KG Classic 2025 Didn’t Just Raise the Bar — It Launched It

After months of relentless training, strict dieting, and the mental grind that only fellow competitors truly understand, you want a stage that does your hard work justice. KG Classic 2025, held Sunday, August 9, 2025, at the Filinvest Tent in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, delivered exactly that. Their promise has always been to give the best stage for athletes to showcase their hard work — and this year, they went above and beyond.

From the moment you walked in, the atmosphere was electric. The audience area was dimmed just enough to pull every pair of eyes toward the stage, where bright, perfectly placed spotlights showcased each athlete like they were the main event — because they were. The sleek black backdrop was a genius move. It’s rare to see a bodybuilding show resist the temptation to plaster the stage with moving sponsor logos and flashy graphics. Instead, category titles appeared neatly across the front screen, with sponsors down the sides — clean, simple, and effective. That backdrop made every pose pop and every muscle detail stand out.

If I had one tiny suggestion, it would be to remove the backstage spotlights shining toward the stage. The glare from the lights made it tricky for the audience to take good pictures during posing.

The Venue & Crowd

The venue seated an estimated 900 people, and with four wide aisles and only eight seats per row, everyone had a comfortable, unobstructed view. Technically, they could have added another 300 seats, but fire regulations likely kept things as they were. Honestly, the spacing made it feel more premium.

Tickets sold out fast. VIP passes were gone online before show day even arrived, and general admission — available during athlete check-in — sold out by 11 a.m. sharp.

Outside the stage area, the foyer was buzzing. Sponsor booths were bigger and bolder than usual, set up in cubicle-style displays. LGNDRY had some of their equipment right beside KSYN Fitness, creating a mini training zone. And bodybuilding royalty was in the house — Rich Gaspari himself, the three-time Mr. Olympia runner-up, was there with Whey King, showcasing his supplement line.

Backstage Wins

If there’s one thing Kerwin and Team KG clearly understand, it’s that happy athletes make for a great show. Backstage, food stands were ready with post-stage treats like halo-halo, Dairy Queen, and chicken skewers. Every competitor knows the first bite after you’re done competing is pure bliss — and this meant you didn’t have to sit around fantasizing about food for hours after stepping off stage.

Behind the scenes, the production ran like a machine. With an estimated 100 staff members, many wearing mic headsets, every division moved smoothly. Team KG this year was about 30 strong — a tight, experienced group whose chemistry showed in the seamless flow of the event.

Prize Money & Recognition

The individual category cash prizes were nothing to shrug at:

1st place — ₱25,000

2nd place — ₱10,000

3rd place — ₱5,000

4th & 5th — ₱2,000 each

A ₱25,000 win feels big… until you realize the overall champion was walking away with ten times that. Everyone knew the overall title carried a ₱250,000 prize, but what truly set this event apart was the public announcement of a substantial cash prize for the women — an amount no other show has ever offered. In a sport where female competitors often spend far more to compete than men — from custom bikinis (₱20,000) to makeup and hair (₱5,000), heels and jewelry (₱5,000), plus tanning and registration fees — that kind of recognition sends a strong message. It wasn’t just a payout; it was respect for the investment and dedication these women bring to the stage.

The Show & Standout Moments

The show ran for about 11.5 hours — long, yes, but if you’ve prepped for a competition, you know how many months (or years) of work lead up to those few minutes on stage. The level of production made every second worth it.

One detail that stood out was Kerwin’s selection of judges, referred to by one male competitor on social media as "The Five Pillars of Honor.” The title fit perfectly. Each judge was carefully chosen for their integrity, credentials, and reputation for fairness — a refreshing standard in a sport where bias can sometimes cloud results. Having such a respected panel reinforced the credibility of every placement given that day.

And just when the finale seemed over, they surprised the crowd with the Men’s Physique Overall battle — competitors rising dramatically from the stage on a platform. The lights hit them perfectly, the crowd erupted, and for a moment, it felt like a scene straight out of a superhero movie.

Final Word

Kerwin closed the night by bringing his entire team on stage, thanking them, and reminding everyone that the KG Classic is “all about the athletes.” That commitment was clear in every detail, from the lighting design to the backstage hospitality. But it was also an event for the audience — comfortable seating, smooth pacing, and moments that made you want to leap to your feet.

Only three years in, and each edition has been bigger and better than the last. If 2025 looked like this, it’s hard to imagine what Kerwin has up his sleeve for 2026.