NBA Universe 2025: A Well-Run Event in a Post-Musclecontest Hangover

Let’s be honest, the Philippine bodybuilding scene is still nursing one hell of a hangover from Musclecontest Philippines 2025. Between the chaos, confusion, and complaints that flooded social media, many athletes and fans walked away feeling burned out and disheartened.

Then came Natural Bodybuilding Australia (NBA) Universe 2025, a well-run event in every sense — and the perfect remedy for that post-Musclecontest hangover. It was a cold, refreshing dose of professionalism after a long, messy weekend. This show didn’t just cleanse the palate; it reminded everyone how a bodybuilding event should be run. Structured, organized, athlete-centered, and passionately delivered, NBA Universe 2025 proved that excellence still exists in a scene that’s been through the wringer.

Two Shows, One Standard

For those new to the federation, the Natural Bodybuilding Australia (NBA)hosts two shows per year, both equally respected and meticulously run. The first happens around May and is called NBA PH, their local regional event, serving as a stepping stone for athletes to test the waters, gain stage experience, and qualify for the next level. Later in the year comes the NBA Universe, their international-level show and the highlight of the federation’s annual calendar. This was the event held this weekend at Ayala Circuit Mall. In years when there are enough eligible pro athletes, NBA also runs a Pro Show alongside the Universe event. This year, however, there simply weren’t enough pro competitors registered to warrant a full division. It was a rare occurrence, but more a matter of timing and logistics than reputation.

A Smart Venue Choice That Just Works

Once again, Ayala Circuit Mall proved to be NBA Universe's lucky charm, and for good reason. The central location, abundance of parking, and easy access to restaurants gave competitors and spectators a hassle-free experience. No need to pack meals or rely on overpriced booths; you could grab food from the mall and still make it back before the next class hit the stage.

The open layout also brought in curious mall-goers, boosting the crowd and energy. The only downside was the air-conditioning. After a few hours under heavy spotlights, things got a little toasty, but a quick dash to the main mall for a blast of cool air solved that.

Production Quality: Next-Level

Stage lighting was on point, crisp, flattering, and professional. The addition of side-stage lighting created a perfect photo area where athletes and supporters could grab well-lit shots with the stage in the background. Add in the strong sound system and smoke effects, and you had a setup that looked and felt world-class.

Hosts Ken Lizardo and Ojee Estrella kept the energy high throughout, delivering that signature NBA vibe—polished yet personal. Ojee’s role assisting competitors on the floor worked smoothly, making transitions clean and very photo-friendly.

However, not everything hit perfectly. The camera crew’s constant “for the gram” interruptions, asking winners to re-pose, re-lift, or re-celebrate, were a bit much. As one spectator put it, “They should capture moments, not create them.” Still, credit where it’s due: NBA Universe’s social media team was lightning fast, posting results and photos before the final category even wrapped. That said, while their posting game is sharp, their inbox game clearly isn’t. PrepLife messaged to request the official winners’ list, and just like everyone else, we got it through their posts. Fast on content, not so fast on communication.

Equal Opportunity: How NBA Divides Their Classes

Here’s a little insider’s scoop most people don’t know: the NBA does things differently when it comes to dividing competitors into classes. Unlike most federations that set strict height cut-offs (for example, Class A under 157cm), the Natural Bodybuilding Australia doesn’t assign fixed height ranges to each class. Why? Because it often results in unbalanced divisions, especially here in the Philippines where most athletes fall on the shorter side.

If NBA followed the traditional system, Class A would be packed, while classes like C or D would end up half empty. Instead, NBA Universe takes a more balanced approach. They stack all athletes by height first, then divide them equally across divisions. This ensures that every class has roughly the same number of athletes, and competitors stand beside someone of similar height. It’s subtle but smart—a fairness-first system that keeps the competition balanced and the comparisons on stage far more accurate.

Attendance Dip, But Energy High

While NBA remains the go-to federation for natural athletes, this year’s turnout seemed smaller, especially in Bikini. Some classes had fewer than five athletes, and several categories ended up repeating the same competitors. Still, the athletes who did show up brought undeniable passion and stage presence.

Missing Sponsors, But Still a Class Act

Unlike previous years, there were only two booths at the back, none from supplement brands or show-day sponsors. Maybe NBA Universe didn’t need the extra funding, and if that’s the case, respect. The focus remained where it should: on the athletes.

Highlight Moment: Bikini Mama Category

Host Ken proudly reintroduced Bikini Mama, celebrating women who’ve embraced motherhood and bodybuilding. This year’s lineup featured just two competitors, but between them, they were moms of five. Their physiques were phenomenal, their confidence magnetic. It was a powerful reminder that “pre-baby bod” isn’t the goal—stronger-than-ever is.

Room for Improvement

Constructive feedback? Absolutely. The Natural Bodybuilding Australia could easily elevate presentation by concealing the athletes waiting backstage to save the reveal for the stage lights and smoke. And about the music selection… whoever chose “Big Booty” by Gucci Mane, featuring Megan Thee Stallion and “Anaconda” by Nicki Minaji for Bikini walkouts might want to hit shuffle next year. It felt tone-deaf in an otherwise classy event.

Final Thoughts

Every year, the Natural Bodybuilding Australia delivers an event that’s respectful, organized, and athlete-focused, and this year was no different. It stood in stark contrast to the logistical nightmare many athletes experienced just two weeks earlier at Musclecontest Philippines.

For a community still recovering from that chaos, NBA Universe 2025 was the reset button we all needed. It proved that when a show is run with integrity, intention, and love for the sport, athletes shine, the crowd cheers, and the bodybuilding community feels proud again.

And without much ado, here is the Winner's List...

NBA UNVERISE

(NATURAL BODYBUILDING AUSTRALIA UNIVERSE)

Saturday, November 9, 2025

Ayala Malls Circuit

Makati

Produced by Natural Bodybuilding Australia

POSING ROUTINE

1st Franz Cedric Bonsol

2nd Jason Chen

3rd Michael Bernardo

MEN’S BODYBUILDING — UNDER 21

1st Narz Angelo Alcaide

MEN’S BODYBUILDING — BEGINNERS

1st Malcolm Emmanuel Bojador

2nd Sean Richard Quitco

3rd Sean Rey Garcia

4th Jomar Balan

5th Ramces Bernas

MEN’S BODYBUILDING — NOVICE

1st Moises Absin

2nd Malcolm Emmanuel Bojador

3rd Franz Cedric Bonsol

4th Kean Argones

5th Grix Ivan Paquit

MEN’S BODYBUILDING — GRAND MASTER

1st Dennis Gonzales

2nd Kit Alfonso

3rd Jeff Hyde

MEN’S BODYBUILDING — MASTERS

1st Michael Bernardo

2nd Dennis Gonzales

3rd Kit Alfonso

4th Jeff Hyde

MEN’S BODYBUILDING — OVER 70KG

1st Aaron Paul Cabuguang

2nd Franz Cedric Bonsol

3rd Kean Argones

4th Earl Allen Labrador

5th Jason Chen

MEN’S BODYBUILDING — UNDER 70KG

1st Moises Absin

2nd Michael Bernardo

3rd Sean Keller Quebral

4th Malcolm Emmanuel Bojador

5th Jimmy Pentoy

MEN’S BODYBUILDING — OVERALL CHAMPION

Aaron Paul Cabuguang

MEN’S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE — UNDER 21

1st Narz Angelo Alcaide

2nd John Luis Gulapa

3rd Harvey Boongaling

4th Jhoncel Monroy

5th Sanrhay Alfonso Bolalin

MEN’S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE — BEGINNERS

1st Michael Bernardo

2nd Ogmand de Leon

3rd Malcolm Emmanuel Bojador

4th Seanrey Garcia

5th Earl Allen Labrador

MEN’S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE — NOVICE CLASS A

1st Franz Cedric Bonsol

2nd Farhan Solaiman

3rd Ogman de Leon

4th Moises Absin

5th Raffy Ubas

MEN’S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE — NOVICE CLASS B

1st Sean Keller Quebral

2nd Malcolm Emmanuel Bojador

3rd Sean Ray Garcia

4th Grix Ivan Paquit

5th Sean Richard Quitco

MEN’S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE — OPEN

1st Franz Cedric Bonsol

2nd Sean Kellmer Quebral

3rd Aaron Paul Cabuguang

4th Farhan Solaiman

5th Michael Bernardo

MEN’S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE — OVERALL CHAMPION

Franz Cedric Bonsol

MEN’S FITNESS — UNDER 21

1st Cloud Reinert Pascual

2nd John Noel Softa

3rd Roel Castañeda

4th Mark Anthony Francisco

5th Carl Gallardo

MEN’S FITNESS — BEGINNERS CLASS A

1st Alexis Justin Soriano

2nd Cash Fuerte

3rd Sam Mathew Sa-onto

4th Sean Sa-onoy

5th Aian Alegarbes

MEN’S FITNESS — BEGINNERS CLASS B

1st Kenneth Adriano

2nd Sheldon Lance Santos

3rd Reylan Blanco

4th Jethro Quiocho

5th Victor Angelo Macatangay

MEN’S FITNESS — BEGINNERS CLASS C

1st Jerry Jose Mateo

2nd Matthew Andre Timbol

3rd Karl Danielle Barroga

4th Reggie Paul Java

5th Michael Karl Dimarucot

MEN’S FITNESS — NOVICE CLASS A

1st Mark Daniel Relato

2nd Kenneth Riano

3rd Reylan Blanco

4th Sheldon Lance Santos

5th Jethro Quiocho

MEN’S FITNESS — NOVICE CLASS B

1st Jerry Jose Mateo

2nd Hedreik Von Benitez

3rd Cloud Reinert Pascual

4th Karl Danielle Barroga

5th Enjay Aba

MEN’S FITNESS — NOVICE OPEN

1st Mark Daniel Relato

2nd Jerry Jose Mateo

3rd Efraim Talnag

4th Enjay Aba

5th Reylan Blanco

MEN’S FITNESS — OVERALL CHAMPION

Mark Daniel Relato

WOMEN’S BIKINI — ONE PIECE SWIMSUIT

1st Rea Fe Clemenia

2nd Sofia Dominik Ngo

WOMEN’S BIKINI — BEGINNERS

1st Sofia Dominik Ngo

2nd Donnathel Betangcor

3rd Leah Macaldo

WOMEN’S BIKINI — NOVICE

1st Rea Fe Clemenia

2nd Donnathel Betangcor

3rd Leah Macaldo

WOMEN’S BIKINI — OPEN SHORT

1st Rea Fe Clemenia

2nd Sofia Dominik Ngo

3rd Donnathel Batangcor

4th Jill Anne Oro

5th Mimi Irvine

WOMEN’S BIKINI — MAMA

1st Jill Anne Oro2nd Mimi Irvine

WOMEN’S BIKINI — OVERALL CHAMPION

Rea Fe Clemenia

WOMEN’S FITNESS — NOVICE

1st Leah Macaldo

WOMEN’S FITNESS — OPEN

1st Mimi Irvine

WOMEN’S FITNESS — OVERALL CHAMPION

Mimi Irvine

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — UNDER 21

1st John Noel Sotta

2nd David Joshua Lansang

3rd John Luis Gulapa

4th David Joshua Lansang

5th Jhoncel Montoya

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — BEGINNERS CLASS A

1st Amarjit Malhi

2nd Marvin David Torres

3rd Dillon Joshua Dy

4th Ace Prinial

5th Lawrence Lizardo

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — BEGINNERS CLASS B

1st John Paul Iporac

2nd Jethro Quiocho

3rd Kenneth Riano

4th Sheldon Lance Santos

5th Geo Punsalang

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — BEGINNERS CLASS C

1st Kent Brian Cañete

2nd Jericho Pajulas

3rd Charles Angelou Cavaliers

4th Jerry Jose Mateo

5th Reggie Paul Java

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — BEGINNERS CLASS D

1st Jake Echavez

2nd Enjay Aba

3rd Justin Delos Reyes

4th Jeboy Picardal

5th Jose Ibrahim de las Alas

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — NOVICE CLASS A

1st Mark Joseph Purificaion

2nd Ace Prinial

3rd Ogmand de Leon

4th Reginald Jay Basbas

5th Dillon Joshua Dy

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — NOVICE CLASS B

1st John Paul Iporac

2nd Kent Brian Cañete

3rd Sheldon Lance Santos

4th Tien Mari Cabrera

5th Geo Punsalang

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — NOVICE CLASS C

1st Jake Echavez

2nd Enjay Aba

3rd Hedreik Von Benitez

4th Justin de los Reyes

5th Charles Angelou Caballera

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — UNDER 30 CLASS A

1st Eljohn Joseph Aumentado

2nd John Tacker Abardo

3rd William Milca Sarion

4th Hedreik Von Benitez

5th Mark Daniel Relato

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — OVER 30 CLASS A

1st Raffy Ubas

2nd Mark Joseph Purificacion

3rd Christopher Gabriel Certeza

4th Ace Prinial

5th Reginald Basbas

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — OVER 30 CLASS B

1st Earvin Ronquillo

2nd Farhan Solaiman

3rd Arkham Aquino

4th Archie Avon Cagayan

5th Vermont Perez

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — OPEN TALL CLASS A

1st Farhan Solaiman

2nd Vincent Louie Ruloma

3rd Vermont Perez

4th Dave Paul Cruz

5th Christopher Gabriel Certeza

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — OPEN TALL CLASS B

1st William Mikva Sarion

2nd Earvin Ronquillo

3rd Mark Joseph Purificacion

4th Archie Vin Cagayan

5th Mark Daniel Relato

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — OPEN SHORT

1st El John Joseph Aumentado

2nd Raffy Ubas

3rd Jake Echavez

4th Arjhay Aquino

5th John Tacker Abardo

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — OVERALL CHAMPION

El John Joseph Aumentado