Baello, McClinton crowned Mr. and Ms. Phil-Asia 2012

CEBU, Philippines - The US-based Mike Baello and Luzviminda McClinton of Makati City Philippine flag flying high after winning the overall championship in their respective classes during the Mr. & Ms. Phil-Asia 2012 International Bodybuilding Championship last Saturday night at the Mariner's Court. Both are proud Filipinos now based in the United States.

Judged on their body mass, definition, proportion, symmetry and stage presence, Baello bested a bevy of equally-competent contestants to romp off with the men's overall crown, in the same way with McClintron in the distaff side.

It was a clean sweep by the Filipino bodybuilders with John Galedo, Samuel Solon and Clifford Cruz occupying the second to fourth spots in the Mr. Physique medium class. Taki Sihal of Japan took the fifth place.

In the women's division, Janine Haywood of New Zealand placed second to McClinton, while Imelda Sukma of Indonesia finished third followed by Lynette Burgess of New Zealand and Jocelyn Lanosa of the Philippines.

In the Mr. Physique tall class, Mehdi Hajiali Lavijani of Iran bagged the first place honors followed by Denise Rusell Valencia. Cebuano muscleman Spencer Lee, a dentist by profession, wound up third followed by Jun Danganan and Gordon Paulino.

It was a double celebration for Lavijani as he also topped the novice category. Clifford Cruz came out second, while Winston Sibaen, Denise Russel Valencia and Ramil Penaflor completed the top five finishers.

In the masters class, the Filipino bets shone the brightest led by Nelson Totanes. Dioscoro Sida was second followed by Sonny Cacasi, Orlando Smith and Gordon Paulino.

Totanes, however, finished second only to Sandy Bontuyan in the Mr. Physique short class. Albert Cuesta landed at third followed by Jay Manaois and Dioscoro Sida.

Reymond Jacobo of the Philippines ruled the Mr. Athletic contest. Iran's Lavijani came out second followed by Jawn Fajardo, Edu Abellar and Andrew Murray of New Zealand.

Leigh Guda stole part of the limelight after sweeping the Ms. Bikini Model and Ms. Fitness titles, while Josephine Teria snatched the Ms. Physique tiara.

Organized by Workout Fitness Center managed by Dennis and Sheila Delgado as part of its 25th year anniversary, the two-day tilt was sanctioned by Unified Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation of the Philippines under the leadership of Engr. Jun Tanyag.

It was graced by Jim Pitt, the president of NABBA International in New Zealand, and Harald Hoyler, the president of NAC International in Germany.  (FREEMAN)