AS UNITED Bodybuilders of Northern Luzon, Inc. president Troy Mencio describes the first organization of “Mr. Panagbenga” decades ago was hard yet he saw it beneficial for local bodybuilders. A bodybuilder himself with dozens of competitions he participated in saw it necessary to give opportunities for young bodybuilders to shine in the sport.

With the goal to enhance the sport he loves and developing future bodybuilders, like bodybuilding mentors Sammy Ayochok, Nick Dumalsin Sr., Gerry Lamaton, Rev. Dawi, Jess Litapon, Nick Dumalsin Jr., Jhonson Leung and Benny Mascay to mention a few, took to himself their advocacies to develop not only the sport but the individual providing local competition opportunities to experience and prepare them for bigger competitions providing the virtues of bodybuilding as a sport.

Hardships are unending; however success is inevitable, partnering with the City Government and the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI), the support of local sponsors, opened doors for a successful organization of the event that boosted the enthusiasm of bodybuilders to challenge themselves to take the first step on stage to participate in this annual competition.

Local bodybuilders gathered February 23 to participate in the 2019 Mr. Panagbenga Open Invitational Bodybuilding competition at the PFVR gym here in Baguio City from different fitness centers and gyms around the City, La Trinidad, Benguet, and nearby provinces to include Metro Manila, and a surprise participation of the oxygen gym of Kuwait.

This alone show the insight of organizers concerned for the development of local athletes where an opportunity of competition and development is at hand. The challenges that the athlete faces are being dealt with to know their strength and weaknesses, as well as the advocacy of the sport in the community and the benefits it gives to the individual.

Kudos to the organizers and athletes of Mr. Panagbenga and Ms. Bikini Open Invitational Bodybuilding Championships.