Kuwait’s Morilla Bags 2019 Mr Panagbenga

BAGUIO CITY – Richard Morilla from the Oxygen Gym in Kuwait bested five other division champion contenders in the Open weight division to bag the 2019 Mr Panagbenga title during the 2019 Mr Panagbenga and Ms. Bikini open, held at the PFVR gymnasium, here.

Reynold Dumalsin from Baguio City finished second while Ariel Surat of Paranaque settled for third. 4^th place went to Alvin Cajigan of Baguio City, 5^th placer Francis Faroden is from   Baguio City, and 6^th placer Marwin Batinga represented Pasay City.

Angel Funa of Maximus Den, Cubao, Quezon City bested Mariel Cassandra Bulatao of Builder’s Gym Baguio City for the Ms Bikini Championship. Jaann Lonogan of Furukawa Gym in La Trinidad came in 3^rd place, Shiela Marie Arce of Mix Fitness in Baguio City was 4^th placer, and Sherley Benitez of Exer Gym in Benguet followed.

United Bodybuilders of Northern Luzon Inc. President Engr. Troy Mencio Sr. praised the successful conduct of the event after the winners were announced in what he claims to be a tight competition for this year’s bodybuilding tilt.

Mencio said that as per International Bodybuilding rules and regulations, participants were screened thoroughly from registration to competition proper for better conduct and promotion of the sport. He also mentioned that the annual Mr Panagbenga has now gone international, as proven by the participation and winning of  Morilla.

The other winners of the event are: Teen Physique: Jhon Roland Fontanilla, Muscle gym, Pangasinan – Champion, Fritz Jordan Taya-an, BFC Baguio City – 2^nd place, Chris Tindaan, Builder’s gym Baguio City – 3^rd place, Jake Yohan Junsan, Marcuz gym, Laguna – 4^th place, Darren Ski Balandi, Trojans gym Baguio City – 5^th place, and Mon Jose Paus of Altitude gym, Baguio City, 6^th place.

Physique Medium: Champion- Pacio Michael Vergara, Altitude gym Baguio City, 2^nd place –Ian Toyong, Marcuz gym, Laguna, 3^rd place- Michael Espiridon, Muscleaneous gym Baguio City, 4^th place – Michael Pano, Mix Fitness gym, Baguio City, 5^th place – Roldan Malecdan, Royal Fitness Hub, Baguio City, and 6^th place – Hein Humilde, Altitude gym Baguio City.

Physique Tall:  Champion – Renz Murphy Alimorong, BFC gym Baguio City, 2^nd place – Sonny Benito, Real Fit gym, Benguet, 3^rd place – Milo Alquizar Jr., Trojans gym Baguio City, 4^th place – Hans Santiago, Caloocan City, 5^th place – Johnald Romero LMA Caloocan City, 6^th place – Christian Leal, SML gym in Ilocos Sur.

Flyweight Division: Champion – Jerome Miranda, Muscle Farm gym, Makati, 2^nd place – Jason De Guzman, Builder’s gym, Baguio City, 3^rd place – Jun Aris Sino Cruz, Builders gym, Baguio City, 4^th place – Derrick Monteloyola, Maximus Den, Cubao, Quezon City, 5^th place – Jefford Angelo Mallare, Trojans gym, Baguio City, and 6^th place – John Rolland Fontanilla, Muscle City, Pangasinan.

Bantamweight Division: Champion – Paolo Vergara, Altitude gym, Baguio City, 2^nd place – Jun Benito, Real Fit gym, La Trinidad, 3^rd place – Jordan Lagatoc, Builders gym, Baguio City, 4^th place – Jerson Malecdan, Builders Gym, Baguio City, 5^th place – Richard Arellano, Anytime Fitness, Makati, 6^th place – Jeremiah Wong, Bhezt gym, Baguio City.

Lightweight Division: Champion – Eljun Camunay, Body Fit gym, Caloocan City, 2^nd place – Waldo Maspel, Furukawa gym, La Trinidad, 3^rd place – Manuel Robles, Tala gym, Negros Occidental, 4^th place – Sammy Benito, Real Fit gym, La Trinidad, 5^th place – Nover Pogdon, BFC/Builders gym, Baguio City, 6^th place- Rholdan Malecdan, Royal Fitness Hub, Baguio City.

Mencio thanked all sponsors of the event that includes the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI), and the City Government of Baguio, who all contributed the success of the competitions.

By: BOBBY VINLUAN