MANILA, Philippines ? Ready for the next Filipino-British footballer in town? Meet Rob Gier, the tall, mestizo and definitely handsome 28-year-old athlete who recently joined the Philippine national team to compete in the recent AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers in Maldives.

While they eventually didn?t qualify, Rob believes that they were the better team. ?We have a very good squad with some very good players,? he says. ?And I don?t think it will be very long before we start achieving consistent, winning results that will send us flying up the rankings table!?

Rob also shares that on a personal level, he enjoyed the whole experience, from the first training to the last game, and that he hopes to be invited to once again represent the country. ?Everyone has been so welcoming to me and they made me feel like one of the family,? he shares. ?All the players, coaches and everyone attached to the national team have made this an experience I will treasure forever.?

Rob might be back in England, but he hopefully will return to the Philippines to again be part of the national team?and maybe even squeeze in some modeling gigs.

Here is how this fine footballer enjoys his summertime.

What?s your favorite summer get-up?

I guess it depends on where I am. If I?m somewhere hot like Manila, then it?s just shorts, T-shirt and flips flops as I like to be comfortable. But when I?m home in England, the temperature isn?t usually that high so I would wear jeans with a casual T-shirt. Sunglasses, however, are a must wherever I am.

What?s your summer scent?

Anything by Hugo Boss.

How do you prepare for a beach-worthy bod?

Being a professional footballer, I exercise everyday since it is my job to make sure that I?m in good physical shape. I like to try and do weights or body conditioning about two times a week on top of all the football training I do.

Where do you want to go this summer?

I?m taking a vacation in New York. It will be my first time there so I?m really looking forward to it. I?m also taking a trip to Paris to visit my sister-in-law, her boyfriend and our beautiful 10-month-old niece.

What?s your summer jam?

I like all kinds of music, really, but Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson are big favorites of mine.

What?s your favorite summer activity?

I just like to relax after a long hard season, but I might play the occasional round of golf with some good friends.

What?s your best summer ever?

In June 2007 I got married to my wife Emma so that is a summer I will remember forever.

What?s the best way to cool off this season?

I love to take a swim whenever I can, especially when we get good weather in the summer. I think it is the perfect way to cool off.

What?s the coolest thing about summer?

Relaxing outside, having barbecues and spending some quality time with friends and family.

Are you a summer hottie? E-mail the author at ninomarksablan@yahoo.com