Cebuanos win at inaugural Fitbod Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Businesswoman Hanna Vi Agravante, 33, and BPO worker Gerald Flores, 28, were named the inaugural winners of Fitbod Cebu during the finals night on October 25 at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
Although Fitbod Cebu is a fitness competition without the question-and-answer portion typically seen in pageants, Agravante and Flores were given 30 seconds to explain their fitness advocacies when they were announced as semifinalists before eventually claiming their respective titles.
For Flores, who hails from Naga City, Cebu, fitness is not just about looking good physically but also taking care of one's mental health, which is integral to living a healthy life.
He explained, “We build our bodies with our strength. But strength isn’t just about lifting weights, it’s all about mental weight, or it’s about how we carry our mental health. It’s just like you wouldn’t run with a broken leg, you shouldn't force [to live a] life with a heavy heart. Healthy living is about checking yourself, asking help, and being there to be with each other.”
Meanwhile, Agravante, who hails from Cebu City and owns Viskin Beauty Aesthetics and Laser at JY Square Mall, underscored the importance of self-confidence, empowerment and supporting other women.
“Health is more than just a fit body, it’s a powerful state of mind, unshakable spirit and empowering everyone. As a fitness enthusiast and a businesswoman, I stand for a woman who dares to chase their dreams, break boundaries and uplift others who doubt themselves. A strong woman doesn’t just rise, she empowers others by rising with them,” she said.
Both told The FREEMAN that they were committed to championing their respective advocacies following their wins.
For Flores, who was Mister United Continents Philippines 2019 after competing in Ginoong Pilipinas Cebu that same year, his next step is to reach more young people and encourage them to embrace fitness.
“We all know social media is useful nowadays, so I would like to expand my advocacy to the youth. I want to make videos to inspire the new generation to go into fitness and develop their bodies,” he said.
As for Agravante, Fitbod Cebu is her first competition. Although she took some time to consider joining, she eventually decided to compete because fitness has long been part of her lifestyle. She also hopes to bring her advocacy to Australia, where her boyfriend is from, and is scheduled to fly there later this week.
Agravante and Flores also won one-year memberships at Waterfront's CITIGYM, round-trip tickets to Hong Kong, Best in Production Number and a shared corporate award from Waterfront. Flores additionally received Best in Swimwear and Best in Luxury Wear.
Agravante also received corporate awards from Winzen's Cafe, SMDI, OLLYScents and Holiday Gym and Spa, while Flores won corporate awards from Alberto's Pizza, JPark Island and Suzuki.
Other winners include Prince Abelgas from Cebu City and Freelyn Flores from Mandaue City, who were named Fitbod Elite; Samryl Fernandez from Bacolod City and Karen Rivero from Leyte as Fitbod Prime; and Revie Lacorte from Cebu City and Janice Schlaucher from Talisay City as Fitbod Classic.
First runners-up are Schlaucher and Jeuse Panganiban from Compostela, while Gabriel Reyes from Sigarao and Berry Tanya Bandal from Northern Samar were named second runners-up.