FORMER Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2019 Samantha Ashley Lo and Mr. World 2016 Sam Ajdani were declared as the winners of this year’s Century Tuna Superbods competition.
In a pre-recorded finals event hosted by Marc Nelson, Nadine Lustre and Alden Richards that was streamed online last September 19, Lo and Ajdani emerged from a pool of more than 20 finalists competing for the title.
“I’m so proud of not just myself but everyone who supported me through this journey,” said Lo.
“For me, what it means to be a Superbod right now is to be a role model that everyone deserves to have—someone who’s going to stay strong and be a rock they can lean on when things get hard,” she added.
Throughout the competition, Lo actively advocated for body positivity and encouraged self-acceptance when she was asked during the question-and-answer segment about whether she viewed social media as a positive or a negative for today’s youth with regards to body image. “It’s how you perceive it,” she answered. “[Either way,] love yourself and be patient with yourself. Embrace every flaw you have.”
She also opened up about her own struggles with coming to terms with her own imperfections: “I was always told that something was wrong with me. I realized that I shouldn’t listen to those people [because] I found people who did love me and cherish me for who I am.”
“Only you can make yourself better. Once you hit rock bottom, remember that the only way to go is up. So take that moment and work on yourself,” Lo said.
Ajdani, meanwhile, stressed that dealing with mental health is as equally important as physical fitness especially in this pandemic.
“There’s a lot that’s happening in the world but we can always get inspiration from positive people around us—our family, our friends,” he said. “Be the best version of yourself so you can also be an example to others especially during these times.”
The finals, which featured a judging panel that included Alice Dixson, Isabelle Daza, and Southeast Asia Games gold medalist Nikko Huelgas, took place after a series of digital competitions that allowed the Superbods to show what it means to #StayStrong amid the current health crisis.
During the months-long series, the contestants showed their diet and fitness regimen and called on others to pursue their own journeys toward a healthy lifestyle by taking care of their physical and mental well-being in the new normal.
Gregory Banzon, COO of Century Pacific Food, the company behind the canned fish brand, said in an online press conference held after the contest that this year’s event sought to remind audiences to stay physically and mentally strong.
Banzon also noted that the competition served as an opportunity for the live events industry to leverage brand experiences in the digital space.
“Many events are being cancelled [but] if we are able to pull this off successfully, at least we can provide some sort of a template to maybe learn from, and at the same time provide an inspiration that despite whatever challenge, it can be done.”
The finals of the competition will be televised on GMA on September 27 at 10:05 am.