SOME people are just blessed with good metabolism. Take Derek Ramsay. He doesn’t need to sweat it out in cramped gyms to achieve his rippling physique.

“I’m just really comfortable with myself. I don’t go the gym to make my body look better. I play sports and I enjoy it. Ever since I was a little boy, I was exposed to competitive sports kaya naging ganito ako,” says the half-Brit bundle of sex appeal and intelligence.

Pinoys may have their heroes in basketball, billiards and boxing (and beauty pageants), but the British side in Derek is innately fond of football. “I grew up playing football. I’ve played ever since I was a young boy!” His favorite team? “Totterhon Hotspurs! That’s where I was born! I idolize Ronney and Aaron Lemon, but my favorite player of all time is Allan Sheever!” The names don’t ring a bell? That’s because they’re all English players. Do you think England will fare well in the next World Cup? “England is going to win!”

“I’m a fan of all sports but I’m really into Frisbee now. I captain the Philippine Team. We’ve competed in Taiwan [2007], Shanghai [June 2008], Hong Kong [October 2008] and Bali in Indonesia [2008]. Besides Frisbee, I also love playing basketball, soccer and golf,” the ever-energetic Derek says.

The topic inevitably turns to the physical because this hottie was recently tapped by Century Tuna to be its latest endorser as it introduced its Corned Tuna. It is a variant that “captures the delectable goodness of corned meat with its seasoned and smoked flavors, and is perfect for health-conscious people” like Derek. It is low in cholesterol, has no preservatives and is super-packed with Omega-3 DHA, an important nutrient that’s good for the mind and body.

“I’m grateful for having a good metabolism. I’m very active and so I need a lot of protein in my diet! Century Tuna is low in fat and high in protein,” he says. “Actually, I’ve been eating Century Tuna ever since college! It was like treasure to us when we had boxes delivered to the States when I was still studying in Boston. It didn’t take much convincing [for me to endorse the brand]. When I was asked, I automatically said yes!”

Derek Arnold Ramsay, 29, broke into showbiz as a host for the gossipfest Entertainment Konek and U Can Dance, and as a VJ of MTV Philippines. From playing supporting roles in the ABS-CBN series Ang Panday and as Machete in Super Inggo, Derek advanced to leading-man status as chef Mito Valenzuela in Ysabella, opposite Judy Ann Santos.

In Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik, he was cast alongside real-life sweetheart Angelica Panganiban. Then came Komiks Presents: Mars Ravelo’s: Nasaan Ka, Maruja? with Kristine Hermosa, The Wedding  with Anne Curtis, and the still-unreleased Habang May Buhay with Judy Ann.

“I’d like to get a chance to work with everybody. I’ve always said that I’m a sponge. I learn anything from anyone I work with,” Derek intimates. “If it were possible, I’d like to work with everyone!” He laughs. “I’d like to play the role of a psycho and be in a film that’s historical. Maybe play Lapu-Lapu!”

What is exciting and nerve-wracking for him is the film he is currently shooting with Gabby Concepcion and Angelica. “My focus now is actually on that because it’s kind of harder to do a project with somebody that you’re with. It’s also a [Metro Manila Film Festival] entry, so I’m nervous.”

What keeps you faithful to Angelica and how do you keep the flame burning? “We support each other in everything that we do, and we give time to ourselves! We don’t try to change one another.”

Photographed by Brian Philip Galicia