...the model

Aljur Abrenica is AMFA's Best Asian Model

By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ

mb.com.ph

January 20, 2011

MANILA, Philippines - Aljur Abrenica’s dedication to achieve his hunky physique looks to have paid off as evidenced by his being named “Best Asian Model” at the 2011 Asia Model Festival Awards (AMFA).
The young actor beamed with pride while relating his excitement over receiving the honor.

“Hindi po lahat nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na ganyan eh. Marami pong artista dito sa industriya natin pero para mapansin ka sa ibang bansa, iba pong kategorya ‘yon, iba pong dating ‘yon,” the “StarStruck” winner related in an interview aired on GMA-7’s “24 Oras” on Jan. 19.

Even with his busy schedule, Aljur will attend the event, which will be held at the JW Marriott Hotel in Seoul, South Korea on Jan. 21. The Kapuso actor is set to leave the country on Jan. 20 and will return on the 22nd.

Apart from the international recognition, Aljur seems to have become a local icon in his own right since he bagged the role of the new “Machete.” His well-publicized preparations for his dream role seemed to have earned a following that even Aljur’s diet was dubbed as “Machete Diet,” and his body, the “Machete Body.”

“Labis ko pong ikinatutuwa ‘yan kapag naririnig ko na po sa iba-ibang tao na nagtatanong at tumatangkilik po sa ‘Machete Diet’ at ‘Machete Body,’” Aljur enthused.

The 20-year-old Aljur related how he attained his well-toned bod.

"Dala po ng diet. Kung magda-diet po kayo, lahat po rito, eh, magli-lean. Wala pong binago or ipinagawa sa akin. Kumbaga, mas naging healthy lang ako. Regular workout lang po 'yan at saka diet. Nag-take din po ako ng isa pang activity. Nag-swimming na rin po ako," he said in a recent press conference.

Aljur is not the sole Filipino representative to the event. According to a report on Abante Online, singer-actress Frencheska Farr, star of the musical film “Emir,” will be handed the Female Model Award. As seen in her recent tweets, the chanteuse has left for Korea on Jan. 19.

Suzuki Sadatsugu is said to be competing in the festival as well.

Last year, their fellow Kapuso stars Rhian Ramos and Victor Aliwalas received the Model Star awards.

As stated in the festival’s official website, the AMFA, an annual event participated by 13 countries, aims “to establish the role of models and promote harmony and exchange between Asian models.