The Philippines has witnessed a burgeoning bodybuilding scene in recent years, with two homegrown Olympians, Joven Sagabain and Karym Saripada, emerging from its ranks. Karym, in particular, recently secured his spot at the prestigious Olympia at the Global Classic Hongkong 2024. Yet, despite the growing talent pool and international recognition, attendance at IFBB bodybuilding events in the Philippines remains surprisingly low.
It's a perplexing paradox. The IFBB is, quite literally, the only ticket to the ultimate bodybuilding stage, the Olympia. It's the organization that bodybuilders worldwide seek recognition and validation from. The standards, rules, and regulations it sets for competitors are internationally recognized and applied consistently across different regions. So why, then, does the Philippines seem to be lagging behind in terms of attendance?
The recent IFBB Philippines AGP Pro Qualifier showcased the high caliber of athletes competing in the country. The lineup was impressive, attracting competitors from not only all over Asia but also from Australia and Europe. This event alone should have been enough to draw a significant crowd.
Perhaps the confusion lies in the misconception that IFBB events are primarily for professional bodybuilders. While it's true that the ultimate goal for many is to earn a pro card, amateur and semi-pro competitions are also crucial for developing talent and building a strong bodybuilding community.
Another possible explanation lies in the international standards set by the IFBB. Unlike some regional organizations, the IFBB maintains consistent rules and regulations worldwide. This ensures a level playing field for all competitors, regardless of their geographic location. While this can be a draw for serious bodybuilders seeking international recognition, it might also deter casual spectators who may find the IFBB's strict adherence to rules and regulations less appealing.
Additionally, the growing popularity of online platforms and social media could be contributing to lower attendance numbers at live events. Many bodybuilding fans may prefer to follow their favorite athletes and competitions online, rather than attending events in person.
Regardless of the reasons, the lack of attendance at IFBB events in the Philippines is a missed opportunity. These events showcase the incredible talent and dedication of Filipino bodybuilders and offer a unique opportunity for fans to witness world-class competition. It's hoped that as the popularity of bodybuilding continues to grow in the Philippines, more people will recognize the importance of supporting these events and attending them in person.
But without much ado, here is the Winner's List...
IFBB BODY EVOLUTION CLASSIC
September 7, 2024
Aliw Theater
Pasay, Manila
Hosted by IFBB Philippines
BODYBUILDING – MASTERS 40+
1st Joseph Ferandez #4
2nd Leidon Cruz #3
3rd Julius Jay Royo #7
4th Jovan Andoque #1
5th Jewel Ramos #5
BODYBUILDING – 70KG (and below)
1st Grant Teng #10
2nd Leidon Cruz #3
3rd Christopher Tindugan
BODYBUILDING – 80KG (and below)
1st Jovan Andoque #1
2nd Jelwin Caballero #2
3rd Jewel Ramos #6
BODYBUILDING -- OPEN
1st Joseph Ferandez #4
2nd Julius Jay Royo #7
3rd James Vincent Mariano #12
4th Ronald Kevin Rodriguez #13
5th Antonio de la Paz #11
6th Patrick Tan #8
BODYBUILDING OVERALL CHAMPION
Joseph Ferandez #4
MEN’S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE -- OPEN
1st Grant Teng #10
2nd Marvien Roy Borja #16
3rd Judyrick Urdaneta #50
4th Moises Absin #14
5th Angelito Ferrer #17
6th Kean Yhermaine Argones #15
7th Mark John Gapas #18
8th Darius Florendo #5
WOMEN’S BIKINI FITNESS -- OPEN
1st Regine Bartolome #19
2nd Bella Dominguez #20
3rd Felice Dyan Manaloto #22
4th May Ann Gorre #21
5th Hazel Antonette Quijano #24
MEN’S PHYSIQUE NATURAL -- SHORT (up to and including 5’6”)
1st Mark Anthony Tamayo #35
2nd Moises Absin #14
3rd Jethro Dinamling #27
4th Kean Yhermaine Argones #15
5th Nathaniel Joseph Crisostomo #26
MEN’S PHYSIQUE NATURAL – TALL (above 5’6”)
1st Judyrick Urdaneta #50
2nd Kent Brian Cañete #43
3rd Pablo Tuarez #49
4th Jason Mauricio #46
5th Arnel Albaos #40
MEN’S PHYSIQUE MASTERS -- +40
1st Wins Hipe #70
2nd Norman Molina #71
3rd Judyrick Urdaneta #50
4th Legran Gil #69
5th - Victor Mondia #72
MEN’S PHYSIQUE OPEN - SHORT (up to 5’4”)
1st Danilo Sallutan Jr. #75
2nd Norman Molina #71
3rd Victor Mondia #72
4th Don Hamier Aberion #73
5th Cyan Gabriel Gesalan #74
6th Norman Villalon #76
7th Jethro Dinamling #27
8th Moises Absin #14
9th Norman Eduarte #59
10th Rodel Vergara #77
MEN’S PHYSIQUE OPEN - MEDIUM (5’4” -- 5’6”)
1st Aki Chan #79
2nd Johnlery Asilo #78
3rd Abet Mocsara Jr. 80
4th Jeycel Villegas #81
5th Jose Dagsil Jr. #67
6th Andrew Ysmael #38
7th Mark John Gapas #18
MEN’S PHYSIQUE OPEN – TALL (above 5’6”)
1st Wins Hipe #70
2nd Fil John Fontanilla #84
3rd Legran Gil #69
4th Michael Guevarra #60
5th John Christopher Arañez #82
6th Jedhomar Sison #85
7th Kent Brian Cañete #43
8th Arnel Albaos #40
9th Mike Faustino #83
10th Jason Mauricio #46
OVERALL MEN’S PHYSIQUE CHAMPION
Wins Hipe #70
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