Beyond the Stage Lights: A Coach’s Reflection on the 2025 AGP Philippines

It was six in the morning at the Winford Resort and Casino, and the hotel was already alive with energy. You could feel the nerves, the anticipation, the months of preparation all coming together for this one day. My athlete and I walked into the athletes’ area, and the first thing I noticed was how big and comfortable it was. With more than one hundred eighty competitors across the Regional and Pro Qualifier divisions, I expected tension and overcrowding. Instead, the space was calm, organized, and wide enough for athletes to breathe, rest, and focus between categories. That kind of environment makes a world of difference. It allows athletes to conserve their energy and sharpen their mindset.

The check-in the day before had already left an impression. It was smooth, efficient, and stress-free. For athletes carrying the weight of prep, that kind of seamless process matters more than most people realize. It sets the tone for the competition.

Then came tanning. Every coach knows this truth: an athlete can bring the best physique of their life, but if the tan is off, it will not show properly under the stage lights. That is why Kolor Tanning has become the benchmark and gold standard. Once again, they delivered flawless work. The staff were not only skilled but also encouraging and supportive, which is so important in those vulnerable moments. Athletes stand there completely exposed, humbled by the process, and the right team makes them feel confident. My athlete walked out with the perfect bronze glow and a renewed sense of assurance. Kolor even made smart adjustments to their glossing formula because the stage lights were so bright, ensuring physiques looked their absolute best under the intensity of the production setup.

By midafternoon, the venue was alive. The audience streamed in, sponsor booths outside added energy, and Red Panda Production had transformed the stage into something worthy of the sacrifices the athletes had made. The lighting was sharp and professional. Every cut, every line, every ounce of conditioning was displayed in its full glory. This is all we ask as coaches: let the months of work be seen. Guests and athletes alike were also presented a catered buffet, a thoughtful touch that made the long day more enjoyable and kept everyone fueled.

The schedule ran exactly on time. That detail may not seem huge, but for coaches and athletes it is everything. You plan every carb-up, every pump-up, and every meal down to the minute. There is nothing worse than peaking perfectly only to be left waiting in delays that flatten the physique. The AGP organizers respected the athletes’ timing, and it showed.

The competition itself was on another level. Athletes from the Philippines, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Bali brought physiques that raised the standard higher than ever. It was a true showcase of what Asian bodybuilding has become: world-class, disciplined, and inspiring.

Then came the highlight of the evening—the Men’s Physique division. The energy in the room shifted. The crowd swelled and the atmosphere was electric as Amado Jr. Tamayo from the Philippines stepped on stage. Representing Team KG, he did not just compete. He commanded attention. His balance, his conditioning, and his presence set him apart. When his name was announced as the newest IFBB Pro, the crowd erupted. His victory made him the second IFBB Pro from Team KG, joining Joven Sagabain. It was a testament to the power of being part of a positive and supportive team. Iron sharpens iron, and Team KG proved it. It was more than one man’s victory. It was a moment that belonged to Philippine bodybuilding. The pride in that room could be felt by everyone.

As the day drew to a close, I thought about what makes a show like this unforgettable. It was not only the stage or the prestige of the title. It was the details: the comfortable athletes’ area, the flawless tanning, the smooth check-in process, the punctual schedule, the professional lighting, the energy of the crowd, and even the variety of sponsor booths outside. From 3D printing of athletes to delicious protein cookies, there was something for everyone. All of it came together to create an environment where athletes could bring their best.

For my athlete, it was a test of discipline and preparation. For me as a coach, it was a reminder of why we do this. The journey is grueling, the sacrifices heavy, and the discipline relentless. But moments like this—when the lights hit just right, when the crowd roars, and when an athlete stands at their peak—make it all worth it.

The AGP Philippines was more than a bodybuilding competition. It was proof that the sport in Asia is thriving, that the standard is rising, and that the dream of becoming a professional athlete is alive and more powerful than ever.

And without much ado, here are the Winner's Lists...

AGP PHILLIPPINES – NPC NATURAL REGIONALS

Sunday, September 7, 2025

Widford Resort & Casino

Santa Cruz

Produced by Red Panda Productions

FIT MODEL -- MASTERS 35+

1st Elissa Ang

FIT MODEL -- CLASS A

1st Elissa Ang

BIKINI -- NOVICE A

1st Tanyaporn Sudjaisiribul

2nd Mina Tomas3rd Mirasol Pelino

BIKINI -- TRUE NOVICE

1st Tanyaporn Sudjaisiribul

2nd Mina Tomas

3rd Mirasol Pelino

BIKINI -- MASTERS 35+

1st Mirasol Pelino

2nd Myra Honoridez

BIKINI -- CLASS A

1st Tanyaporn Sudjaisiribul

2nd Isabella Luy

3rd Mina Tomas

WOMEN'S WELLNESS -- NOVICE

1st Jeanette Buenconsejo

WOMEN'S WELLNESS -- CLASS A

1st Jeanette Buenconsejo

FIGURE -- NOVICE

1st Mathi Mugilan Paguth Arivalan

MEN'S BODYBUILDING -- TRUE NOVICE

1st Gurmond Sepulchre

MEN'S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE -- NOVICE A

1st Kurt Christian Escala

MEN'S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE -- TRUE NOVICE

1st Kurt Christian Escala

2nd Gurmond Sepulchre

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- NOVICE A

1st Erick Alfer Gonzales

2nd Dave Paul Cruz

3rd Joshua Grant

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- TRUE NOVICE

1st Erick Alfer Gonzales

2nd Jurgen Remigio

3rd Bryan Steve Pasquin

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- MASTERS 35+

1st Joshua Grant

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- CLASS A

1st Erick Alfer Gonzales

2nd Kim Dwight Cruz

3rd Bryan Steve Pasquin

AGP PHILLIPPINES – NPC OPEN REGIONALS

Sunday, September 7, 2025

FIT MODEL -- MASTERS 35+

1st Myra Golloso

2nd Elissa Ang

3rd Wasana Nakvitayanon

FIT MODEL -- CLASS A

1st Myra Golloso

2nd Elissa Ang

3rd Wasana Nakvitayanon

BIKINI -- NOVICE A

1st Gabriella Hilde Diano

2nd Beverly Aprilla

3rd Diem Anh Nguyen

BIKINI -- TRUE NOVICE

1st Gabriella Hilde Diano

2nd Nora Amar

3rd Angela Darlene Paguia

BIKINI -- MASTERS 35+

1st Dyan Manaloto

BIKINI -- CLASS A

1st Yiren Dai

2nd Surinya Aebphakkwaen

3rd Wichuporn Mekawun

BIKINI -- JUNIOR

1st Gabriella Hilde Diano

WOMEN'S WELLNESS -- NOVICE

1st Nicole Angeline Gonzales

WOMEN'S WELLNESS -- CLASS A

1st Asmah Naim

2nd Amanda Lai

3rd Nicole Angeline Gonzales

FIGURE -- MASTERS 35+

1st Amy Berezowski

FIGURE -- NOVICE

1st Mary Ann Gulane

FIGURE -- CLASS A

1st Charisma Montierde

2nd Mary Ann Gulane

3rd Amy Berezowski

MEN'S BODYBUILDING -- OVERALL WINNER

 Sibo Chen

MEN'S BODYBUILDING -- LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

1st Sibo Chen

MEN'S BODYBUILDING -- NOVICE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

1st Kornsana Wangsanutr

MEN'S BODYBUILDING -- TRUE NOVICE

1st Nino Cabrera

2nd Miguel Luis Agato

MEN'S BODYBUILDING -- BANTAMWEIGHT

1st Artur Mascariñas

2nd Christian Paul Mintas

MEN'S BODYBUILDING -- MASTERS 35+

1st Patrick Tan

MEN'S BODYBUILDING -- LIGHTWEIGHT

1st Rhokson Kimakim

MEN'S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE -- NOVICE A

1st Sonam Zangpo Phua

2nd Miguel Luis Agato

3rd Kornsana Wangsanutr

MEN'S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE -- TRUE NOVICE

1st Nino Cabrera

2nd Miguel Luis Agato

3rd Jerome Muarip

MEN'S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE -- CLASS A

1st Eljul Caminjay

2nd Konphol Thongsuk

3rd Liam Denton

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- NOVICE A

1st Puttipong Chanuvittiwong

2nd John Era

3rd Jacky Chan

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- TRUE NOVICE

1st John Era

2nd Nino Cabrera

3rd Matthew Benjamin Nava

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- CLASS A

1st Amado Jr Tamayo

2nd Bavu Searah Hidayat

3rd Puttipong Chanuvittiwong

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- JUNIOR

1st Joshua Cabrera

AGP PHILLIPPINES – PRO QUALIFIER

FIT MODEL -- EARNED PRO CARD

1st Sehee Park

FIT MODEL -- NOVICE

1st Tseng Ching Ying

FIT MODEL -- MASTERS 35+

1st Julia Francesca Pime2nd Hannibol Kim

FIT MODEL -- CLASS A

1st Sehee Park

2nd Myra Golloso

3rd Julia Francesca Pime

BIKINI -- OVERALL WINNER & EARNED PRO CARD

1st Trinh Kieu

BIKINI -- CLASS A

1st Trinh Kieu

2nd Misun Na

3rd Wichuporn Mekawun

BIKINI -- CLASS B

1st Surinya Aebphakwaen

2nd Heewon Jung

3rd Allysia Marie Retanan Cruz

WOMEN'S WELLNESS -- EARNED PRO CARD

1st Maria Ryjalka

WOMEN'S WELLNESS -- CLASS A

1st Maria Ryjalka

2nd Asmah Naim

3rd Charisse Yvette Singaluan

FIGURE -- CLASS A

1st Michelle Dela Pena

2nd Charisma Montierde

3rd Mary Ann Gulane

MEN'S BODYBUILDING -- OVERALL WINNER & EARNED PRO CARD

1st Taeyang Kim

MEN'S BODYBUILDING -- HEAVYWEIGHT

1st Taeyang Kim

2nd Gikyeon Kim

3rd Jimboy Mende

MEN'S BODYBUILDING -- LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

1st Harvey Mercado

2nd Sibo Chen

3rd Renan Da Silva Santos

MEN'S BODYBUILDING -- NOVICE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

1st Kornsana Wangsanutr

MEN'S BODYBUILDING -- MASTERS 35+

1st Patrick Tan

MEN'S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE -- OVERALL WINNER & EARNED PRO CARD

1st Howon Lee

MEN'S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE -- CLASS A

1st Eljul Caminjay

2nd Vyon Phraya Pura

3rd Lio Kim

MEN'S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE -- CLASS B

1st Hyowon Lee

2nd Myongseon Kang

3rd Dosiam Hong

MEN'S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE -- CLASS C

1st Kornphol Thongsuk

2nd Liam Denton

3rd Jimboy Mende

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- OVERALL WINNER & EARNED PRO CARD

1st Amado Jr Tamayo

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- NOVICE A

1st Axel Ho Joka

2nd Julian Umberd

3rd Yuan Evin

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- MASTERS 35+

1st Kwisum Kim

2nd Angeles Caparas

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- CLASS A

1st Amado Jr Tamayo

2nd Puttipong Chanuvittiwong

3rd Bavu Searah Hidayat

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- CLASS B

1st Mohammed Asak

2nd Heewon Jung

3rd Supisn Kilangplapee

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- CLASS C

1st Sunho Kim

2nd Kiwook Kim

3rd Hyeongjin Kim

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- CLASS D

1st Axel Ho Joka

2nd Steven Matt Mandeoka

3rd Sean Lee David