Outpouring of love, respect for Cebu’s bodybuilding great

CEBU, Philippines —  To some, he’s a guiding light, a source of inspiration.

For others, he’s a good friend, a father figure, a larger than life bodybuilding guru.

In an emotional outpouring of love and respect, this is how the late Cebuano sportsman Dennis Delgado is being memorialized by individuals whose lives, in one way or another, he deeply touched.     

Last June 14, the country lost one of its strongest pillars in bodybuilding following the death of Delgado due to Covid-19. He was 60.

For some of his loyal followers in the bodybuilding circle, Delgado was more than just a great coach and event organizer par excellence.

“I can’t believe that you are gone coach. You have been a great foundation when I started bodybuilding back in 1991. You are someone who have produced and inspired many bodybuilding athletes. You are like a father to us, a friend and a coach!” wrote 2009 Mr. Philippines Pancho Ramirez Jr. on his Facebook page in remembering his revered mentor.

“You will always be in our hearts forever.Thank you for all the years of friendship and laughter. You are now in a better place Cio but it’s so painful knowing that you’re gone. The bodybuilding community lost a strong and great pillar. Rest in Peace, coach Dennis. You will always be remembered.”

“My good friend, a brother and a father figure, we will surely miss you. A sad loss to the fitness people in Cebu,” shared doctor Spencer Lee, a dentist by profession whose bodybuilding career was largely influenced by Delgado.

Delgado carved his own niche in the sporting world for his tireless efforts and selfless dedication in the promotion of bodybuilding by staging countless local, national and international competitions for over three decades now.

“Dennis and I became friends when I was a new sportswriter about three decades ago. I saw how he put into action his dreams of uplifting the fitness industry in Cebu,” said Nimrod NL Quiñones, former sports editor of The Freeman who is now general manager of Alta Vista Golf and Country Club.

“His passing is a big loss not only to his family and friends, but also to the fitness industry as it lost a champion, who always gave his 100% to bring big competitions to Cebu. Rest in peace, Pare Dennis.”

Among the indelible mark he left, Delgado established the longest existing fitness center in Cebu - the Cebu Workout Fitness Center that has become a breeding ground of world-class, champion bodybuilders.

Delgado’s daughter Nicey said they still don’t know what the future holds for their gym but she is fervently hoping that they can still keep it to preserve her father’s legacy in the fitness and bodybuilding community.               

“Your genetics, your charisma and the way you handle people and aspiring bodybuilders are far unreachable. I never thought I could be uplifted at the same time humbled whenever people say I am a clone of yours. How I wish. The truth is it’s quite impossible to be as great as you were,” said Delgado’s son Dennis Nichol who is also a champion muscleman.

“Still, I will try my best to be even half as great as the person you were. We will do our best to continue your legacy. You will always be the reason I chose this bodybuilding path. Thank you endlessly for molding me and for the criticisms that made me who I am. Guide us all as we continue to journey this life though it will never be as colorful as it was with you around.”