Remember that time you saw a fitness influencer online and thought, "There's no way I could ever look like that"? We all have. But here's the secret nobody tells you: those "superhumans" are just regular people who set goals and crushed them. This year's Century Tuna Superbods 2024 finalists are living proof. They're not superhuman—they're just like you.
Century Tuna Superbods is a biennial fitness and modeling competition in the Philippines organized by Century Tuna. The highly anticipated competition aims to promote health, fitness, and wellness, encouraging participants—both celebrities and regular folk—and those who follow the competition to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
This year, Century Tuna Superbods is back for its 9th season and this time, it's all about highlighting individual journeys with the theme "Be Your Best You" to serve as a fitspiration in becoming the best and healthiest version of you.
And it wasn't just Actress Kathryn Bernardo who made waves by embracing her fitness transformation as the brand's latest and first-ever solo ambassador. The competition is serving exciting "firsts" and other milestones among the roster of finalists that make this edition extra special.
This year's competition features inspiring individuals like Enzo Bonoan and Julia Sucgang-Bonoan, the first married couple to compete together; Jasmin Ariola, shattering the limits representing the deaf community; and Derick Hibaler, proving that age is just a number at 52 years old. Key Trejano also returns to the competition, representing the transgender community.
Century Tuna Superbods 2024 finalists: (Top row, L-R) Joshua David Spider Webb, Brooke Barredo, Carlo Adorador, (Middle row, L-R) Imelda Schweighart, Chrystel Mae Correos, Clare Dacanay, Michael Ver Comaling, (Bottom row, L-R) Aaron Davis, Mariah "Aya" Nicole Valdez, and Angel Mallari
Century Tuna Superbods 2024 Highlights
The First Power Couple: Enzo Bonoan and Julia Sucgang-Bonoan
Enzo Bonoan and Julia Sucgang-Bonoan are the first married couple to become Century Tuna Superbods finalists.
These two make quite a formidable pair, and what inspires them the most is being parents to their adorable baby girl, Frankie.
“Not only do I want to live my life to the fullest, but I also want to help provide the best life for them," shares Enzo.
"This means that I should be fit enough to take care of them and lead by example as the head of the family."
When it comes to finding motivation even when it's difficult, Enzo says: "I’ve learned that motivation is a finite resource and that we cannot rely on it. Yes, motivation can get you going at the beginning but what we should really rely on are systems and habits."
Surely staying fit and healthy isn't always easy, especially for a married couple with kids.
Julia tells us: "Being hands-on parents (without a yaya) to our one-year-old entails a lot of work, time, and energy which may be a cause of discouragement towards moving closer to our fitness goals."
But she adds, "On the other hand, being parents also serves as a motivation for us to take better care of ourselves in order to model the right practices and values."
She shares that she and Enzo meet weekly to keep each other in check so they can be the best parents to Frankie.
During these meetings, they discuss our non-negotiables like eating healthy, working out, getting enough sleep daily, and me-time, and they also talk about how they can support each other in achieving individual and shared goals—talk about teamwork!
Enzo shares what being a Superbod means to him: "It means being a beacon of hope for people.
As someone who was bullied back then, being a Superbod is not about proving anyone wrong. It is about proving that anything is possible."
As for Julia, "Being a Superbod means being blessed to be a blessing."
She continues, "What adds the 'Super' to the 'Bod' is the transformational story we share, and the positive mindset and healthy habits we get to impart with people. What is the use of a “Bod” when not used to uplift oneself and others?"
Competing in Century Tuna Superbods together has been a transformative experience for Julia and Enzo as a couple.
Julia emphasizes that the journey taught her the power of "being strong alone but stronger together"—not just with her partner, but also with the supportive network she built with her fellow finalists.
Century Tuna Superbods 2024 finalists: (Top row, L-R) Justine Felizarta, Miaow Ayesa, Morena Carlos, Jeff Ong, (Middle row, L-R) Hazel Ortiz, Jerico Ejercito, Jessica Marasigan, (Bottom row, L-R) John Jenric Saldivar, Jether Palomo, Tony de Oteyza, and Naelah Alshorbaji
Breaking Barriers: Jasmin Ariola
Another finalist in the competition is Jasmin Ariola, and she is shattering the limits representing the deaf community.
Jasmin proves that disability is not—and should never be—a barrier to pursuing one’s goals and passions.
Reflecting on her journey, Jasmin shares, "Just a few of the priceless realizations that have changed my life are accepting change and being grateful."
Her experience in the Superbods competition has been transformative, revealing to her that "fitness and wellness nutrition have contributed to the upkeep of self-love, self-discovery, and balance."
She adds, "I gained a brighter outlook by enjoying the plenty in my life, and even during difficult times, I find fresh challenges in the pleasures."
Jasmin's perspective and dedication to fitness serve as a powerful reminder that anything is possible when you set your mind to it.
Her story is an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless potential within each of us.
Age Is Just a Number: Derick Hibaler
No one is ever too old to get in shape—just take a look at Derick Hibaler! At 52 years old, he’s here to prove to everyone that “age is just a number.”
For Derick, “Health is always the top priority. Everything else is secondary.”
“There are hard days, but still mind over body for sure,” Derick confesses. “My secret is I push hard, I rest hard. [If] I need 2 days straight off, I’ll do that to recover,” he notes.
Being the oldest Superbod standing alongside younger contestants is a remarkable feat. Derick’s journey proves that fitness is a lifelong pursuit, and it’s never too late to take care of yourself.
When asked about what he learned throughout his journey as a Superbod, Derick shares, "You attract what you deserve. The universe sees my dedication to my fitness." He adds, "As the oldest Superbods at 52, standing side by side with the youngest of 23, is already a big achievement [for me]."
His advice to young people? “[Starting young] is much better. Don't wait until you have all the wealth but you neglect your health.”
Derick’s story is a powerful reminder that age is merely a number and that dedication to health and fitness can transcend any age barrier. His journey inspires us all to prioritize our well-being and proves that it’s never too late to embark on a path to fitness.
Inclusivity in Fitness: Key Trejano
Key Trejano is no stranger to the Century Tuna Superbods stage. This year, she returns to the competition to represent the transgender community.
Key shares, "It was really hard to find role models who could inspire me to be where I am now. So… I [turned] that into motivation to be fit and healthy."
Her journey has been filled with numerous challenges and societal pressures, but these experiences have taught Key the importance of authenticity and celebrating her uniqueness.
When asked how she stays motivated even when it's difficult, Key tells us: "Having a good support system through family and close friends makes a great impact in maintaining a difficult routine."
As an experienced Superbod candidate, Key has valuable insights to share. "I've learned that there are no shortcuts in fitness and weight loss. Everything takes time."
She adds, "This is also something I learned from my previous candidacy and why I chose to come back—I want to make it right this time and do it properly."
For Key, being a Superbod is more than just showcasing the physique she's worked so hard for—it's about much more.
"Being a Superbod means so much to me because people like me, who are in the LGBT community and especially the trans community, have rarely been given an opportunity like this," Key shares.
"Many in the trans community are stereotypically told that they have limits in their choices in life, which hinders most of us from becoming the best versions of ourselves."
Key believes that being given the chance to be a Superbod—or even winning this year's competition—will break boundaries and start a new era of acceptance, grace, and power for all.
"We shouldn't be boxed in or labeled by what society wants us to be. My victory can inspire all communities that have been rejected, neglected, and told 'no.'"
Key hopes her journey will inspire all communities.
She continues, "It will show that we can become greater and show the best version of ourselves when we choose to live freely, authentically, and purposefully."
Century Tuna Superbods 2024 finalists: (Top row, L-R) Kris Guevarra, Inka Magnaye, Naia Ching, (Middle row, L-R) Patrick Patawaran, John Paulo Dela Cruz, Lea Macapagal, Teodora Marie Reiss, (Bottom row, L-R) Nikko Nackaerts, Monique de los Santos, and Jose Vicente Sobrevilla
Be Your Best You with Century Tuna
These inspiring finalists are living proof that becoming your best self is a journey, not a destination. Each finalist is on a unique path to achieving their best self—and Century Tuna, packed with protein and omega-3 DHA, is here to fuel their transformations. Just one can of Century Tuna provides essential nutrients for building muscle and reducing belly fat—the ideal partner on your path to a healthier you. With proper diet and exercise, see how replacing just one meal a day with Century Tuna can help level up your health and fitness and become your best version.
Remember: The real power lies within you. You, like these finalists, have the potential to defy expectations and rewrite your own story. Will your journey involve early morning workouts with a supportive partner? Conquering limitations and proving doubters wrong? Embracing your authentic self and inspiring others? The beauty lies in the fact that it's yours to define.
So, take a page out of the Superbods playbook. Fuel your body with nutritious choices, like Century Tuna, find your motivation, and take that first step. Remember, the most inspiring transformations begin with a single decision. What will be yours?
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