Cebuano muscle man pockets gold medal in Subic IFBB event

CEBU, Philippines — He may fell short of acquiring a professional card in the recent International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) ) Pro League and NPC Worldwide Pro League Qualifier, the Muscle Contest Philippines in Subic Convention Center,  but decorated Cebuano muscle man Joshua Salang is patiently working his way towards his dream event - the Mr. Olympia.

The 5th year Architecture student of Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) bested seasoned opponents to clinch gold medal in the Mr. Physique Novice Boardshorts category and in the process become the first ever bodybuilder from the Visayas to gain such distinction.

“In the boardshorts category each contestant is judged through aesthetics. That refers to the combination of size and conditioning, muscle shape, and symmetry, and pleasing personality,” explained the youngest of the three sons of Architect Julius and Therese Salang.

Aside from Pinoy bodybuilders, the Subic IFBB qualifier also drew entries from Vietnam, Japan, India, Thailand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom Joven Sagabain of Cavite clinched the overall title to earn the right to represent the Philippines in Mr. Olympia 2022 slated on December 15-18 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“I won the Men’s Physique gold medal, but I fell short of the overall title and the pro card because I lacked preparatory points since I just came from injury. Last June, I was supposed to compete in an IFBB sanctioned event in Toledo City, unfortunately I had to undergo appendectomy,” said Salang, who is also a canine trainer and owner and founder of Jjackhammer Kennel Haus.

“Before that, I had to rest for six weeks because I injured my back trying to set my personal best in the deadlift. Luckily, it was just a muscle strain and I only need rest to heal. Despite the short preparation, I still managed to get my body back in shape and win my category,” added the Whey King Supplement athlete.

The ambassador of Muscle Café & Bar admitted that the setbacks that he had prior to the event gave him fears of suffering another injury, especially that he will be seeing action on the international stage for the first time.

“It gives me some sort of a phobia. What if it happens again? What if I will have an injury again that will prevent me from competing in the Muscle Philippines. Those fears kept me on my toes during my training and preparations. Thankfully, I made it and I resolved to do better. Not just for myself but to the young Cebuanos who look up to bodybuilding as sport,” the former team captain of the ACT Bulacao Juniors basketball varsity team continued.

After leaving basketball behind, Salang started to focus on building more muscles and won his first competition - the 2019 1st Cebu Open Physique competition at the age of 19.

His most recent competition in Subic was only his fifth, but the way he showed his potential, officials, coaches and aficionados believed that he is destined to be one of the country’s top muscle buffs.

As of now, Salang is weighing his options either to join in the IFBB Philippines Grand Prix on October 29 or bring his act to the Asian level.

“My goal is to compete in the Mr. Olympia. That is what all bodybuilders are dreaming of. There are a lot of steps to be taken but I will be patient and resilient. I will try to join as many qualifying competitions as possible to get that ticket,” Salang ended. — EBV