One of the first bodybuilding competitions of the year, Mr. & Ms. Sinulog Muscle Wars 2023, kicked off Friday night in Cebu City, hosted by the World Fitness Federation (WFF) Philippines.
Harson Dale Natividad, Ralph Andrew Labaton, and Elina Stokes took home the grand prizes at the end of the night at the Waterfront Hotel & Casino in Lahug’s Mediterranean Room.
It was clear from their play that they were serious about making it as professionals in the federation. The World Fitness Federation (WFF) issues a “pro card” to an eligible competitor so that they may compete in bodybuilding contests at the highest level.
The event’s head judge, Rogelio Bejemino Jr., president of the WFF Philippines, has stated that the winners will go on to represent the Philippines in international WFF competitions.
The audience was filled with the contestants’ loved ones and supporters who yelled and cheered at their favorite as they paraded their toned bodies on stage.
Dr. Dhin Sabille and Dr. Marian Ibon of IDC The Medical Dental Society and the Talisay City Eagles Club Cebu presented cash prizes and pro cards to the tournament’s winners and overall winners.
The awards were presented by Raven Alcoseba, a bronze medalist and rising triathlon queen at the Southeast Asian Games 2022; Sheen Marie Torres, a figure model, WFF Pro Athlete and 14-time bikini champion; and Rylz Obispo, a bikini pro athlete and event head organizer.
Cebu Flame Artists and Disco Jammers put on spectacular performances for the crowd during the intermission (Cebu Best Dance Crew).
Before the announcement of the pro card winners, Marwin Batinga, a professional athlete and WFF World Champion who is also judging the event, put on a show. He was flexing and dancing to the music for the audience’s amusement.
According to President Bejemino, the show was fantastic, and he was especially impressed by the number of spectators who stayed up until 10 o’clock at night to see their favorite athletes receive their trophies. To quote Bejemino: “We’re rebuilding and getting stronger.” There is a year’s worth of activities planned to help and inspire more athletes who are striving for success in the fitness industry.
A total of fifty (50) bodybuilders from all over the Philippines gathered for a single day of competition. Sponsors such as Wise Choice Supplements, Smarties Apparel, The Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Cebu Mantawi Lady Eagles, the Talisay City Eagles Club, Royal Danzk, and Merakini Sparkle contributed cash prizes, trophies, medals, and supplements.
A panel of well-known athletes and fitness experts, including Marwin Batinga, Dhon Kiamco, Josephine Teria, Kristoff Amores, Dr. Scott Jahn of Form and Function Corrective Chiropractic Clinic in Cebu City, Stanly Inso, Sheinie Foster, and Sheen Marie Torres, judged the ten categories.
Men competed in the Newcomer, Natural, Open Short, and Open Tall categories for the Bermuda Beach Model competition, Below 70kg, and Above 70kg categories for the men’s bodybuilding competition, while women competed in the Sports Model, Jeans Model, and in the Newcomer and Open categories for the women’s bikini competition.
To see the full list of winners, visit the WFF Philippines’ Facebook page.
Former Mr. Cebu and current Kapamilya host and fitness athlete Borgie Cabigas oversaw the competition.
At the end of the ceremony, Bejemino thanked the event’s sponsors for helping to make it a successful debut for the federation. He also announces that Mr. & Ms. Philippines 2023 will take place in Makati City on July 1, 2023. The federation will present eight deserving athletes with professional cards at this event.
