 5 at SM Megamall Mega Atrium, Feb. 6 at the SM City North EDSA The Block, Feb. 7 at SM City Davao, and Feb. 11 at The Podium.

The Anatomiya/Arkitektura Morphology Exhibit will open at SM City Davao on Feb. 12 and move on to SM City Cebu on Feb. 19; while Crafting Traditions: Escuela Tatler’s Revival of Architectural Crafts will be showcased at SM City North EDSA’s Interior Zone from Feb. 9-15.

The Philippine International Arts Festival is one of the many exciting events at the SM Supermalls that not only entertains but brings culture closer to the communities.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Feb. 4 go to balladeer Jun Polistico, Tony Villareal, Aida Jalandoon, Amelia Consul, Susan Bautista, US-based Teddy Owen, Myrna Tadigue, Edward Mogol, Beth Custodio, Ethel de Chavez, and Piedad de Liacco...