Christian Bautista: Attuned to a balanced life of wellness
Christian Bautista, Asia’s Romantic Balladeer, is a popular celebrity not only in the Philippines but also in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. I saw him backstage at a recent event and asked for an update on his wellness. He now manages his career, he proudly tells me, as CEO of the talent management agency NYMA, which he co-owns with his wife, Kat Ramnani, as the COO.
THE PHILIPPINE STAR: What does a "healthy lifestyle" generally mean to you?
CHRISTIAN BAUTISTA: For me, a healthy lifestyle is all about balance—taking care of your body, mind, and spirit. I stay active, eat well, and find time for things that keep me grounded, like roasting coffee or spending time in prayer. It’s also about surrounding yourself with good energy and staying grateful. That’s where real strength and joy come from—not just for performing, but for living fully.
Lately, I’ve been playing a lot of pickleball—it’s fun, competitive, and doesn’t feel like a workout even though it is! Golf is another favorite. It may seem low-impact, but walking the course, focusing, and staying mentally sharp is a great workout in its own way. Plus, it gives me a chance to clear my head and enjoy the outdoors. I also do daily vocal warmups, and hydration is key, especially with all the singing and studio work. Gotta take care of the voice—it’s the instrument!
Diet-wise, I try to eat clean most days, but I believe in enjoying a good cheat meal. Mental wellness is also a big part of it—prayer, quiet time, and just being with the people I love keep me grounded. For me, it’s about doing what you love, taking care of yourself, and having fun along the way.
Many people struggle with consistency. What strategies do you employ to stay motivated and disciplined in your health journey?
With a schedule that involves travel, tapings, shows, and the occasional late-night gig (or flight), it’s not always easy to stick to routines. Sometimes, I land in a new city and all I want is room service and sleep—not a workout or a salad! But I’ve learned to be flexible. I stay hydrated, and sneak in quick workouts—even if it’s just stretching or bodyweight stuff in a hotel room.
I also try to make better food choices when I can, and not beat myself up when I can’t. Rest is also something I protect now more than ever. And when my schedule gets overwhelming, prayer and quiet time really help me reset. It’s not about being strict—it’s about being kind to yourself and building small habits that travel with you.
I think the key is not relying on motivation alone—because let’s be honest, it comes and goes. For me, it’s more about building small, realistic habits that fit into my lifestyle. I aim for progress. I try to make the things I enjoy part of my routine—like the gym and pickleball, and a bit of golf for fitness, roasting coffee as a mindful start to the day, and vocal warmups that help both my voice and my focus. Those little rituals keep me going, even on tough days.
For you, is fitness more than just physical well-being? How do you see it as connected to your spiritual life?
Fitness, for me, has become much more than just physical well-being. It’s about honoring the life and strength God gives—and being reminded not to take any of it for granted. When my wife got diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, everything shifted. We suddenly had to be more intentional about health—what we eat, how we rest, how we move and, most importantly, how we lean on God. It made me realize that health isn't just personal; it affects your family, your future, and how you show up for the people you love.
Taking care of my body now feels like a form of strengthening my foundations. For me to be ready for the calling ahead and whatever life may throw at us. I try to keep everything aligned—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Because at the end of the day, real strength comes from the One we rely on the most.
What principles guide your dietary choices? Are you strict, or do you allow for flexibility?
I try to keep my diet balanced and sustainable. I lean toward clean, whole foods—lots of veggies, lean protein, and meals that give me steady energy, especially when I’m performing or traveling. But I’m definitely not overly strict. I believe in enjoying food, not fearing it. I grew up with a lot of great Filipino dishes, and those flavors are still close to my heart. Sinampalukang manok is a big favorite—it’s comforting, flavorful, and reminds me of home. Thankfully, my wife is an amazing cook. She’s learned to make so many of our favorite dishes in ways that are both healthy and delicious, which has been such a blessing. So for me, it’s all about finding that sweet spot—nourishing your body, honoring your roots, and making space for the joy that food can bring.
Is there any particular message you'd like to share with your audience regarding the importance of a holistic approach to health, encompassing body, mind, and spirit?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that real health isn’t just about how you look or how fit you are—it’s about how you’re doing on the inside, too. Taking care of your body, mind, and spirit isn’t a luxury; it’s a way to honor the life you’ve been given. So I’d encourage anyone listening: Don’t wait for a wake-up call to start being intentional about your well-being. Move your body in ways you enjoy, feed it with good things, spend time in quiet and prayer, and surround yourself with people who speak life into you. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present, being grateful, and choosing habits that help you live with joy, purpose, and peace. And through all of it, remember: you’re not doing this alone. There’s grace for every step of the journey.
What are your latest projects that fans can look forward to?
There’s so much to be grateful for and excited about right now! I recently renewed my contract with GMA, so you’ll continue to see me on The Clash and All-Out Sundays—two shows that have truly pushed me to grow and connect with incredible talents and audiences every week.
On the music front, I just signed with Sony Music Philippines, and our first release is a powerful duet called Rainbow with Indonesian superstar Raisa. The response has been overwhelming, and it’s just the beginning—Sony is planning more releases not just in the Philippines, but also in Indonesia and across the region. It’s a new chapter I’m so proud of.
And this October, I’ll be heading to the US to receive a TOFA (The Outstanding Filipinos in America) award in New York—such an incredible honor and a reminder of how far this journey has come.
It’s a very full season, and I’m beyond thankful. There’s so much more in the works—and I can’t wait to share it all with you.
