How his Marine Corps training toughened up Enzo Pineda
For actor Enzo Pineda, training for the Marines isn’t just about physical fitness—it’s a way of life.
Pineda first trained as part of the Navy, but becoming a Marine required earning his stripes—literally. So, he pushed himself further. Since the Marine Corps falls under the Navy, the transition was natural, but not easy. And because this all happened during the pandemic, training was a mix of online and in-person sessions.
Pineda officially joined in 2020 and currently holds the rank of Marine Corps reservist second lieutenant.
“For the theories, we studied via Zoom. After that, we did the physical training. We’d sleep in the camp, wake up at 4 a.m., and start our jogs and exercises. Training continued until 10 p.m. On our first day, we had to set up our own tents with just flimsy fabric. Then it rained so hard. We simulated battlefield conditions, taking turns sleeping at night,” he recalled.
The toughest challenge for Pineda was being appointed platoon leader. “In the corporate world, you follow your boss because you get paid to do so. In the Army, how do you earn the respect of your fellow trainees when you’re all considered equals? I realized you have to walk the talk. You have to set an example. You have to be physically and mentally deserving to be called a leader.”
Through hard work (“being the first to show up and the last to leave”), Pineda proved himself. “I showed them that I was dependable and that I sincerely cared about our team,” he said.
His friend, actor Rocco Nacino (who’s also in the Navy), encouraged him to train. “The pandemic was tough for everyone—health-wise and financially. Rocco saw that I had a food pantry in my village. We gave supplies to those in need, and I even got my neighbors to donate.”
Gym routine
Since training has become a lifestyle for him, we asked about his go-to workout routine. “At the gym, I do compound exercises, from kettlebell to dumbbell workouts, but not the usual chest presses. I mix in snatches and movements that work multiple muscle groups.”
He also prefers shorter, high-intensity workouts. “If you take too long at the gym, your body relaxes. That’s why I do obstacle training, similar to what I did in the Marines. Rope climbs, wall climbs, carrying boulders—it’s boot camp-style training,” he added.
Pineda watches his diet, too, saying he prefers to “earn” his breakfast. “I feel at my best when I haven’t eaten yet. The more I eat, the more sluggish I feel because my body is focused on digesting. I fast every day. Sometimes, I swim and run before my first meal.”
Currently, he’s into doing obstacle courses, boxing, and Muay Thai. “I also swim, sometimes. I’ve been active since school. I was on the varsity team for taekwondo, track and field, and football. Fitness isn’t just about the body; it’s for mental health, too,” he declared.
“There are so many benefits to working out. First, it trains your mind to handle tough situations. Second, it’s for your health. When you exercise, you detoxify. And if you play sports, you learn camaraderie, sportsmanship, and patience.”
Pineda admitted to having faced his share of tough times, especially during the pandemic. “My dad and I had COVID-19 at the same time. He was brought to the ER, and the doctor allowed us to share a room since I was also infected. My brother caught it first—just four days into the lockdown. A lot happened to our family,” he said. “Luckily, we all survived, so we helped as many people as we could.”
Trust and patience
On the personal front, his relationship with longtime girlfriend, actress Michelle Vito, remains strong. The secret, he said, is trust and patience.
“No relationship is perfect. We all make mistakes—actually, me! So I’m grateful to Michelle for being patient with me. I wouldn’t be who I am today without her.”
His advice for couples in order to make it last? “Make time for each other, no matter how busy you are. Never miss date nights. And trust each other—without trust, doubts and paranoia creep in.”
What also works for him and Michelle is that they go to Mass every Saturday with her family. “No matter how busy I am, I never miss those Saturday Masses,” he said.
Pineda recently bagged a best actor trophy for Rusty Palacio Guarin’s drama-thriller short film “As the Call so the Echo” at the 11th Emirates Film Festival in Dubai. This marks his first international award, following his 2021 Famas best supporting actor win for “He Who Is Without Sin” (2020).
Looking ahead, he is considering a return to theater. “I want to do a straight-up play. I did it in college, and I’d love to do it again—especially since my friend Jake Cuenca has been encouraging me. In fact, I was supposed to be his reliever in ‘Dick Talk.’ Theater is different—there are no take-twos. I find that really exciting.”
