Ready to ‘swim’ into showbiz?

Body Talk with UAAP swimming champ Alfonso Bautista

A new breed of young, good-looking and accomplished athletes is gaining a lot of traction on social media these days.

One of them is bemedalled swimmer Alfonso “Fons” Bautista, the De La Salle Green Tanker who won gold in the 50-meter men’s breaststroke during the 2016 UAAP swim competition and who set a new UAAP record (29.71) in the process.

He also represented the country in last year’s World Championships held in Windsor, Canada. The event was graced by star Olympians Michael Phelps from the US and Chad le Clos from South Africa, among others.

Apart from his keen interest in entrepreneurship and sports, the second year Marketing and Communication Arts major also confesses to wanting to pursue his showbiz dream someday.

The hunky jock starred in quite a few plays during his high school years in Xavier School, and was also a member of the debate team.

So far, his boyish charms have been earning him a lot of admirers on social media. Not quite a stranger in front of the cameras, Fons recalls being part of a Milo commercial when he was a kid.

“That was a fun experience! Aside from the hefty talent fee, I really remember enjoying hamming it up in front of the cameras while doing my thing,” Fons gleefully recounted.

With his inclusion in ALV Talent Circuit’s current roster, it’s only a matter of time before Fons finally sees the fruition of his showbiz dream.

A Leo (Aug. 1, 1997), Fons stands 5’10”; weighs 166 lbs.; and wears medium-size shirt and 10.5-size shoes.

How different is the discipline in swimming from that of other sports?

“Swimming is different because it is the only sport that makes use of all the muscles in your body.” When did you get inter-

ested in the sport?

“When I was three years old, my family got me into the sport.”

Who are your swimming idols and what do (did) you learn from them?

“The legendary Michael Phelps is the one I look up to due to his mentality that nothing is impossible with the right attitude. This is the kind of mentality I lead myself with.” What kind of family did you come from?

“My family especially was into swimming and is mainly the reason why I got into the sport in the first place.” Why did you choose Marketing as college course?

“I decided to take up Marketing (Major in Communication Arts) because I plan to engage in entrepreneurship.”

What kind of diet do you follow? What’s usually for breakfast, for lunch and for dinner; and, if any, snacks?

“I don’t really follow any diet but I usually eat sinigang most days due to it being my favorite dish. I could say that sinigang diet keeps me in shape.” What vitamins do you take? “Just vitamin C in the morning.” How much water do you take per day?

“Around five liters or more. Depends on the intensity of training.”

Aside from swimming, what other sports do you engage in?

“I love boxing and playing basketball on my free time. Also badminton. I am looking to get into the world of mixed martial arts soon.” What kind of workout do you do and how often?

“I work out in the gym thrice weekly. I have my own personal strength and conditioning coach to oversee my progression as I work out.”

What part of your body needs some improvement?

“My goal is to get bigger and stronger every time. I would say all parts of my body need improvement.” What part of your body is most vulnerable? “My heart.” What part of your body is your favorite? “Arms for sure.” What part of a girl’s body do you notice first?

“Her eyes then I notice the smile. I find women with beautiful smiles to be attractive.” What’s in a girl that turns you on…and off?

“A girl with ambition and proper values is what I find appealing. Shallow and classless women turn me off.” How much sleep do you get per night?

“I try my best to get the full eight hours but on average, I get around six to seven.” Favorite sleepwear? “Boxers.” Do you snore? “Only God knows.” Do you talk in your sleep?

“People have told me that sometimes I even sing while sleeping.” Do you sleepwalk? “Never.” Last thing that you do

before you go to sleep?

“Drink a glass of water and pray to God to thank Him for all the blessings.” First thing that you do as soon as you wake up? “Drink water to jumpstart my body.” How do you cope with stress?

“Being an athlete taught me a lot on how to act under pressure. I could say I even do better under stressful situations.” What’s your favorite hideaway?

“The beach and the mountains. There’s just something about nature that takes me to another mental state.” What’s your favorite pick-up line?

“Anything with confidence and a smirk works most of the time for me.” Name three girls that you find sexy. “Alexis Ren, Kendall Jenner and Pia Wurtzbach.”

Using only body language, how would you make a girl know that you admire her? “My eyes do all the talking.”