“I’m a regular guy", celebrity endorser Chris Tiu describes himself. And just like other regular guys, on leisurely days, Chris hangs out with his friends and best buddies Sammy Young and Bon Syiaco. Teammates during their high school days in Xavier, Chris admits that although they share the thrill of competition - be it in basketball, golf, billiards or the occasional karaoke session, he and his very tight group of friends spend time just doing regular things like dining out to catch up on each other’s lives, hanging out at the mall or at home.

 His favorite therapy, Chris says, “is taking a leisurely drive to Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay, primarily for the drive, a day of golf and spending time alone to reflect and enjoy the breeze and to commune with nature.”Aside from a very strict training program, Chris Tiu takes his downtime very seriously. He strongly believes that recovery is just as important to success and excellent performance as is hard work. These min-breaks work wonders, he says, “in just getting my mind off all my preoccupations when in Manila.”  He reveals that his secret getaway is Boracay. “Besides, there are many available flights to and from Manila,” he says, an important consideration for someone with such a demanding schedule. His most memorable moment in Boracay?  “After the 2008 UAAP championship, we brought the entire team to Discovery Shores as a reward. We did videoke in the entertainment room, played billiards and poker until early morning!” On a recent trip, he stayed in a one-bedroom loft with a Jacuzzi at his favorite Boracay address. “Whenever I go to Boracay, I never stay anywhere else but in Discovery Shores. We wanted to go to a place where we could just relax and unwind. Boracay is a familiar destination to us and we know our way around. Plus we would be staying in the most beautiful and comfortable resort with the friendliest and warmest staff.” Asked about what sets Discovery Shores apart from other resorts, his eyes light up: “Each guest is treated like a prince, pampered like no other. The staff knows each guest. Your room is serviced twice a day and towels are located everywhere at your convenience. Personal items on the beach beds are arranged and folded properly while you are away swimming by the beach. And the beach butlers are just the best!” Though he usually finds no need to leave the resort, Chris, along with his brother, cousins and closest friends, ventured out on a day trip to Ariel’s Point hosted by Jun Parreño, general manager of Discovery Shores Boracay, where they spent the day cliff-jumping. Upon returning to the resort, they feasted on Indigo’s coastal cuisine and Sands Restaurant’s special pizza. Chris’ greatest luxury, he says, is a good night’s sleep. He admits, “I love sleeping in. With all the mental preparation and physical conditioning as an athlete, one needs time to recover and get quality sleep; otherwise, not having enough rest can lead to injuries and poor performance. At Discovery hotels and resorts, I am able to catch up on much-needed Zs.”  Born Christopher John Alandy-Dy Tiu to publishing magnate Jerry Tiu and Lianne Alandy-Dy, Chris is 100 percent Chinese although considers himself Chinese-Filipino since he was born and raised in the Philippines. Active members of Opus Dei, the Roman Catholic organization that teaches that “everyone is called to holiness and that ordinary life is a path to sanctity,” Chris’ spirituality is quite evident when the conversation gets personal. Always keeping it light and upbeat, Chris is no preacher, though – despite his gift of inspiring the youth towards good values and empowerment. He has given talks at the Ateneo High School, Southridge PAREF School, Philippine Science High School and Northfield, among others, his only intention being “I sure hope that I’m making sense and getting through to them!” Despite his convictions, he will not delve into religious talk. Instead, he will try to convince you to get involved in one of his numerous socio-civic activities or advocates, particularly poverty alleviation and better standards in public education. When he’s not behind the podium, you might catch him playing the piano for Mass, leading sports, art and even cooking clinics, storytelling and distributing books as a member of the National Book Development Board’s “Get Caught Reading” campaign.  On Valentine’s Day, together with family and friends, Chris made an effort to experience the life of a construction worker with the Habitat for Humanity group. He describes the experience as “not easy at all but an eye-opener indeed. I hope that more Filipinos can get involved not just in building homes but in building communities and individuals with values as well.” The no-nonsense Ateneo Blue Eagles Star Player, consistent “Mythical Five” and Smart Gilas National Team shooting guard and team captain, Barangay Urdaneta Makati Councilor, Ateneo Management Engineering graduate and entrepreneur, also reveals that he eats like a regular guy. Chris is crazy for steak, and not just any steak but the USDA Certified Prime Beef steaks at his secret dining spot, 22 Prime at Discovery Suites. His choice for the best-tasting, most succulent steak goes to 22 Prime’s rib-eye steak, medium rare, of course. This sportsman diligently follows a diet he describes as “avoiding unnecessary and unwanted calories, particularly carbohydrates in the evening.” His rule of thumb for eating right is simply, “Eat good food. I’m a regular guy who likes to hang out with my friends and share a good meal, to catch up on our daily lives, and sneak in a game of golf or a good movie before catching a good night’s rest.” Though basketball fans have nicknamed him Mr. Clutch, referring to a player that makes the most important shots at the endgame, Chris is also a hopeless romantic who listens to love songs and admires patience, selflessness, spirituality and affection in a woman. Although these traits seem to mirror his own, Tiu says he need not be athletic or have to love basketball. No wonder his popularity is unparalleled in this day and age. Tiu’s AMDG blog (christiu.blogspot.com), which he devotedly updates twice a month despite his hectic schedule, has hundreds of loyal followers. In fact, the challenge for the 24-year-old heartthrob is not only shunning the spotlight but also getting some serious downtime to enjoy his other passions outside the court