Sharon Cuneta: Gaining but winning

MANILA, Philippines—As singer-actress Sharon Cuneta would readily put it: “Been there … done that.”

As host of the new ABS-CBN reality show “The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition,” Sharon explained that she could very well relate to the 12 contestants on the show—who’ve embarked on a 22-week weight-loss journey on national television.

After all, the Megastar, as she is popularly known in the biz, has undergone amazing highs and lows in her never-ending battle of the bulge—also, in front of a riveted public through the years.

“I was nowhere near the weight of the contestants, but I know what they are going through,” Mega professed.

During her launch as endorser of Marie France, Mega candidly discussed her ongoing fight with fat.

Although she was “basically a happy and grateful person,” she found herself struggling with weight issues after giving birth to Miel six years ago.

She admitted that her main problem was “emotional eating.”

Whenever she would suffer a career setback or whenever a project would fizzle out, she would turn to munchies. “I have a sweet tooth and comforted myself with food.”

Crash-dieting

She also blamed “crash-dieting over the years. Whenever I rested from my diet, the rebound weight gain was double.”

Humor became her solace. “I would laugh at myself first before allowing other people to crack a joke at my expense.”

Behind the laughter, however, was a very private pain.

At the same time, she had to contend with mid-life crisis, she said. “I was too ashamed to admit it. I’d look at myself in the mirror and ask: ‘Why did I let myself go?’”

Later on, she came to terms with the reality of aging. “Everyone grows old. I’ve realized that you can be any age and still lead a productive life. It pays to have a happy heart. It’s important to be at peace with yourself as you grow old.”

It’s all about having a positive outlook, she noted.

With the help of Marie France, she hopes to shed the pounds “slowly but surely. This is only the beginning of my weight-loss journey.”

She has “no illusions and no insecurities.”

“I know I can’t be superskinny. I’m not Angelina Jolie or Sandra Bullock. But I want to be healthy for my kids—to play and keep up with them,” she said. “I’m even looking forward to my first apo (grandchild).”