FITNESS REBEL

With wisdom and grace, philanthropist Kathy Huang bares her holistic understanding of fitness, one that cherishes the power of mind and body in harmonious balance

- BAM ABELLON

As the light rain pattered gently against the pavement, I stood outside a mall in Pasig City, waiting for Kathy Huang, As I scanned my surroundings, my gaze landed upon a figure gracefully navigating the wet streets. There she was, Huang, radiating an unmistakable energy that seemed to defy the gloomy weather that day.

Wearing a crisp white sleeveless top that highlighted her toned physique, she effortlessly carried two large duffel bags. She approached me with a genuine smile, exuding a warmth that instantly put me at ease.

From our very first exchange, Huang's unique brand of humor was immediately apparent. With an air of foreign wit that held a respectful charm, her quips and anecdotes effortlessly punctuated our conversation, swiftly erasing any hesitations or awkwardness that often accompany first meetings.

In an act of kindness, I offered to help carry her bags. Yet, with a gracious smile, she politely declined, assuring me that the weight was no burden to her-it was a glimpse into her character, the tenacity that lay within her vibrant persona.

SOURCE OF HAPPINESS

As we begin our interview, Huang, with unflinching honesty, revealed that the driving force behind her active lifestyle is mental health.

"I really don't think mental health is talked about enough," she says. "So a lot of this is for my own mental health, happiness, and endorphins."

Huang has always had a lifelong love affair with physical activities. Since her formative years, she recounts being drawn to the thrill of competition, immersing herself in the world of lacrosse and basketball-athletic endeavors that not only sharpened her skills but also nurtured an enduring affinity with fitness.