SB19's Stell wants to keep performing past 50, turns to fitness for longevity - GMA Network

Stell is passionate about his artistry, and he shows no signs of stopping.

SB19's Heavenly Voice wants to perform for as long as possible, and for that to happen, he has to take care of his physical health.

In an exclusive interview with GMA News Online at the opening of his new business venture, a gym called Driven, the P-pop idol talked about his love for working out and what it means for his longevity as an artist.

"I mean, at our age, I think it's about time to invest in what my body needs. Number one, I'm a performer, artist, of course I want to prolong not just my life, but also my time to give happiness to other people, to fans," Stell said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Stell said he wants to continue performing for as long as he can, even going past 40 or 50 years old.

"[Fitness] is one of the biggest factors to reach or achieve that," he said.

Stell is already praised by many for his ability to keep his vocals stable while performing challenging choreography on stage and his consistent energy throughout shows.

Aside from his immense talent as an artist, part of the reason for that is his dedication to maintaining his physical fitness.

It was last year when Stell discovered exercising. He thought it was just a hobby until it became a passion, and he considers it to be a lifelong lifestyle now.

Stell added that consistency is key, which is not just about working out everyday, but staying consistent with a goal.

"Before you start working out, think about whether you can really do it," he said. "And be honest with how you really feel, if you really want it, if you're willing, because that's where it starts, with yourself. So if you really want to change, you yourself will take action and do it to yourself."

Stell said his typical workout depends on what his body can handle in a day. He continues his frequent workouts along with his duties as an artist.

His coach is fellow Driven co-founder, Bern Llanes, and what they do is fit for his body and needs as an artist.

"Since I started working out, I never felt tired any more, I never felt fatigued at work," Stell said.

"I feel that as I get older, the younger I feel, lighter. So just from there, I felt that I was in the right place, it's not only doing workout to have a good body but also to use it for my needs as an artist," he added.

Stell also said that he does not follow a strict diet and does not have any food restrictions.

"Because as coach says, dieting is different, you deserve to eat," Stell said.

"Food is still food, our bodies still need it. You control sometimes, you need to control. And you only do or eat what you can," he added.

He added that it is important to do things that make you happy outside of work. He sees a "new Stell" in this fitness venture, and feels that he is in the right place.

"I'm very driven to continue doing what I want, not only as SB19, Stell as artist, but as someone who can possibly discover what else I can do in this field," he said.

Stell recently released his comeback single as a solo artist, "Crazy." He held a solo live showcase last month to promote the song and also hosted a podcast with several celebrities as guest.

The P-pop artist has been handling a busy schedule with SB19 this year. The group hit the international music festival scene with stints at the Lollapalooza and the Summer Sonic.

They also recorded their version of "Mga Kababayan," the iconic song by the late Francis Magalona, as part of the soundtrack of animated film "Forgotten Island." —MGP, GMA News