World’s top bodybuilders to flex muscles in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines –  Top bodybuilders from 17 countries across the globe will be coming over to the Queen City of the South to flex their well-chiseled physiques in the  Mr. and Ms. Universe bodybuilding championships set for November 13-15 at the Mariner's Court.

Dennis Delgado of the organizing Workout Fitness Center said prior to the breakthough event in Philippine sports that will be held on Cebu soil, a qualifying tournament for Filipino athletes billed as the Mr. and Ms. Phil-Asia International Bodybuilding Championships will take place on November 11-12.

The top three placers in every class will then fight for the flag and country in one of the most prestigious bodybuilding tilts in the world that is expected to draw over a hundred musclemen from six continents.

Among the prominent early bird entries are Ana Noble, Peter Muzariri and Sarah Malthus of New Zealand and Bruno Starrs of Australia. Other countries represented include France, United Arab Emirates, India, Morocco, Malaysia, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, Holland, Tonga, South Africa, Samoa, Zimbabwe, Brunei, England, and United States.

National Amateur Body Builders' Association (NABBA) International, Inc. Secretary General Jim Pitt has earlier confirmed Cebu's hosting of the historic event that is largely due to its successful staging of the Phil-Asia Championships last year.

"Considering the more than two decades of experience of Mr. Delgado in organizing national and international bodybuilding championships, we have complete trust in his capability to ensure the grand success of the NABBA International 2015 Universe Championships, the first ever Universe Championship to be held in the Philippines," said Pitt in a letter to Delgado and NABBA Philippines President Juanto "Jun" Tayag.

As their support to the event, which counts Hollywood actor and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger as one of its famous champions, Pitt said all NABBA member countries worldwide were sent official invitations.

By November 3, Pitt said they have required the said countries to submit the full details of their respective team members.

During the previous Universe Championships held in Europe, over a hundred Europeans and at least 15 Asian/Asia-Paficic athletes competed.

For the 2015 edition of the annual competition, Pitt said they are expecting 60 to 70 Asian athletes, majority of which will be Filipinos, and 40 to 50 Europeans to flaunt their fine body forms.

"We congratulate Mr. Delgado for his support to the promotion of the sport in the Asia-Pacific region and wish him well as we excitedly look forward to his successful organization of the NABBA International 2015 Universe Championships," said Pitt.

Organized by Workout Fitness Center, the week-long spectacle is co-presented by the Cebu provincial government in association with Barbie Dancewear, Thaiger Pharma, Dream Tan, Power FM 89.1, dyCD 103.5, Retro Cebu: Home Radio 106.7 FM, Ang Sinangag Station, MHF Magazine, Life Spark Academy, Omega Pro, Capitol Central Hotel, Kima Glass Supply, Mariner's Court-Cebu, Skycable, Pillows Hotel, Hammersons Hotel, Escario Central Hotel, and Elegant Circle Inn.

For further details, one may contact 345-2395 or 255-5531. (FREEMAN)