‘Biggest Loser’ Larry Martin checks out his new home

LARRY Martin, The First Pinoy Biggest Loser, down to 154 lbs during the final weigh-in Photo by Arnold Almacen

Larry Martin, grand winner of the reality show “The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition,” said the lowest point in his life came when his 8-year-old son Lawrence was too embarrassed to be seen with him in school.

“He didn’t want me to bring him to or pick him up from school because I was too fat. That was the moment when I finally decided to do something,” Martin, 37, told Inquirer Entertainment.

Martin, who hails from Camarines Sur, was a former policeman who resigned from the force because of his weight problem.

“I used to be involved in operations,” he said. “I was part of the team that arrests drug pushers, holdup-men and other criminals. It came to a point when I could no longer perform my duties because I got too fat.”

Martin said he got really depressed about resigning from his job and this led him to drink and eat more.

“Being a policeman has been my dream since I was young. I felt sad about not being able to work as one,” he said. “I got my wife pregnant in 2008 so I decided to work as a security aide to support my family. Now, If I get reinstated, I hope to help with the agency’s physical fitness program. I wish to share the things I learned inside the ‘Biggest Loser’ camp.”

On Friday, DMCI Homes officially turned over to Martin one of the prizes he won from “Biggest Loser”—a P3.8-million condominium unit at the Tivoli Garden Residences in Mandaluyong City. “I never dreamed of having something like this for myself. The fact that I won the contest hasn’t sunk in, until now. Finally, this is for real. This home is really mine,” a teary-eyed Martin said. He checked out the place with his mother Nilda, sister Rein and son Lawrence.

Martin said he plans to move in with his wife Melanie, eldest son Lawrence and two other kids, Ernest Delfin, 4, and Jacques, 1, as soon as Melanie gives birth to their fourth son early next year.

Dedicated to mom

It was while dedicating his victory to his mother when Martin finally cried. “Joining the show was my gift to her. She supported my family through the years. Naging pasaway na anak ako. I’m really sorry for all the heartaches I caused her. I know she’s proud of me now.”

Aside from the condo unit, Martin also bagged a P1-million cash prize, a Vespa scooter, a 40” Sony Bravia Internet TV, Whirlpool appliances and a lifetime membership from Fitness First.

Martin said he never expected to win. “I had only hoped to get the push I needed to help me change my lifestyle. In the end I got so much more,” he said. With the cash prize, Martin wants to put up a business for his kids’ future.

“I also couldn’t believe it when people come up to me to say that I’m an inspiration to them. This has made me extremely happy,” he said.

Asked whether he’s open to joining show biz, Martin said: “I’m a fan of action movies. Given the chance, I’d like to work with my idols Robin Padilla or Cesar Montano. If FPJ (Fernando Poe Jr.) were still alive, I would’ve asked him to take me in as an ‘extra’ (bit player) in his productions.”