At the age of 52, many people would consider slowing down and enjoying the fruits of their labor. However, for me, it marked the beginning of a new and unexpected chapter in my life - my first bodybuilding competition. The event, aptly named Young Slayer, took place at the Palacio De Maynila on Roxas Blvd., Manila, and I decided to step into the arena by entering the master division for ages 40 and above.
As the oldest contestant in the lineup, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and hesitation. The day kicked off early with a mandatory 6 am arrival at the event space, where my first order of business was a spray tan. Surrounded by a sea of unbelievably conditioned athletes, I questioned whether I truly deserved to be there. However, a reminder echoed through the crowd – the journey itself was the victory, and everyone present was already a winner for reaching this stage.
The atmosphere was charged with energy as competitors geared up for their moment on stage. The day unfolded, and my focus shifted to maintaining a delicate balance of energy and rest. It was crucial not to overexert myself, so most of my time was spent eating strategically and finding moments of repose.
Having my beautiful girlfriend/swolemate Amy, a seasoned competitor, by my side proved to be invaluable. She ensured everything ran smoothly, from providing alley food to reminding me of meal timings and creating a quiet space for relaxation. Her guidance made the daunting experience more manageable, and I couldn't have navigated the day without her support.
The event space was well-organized, with music pulsating through the air to keep the excitement levels high. Numerous vendors showcased their products, highlighting the growing bodybuilding community in the Philippines and the entrepreneurial opportunities it brings.
As the day progressed, the crowd swelled, and my nerves heightened. Reminding myself to live in the moment, I embraced the fact that this was a once-in-a-lifetime "first time competing" experience. However, the journey took an unexpected turn when our division's call time was moved multiple times. Despite the challenges, I stayed focused on the positive – a significant personal transformation that saw me shed 40 pounds and sculpt the best physique of my life.
The culmination of the day was bittersweet, with the realization that my category had been combined with a younger masters group. The lack of communication left some of us scrambling to make it to the stage in time. While not the ideal debut, I refused to let the mishap overshadow the incredible achievement of my physical transformation.
This experience was truly life-changing, and I would encourage individuals of all ages to embark on a similar journey. It's never too late to change, and change, far from being a negative force, is a necessary catalyst for progress in life. As I reflect on my first bodybuilding competition at 52, I look forward to future competitions with renewed determination and a newfound appreciation for the transformative power of embracing change.
Now, without any more delay, let's dive into the highly anticipated Winner's List of the Young Slayer, All Men's Physique and Bikini Competition...
YOUNG SLAYER, ALL MEN’S PHYSIQUE AND BIKINI COMPETITION
November 4, 2023
Palacio De Maynila
Organized by Supplement Hub
Presented by JFit
MEN’S PHYSIQUE Champion Earnie Mranan, 16
WOMEN’S BIKINI
Champion Anne Margareth Ong, 19
MEN’S PHYSIQUE TEENS
1st Arkin Laguardia, 7
2nd Joseph Alcantara, 6
3rd Ren Daniel Panganiban, 36
4th Kurt Derek Cabrera, 41
MEN’S PHYSIQUE JUNIORS
1st Franz Cedric Bonsol, 97
2nd Dan Lawrence Sotto, 77
3rd Angelo Clemente, 64
4th Karl Lemuel Garcia, 35
5th Arkin Laguardia, 7
MEN’S PHYSIQUE TRUE NOVICE A
1st Mark Anthony Tamayo, 60
2nd John Tacker Abardo, 23
3rd Karl Lemuel Garcia, 35
4th Henry Pijuan Jr., 105
5th James Patrick Cerillo, 87
MEN’S PHYSIQUE TRUE NOVICE B
1st John Rex Camasura, 86
2nd Ervee Virgines, 10
3rd Angelo Clemente, 64
4th Jerick Brix Domiquez, 4
5th Jeson Uyanib, 38
MEN’S PHYSIQUE TRUE NOVICE C
1st Mark Jeszar Ocaya, 29
2nd Roeger Rhay Ilagan, 58
3rd Jomhar Casingal, 42
4th Kenneth Laawrence Manansala, 52
5th Steven Kyle Hipe
MEN’S PHYSIQUE TRUE NOVICE D
1st Lui Crye, 65
2nd Toshiro Nativadad, 50
3rd EJ Faustino
MEN’S PHYSIQUE NOVICE A
1st Mooises Ahosin, 104
2nd John Edasmus Magcasin, 102
3rd John Tacker Abardo, 23
3rd Alfonzo Suarez, 71
4th Myl Andrada Guerzon
MEN’S PHYSIQUE NOVICE B
1st Ritchie Gutierrez, 83
2nd Earnie Guerrero, 70
3rd Ivan Ray Causing, 69
4th Joshua Daily, 32
5th Brandon Jay Dela Cruz, 54
MEN’S PHYSIQUE NOVICE C & D
1st Paulo Perez, 109
2nd Lui Cyre, 65
3rd Mark Jeszar Ocaya, 29
4th Roeger Rhay Ilagan, 58
5th Angelo Clemente, 64
MEN’S PHYSIQUE NATURAL FIRST TIMER SHORT
1st Moises Ahosin, 104
2nd John Tacker Abardo, 23
3rd Dan Lawrence Sotto, 77
4th Roy Santiago, 88
5th Karl Lemuel Garcia, 35
MEN’S PHYSIQUE NATURAL FIRST TIMER TALL
1st Franz Cedric Bonsol, 97
2nd Johnedel Juanites, 31
3rd Ken Charles Manalo, 67
4th Michael Sumbillo, 28
5th Garbiel Armand Deyro, 94
BIKINI TRUE NOVICE 1st Yssa Mendoza, 2
2nd Richelle Caliao, 85
3rd Kyla Mae Severo, 107
4th Michelle Inosanto, 76
BIKINI NATURAL
1st Anne Margareth Ong, 19
2nd Yashine Luz Paredes, 11
3rd Marielle Louise Rabanos, 78
4th Richelle Caliao, 85
5th Kyla Mae Severo, 107
BIKINI OPEN
1st Anne Margareth Ong, 19
2nd Lourdes Marie Mallari, 5
3rd Yashine Luz Paredes, 11
4th Yssa Mendoza, 2
5th Marielle Louise Rabanos, 78
MEN’S PHYSIQUE NATURAL SHORT
1st Moises Ahosin, 104
2nd Marky Depano, 93
3rd Rey Toledo, 112
4th Tristen Guerrerro, 73
5th Mcnelle Jabay, 92
MEN’S PHYSIQUE NATURAL TALL
1st Marvin Salcedo, 81
2nd Edwin Buensuceso, 12
3rd Marcony Concha, 27
4th MC Regala, 21
5th Ken Charles Manalo, 67
MEN’S PHYSIQUE MASTERS 35-40+
1st Arlan Domingo, 68
2nd Dennis Almonte, 106
3rd Ritchie Gutierrez, 83
4th Jerome Gonzalez, 103
5th Jose Dagsil Jr., 101
MEN’S PHYSIQUE OPEN TALL
1st Ernie Maranan, 16
2nd Rigil Kent Sevilleno, 45
3rd Arlan Domingo, 68
4th Paulo Perez, 109
5th Ivan Ray Causing, 69
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