Cordillera’s pride vies in Mr. Universe

BAGUIO CITY–Despite lack of support from government, Cordilleran pride Sammy Ayochok, is confident he will make Filipinos proud also in body-building like Manny Pacquiao in boxing in the Mr. Universe Bodybuilding Championships set this weekend in Cuxhasen, Germany.

With 63 countries participating, Ayochok, 48, bronze medalist in the 1997 Mr. World (Greece) will be ranged against the world’s best in the elite Master’s category.

"I have a good preparation this year. Since the start of the year I have started training, and now I am a contender," the Bontok-Igorot said.

"Like other Filipino athletes who have excelled in their chosen field of sport, I am dedicating this competition to the Filipino people, especially to my fellow Cordillerans. I draw my inspirations from them," Ayochok said.

A three-time Mr. Asia (1986-87-88), Ayochok will be with the nine-man Philippine participation that includes Shiela Baniqued, the lone Filipina bodybuilder competitor.

Jun Tanyag, president of National Amateur Bodybuilding Association (NABA) heads the delegation.

Ayochok, a native of Central Bontoc, Mt. Province, one of the six provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), is also among those NABA officials who successfully negotiated the hosting of Mr. Universe in the Philippines scheduled next year in Cebu.

The pride of the highland Igorotos, Ayochok was fourth in the 2000 Mr. Universe held in France and he bagged seventh in the London 1998 Mr. Universe.