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Metro Body 2024: Kim Chiu Prefers Progress Over Perfection

The Metro Body 2024 headliner catches us up on how hard work, mindset, and willpower play a major role in making progress physically, mentally, and professionally

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Janelle Roa Cabrera-Paraiso

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/9b79bdc8-1529-4d1e-9b21-7dc9dd4cf172_metro-body-kim-cover.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Metro Body 2024: Kim Chiu"/></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>In a world where many girls go wild over thinspiration, thickspiration, fitspiration, and body goals, obsessing about one’s own frame and body is getting more and more prevalent. Even the seemingly empowered and perfect is not spared from it, and nobody is safe enough to not experience stigmas and body shaming. </p><div><br/></div><p><strong>Kim Chiu</strong>, for one, despite being a fitspiration to many, once found her body disproportionate. “<em>Siguro ’yung</em> time that I started years ago—’<em>yung sobrang payat ko talaga</em> and <em>kahit ano’ng gawin kong kain</em>, <em>hindi talaga ako tumataba</em>,” she opened up, looking back on how her body was before. Lean and more muscular now, Kim is still no stranger to doubting herself at times. </p><div><br/></div><p>“<em>Kina</em>-catch <em>ko pa ’yung</em> groove <em>ko</em> when it comes to working out,” she declared, sharing how she’s not that active recently. “<em>Parang</em> I’m not being my super 100% self... <em>Sabi ko</em>, ‘<em>sobrang</em> unusual ’<em>to</em>,’ <em>pero okay lang</em>. <em>Laban lang</em>. <em>Parang</em> it’s not every day you’re [being your] 100% <em>kasi</em>.”</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/f52d416c-1310-4acc-9257-ed7ad725fded_metro-body-kim-chiu_13.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Metro Body 2024: Kim Chiu"/></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Having been in show business since 2006, Kim already knows that to keep anything at bay, she has to be in charge. She has to take control and be mindful of what she makes out of a dreadful situation, or it will dampen her spirits. If it calls for a change, why not? If need be, she can bravely make room for motion. </p><div><br/></div><p>In fact, being fit means more than just the typical physical practice for Kim. According to the <strong><em><a href="https://metro.style/people/celebrities/kim-and-paulo-for-what-s-wrong-with-secretary-kim/36734" target="_blank">What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim</a></em></strong> actress, to her, aside from regular workouts, fitness is also a state of mind. “It helped my muscles a lot. <em>Nag</em>-gain <em>ako ng</em> muscle and then, <em>naging</em> proportion <em>’yung</em> body <em>ko</em>. And ’<em>yun</em>, gym <em>talaga</em> really helps you—not just for your physical looks but also for your mental health,” she said.</p><div><br/></div><p>“At first <em>kasi</em>, when you work out, it’s all in the mind. <em>Parang</em> when you say <em>na</em> ‘<em>o</em>, <em>takbo tayo ng</em> 10 kilometers.’ <em>Parang sasabihin ng</em> mind <em>mo</em>, ‘no, I can’t do it, <em>parang hindi kaya</em>.’ But, <em>hindi mo pa kasi tina</em>-try to do it. Just try. And once you tried to do it, <em>parang mabibilib ka sa</em> self <em>mo</em> and after <em>nu’n</em>, <em>mayru’n na siyang parang</em> addicting factor <em>na</em> ‘shocks, <em>nagawa ko</em>.’ ‘<em>Gawin ko kaya ulit</em>?’”</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/7031faef-f73e-4c6a-aa88-66fa5c9f3ef5_metro-body-kim-chiu_11.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Metro Body 2024: Kim Chiu"/></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>As to how she maintains her physique, meanwhile, Kim shared in an exclusive sit-down interview with <strong><a href="https://metro.style/beauty/body/metro-office-takeover-leg-1-ortigas-land/37677" target="_blank">Metro.Style</a></strong> that it is indeed discipline that will materialize a task. “I usually wake up at 6 AM and then start my workout—cardio or pilates every 7 AM. And then after that, <em>pag-uwi ko ng bahay</em>, <em>magka</em>-cardio <em>ako</em> like running or bike… If I have extra time, I do night workout also for endorphins.”</p><div><br/></div><p>If you think Kim is immune to temptation, fun fact: she balances everything but food. “Foodie <em>talaga ko</em>, <em>kaya nagwo</em>-workout <em>talaga ko</em>, <em>kasi parang hindi ko kayang mag</em>-diet or like [<em>mag</em>-]calorie count. I eat <em>lahat</em>… <em>pero</em> more on meat lover <em>ako</em> and carbs—so like <em>pansit</em> or rice and then beef, pork. ’<em>Yun ’yung mga</em> favorite <em>ko talaga</em>, and bread also. Carbs, carbs. <em>Kaya dapat</em>, cardio [workout] <em>talaga</em>.”</p><div><br/></div><p>If you are a regular on her Instagram page, you’ll also notice how the Kapamilya artist performs her routine every day. She exercises, takes her daily vitamin dose, and throughout her day, eats delectable food. She doesn’t fall into the trap of impossible ways to starve herself and shrugs off the whole diet drama. “I crave noodles! Anything that’s noodles, or like anything that’s grilled—<em>mg</em><em>a liempo</em>, barbecue, <em>ganu’n</em>.”</p><div><br/></div><p>Besides being physically fit and mentally flexible, Kim has proven one thing over time: our mindset is what makes us—whether it’s for work or our personal lives. If we perceive doing something as possible and we’re dead serious about it, it’s already real in our minds. “Mind over matter <em>kasi</em> when you talk about working out or doing something <em>na</em> you’re not really used to. <em>Parang dapat</em>, more than your body that is strong, it has to be your mind that is strong also.”</p><div><br/></div><p>“<em>Kasi ’yung</em> mind <em>mo ’yung nagko</em>-control on what you’re doing, <em>e</em>—what you eat, what you do, what you decide, what you can and cannot do,” Kim asserted, citing an action-survival series from which she learned lessons of interest. “<em>Nakuha ko talaga ’yung</em> mindset <em>na ’yun</em> [<em>sa</em>] <strong><em>Physical: 100</em></strong> <em>sa</em> Netflix... <em>Parang</em> the strongest muscle <em>na mayru’n ka sa katawan mo</em> is not your upper body or lower body. It’s really your mind and your willpower.”</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/969798c6-4a1c-490a-b504-146990f51659_metro-body-kim-chiu_2.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Metro Body 2024: Kim Chiu "/></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Headlining the <strong>Metro Body 2024</strong> campaign, which champions body positivity and self-love, Kim spoke of how her perception plays a significant part in her career. “’<em>Yun talaga ’yung nagpapalakas sa isang tao</em>—[’<em>yung</em> mindset],” she claimed. “<em>Parang naisip ko talaga</em>, ‘<em>grabe</em>, mind <em>mo pala talaga ’yung</em> the strongest part of your body,’ kasi ’<em>yun ’yung nagko</em>-control for you to keep going and to stop.”</p><div><br/></div><p>Now breathing life into her new role as <strong>Secretary Kim</strong> (originally played by Korean actress <a href="https://metro.style/amp/people/celebrities/park-min-young-fanmeeting-manila-philippines-2024/37780" target="_blank">Park Min Young</a>) in the Philippine remake of the South Korean series <em>What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim</em>, Kim believes that everything she takes on builds on the power of small progresses. “<em>Sabi nila</em>, ‘<em>o</em>, <em>kayang-kaya mo na ’to</em>.’ ‘<em>Maning-mani na ’to ni</em> Kim.’ <em>Pero parang hindi naman din</em> easy [<em>na</em>] in just one snap, <em>makukuha mo agad ’yung</em> role,” she told us. </p><div><br/></div><p>“<em>Kasi parang hindi naman ako ’yung nagbibitaw ng</em> jokes. <em>Hindi rin ako ’yung</em> [<em>nagko</em>-]comic acting. So <em>parang</em> subtle <em>lang siya</em>… <em>Mayru’n din akong binabawas</em> and <em>mayru’n ding iba sa pinakita ko dito</em>. <em>Napansin nila </em>[the viewers] that I played Secretary Kim in a subtle way. <em>Sabi nila</em>, ‘<em>hindi ’to</em> Kim acting <em>na</em> loud and <em>maingay</em>.’ <em>Napansin nila na binago ko siya</em>, so <em>parang natuwa naman ako na napansin nila ’yun</em>.”</p><div><br/></div><p>Co-starring with her <strong><em><a href="https://metro.style/people/celebrities/jm-de-guzman-solid-kapamilya-contract-signing/36699" target="_blank">Linlang</a></em></strong> castmate <strong><a href="https://metro.style/people/digital-covers/paulo-avelino-for-flower-of-evil-ph/33387" target="_blank">Paulo Avelino</a></strong>, Kim tried to verbalize what she feels about the valuable feedback and reception that <em>What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim</em> is raking in. What she’s done for the offering definitely amounted to audience satisfaction, and that’s something that she attributes to her toil. “I’m very proud <em>sa</em> outcome <em>ng</em> <em>What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim</em> <em>kasi malaking</em> Korean series <em>siya sa</em> Korea and <em>marami din siyang</em> fans <em>dito sa</em> Philippines.”</p><div><br/></div><p>“<em>Nakakatuwa kasi ang ganda ng</em> cinematography. <em>Kami nga sa</em> set, <em>gandang-ganda kami sa</em> show. <em>Sabi namin</em>, ‘<em>ano ba ’to</em>, <em>dahil lang ba ’to tayo ’yung gumanap</em> or <em>maganda siya talaga</em>?’ <em>Pero</em> very proud [<em>ako</em>]. [It’s] one of the projects that I’m really, really proud [of].”</p><div><br/></div><p>“And then, ’<em>yung</em> comment <em>na bagay na bagay sa’kin</em>, <em>parang nakakatuwa lang</em>—reading those comments. And then <em>parang wala pa kaming nakitang</em> not nice [<em>na</em>] comment,” Kim carried on. “<em>Parang halos lahat</em>, good comments, so we’re very happy <em>talaga</em> and very proud.”</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/813235fb-4942-4c1a-9c8a-3961acd1364f_metro-body-kim-chiu_3.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Metro Body 2024: Kim Chiu"/></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>While at first, Kim was still adjusting to doing the role coming from her heavy drama stint in <em>Linlang</em>, it was through guidance that she got to fine-tune her Filipino take on Secretary Kim, too. “At first, <em>parehas kami ni</em> Pau <em>na pinapabawas ’yung</em> seriousness <em>sa’min ni Direk</em> [<strong>Chad Vidanes</strong>]. ‘<em>Masyadong</em> serious, guys. Light <em>lang</em> <em>tayo</em>.’”</p><div><br/></div><p>For someone who’s been through bouts of social media bullying and many a heartbreak, Kim has remained resilient, living life in color. “I’m good, doing great, and feeling happy, grateful, and thankful for everything that’s happening to my personal life and career life,” she told us.</p><div><br/></div><p>Confident in her skin and talent, Kim sees to it that her self-esteem is matched by effort, making sure that whatever she tries to accomplish, she is giving her absolute best—be it in the OOTDs she wears, the projects she will work on, and the places and people she will come across.</p><div><br/></div><p>“Every time <em>may</em> project <em>ako</em>, I always give my 100%, <em>lalo na ngayon</em>—in this day and age. <em>Parang ang bilis mag</em>-comment <em>ng mga tao</em> about what you are doing. <em>Ang bilis na nilang i</em>-type,” Kim concluded. “<em>Hindi ka nila gusto</em>, ‘<em>O</em>!’ <em>Gusto ka nila</em>, ‘Okay!’ ’<em>Yung parang</em> in your face <em>na lahat ng</em> words. If they don’t like you, they can say it on your X account, Instagram account… So I just want to do my 100% and just give them a great show.”</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/dc4521c2-989b-459f-b362-cf8e373cbc1e_metro-body-kim-cover-2.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Metro Body 2024: Kim Chiu "/></span></span></div><div class="article-content" itemProp="articleBody"><div class="media-content"><div class="slider-for"><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/2c9faceb-ebca-40fa-8f80-cf04861ef87c_metro-body-kim-chiu_4%20gallery%20cover.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/8fb34404-6660-4d97-a1da-ef14f5a0921c_metro-body-kim-chiu_9.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/5ce491f3-3449-4e24-8e43-79b250dd01eb_metro-body-kim-chiu_12.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/6d859144-f6eb-4654-a4c5-f88a856d1ae5_metro-body-kim-chiu_10.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/fdc9b0b2-5ff0-4d3f-a690-435321a3ca8b_metro-body-kim-chiu_11.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/05d0aa8d-71c4-486a-aec2-ec7896353475_metro-body-kim-chiu_13.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/2e4a914e-afad-4cab-8904-efcd1eb9ce0f_metro-body-kim-chiu_1.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/a87d06cb-1b8e-418c-ba09-82076dbad952_metro-body-kim-chiu_2.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/23d164f1-ac88-44f9-b9ac-59fe894f921f_metro-body-kim-chiu_3.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/2a2605a0-34d7-4de3-9a9a-c66b567c4b83_metro-body-kim-chiu_4.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/35c489ac-4038-42b6-bb4e-33ed9a717770_metro-body-kim-chiu_6.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/64888361-3be4-4d61-b60a-5b14320edc13_metro-body-kim-chiu_5.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div></div><div class="media-content slider-desc"><div class="item-desc"><div></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br/></div><div><strong><em><a href="https://www.viu.com/ott/ph/en/vod/2322652/Whats-Wrong-with-Secretary-Kim-Viu-Original-Adaptation?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwrIixBhBbEiwACEqDJQhtLDp4bDzIK5F8ZFjJro7ciC9XjK64eRgUbeDTJShBYXdRF7Ga0hoC9v4QAvD_BwE" target="_blank">What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim</a> is now streaming on Viu.</em></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Photography by <strong>Gee Plamenco, Jr.</strong></p><p>Creative direction by <strong>Eugene David</strong></p><p>Editor-in-chief: <strong>Geolette Esguerra</strong></p><p>Sittings editors: <strong>Red Dimaandal</strong> and <strong>Grace Libero-Cruz</strong></p><p>Art director: <strong>Raff Colmenar</strong></p><p>Editorial assistant: <strong>Mika Yusay</strong></p><p>Makeup by <strong>Jake Galvez</strong>, assisted by <strong>Efren Evardome Jr.</strong></p><p>Hairstyling by <strong>Jerry B. Javier</strong></p><p>Styling by <strong>Adrianne Concepcion</strong>, assisted by <strong>Vince Abarra</strong> and <strong>Cent Bermas</strong></p><p>Videography by <strong>Florence Chee </strong>and <strong>Ara Tanagon</strong> of<strong> Spotlight Creatives Studio </strong></p><p>Photography assistants: <strong>Aaron Ongkingco</strong>, <strong>Warren Diotay</strong>, <strong>Julius Celis</strong>, and <strong>Chris Cantos</strong></p><p>Shot on location at <strong>VS Hotel Convention Center</strong></p><p>Special thanks to <strong>Star Magic</strong>, <strong>Laurenti Dyogi</strong>, <strong>Edith Fariñas</strong>, <strong>Yanie Camante</strong>, <strong>Thess Gubi</strong>, <strong>Frances Joson</strong>, <strong>Revin Reyes</strong> and <strong>Jarra Tiongson</strong></p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/people/digital-covers/kim-chiu-looks-to-the-future/36139" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kim Chiu Looks to the Future </a></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/people/digital-covers/metro-30th-anniversary-cover-kim-chiu/22054" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Metro At 30: Kim Chiu Gets Real About Staying Relevant</a></div>