How Discipline and Patience Define Vince Maristela

The fittest housemate

At one point during their cover shoot for VMAN Southeast Asia, the Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) boys were asked who they thought the fittest housemate was. All fingers pointed toward one man, and one man only: Vince Maristela.

No one even attempted to contest it. With other questions, the boys tossed around names and gave humorous answers—but when it came to physical prowess, they all conceded to Vince.

VINCE MARISTELA — Coat and pants **Edrick paz /** Tank **Anthony ramirez**

The young actor and model’s fitness journey began during the pandemic, when gyms were closed and people were stuck at home. A routine checkup revealed a few health concerns: extra weight, heightened cholesterol levels, and a general sluggishness. Vince knew he had to take action.

A fitness competition presented itself, and Vince took preparations seriously: tracking his food intake, doubling down on his workouts, and getting adequate sleep. The tournament got canceled, but his newfound habits continued.

“I just fell in love with an athletic lifestyle. It has defined not only my morning routines, but it has also allowed me to apply the same discipline with other aspects of my professional life.”

Prior to PBB, life had already followed a strict order for Vince, defined down to the last minutes. His days often began at 4:30AM, cup of coffee in hand and enough stillness for morning meditation. He would fix his bed, then prepare for the gym. By 8AM, he’d have his workout in, in time for a second cup of coffee with his dad.

Then, the work day proceeds: errands, tapings, photoshoots, and guestings. Workouts take priority over everything else, but only because his energy levels demand it—any later, and he might fall through.

The shift in mindset was difficult, yet necessary. Vince says it was his proudest moment: transforming from a happy-go-lucky boy into a more disciplined man because of the gym. “I set schedules. I am strict with time—I always arrive on time for work.”

Changing times

But PBB would test Vince anew. “I couldn’t necessarily follow my 4:30AM schedule, since they decide what time we’d wake up. I did my best to adjust to the rules of the show.”

Gone was the exact cadence of his routine; what remained certain was the unexpected. Beyond the weekly tasks were surprise challenges, twists, house guests, and more gimmicks that kept the housemates and audiences on their toes. And for Vince, a stickler for discipline, it was a steep learning curve.

That struggle was the undercurrent of his initial shyness and naïveté, what housemates and fans perceived with curiosity, intrigue, and a bit of skepticism as he entered the show three weeks after it premiered. There were a few misunderstandings and tense moments—which, when living with nineteen other radically different personalities, is expected.

But Vince wasn’t a stranger to change. Just like how he turned his life around to be healthier, he took his time getting more comfortable with uncertainty. Fans and housemates alike saw his transformation into a more authentic, often quirky, and endearing person.

He was just taking his time.

Exceeding expectations

When Vince got evicted from the house midway through the show, people remarked at how positive and composed he was, smiling as he stepped into the outside world. It was a quiet surrender to what fate handed him, but he was grateful regardless for the lessons and growth he gained from PBB.

But life after the show wasn’t anything Vince had imagined.

“I entered show business with humble expectations,” he shares. As a child actor, he portrayed younger versions of several Philippine industry veterans. Throughout college, he dabbled in commercial modeling before returning to the screen in 2023.

“I navigated the industry cherishing what I had, not dwelling on what I didn’t have. We all have different starting points in the business, and I feel like I’ve grown through the years. I was already fine with where I was—but this year happened, and I didn’t expect I’d reach this level, this kind of growth.”

“I thought that people would only know me through the roles that I played or the shows that I appeared in. But after PBB, I saw that people were remembering me and appreciating me as Vince, and that makes me so happy. I’ve surpassed my goals before. And now I’ve learned that I can even aim higher.”

But Vince also candidly shares that it was quite a shock to his system at first. “The attention was quite surprising. I’d go to the mall, and I’d absorb the energy from those who are noticing me. I had to adjust—to be more aware of myself, of the people around me. I learned to be more open and sociable.”

These newfound experiences were definitely out of his comfort zone, but Vince looks at them as opportunities for further growth. “I value moments where I can gain something new. I’m always willing to learn and listen to other people.”

Planning ahead

And if Vince was already a meticulous planner before, he had to be better at it tenfold, what with the newfound guestings, shows, and opportunities that greeted him post-PBB.

“I learned that failing to plan is like planning to fail. I used to be flexible with my schedules; now, I need to plan a day or two before. Sometimes, I predict my whole week ahead.”

If he wants to hit five workouts, he will make it happen, recovery time included. And no, his ‘rest days’ aren’t idle at all: “Like today, this shoot for VMAN Southeast Asia is rest for me.”

He’s also learning how to temper his newfound eagerness with focus and clarity. “I want to do so many things! But I know I have to take it one at a time, doing my best with every step.”

As the spotlight grows brighter for Vince, he keeps sage advice in mind. “Focus on the moment, and don’t stress on things you can’t control. After PBB, whenever things got tough, I always go back to these words to keep myself grounded.”

Prime time is definitely ticking for Vince Maristela now, and best believe he’s got it all planned down to the minute.

Photography Karl King Aguña

Chief of Editorial Content Patrick Ty

Creative direction Vince Uy

Art direction Mike Miguel

Fashion Ryuji Shiomitsu

Grooming Mickey See

Hair Jonas Lucas

Production Design Rocket Design Studio

Production Francis Vicente

Fashion editor Rex Atienza

Fashion associate Corven Uy