During our sit-down interview, Star Magic artist Argel Saycon talked about how he is truly proud to be part of Metro Body 2024. The body positivity campaign, which champions all sizes and shapes, is an annual project held to promote self-acceptance and self-love.

“Actually nagulat ako na sabi nu’ng manager ko, ‘Naku, kasama ka sa Metro.’ Sobrang happy ko kasi parang lahat ng hard work na ginawa ko, ma-sho-showcase ko dito sa Metro, kaya very happy and excited ako ngayon,” the youthful 25-year-old lad revealed.

The resident beach bum and big bike rider—who dreams of Siquijor Island road trips, surfing in Siargao, and traveling in Palawan—chatted with us about how he manages to continue strengthening his core.

As a sports enthusiast, Argel gets easily excited by empowering himself through various trainings on his list—from the likes of doing gym drills to playing ball games and being part of any movement activity.

“[’Yung] basketball, hobby ko talaga ’yun, ’tsaka gym. ’Yun! ’Yun talaga ’yung hindi p’wedeng mawala sa’kin,” he said.

On how he prepared for the Metro Body 2024 photo shoot, Argel shared with us, “Sa mga ganitong shoots, may months na sobrang seryoso ako sa training, sa workouts na ginagawa ko. Para maging fit pagdating sa shoot day. ’Tsaka s’yempre, sa diet na rin.”

According to the Kapamilya actor, whose recent acting stints were the Darna TV series and Can’t Buy Me Love, he is also fond of fitness activities that help him tone his body built. “Ngayon, nag-strength training [ako], weights, nagba-basketball. Minsan, nagjo-jog ako. Nag-Spartan din ako. Tapos nagiging active lang ako every day. Walking, ’yan!” As one who always takes his gym training seriously, Argel seems to align his objectives with the work he puts in.

“’Pag nasa gym ako, kahit may kasama ako, hindi ako nakikipag-usap sa mga kasama ko. Gusto kong ’yung focus ko, sa workout lang talaga,” he told Metro.Style. Argel’s willpower, which extends to his diet, is elemental to his routine, too. Though, he reminds himself that there is still room for satisfaction.

He is not a fan of nearly depriving oneself for diet’s sake, but sticks to a calculated agenda when it calls for it.

“Sa diet naman, hindi ko masyadong pinagbabawalan ’yung sarili ko, lalo na ’pag mga normal days, ’pag walang mga shoots,” Argel added. “Pero ’pag may shoots, siguro mga weeks or months before, nag-stri-strict diet talaga ako like chicken, fish, meat. More on meat. ’Tsaka kaunting carbs.”

On days when Argel doesn’t feel healthy and fit enough, meanwhile, it is essential for him to check on self-control to shun getting sidetracked. He said, “Lalo na ’pag Christmas, ’yan, kasi nandu’n lahat ng pagkain. Sobrang adik pa naman ako sa sweets, sa dessert. ’Tsaka minsan, nakaka-stress. Parang buong taon, puro workout, workout. Tapos pagdating ng holidays, mag-ge-gain ka. So nakaka-stress. Parang, ‘Kaya ko pa ba ibalik?’ Pero control lang sa sarili ’tsaka disiplina. ’Yun lang ang importante.”

Argel Saycon is #fitnessgoals in the gallery below:

@keyr.c

@argelsaycon95

@sorianostudiosmnl

@argelsaycon95

@argelsaycon95

@argelsaycon95

@jashtrology

@argelsaycon95

@argelsaycon95

@argelsaycon95

Creative Direction by Randz Manucom

Editor-in-Chief: Geolette Esguerra

Sittings Editors: Red Dimaandal and Grace Libero-Cruz

Fashion Associate: Carla Buyo

Editorial Assistant: Mika Yusay

Grooming by Chelle Bicar

Hairstyling by Tel Angeles

Styling by Josh Galang, Mai Chua, and Carlie Lajara of Mesmyrrhized by Myrrh Lao To

Videography by Florence Chee and Ara Tanagon of Spotlight Creatives Studio

Photography assistants: Aaron Ongkingco, Warren Diotay, Julius Celis, and Chris Cantos

Set design by Janice Consulta, Paul Habal, and Onel Consulta of Tipping Point Collective

Shot on location at Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua

Special thanks to Star Magic, Laurenti Dyogi, April del Rosario, El Syd Aragones, Thess Gubi, Frances Joson, Tempus Restaurant, Jonie Dionisio, and Joba Botana

Gallery photos from @argelsaycon95

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