Hameed, Malthus reign supreme

CEBU, Philippines - Syed Siddiq Hameed of India and Sarah Malthus of New Zealand wowed the judges and the spectators as well with their fantastic body symmetry and proportion to emerge as overall champions in the 3rd Philippine-Asia 2014 International Bodybuilding Championships recently at the Mariner's Court Convention Center.

Hameed scored a double victory in the Mr. Physique (Tall Class) and in the novice category, while Malthus was an apparition of delight as she romped off with the Ms. Figure crown.

Like Hameed, Kuwait's Emmanuel Galicia also came up with two titles via the masters and Mr. Physique (short class).

Filipino musclemen also made their presence felt, with Colleen Sheen Balinas, Karen Ann Sison, and Charlene Eusebio completing a clean sweep in the Ms. Fitness showdown.

Annielyn Rivas led the Pinoy winners in the Ms. Shape/Bikini that also include Banilas, Christin Sombilon, Charlene Eusebio, and Christie Bolongita.

Miguel Aro was the top performer in the Male Fitness Model followed by Lesme Dulfo, Jr., Dan Kristoffer Canedo, Rendon Labador, and Yvaes Chester Duhig, while Reymundo Jacobo was adjudged as the Mr. Athletic, with Dennis Nichol Delgado, Francis Faroden, Robinson Olea and Farley Letigio rounding up the top five cast.

Michael Balleo was the best in the medium class of Mr. Physique. He bested Pavan of India as John Homer, Rene Severino and Ravi Chandran of India occupied the second to fifth places.

The Workout Fitness Center-organized event was backed up by Jim Pitt of New Zealand, NABBA Asia-Pacific Secretary-General, as well as the officers of the Unified Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation of the Philippines (UBFFP) headed by its president Engineer Juanito "Jun" Tanyag, UBFF secretary Therese  Yuphangco, NAC International world champion Marek Olejniczak of Germany, Danny Cordero, UBFF coordinator in Middle East, Maximum Muscle Magazine through its editor-in-chief Rocky Dauden, and national bodybuilding coach Dondon Cortuna.

It was also made possible through the support of Fitmax, St. Mark's Hotel, Best Western Plus-Lex Cebu, Hotel Stella, Mariner's Court, Kima Glass Supply, Cebu Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort, PS Printing, Elegant Circle Inn, Verbena Hotel Suit, Gardenia, and Skycable. The co-presentors are Promatrx 7,  Thaiger Pharma, Omega Pro, Casino Ethyl Alcohol, Barbie Dancewear, Capitol Central Hotel and Suites, Ang Sinangag Station, Power FM, Smooth FM and Home Radio. (FREEMAN)