Jak Roberto reveals inspiring story behind his 'Pambansang Abs'

Jak Roberto isn't called "Pambansang Abs" for nothing, but do you know how the famous six pack came to be?

In a recent virtual interview with GMA News Online, the Kapuso actor revealed that his abs did not even exist until he got cast for a role in Louie Ignacio's 2016 film "Laut."

It was a huge opportunity for him to play a Sama Dilaut and his co-star was none other than his now-girlfriend Barbie Forteza, so Jak really wanted to make a good impression.

"Talagang pinaghandaan ko. Talagang sabi ko, 'Kailangan mapansin ako dito. Kailangan ready ako and walang masasabi sakin 'yung tao.' Na 'pag nakita nila [sasabihin nila] 'Wow sino 'yan? Ang ganda ng katawan'," Jak said.

"Gusto kong makilala talaga so, by that time, nag-prepare ako. Hindi lang sa body pati na rin sa role na ginampanan namin," he added.

The goal was to build some muscle for the role, but Jak ended up working out so hard that he got really jacked after just two months.

"Ang laki ko, para talaga akong naka-ganyan maglakad," Jak said, flexing his biceps.

"Sabi ni Direk Louie, 'Ay, Jak, hindi ganiyan 'yung role na kailangan natin, kailangan natin...parang batak sa trabaho, gano'ng katawan. Hindi 'yung parang batak sa gym' sabi niya," he recalled. "So, by that time din nagbulk up ako tapos nagdiet ako para mag-shred 'yung muscle ko, dun lumabas 'yung six-pack!"

Despite the minor stepback, Jak can definitely say he was very happy with the results.

Not only did he get to do the movie, he also ended up with a solid six-pack that he would continue to be known for in the coming years.

"Ang sarap mag-selfie, ang sarap mag-post sa social media. Hindi ko naman alam na 'yung mga Kapuso natin tsaka ang mga followers ko, magugustuhan nila," Jak said.

Apart from his many memorable TV roles on GMA-7, Jak is also a successful endorser and content creator with more than 2.61 million YouTube subscribers and 1.7 million followers on Instagram.

The actor expressed how grateful he was for all the attention he's been getting for being fit, but he's also happy about the fact that it took him years of hard work and commitment to get to where he is today.

"Minsan nga biruan natin sa 'Bubble Gang,' halimbawa, bibigyan ako ng t-shirt. 'Oh Jak, kasya ba sayo 'yung small?' Sabi ko, 'Siguro mga 2017 kasya yan pero ngayon mga medium na tayo," he said. —JCB, GMA News