UPDATE: Check out Stefan Pinto’s article on Examiner.com

How to get Playgirl six pack abs

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I never imagined I would be asked to pose for Playgirl magazine. The whole thing was just fantastical to me. I suppose I never really believed it until I actually saw the magazine in Miami Airport (I was awaiting my flight to board for Rome when I purchased two copies at Hudson News in the International terminal).

HOW IT HAPPENED

In November 2006, a model friend suggested, after seeing my model portfolio, that I submit some photos to Playgirl Magazine. Here’s a tip, if you want to be in a magazine, you need to contact a photographer, preferably one that shoots for the magazine you are interested in appearing in. Don’t be naive and write to the magazine’s address. It’s cute, but it won’t get you anywhere. This is especially true for Playgirl. Once I knew the photographer’s name, I Googled him, sent off a note with two photos (usually more than enough, even when sending to model agencies). Then I waited.

Christmas Eve, 2006 came the response from Dean Keefer, the Playgirl photographer. Playgirl was interested and would I be able to fly to Los Angeles in February? Would I be able to fly to Los Angeles in February? Are you joking?

The photo shoot took place on Valentine’s Day in 2007. It was shot in Burbank, California. The night prior to the shoot, the photographer, Dean Keefer, telephoned me in my hotel room (I was staying at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in downtown Hollywood). He was still unsure as to what my “theme” would be for the shoot. After some deliberation, among choices like a soccer player (they shot that last month), a mobster (may cause controversy!) , a pirate (too cliche) he eventually excitedly came up with Zorro!

After a one egg white breakfast at Mel’s I was on location at 10 a.m. I am not sure I ever really stopped to realize and take in the whole situation. There I was, this once overweight, computer nerd (that I still am), comic book geek (that I still am) was in California, getting made up and dressed in preparation to shoot for Playgirl magazine as a potential centerfold. Who would have thought this opportunity would be offered to me? I was a simple, island boy (stress on the word “was”).  If someone had predicted this adventure to me ten years… heck one year prior, I would not have believed them. Honestly, I would have done it for free. It was tremendous validation for someone who used to be fat.

When we eventually wrapped up, six hours later, they put me in a taxi cab back to the Roosevelt. I was completely and totally wiped out. During the shoot, I had one protein bar (that was expired) and black coffee. So that and one egg white, doesn’t really carry you through a six hour photo shoot, especially when all of your adrenaline is flowing and you are completely naked. Needless to say that night I devoured an entire four-topping pizza.

Here are *some* photos from the shoot. Enjoy:

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