Meet the multi-racial hunk

A couple of years ago, model-turned-television host Marc Saw Nelson was asked what his favorite place in the Philippines is. His quick response: Davao City.

“You can do all the amazing adventures there (Davao City) – from white water rafting to zip lining, from scuba diving and water sliding to mountain climbing,” he said. “Beaches and waterfalls abound.  Plus, the food is great and the people are friendly.”

Don’t be surprised when in Davao and you bump on this 5’11 hunk sipping on Mojo (a health drink with a Chinese medicinal formula that looks and tastes like a cola). 

Occasionally, however, he drinks coffee and juice.  “I love cranberry juice, orange juice, apple juice, calamansi juice and, of course, dalandan juice.”  In addition, he drinks about 10 glasses of water each day. 

Well-loved by Pinoys and often mistaken as half-Filipino, Nelson is, in fact, a combination of English-Burmese-Chinese descent.” His mom has Burmese English blood, born in Scotland and raised in Burma and Thailand. His father is of Chinese Burmese origin who migrated to Australia.

This multi-racial hunk was born in Sydney on Valentine’s Day and has lived in Tanzania, Kenya, Tasmania, Hong Kong, Canada and the United States. 

In the late 90s, Nelson arrived in the Philippines for a diving holiday, without any hint that something bigger was waiting for him.

Soon enough, he was doing the catwalk and eventually began hosting shows. He has gained solid following with sports and health buffs through the popular show, Sports Unlimited.

And, now, he’s based in the Philippines where he hosts the popular sports show, Sports Unlimited.



“I’m now a permanent resident and this is really home for me. I love the Philippines so much and I hope to help the country in terms of promoting the Philippines because I think it’s one of the most misunderstood and underrated countries in Southeast Asia. I want to see tourism grow here, so everyone all over the world can see what this country looks like.”

Nelson is best known for his perfect abs, Greek god-like physique and his competitive spirit in almost all sports activities. His secret: “I try to exercise as often as possible, preferably three to four times a week, watch what I eat, rarely have a drink and I don’t smoke at all,” he replies.

Now in his 30’s, Nelson keeps himself in shape – inside and outside.  “I think that more important than judging your health by your weight or even appearance, you should make sure you’re healthy on the inside for your own sake,” he points out.  “In today’s age of diseases, taking care of your health is no longer just a vanity issue.”

“I’m a bit of a gym rat as I have an erratic schedule and live in the city so it’s sometimes inconvenient to do much else,” he admits.  “I usually work out in the afternoons.”  He works out three times a week or once a week if his schedule is tight.

When he is away from home – like location filming for several days – “I try and hit the gym in the hotel I’m staying in, or do basic pushups and sit ups in my room,” he says.  “I sometimes make it a bit more challenging by raising my feet on a table or doing handstand pushups.”

Nelson pays special attention to his food intake as part of his healthy regimen.  “Breakfast for me consists of oatmeal with cinnamon, a scoop of whey protein powder and a bit of soya milk,” Nelson reveals. “Oatmeal is one of the best complex carbs you can have and the protein helps rebuild my muscles and satiate the hunger your body feels. Carbs alone will leave you hungry again in a few minutes.”

For lunch, he takes a large bagel, combined with either pasta or anything with a little more protein. After working out, he rewards himself with a high-protein meal. His dinner usually consists of chicken and salads.

His rule of thumb when it comes to food:  “If it can stay underwater longer than I can, I don’t eat it.”  Nelson is allergic to sea foods but loves apples, oranges, grapes, mangoes and bananas.  He also takes some multivitamins and antioxidants. 

“I had always dreamt of being in perfect shape,” he says.  “I think that’s a common dream for everyone growing up, like being a superhero. The difference with this dream is that with enough hard work and dedication you can make it happen.“

Other Marc Nelson trivia:

• He studied in Australia and graduated with a Science degree in Human Geography, a course similar to Social Anthropology.
• He has taught gymnastics, sold hi-fi audio-video equipment, tutored Bulgarians in English and worked as a bartender, concierge and newspaper boy
• He is a late sleeper, turning in around 2 a.m. and getting up around 8 a.m.
•  He is not a pillow person. “I sleep with only two pillows, both placed underneath my head.”
• His favorite sleep wear: “boxer shorts and T-shirt.”  Occasionally, he sleeps in the nude.
• He turns on the air-condition to its coolest temp. “I want it real cold because I always sleep covered with sheets.”
• Hitting the shower is his first agenda for the day and his last, checking his email.
source: mb.com.ph/