Get to know how fitness brought four friends closer together.
Milka Romero, Chynna Mamawal, Jolo Estrada, and Renz Estrella’s friend group transcends the usual definition of friendship. They say the best friendship is where you grow with each other. Thankfully, this group found each other and created a support system as well as an environment that fosters growth, companionship, and motivation.
In an exclusive interview with Lifestyle Asia, Milka, Chynna, Jolo, and Renz revisited how their friendship started, how it flourished, and how much this relationship means to them.
Starting Line
Each friend comes from a different industry. Currently, Milka is an aspiring politician under the 1-Pacman Party List. She also handles her businesses in the food industry, Sushi Nori, and other brands. Lastly, she owns a professional volleyball team together with her sister.
Chynna is a fashion designer who designs and creates suits and gowns for celebrities and A-listers.
Then Jolo is an actor while also being a business owner, a fitness instructor—mainly a Lagree and indoor cycling instructor, an events stylist, and a bloom curator. He owns Ultra Lagree and Ultraboxx.
Lastly, Renz is the CEO of Zenith Capital. A loan financing company that makes business loans accessible to SMEs and corporations.
Every friendship has a starting point—some started from childhood, some formed while in school, and others are just random twists of fate. “I’ll be honest; it really started with just going out. Going out, going to events, going to clubs,” Jolo admitted.
The overall dynamics were well explained by Chynna, who says that everyone has the same energy, the same vibe, and the same goals. But most importantly, they help each other out whenever someone is in need.
As they go out and enjoy each other’s company, the friendship blossoms into a more mature and supportive relationship. “Because you know, from going out, you end up learning more about each other and you have something in common, which is like we’re all entrepreneurs. And we had common goals, which were working hard, doing business, and balancing our life, our social life, our fitness, health, and, you know, friendship,” Milka explained.
The group admits that they are now more mature than they were when they first met. “I think everyone did mature. And we try to influence each other in a good way,” Renz adds.
Common Ground
Even though they come from different fields and backgrounds, the group still managed to find common ground—and that is fitness. Through working out, they found an activity that brings them solace, improves their lives, and keeps the bond between them tighter.
They were all athletes or physically active before, however, they took their fitness journey seriously just recently. They became more consistent with their workouts and their fitness endeavors. Moreover, this change in mindset in fitness also signaled a change in their overall life.
“I think it comes with age as well. And we’re getting serious with life in general. Now, we’re coming to a point where we really want to achieve our goal. And it’s time to get serious,” Renz emphasized.
The group also enjoyed the benefits of being physically active. “I used to be part of the national team. I used to play tennis. Recently, I started learning how to play polo. I like the feeling of working out in the morning. Then you go to work. Because I can focus more. The energy. You know, endorphins. I like the feeling. Because I can think more. I can work more,” Chynna explained.
However, as Milka said, the best benefit you get from being active is really forming a better relationship with yourself. You start to love yourself more and form a deeper connection with yourself more—just because you gave yourself the time and opportunity to be better than you were yesterday.
The journey to physical fitness is a difficult road to traverse alone, thankfully, the group helps one another to stay motivated. “We try to influence each other to push ourselves,” Renz added
Like their friendship, their fitness journey flourished because they took the time to invest in dedication and discipline, and made it a priority.
Good Influence
Beyond fitness, the group’s friendship is a special relationship for every one of them. Their group may be small, however, they appreciate the presence of one another. They emphasized that it is not how many people you are friends with, it is how many people deeply care about you as a friend.
“It’s more having people who really give value in your life. And you will really know what the value is once you’ve set that yourself. So, you don’t get that from friends but it’s something that you create, and who attracts that to you, will come to you,” Milka explains.
More importantly, they are each other’s support system. Whenever they are in limbo, the first people they think of asking for help are each other. Acknowledging each other’s strengths and expertise, there is mutual respect for the abilities and interests of one another.
“We’re not just friends we’re each other’s number one fans,” Jolo exclaims.
All photos by Keiran Punay of KLIQ, Inc.
