The Palacio De Maynila pulsed with energy on Sunday, June 16th, as the Batang Hipe Classic bodybuilding competition celebrated its second year. The overwhelming attendance – a testament to the vibrant community Coach Wins has fostered – pushed the venue's air conditioning to its limits, but the heat couldn't dampen the enthusiasm.
Coach Wins, a pillar of positivity and support in the Philippine bodybuilding scene, has recently seen his dedication pay off not only in the success of this event but also in his recent gym collaboration. His passion for bodybuilding is evident. He's always quick to share tips, tidbits, and encouragement, inspiring athletes like myself. I've personally benefitted from his in-depth advice on various training protocols. At the event, his infectious energy was on full display as he hyped up the crowd for each competitor. Whether urging louder cheers for the Bikini Open competitors or introducing vendors (including the one selling those ridiculously delicious protein cookies that may or may not have caused a recent "cutting diet cheat," thanks Coach Wins!), his commitment to building the sport was inspiring.
The expansive stage, adorned with a massive split-screen display, provided a grand entrance for every athlete. Bathed in spotlights, they each commanded the audience's attention. Among the impressive array of vendors were Beast Apparel, co-founded by 9x Men's Physique Champ Ming and 4x Bikini Champion Lori. Supplement Hub showcased new products from Chris Bumstead's line, while Muscle Town Gym offered delicious and healthy meals to fuel both athletes and spectators.
This year's Batang Hipe Classic was particularly noteworthy for the sheer number and quality of first-time competitors, showcasing the growing interest in bodybuilding. While the Bikini category was the sole female division, as is often the case in Philippine shows, it would be fantastic if they added one more category for female competitors. May we suggest Figure. The bikini competitors were gorgeous, they always are, but we couldn't help but not that several of them appeared to possess the physique ideally more suited for Figure – chiseled abs and defined shoulders. All the more reason to open up the event to Women's Figure!
Beyond the glitz and glamor, every competition has its untold stories. A heartwarming tale emerged a few days after the event. Patrick Ferrer, a young male competitor who had tragically lost his father just two weeks prior, not only competed but went on to win his category. This exemplifies the true spirit of an athlete – resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication. Our condolences go out to Patrick and his family. We know his father is watching from above, undoubtedly filled with pride.
The Batang Hipe Classic 2024 was a resounding success. The combination of a supportive community, talented athletes, and a well-organized event created a truly inspiring atmosphere for bodybuilding enthusiasts in the Philippines. With continued growth and potential category expansion, the Batang Hipe Classic is poised to become a premier bodybuilding event in the region. The only question that remains: with numbers rising as spectacularly as they have, can the Palacio de Maynila hold the event next year? Perhaps a bigger venue awaits!
And without much ado, here is the Winner's List...
BATANG HIPE CLASSIC
WINNER'S LIST
June 16, 2024
Palacio de Mynila
Malate, Manila
Organized by Supplement Hub
Presented by JFit
BIKINI – FIRST TIMER
1st Katrina Bucud, 81
2nd Jumbell Pomento, 139
3rd Tatiana Russian, 93
4th Rea Fe Clemenia, 101
5th Icindel De Leon, 110
BIKINI -- NOVICE
1st Richelle Cailao, 46
2nd Katrina Bucud, 81
3rd Jumbell Pomento, 139
4th Incindel De Leon, 110
5th Mycel Binaday, 50
BIKINI – OPEN
1st Richelle Cailao, 46
2nd Christie Laguda, 58
3rd Katrina Bucud, 81
4th Gabriella Diano, 128
5th Angelika Gallego, 116
MEN’S PHYSIQUE NATURAL – OPEN, CLASS A
1st Moises Absin, 88
2nd Leonard Adriano, 66
3rd John Marvel Gapas, 126
4th Rincedel Varde, 140
5th Arkin Laguardia, 145
MEN’S PHYSIQUE NATURAL – OPEN, CLASS B
1st Patrick Gerard Ferrer, 54
2nd Hans Aaron Eugeino, 84
3rd Jan Vini Quero, 83
4th Kent Brian Canete, 107
5th Paul John Bauan, 92
MEN’S PHYSIQUE NATURAL – OPEN, CLASS C & D
1st Carmelo Faustino, 87
2nd Erico Apo, 20
3rd J Recaplaza, 38
4th Veymir Esguerra, 72
5th Kevin Talawe, 44
MEN’S PHYSIQUE – OPEN, CLASS A
1st Jonniel Molina, 21
2nd Rafael Carbajosa, 108
3rd Mark John Gapas, 122
4th Leonard Adriano, 66
5th Rex Vincent Toledo, 124
MEN’S PHYSIQUE – OPEN, CLASS B
1st Carl Joseph De Leon, 68
2nd Ervee Virgines, 109
3rd Limuel Salva, 111
4th Johndel Juanites, 134
5th Joshua Daily, 57
MEN’S PHYSIQUE – OPEN, CLASS B
1st Lenerson De Guzman, 63
2nd John Christopher Aranes,42
3rd EJ Santander, 29
4th EJ Del Rosario, 24
5th Xiaotong Nuguid, 77
MEN’S PHYSIQUE – OPEN, CLASS B
1st Ariz Villaluz, 60
2nd Cyre Esquivel, 56
3rd Reinz Canono, 146
4th Linu Sankar, 40
5th Ian Jhun Baraquia, 131
MEN’S PHYSIQUE – OVERALL CHAMPION
Lenerson De Guzman, 63
WOMEN’S BIKINI – OVERALL CHAMPION
Richelle Cailao, 46
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