FITNESS competitions are often judged by what is immediately visible-the physique, the discipline, the stage presence.
But as the Century Tuna Superbods competition moves toward its final night, the people behind the bodies are being asked to show something harder to measure: what they stand for.
That was the focus of the Century Tuna Superbods VIP Night in Makati City on August 6, where the Top 40 finalists took the spotlight ahead of the competition’s grand finale.
Rather than simply presenting the finalists as polished fitness figures, the evening gave them a platform to talk about their personal journeys and the health and wellness advocacies they have developed along the way.
The stories ranged from accessible nutrition and physical training to mental wellness, reflecting the different circumstances that shaped each finalist’s approach to health.
Century Pacific Food Inc. Vice President and Group Business Unit Head Carlo Endaya said the broader goal was to make health feel less like an exclusive ideal and more like something people can work toward in their everyday lives.
‘So what do I mean when I say health? So that means everyone needs to have access to proper nutrition. Right level of activity. Useful information. And last but not least, motivation,’ Endaya said during the event.
‘Imagine a world where you, your loved ones, the people you work with, your family, your friends, everyone. Imagine a world where everyone is the strongest, healthiest, most vibrant version of themselves. So that’s not just a dream,’ he added.
The journey
BY the time they reached the VIP Night, the finalists had already gone through more than the usual rounds of posing and competition.
Since the callback stage, they have taken part in a series of activities, workshops and wellness challenges intended to prepare them for the responsibilities attached to the Superbod title.
The process has also pushed them to look beyond physical fitness and consider how their own experiences could translate into something meaningful for others.
During the event, the finalists presented their personal health and wellness advocacies, turning the stage into a platform for stories about the realities behind their fitness journeys.
For some, that meant making nutrition more accessible. For others, it meant encouraging physical activity, addressing mental wellness or sharing lessons from their own struggles.
The emphasis on individual purpose also reflects how the competition has evolved since its launch two decades ago.aya said the response to the original concept eventually showed that the competition could become more than a search for the next fit face of the brand.
‘And 20 years on, Superbod has become the defining asset of the brand, a symbol of fitness, health, and self-improvement,’ he said.
Real people, real stories
THAT distinction was also underscored by Century Tuna brand ambassador Anne Curtis, who has been associated with the competition for years.
Curtis said she has seen the platform develop from a fitness-focused competition into one where participants are increasingly given space to tell their own stories.
‘Having been with Century Tuna for so many years, I’ve had a front-row seat to how this brand and this platform have grown,’ Curtis said.
‘What makes Superbods so special is how it brings real human stories to the center stage. Seeing these finalists step up with heart and genuine passion for their health advocacies is truly inspiring for everyone,’ she added.
What makes a Superbod?
WITH the grand finals approaching, the competition’s judging criteria also offer a glimpse into what the organizers are looking for beyond physical appearance.aya said the finalists will be assessed according to two broad categories: presence and essence.
‘So presence, let’s call it aura. Let’s call it aura. So can the person make people turn their heads? Can that person stop you from scrolling? Can the person captivate and grab your attention? So that is presence,’ he said.
But presence alone will not determine the winners. ‘Second, essence. So what does that mean? Can they inspire people to be healthier? Can they inspire people to eat better?’ Endaya said.
He added that the finalists should also reflect the values of continuous improvement, respect for the individual, and kindness.
Final stretch
NOW, with Finals Night nearing, the competition enters its most consequential stage.
The Male and Female Grand Winners will each receive ?1 million, while the runners-up will take home ?250,000 each.
But before the final announcement, the remaining finalists still have to make the case that they represent more than a particular physical ideal.