CEBUANO bodybuilder Sandy Bontuyan flaunted his well-built and muscular body in front of a boisterous crowd to win the 2015 NABBA International Universe Physique Men’s trophy last Saturday at the JSU-PSU Mariners Court.
Bontuyan, who hails from Talamban, Cebu, was the only local in the winners’ circle.
Bontuyan started body building in 2004 but only began competing in tournaments five years ago, and has since won the Mr. Philippines Novice and Mr. Masculino Asia-Pacific Small Category.
Bodybuilders from New Zealand, meanwhile, took home titles in different categories of the event.
Leading the way for the Kiwis was 21-year-old Ruth Tae’iloa, who shed joyful tears after taking home the Shape Category title.
“I’m just having fun,” she said. “I’ve been doing this for a year. I did not expect it so I cried.”
Tae’iloa, who recently finished her college degree, said she has been in bodybuilding since college.
“I went to a University. I put on weight from drinking and food and then I started losing weight and I decided to compete and then I won my first show. I finished my degree this year and now I’m here,” added Tae’iloa.
In the overall athletics division, another Kiwi Kurt Brunton took home the title.
Brunton, in an exclusive chat with Cebu Daily News, said he is motivated by his wife. He said his obsession with the sport began when he saw his wife competing in some tournaments.
“My wife actually did a competition and I saw a competition. I say I’d love to do one. So I did my first competition about four years ago. I did really well so I carried on. A year, two years later I won the New Zealand Universe title.
Quite amazing,” Brunton said.
In other categories, New Zealand’s Christine Henwood and Sarah Malthus exhibited their flawless body en route to winning the Physique Women’s crown and the Figure Women’s trophy, respectively.