Aled Hopkins for Comeback Issue

ON THE COVER: ALED HOPKINS

Photographed by Andrew Caie

Editor-in-Chief

IAN CARLO BAJADA

Creative Art Director SYBIL GRACE HANN

Deputy Editor KYLE RICHARDS

Associate Editor VIV PETZOLD

Executive Managing Editor

MOEKA TANIUCHI

Feature Director NAOKI KOBAYASHI Publishers

INNOV8 DIGITAL INC. Owen Road, Serangoon, Singapore

VIEWPOINT MEDIA INTERNATIONAL Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Philippines

Inquiries & Contact Details magazinecenterstage@gmail.com

Facebook: Center Stage Magazine

Instagram: @magazinecenterstage

Cover Guy:

Photographs by Andrew Caie of QAndrew Photography

Associate Publisher Ian Carlo Bajada

Publishers

VIEWPOINT MEDIA INTERNATIONAL Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Metro Manila Philippines

INNOV8 DIGITAL INC.

Block 44 Owen Road 210044 Serangoon, Singapore

Inquiries & Contact Details

magazinecenterstage@gmail.com www.issuu.com/centerstagemagazine

Facebook Page: Center Stage Magazine

Instagram: @magazinecenterstage

FACES AND FIGURES OF

Feature: Gabriela Brooks

Photographed by Simon Upton

Feature: Alex Lazar

Photographed by Martin Kurina

23 Hot Slam by Nick Tumminello

Photos by James Michelfielder

31 Mind over Muscle by Sam Hancock

Photos by Getty Images

32 Ice Picks

by Matthew Kadey, RD

Photos by Brian Klutch

38 Build Your Best Body by Laura Potter

Illustration Getty Images

44 30 Ways To Getv Lean by Greg Lotus

Photos Sam Kaplan

50 WTF is Ear Seeding by Brooke Young

Photos by Getty Images

52 This is Gabby by Kara Byers

Photos Simon Upton

54 Smarter Ways to Use Your Noodles by Matthew Kadey

Photos by Ted + Chelsea Cavanaugh

58 What is Toxic Positivity?

by Sarah Young

60 Know Your Worth by Maxine Ali

64 Five Ways To Share Your Skills

by Caroline Butterwick

Illustration by Rosan Magar

66 A New Age by Kathryn Wheeler

Illustration by Rosan Magar

Feature: Deano

Peano

Photographed by Christian Oita

146

Feature: Cody Simpson

Photographed by Jamie Green

168

220

Feature: Amanda Hall

Photographed by Casey Withers

Cover Story and Featured Editorials

ALED HOPKINS

Cover Photographs by ANDREW CAIE

ALEX LAZAR

Feature Photographs by MARTIN KURINA

AMANDA HALL

Feature Photographs by CASEY WITHERS

KJ APA

Feature Photographs by JIM JEONG

JACOB ELORDI

Feature Photographs by BEAU GREALY

CODY SIMPSON

Feature Photographs by JAMIE GREEN

214 5 MYTHS ABOUT ALLERGIES BY KATE ROCKWOOD ILLUSTRATION BY ANDREA DE SANTIS

228 MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN BY KAITLYN PIRIE PHOTOS BY THE VOORHES

236 STILL IN THE GAME BY ANNA KATHERINE CLEMMONS PHOTOS BY ANTHONY BLASKO

242 ON THE BRINK BY LAUREN LARSON PHOTOS BY BEAU GREALY

250 YOUR FOUR-WEEK STRONGMAN PLAN BY ANDREW TRACEY PHOTOS BY PHILIP HAYNES

256 INTO THE WILD BY JAMIE GREEN

272

58 WAYS TO MOVE MORE BY JENAE SITZES

278

BEST OF BOTH BY LIAM CHANDLER

286 HOW TO BE A BETTER LISTENER BY KATIE COLOMBUS

290 PRACTICE EMOTIONAL SOBRIETY BY MARA SANTILLI

294 EFT TAPPING BY JASMINE GOMEZ

296

16 BIGGEST FOOD MYTHS OF ALL TIME BY SCARLETT WRENCH

302

BALANCING ACT BY CAITLIN CARLSON PHOTOS BY LEE MORGAN

310

MOULD YOUR MIND BY ABIGAIL CUFFEY

316

MANE MAN BY BEN JHOTY

PHOTOS BY JIM JEONG

326

BRIEFLY INSPIRED BY RONALD LIEM

334 BODY POWER BY EBENEZER SAMUEL

PHOTOS BY ALLIE HOLLOWAY

Center View Models Inc. View Talent Management

Andrew Caie

COVER EDITORIAL BY Ian Carlo Bajada

Aled Hopkins

Jacob Elordi, one of the in-demand and rising stars new lm and hot show.

in Hollywood talks about his

EDITOR’S NOTE

20 Fresh Start With New Endings

2022 is the year of comeback and also a revamp. As we move forward, let us learn how to grow holistically, excel openly and make decisions wisely to become a better version of yourself.

BY IAN CARLO BAJADA

MORE EXTRA AS USUAL

94 What Are Your Health Goals for 2022? by Holly Pevzner

100 Deconstructing People-Pleasing by Andy Gill

102 How To Stay Motivated as a Working Adult With ADHD by Charlie Swarbrooke

Illustration by Rosan Magar

106 New Year, Strongest You by Jacqueline Andriakos

114 Remote Reiki by Megan Johnson

Photos by Sadik Demiroz

118 How To Be A Happier, Calmer, Stronger You in 2022 by Laura Potter

122 How To Stay Strong by Claire Cantor

124 The Physical Power of Positive Thinking by Faye M Smith and Jenny Stallard

126 Think Yourself Well by Faye M Smith

130 Modern Vinyasa for the Masses by Renee Marie Schettler

Photos by Ian Spanier

140 Let Yourself Off The Hook by Faith Hill

142 Elevate Your Energy by Ali Marshall

146 The Last Movie Star by Christian Oita

162 12 Ways To Reduce Anxiety

168 Neptune in Retrograde by Alex Mitcheson

Photos by Jamie Green

176 Ready, Set, Summer by Steven Chee

198 Decode Your Fatigue by Alex Howard

200 Eating Clean by Linda Stephens, MS

207 Build Your Best Body by Matt Ray

214 5 Myths About Allergies by Kate IllustrationRockwood by Andrea De Santis

228 Make Change Happen by Kaitlyn Pirie

Photos by The Voorhes

236 Still In The Game by Anna Katherine Clemmons

Photos by Anthony Blasko

242 On The Brink by Lauren Larson

Photos by Beau Grealy

250 Your Four-Week Strongman Plan by Andrew Tracey

Photos by Philip Haynes

256 Into The Wild by Jamie Green

272 58 Ways To Move More by Jenae Sitzes

278 Best of Both by Liam Chandler

286 How To Be A Better Listener by Katie Colombus

290 Practice Emotional Sobriety by Mara Santilli

294 EFT Tapping by Jasmine Gomez

296 16 Biggest Food Myths Of All Time by Scarlett Wrench

BY JIM JEONG

302 Balancing Act by Caitlin Carlson

Photos by Lee Morgan

310 Mould Your Mind by Abigail Cuffey

316 Mane Man by Ben Jhoty

Photos by Jim Jeong

326 Briefly Inspired by Ronald Liem

334 Body Power by Ebenezer Samuel

Photos by Allie Holloway

Kiwi hunk and Riverdale Star?

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ian Carlo Bajada

DEPUTY EDITOR

Kyle Richards

CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR

Sybil Grace Hann

MANAGING EDITOR

Moeka Taniuchi

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Viv Petzold

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Innov8 Digital Inc.

Viewpoint Media International DISTRIBUTION

ISSUU

Sentro PH

Cococart

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Icon PR

Marque PR

A COMEBACK WITH OPTIMISM

IT’S ALL ABOUT ADVOCATING LIFESTYLE TO EQUIP, ENABLE, AND EMPOWER REAL PEOPLE WITH REAL STORIES.

January-February issue highlights all the remarkable talents of some new yet efficient faces in the fitness and lifestyle industry. These strong ladies and bold gentlemen of this influential era will truly embrace challenging perspectives with hard work and grit. They will definitely face challenges and overcome them with hope and view it with optimism. It also focuses on ladies and gentlmen’s epitome of confidence through charm, wit, physique, passion, purpose and most of all influence. Get ready and buckle up as we celebrate a decade-long creativity, empowerment and excellence!

FRESH START WITH NEW ENDINGS.

New Year is about moving forward and bringing out the best in you. It is set with new beginnings, new choices, and new opportunities. It is another phase where people grow holistically and learn openly from their career, decisions in life, and the people they deal with.

The year of 2022 is the year of comeback and revamp. Our society has evolved over the years. We are at the peak where technology keeps on developing and the competition around us ourishes.

The issue focuses on the thriving talents of new faces and some familiar faces in di erent industries that Center Stage Magazine features and highlights. They are exclusively selected and picked carefully to cater their re ned talents and experiences in di erent elds such as tness, fashion, entertainment and media,

music, art and a whole lot more. Re ned ladies and gentlemen of this era who embrace the new perspective of excellence and exceed themselves to the limit of their careers. Diverse professionals, inspiring stories of equipped individuals, fresh faces and new bodies are waiting to be discovered and ready to be unleashed in these pages. Happy New Year and Happy Valentine’s Day who celebrates it!

IAN CARLO BAJADA Editor-in-Chief

ALED HOPKINS

IS YOUR COVER GUY FOR COMEBACK

Smash your goals and start strong this year with our British hunk as he exudes his best physique. The strategic bodybuilder and the finance expert shares how to grow stronger, healthier and sharper in 2022 with his practical knowledge and training strategies to stay healthy, increase confidence, smarter with your finances or decisions and most of all, feel your optimum self.

By Ian Carlo Bajada Photography Andrew Caie

ALED HOPKINS

Out with the old, in with the new to become a new kind of headstrong gentleman to face new possibilities

COVER STORY BY IAN CARLO BAJADA

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANDREW CAIE

COVER STORY BEYOND FACES

Revamp your mindset with his guide to working smart and slaying the year of 2022: all the competence and practical advise you need to take your life and career for a greater comeback.

IAN CARLO BAJADA

If there’s something you want to do, just give it a go, even if you don’t quite feel ready yet. There’s never a perfect time so you just have to go for it.”

IN-DEPTH CONNECTION WITH COVER STAR

CSM: The last couple of years were labeled as a rollercoaster ride with full of twists and probably surprises. How did you show your resiliency?

ALED: The last year had many surprises that were out of my control; however by focusing on what I could control then I manage to keep myself in a positive and productive mindset despite all the lockdowns and other surprises the year threw at us.

CSM: What’s the best course of action to take in the face of uncertainty?

ALED: In times of uncertainty, I would again focus on what you are able to control and build up from there.

CSM: Professionally speaking, how can you exude being decisive?

ALED: To exude decisiveness, clarity and directness are a key part of delivering your message.

CSM: How do you standout in a fast-paced and competitive industry?

ALED: Make sure you’re not just doing or saying things to fit in with the crowd. Don’t be afraid to have an opinion and have stick to it and your principles.

CSM: Explain what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you and why they’re important.

ALED: Everyone deserves to have an equal chance to succeed.

CSM: Describe an ideal brand that has a sense of inclusion, belonging, and equity on a daily basis?

ALED: Gymshark and Nike do a great job of making sure they display athletes from all backgrounds and are very inclusive.

Make sure you’re not just doing or saying things to fit in with the crowd. Don’t be afraid to have an opinion and have stick to it and your principles.”

CSM: Career-wise, how can someone be a good influence to others?

CSM: What comeback goals do you want to achieve in 2022?

ALED: In 2022, I will be setting goal both professionally and in fitness to make sure I’m continually improving from the last year.

CSM: Define confidence and being sexy.

ALED: Being happy with who you are internally will excuse confidence and when you are confident that excuses being sexy.

ALED: Being supportive when they need help and guide you in your development to avoid any of the mistakes they made in the past.

CSM: What vital lessons can you share to young people?

ALED: If there’s something you want to do, just give it a go, even if you don’t quite feel ready yet. There’s never a perfect time so you just have to go for it.

CSM: What do you think is the role of food or nutrition in healthy living?

ALED: Food is fuel so it’s essential. If you want to be at peak performance you have to feed your body the right nutrients and food to get there.

CSM: How can you maintain your consistency of weight or shape?

ALED: Keeping track of calories consumption and my activity. I know how many calories I need to eat per day when I’m training to keep at my weight and then gives me a lot of freedom with food choice to hit those calories.

CSM: What fitness goals do you want to attain?

ALED: I’ve just come back off a competitive bodybuilding season so the current goal is to now build more muscle and get stronger. A successful offseason will make sure I’m well prepared should I compete again in the future.

CSM: What exercises do you consider fundamental?

ALED: Every program needs an exercise variation of; squat, hinge, push, pull, row.

CSM: What gym etiquette that people must follow?

ALED: Wiping down equipment and putting all your weights away. Helps keep a good gym environment for everyone.

CSM: When you’re stressed, how do you manage it?

ALED: If I get stressed, I find a walk in the fresh air usually helps me calm down and come back productive to solve whatever problem occurred.

CSM: Expound why mental matters in the digital age.

ALED: We are on our phones so much now and it’s easy to compare yourself against others which aren’t healthy for the mind. You have to ensure you have enough time to away and off the phone in real life with friends and family.

CSM: Simplify if mental and physical health are connected or not.

ALED: Of course they’re connected and equally important to keep in good health.

CSM: In achieving fitness goals, what do people should remember?

ALED: It’s your own journey. You vs. you. So don’t compare your journey to someone else’s, focus on continually being better than yesterday.

CSM: What stereotypes should people break when it comes to physical and mental health?

ALED: Being more comfortable to discuss what’s troubling you and what you can do to solve it.

Don’t compare your journey to someone else’s, focus on continually being better than yesterday...

Being more comfortable to discuss what’s troubling you and what you can do to solve it.

ALED HOPKINS

TALKS ABOUT FINANCE, BUSINESS ANd BOSS MOVES

CSM: From a financial perspective, explain what finance means to you and why it’s solely significant?

ALED: It’s a constantly evolving landscape but is central to how we live our lives. Understanding the context of what is going around you and having a strong understanding of your own personal finances allows you to plan for financial freedom later in life.

CSM: What made you decide to venture the industry of finance as your profession?

ALED: I moved into the industry after university. I liked the learning curve it offered and the personal and professional development that you gain from working across the financial industry.

CSM: What are the new trends you see right now in terms of finance five or ten years from now?

ALED: ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) and Automation are the key trends I am seeing across the board.

As we work more from home and climate change becomes a key issue, integrating changes that improve the technological or sustainability of investment are key drivers.

CSM: Managing finances or effective budgeting is one of the weaknesses that people have. What professional tips or advice would you give?

ALED: Creating a budget and sticking to it is the key - much like a diet plan. Increasing income won’t solve bad spending habits. Make sure to prioritize money towards savings or investments so you have funds to fall back on and ensure you can cover any unexpected events in your life.

Understanding the context of what is going around you and having a strong understanding of your own personal finances allows you to plan for financial freedom later in life.”

ALED HOPKINS

SPEAKS ABOUT SAVINGS ANd LONG-TERM THINKING

CSM: What would you suggest companies do to save money amidst the pandemic or uncertainty?

ALED: Assess where there are inefficiencies that create a monetary cost or

and sustainable. We’ve also seen supply lines suffer as a result of COVID-19, so any businesses that are heavy importers or exporters of goods should consider

slow down the speed of a process and look to streamline. Creating a leaner and efficient business model will allow for that cash flow to be spent elsewhere.

CSM: If you were the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of a Fortune 500 company, what would be your long-term concerns?

ALED: Climate change and the government regulations those are likely to come as a result of them. Companies should be looking at how they can become increasingly more environmentally friendly

how they can improve their supply chains.

CSM: Lastly, what are the things that young people should remember when it comes to investment and assets?

ALED: Start early and keep consistent. Long term investing should be your priority. Have an entry and exit plan. Do your own due diligence, keep learning!

Start early and keep consistent. Long term investing should be your priority. Have an entry and exit plan. Do your own due diligence, keep learning!”

CENTER STAGE MAGAZINE presents

ALEX LAZAR

Photographed by Martin Kurina

The Comeback Issue

ALEX LAZAR

on his biggest breakthrough and how being decisive can help you face the uncertainty. He’s resilient, active and brave.

Photographed by Martin Kurina

Represented by EMKAI Models

Feature editorial by Ian Carlo Bajada and Moeka Taniuchi

CSM: The last couple of years were labeled as a rollercoaster ride with full of twists and probably surprises. How did you show your resiliency?

ALEX: I was always focused on my main mission, on where I visualize myself in the future to be able to stay strong and keep grinding

CSM: What’s the best course of action to take in the face of uncertainty?

ALEX: If in doubt, always trust your first feeling. Ask maybe someone who you know you can trust for a second opinion but never try something because you don’t know the outcome. Every shot you don’t take is a missed shot.

CSM: Professionally speaking, how can you exude being decisive?

ALEX: Being open to change is a vital point. Always doing the same things and having the same opinion will never get you far. Also having a specific goal, a mission and being optimistic and prepared is also very important.

CSM: What comeback goals do you want to achieve in 2022?

ALEX: My goals are to improve myself physically, mentally and spiritually. I want to be able to inspire people to be themselves and show their true colours to the world and I will also make sure to make my name known in the modelling industry.

CSM: Define confidence and being sexy.

ALEX: Confidence and being sexy are probably two of the most important aspects in every industry. Don’t get me wrong, I am not talking about the looks here. Someone who knows what he/she wants, is always determined to go the extra mile to achieve their goals and to help others on the way and who is always and constantly improving is a confident and sexy person. Someone who is aware that everyone is worthy no matter where they come from and what they do professionally.

CSM: How do you standout in a fastpaced and competitive industry?

ALEX: In a fast-paced and competitive industry you have to make sure your personality helps you standout. Do not be afraid to be yourself and embrace your true colors.

ALEX LAZAR

CSM: Career-wise, how can someone be a good influence to others?

ALEX: Hard-work is always the factor that inspires others. Showing up on time, making sure you complete what you have to do and help others with their tasks, go above and beyond.

CSM: What vital lessons can you share to young people?

ALEX: Always listen to what your heart tells you. If you want to do something and you work hard enough for it, you’ll always make it, no matter what. Do not listen to anyone, not even your family sometimes, if they tell you to not pursue your goals.

ON FITNESS TRAINING AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE:

CSM: What do you think is role of food or nutrition in healthy living?

ALEX: It is probably the most important aspect. Even if you workout 18 hours everyday like a machine, if your diet is not on point you will never be healthy. Food is even more important than the foundation of a house.

CSM: How can you maintain your consistency of weight or shape?

ALEX: Always tracking what and how much you eat, making sure that you’re active everyday and be consistent

CSM: What fitness goals do you want to attain?

ALEX: I want to build more muscle, get generally speaking “bigger” but in a healthy way.

CSM: What exercises do you consider fundamental?

ALEX: Don’t get me wrong, I love going to the gym but personally, I feel like basic, body-weight exercises are forgotten by a lot of people and I feel like these are the

most important ones to build strength, muscle and a good muscle memory. The best example I can think of are pull-ups and push-ups.

CSM: What gym etiquette that people must follow?

ALEX: Put everything back where it belongs. I have seen too many people take everything and just leave it there. Also, just because your friend lifts heavy weights, it doesn’t mean you have to kill yourself there. Take your time, your strength will come.

CSM: When you’re stressed, how do you manage it?

ALEX: I just take a couple of moments to visualize my goals and mission again, so that I can be back on track.

CSM: Expound why mental matters in the digital age.

ALEX: In the digital age, I feel like it’s very easy to lose track of reality, mostly due to all these influencers that seem to have “a perfect life” on social media. People mostly start comparing their own lives to these guys’ lives and end up being depressed or losing their positivity. A good mental health is crucial in our times.

CSM: Simplify if mental and physical health are connected or not.

ALEX: I mean, without a good mental health you’ll never have a healthy body either. Heart diseases or other chronic physical diseases are linked to poor mental health.

CSM: In achieving fitness goals, what do people should remember?

ALEX: Always take your time. Rome wasn’t built in one day. Your body won’t develop to your dream physique after two gym sessions. Stay consistent, watch your diet and keep grinding.

CSM: What stereotypes should people break when it comes to physical and mental?

ALEX: Just because your friend does it, it doesn’t mean you can/ should do it. Find the perfect balance for yourself and everything will come on its own. Stay focused, don’t compare yourself to anyone.

ALEX LAZAR

SPEAKS ABOUT dIVERSITY, INCLUSIVITY, ANd EQUITY

CSM: Explain what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you and why they’re important.

ALEX: It means that everyone, no matter what their sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or nationality is, is being treated and seen as equal.

CSM: What is the most challenging aspect of working in a diverse environment?

ALEX: The most challenging aspect is maybe that people from different backgrounds have

CSM: How would you advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion with brands or companies that don’t understand its importance?

ALEX: I would firstly try to open their eyes with current and old examples of what happened when companies do not understand the importance of all these aspects and if they still don’t understand then I’d stop collaborating.

different ways of approaching things and different norms, which is why you always have to make sure to respect everything and everyone.

CSM: What is your approach to understanding the perspectives of colleagues from different backgrounds?

ALEX: I always make sure I ask them to explain me everything I may not understand, so that I can analyze everything from a neutral perspective and understand their perspective. I try to leave my opinion to the side and just listen to what the person has got to say. You can’t talk if you don’t listen.

CSM: How would you handle a situation where a client or a talent was being culturally insensitive, sexist, racist, or homophobic?

ALEX: I would leave and I would make sure I never work with that client again. I’ll also make sure they get the proper marks on their reputation and that no one else would be happy to work for and with them anymore ever.

CSM: Discuss a time when you advocated for diversity and inclusion.

ALEX: The perfect example is in my secondary school in Germany. There were a lot of Germans in that school and I was one of the only people who sometimes received different treatment from one or two teachers. I made sure I put them in their place by talking to their superiors and making other students aware as well.

CSM: Describe an ideal brand that has a sense of inclusion, belonging, and equity on a daily basis?

ALEX: An ideal brand which would respect all these factors would always have e.g. models from everywhere and with all different kinds of orientations always working together, not splitting them whatsoever. Always promoting and advocating for inclusion, belonging and equity on social media as well and making sure that everyone gets a good service from them.

CSM: What steps will you take to eliminate bias from other brands or companies?

ALEX: It is a very difficult question because no matter how hard we try, we will never be able to completely eliminate everything. We, or at least I, will make sure to always let the world know if a company is not treating me or my colleagues’ right and I will never stop fighting for my rights to be respected.

It means that everyone, no matter what their sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or nationality is, is being treated and seen as equal

CENTER

presents

The Comeback Issue

AMANDA HALL

on her timely progress and how healthy lifestyle can radiate your confidence. She’s bold, strong and sexy..

Feature editorial by Ian Carlo Bajada and Naoki Kobayashi

Photographed by Casey Withers

CSM: The last couple of years were labeled as a rollercoaster ride with full of twists and probably surprises. How did you show your resiliency?

AMANDA: I made my family and my mental health my biggest priorities. Even with all the chaos and ups and downs I was able to stay positive by keeping up with workouts, healthy eating, meditation and quality time with my family.

CSM: What’s the best course of action to take in the face of uncertainty?

AMANDA: Confidence is extremely important in the face of uncertainty. The unknown can be scary but confidence can carry you through those times to push through and get to the other side.

CSM: Professionally speaking, how can you exude being decisive?

AMANDA: I think that being fearless is one of the most important ways to exude decisiveness. Even though a decision may be difficult, being confident and fearless once you make a choice is the best route.

CSM: What comeback goals do you want to achieve in 2022?

AMANDA: My biggest goals for 2022 are related to mental health. I want to focus my energy on consistent meditation, learning and positive energy in my life.

CSM: Define confidence and being sexy.

AMANDA: Confidence is being sure of yourself and living fearlessly. Being sure of yourself in the face of challenges will always carry you through. To me, confidence is what makes a person sexy.

CSM: How do you standout in a fast-paced and competitive industry?

AMANDA: I think the best way to stand out is to be consistent, reliable and compassionate. It is not about trying to draw attention to yourself, you standout automatically when others around you see that you are reliable and kind.

CSM: Career-wise, how can someone be a good influence to others?

AMANDA: Showing confidence and compassion for others. You can utilize confidence, even if you have to fake it, to get through any overwhelming situation. A person that is both confident and compassionate can provide brilliant guidance to anyone that is struggling.

AMANDA HALL

CSM: What vital lessons can you share to young people?

AMANDA: One of the main things is to not worry about social media and all of the different stigmas and “rules” that our society has today. I would say to be who you want to be, follow your heart, and don’t care about what others think.

ON FITNESS TRAINING AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE:

CSM: What do you think is the role of food or nutrition in healthy living?

AMANDA: I think that the role of food and nutrition is important in healthy living, but it should not be your main focus. I feel that healthy living is more about how you feel about yourself, and not as much about what you are eating.

CSM: How can you maintain your consistency of weight or shape?

AMANDA: The best way to maintain your weight and shape is consistency. Ultimately, be aware that your body will change due to emotional, hormonal and universal changes. There is no means to maintain a perfect consistency, just be aware of your body’s needs.

CSM: What fitness goals do you want to attain?

AMANDA: No matter where you are at, everyone has a fitness goal they want to achieve. Personally, my fitness goals are constantly changing depending on my needs. My biggest goal is to maintain a fitness level that makes me feel confident and healthy.

CSM: What exercises do you consider fundamental?

AMANDA: Squats and bench press! Squats give you a great booty and bench press builds your chest and arms in a beautiful way.

CSM: What gym etiquette that people must follow?

AMANDA: Respect and inclusion of everyone around you.

CSM: When you’re stressed, how do you manage it?

AMANDA: Depending on the situation I usually try to sit down and make a list, prioritizing what I need to do or make a list of things I am grateful for. I find that gratitude can be a great way to relieve stress by remembering everything I have that isn’t bad. I also find meditation to be very soothing.

CSM: Expound why mental health matters in the digital age.

AMANDA: social media can be a massive detriment to mental health. It is easy to become obsessed with other bodies seen on social media and quickly leads to negative self-worth. It is important to find a balance between social media and reality.

CSM: Simplify if mental and physical health are connected or not.

AMANDA: Physical and mental health are inextricably connected. Physical and mental health feed into each other in so many ways. For myself, my mental health suffers tremendously if I am not taking care of myself physically.

CSM: In achieving fitness goals, what should people remember?

AMANDA: The most important thing to remember is that every human being is built differently. Be patient and consistent and you will inevitably achieve your goals but, trust the process.

CSM: What stereotypes should people break when it comes to physical and mental health?

AMANDA: The most important thing is to work to get past stigmas surrounding mental health. People need to feel safe speaking out about struggles with mental illness and not have fear about asking for help.

AMANDA HALL

SPEAKS ABOUT dIVERSITY, INCLUSIVITY, ANd EQUITY

CSM: Explain what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you and why they’re important.

AMANDA: Equity and inclusion mean making sure that anyone around you feels equal and is never left out for any reason. Being in a diverse environment makes it important to be positive and ensure that no one is made to feel less than anyone else.

CSM: How would you handle a situation where a client or a talent was being culturally insensitive, sexist, racist, or homophobic?

AMANDA: Be open and honest about the situation. Acknowledge where the client is being harmful to someone else or handling a situation poorly. You can’t expect to change anyone but honesty and openness can, at the least, encourage others to be more

CSM: What is the most challenging aspect of working in a diverse environment?

AMANDA: The most challenging aspect of working in a diverse environment is being faced with situations where others are not being inclusive. It can be difficult to navigate situations where you feel excluded or see others being excluded.

CSM: What is your approach to understanding the perspectives of colleagues from different backgrounds?

AMANDA: Open-mindedness and listening are the most important things when it comes to understanding perspectives from different backgrounds. While it can seem very challenging at times, just being willing to listen can help you to understand others around you with different backgrounds.

sensitive and aware.

CSM: How would you advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion with brands or companies that don’t understand its importance?

AMANDA: I think the best way to advocate for equity and inclusion is just by example. Since there is no way to just change someone or a company’s intentions, the best that can be done is set the precedent for equality.

CSM: What steps will you take to eliminate bias from other brands or companies?

AMANDA: Setting an example by being inclusive of others no matter race or sexual preference. Encouraging others to do the same by being honest and advocating for others.

Being in a diverse environment makes it important to be positive and ensure that no one is made to feel less than anyone else. ”

ON THE COVER: ALED HOPKINS

Photographed by Andrew Caie

Editor-in-Chief

IAN CARLO BAJADA

Creative Art Director SYBIL GRACE HANN

Deputy Editor KYLE RICHARDS

Associate Editor VIV PETZOLD

Executive Managing Editor

MOEKA TANIUCHI

Feature Director NAOKI KOBAYASHI Publishers

INNOV8 DIGITAL INC. Owen Road, Serangoon, Singapore

VIEWPOINT MEDIA INTERNATIONAL Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Philippines

Inquiries & Contact Details magazinecenterstage@gmail.com

Facebook: Center Stage Magazine

Instagram: @magazinecenterstage