The Champion and the Inspiration: Team Ninong Steals the Spotlight at IFBB Nationals

Just one week after making headlines at the 2026 Warrior's Classic, Team Ninong has done it again.

At the IFBB Philippines Nationals, held on Sunday, July 12, Team Ninong continued its remarkable run by capturing the Overall Men's Physique Championship through Rod Cereno, while another teammate, Ghilano "Zeus" Garcia, became one of the most talked-about athletes of the entire event.

Powered by ParaPharma PH, Team Ninong has quickly established itself as one of the fastest-rising teams in Philippine bodybuilding, with a roster that continues to produce champions and athletes who inspire both on and off the stage.

Rod Cereno Delivers Another Overall Title for Team Ninong

Rod Cereno entered the Nationals carrying momentum from an already impressive season, and he left with one of Philippine bodybuilding's biggest prizes—the Overall Men's Physique Championship. Known for his outstanding symmetry, conditioning, confident stage presence, and polished presentation, Cereno battled through a deep Men's Physique lineup before earning the judges' nod as the overall winner. His victory further establishes him as one of the country's elite Men's Physique competitors and adds yet another prestigious title to Team Ninong's growing collection in 2026.

Zeus Captures Hearts and Headlines

While Rod claimed the overall title, another Team Ninong athlete arguably made the biggest impression on the audience. Ghilano "Zeus" Garcia stepped on stage despite having only one leg—a reality that would discourage most people from ever pursuing competitive bodybuilding. Instead of allowing his physical impairment to define him, Zeus has built an incredible physique through years of relentless dedication, discipline, and hard work.

Throughout the weekend, photos and videos of Zeus quickly spread throughout Philippine bodybuilding circles and across the international bodybuilding community, drawing praise from athletes, coaches, and fans alike. While many were amazed by his impressive upper-body development, even more were inspired by the determination and resilience required to step on stage and compete at such a high level under circumstances most athletes will never experience.

Although Zeus placed 5th in the Men's Physique Open Tall division, many spectators left the venue talking about him as one of the most memorable competitors of the day. His appearance not only inspired those in attendance, but also sparked discussion online about whether bodybuilding organizations should consider introducing a dedicated adaptive division for athletes with physical impairments. Supporters argue that competitors like Zeus demonstrate the same extraordinary discipline, dedication, and passion as any other athlete, while overcoming challenges that most can scarcely imagine. Whether or not such a category is ever introduced, Zeus's performance served as a powerful reminder that bodybuilding is not about having a perfect body—it's about maximizing the one you have through consistency, sacrifice, and an unwavering mindset.

Team Ninong Is Making a Statement in 2026

The IFBB Philippines Nationals also reinforced what many in the Philippine bodybuilding community are beginning to recognize: Team Ninong isn't just winning—they're setting the standard.

Just one week earlier at the 2026 Warrior's Classic, Team Ninong completed an extraordinary clean sweep by winning both the Overall Men's Physique Championship and the Overall Women's Figure Championship. Now, only seven days later, they've repeated the feat by once again producing the Overall Men's Physique Champion in Rod Cereno, while also fielding what was arguably the most inspiring athlete of the weekend in Zeus.

That's two major shows. Two Overall Men's Physique Champions. One Overall Women's Figure Champion. And one athlete whose courage and determination reminded everyone why bodybuilding is about far more than trophies.

If the first half of the 2026 season is any indication, Team Ninong has assembled one of the deepest and most dangerous rosters in Philippine bodybuilding today.

Their momentum isn't slowing down anytime soon. Team Ninong is already preparing for its next milestone as promoter, hosting its first-ever bodybuilding competition, the APEX Vanguard Classic, on November 15, 2026. With the success the team has already achieved in competition this year, expectations are high for what promises to be another exciting addition to the Philippine bodybuilding calendar.

Team Ninong didn't come to play. They came to dominate 2026. Powered by ParaPharma PH, Team Ninong is now two-for-two in major shows this season—and they're showing no signs of slowing down.

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

IFBB PHILILIPPINES NATIONALS

Sunday, July 12, 2026

Palacio De Maynila

Hosted by IFBB Philippines

MEN'S PHYSIQUE NATURAL -- NEWCOMER

1. Michael Ernest Castillo, 4

2. Charles Fernandez, 10

3. Carlo Llagas, 13

4. Novy Consigna Jr., 6

5. Jerome Pajaron, 15

   
   

MEN'S PHYSIQUE NATURAL -- TEENS

1. Jhay Roel Ferrer, 22

2. Kreivin Rui Dela Torre, 20

3. Jave Oncog, 14

4. Dennis Baquing, 3

5. Curt Angel Marasigan, 23

   
   

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- NEWCOMER

1. Gilianne Steven Dacay, 27

2. Kaster Niu Quider, 40

3. Jun Luis Fabroa, 31

4. Ronio Dela Cruz, 30

5. John Peter Glemao, 33

   
   

BODYBUILDING -- NOVICE

1. Raul Jr. Saba, 41

2. Wilbur Taculog II, 42

   
   

BODYBUILDING -- MASTERS

1. Robbie Tangonan, 49

2. Jeffrey Calitisin, 43

3. Judyrick Urdaneta, 50

4. Ramon Moriles, 47

5. Ojee Estrella, 45

   
   

BODYBUILDING -- 70KG AND BELOW

1. Nelson Boron, 51

2. Jeffrey Calitisin, 43

3. Ojee Estrella, 45

4. Pope Christian Tan, 53

5. Rommel Dayson, 52

   
   

BODYBUILDING -- ABOVE 70KG

1. Jimboy Mende, 55

2. Ronald Kevin Rodriguez, 56

3. Joseph Acaso, 54

4. Bernavie Velga, 57

5. Robbie Tangonan, 49

   
   

OVERALL BODYBUILDING CHAMPION

Jimboy Mende, 55

MEN'S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE -- CLASS A

1. Robbie Tangonan, 49

2. Nelson Boron, 51

3. Dionne Alem Fray Cabantog, 59

4. Alvaro Asuncion, 58

5. Raul Saba Jr., 41

   
   

MEN'S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE -- CLASS B

1. Zandrix Rebolos, 66

2. Robi Miano, 64

3. Joseph Acaso, 54

4. Francesco Jose Anicete, 61

5. Juan Miguel Sahagun, 67

   
   

OVERALL MEN'S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE CHAMPION

Zandrix Rebolos, 66

BIKINI FITNESS -- NOVICE

1. Genevieve Lopez, 71

2. Genily Malinao, 70

3. Agnes Uy, 69

4. Amazigrace Caramba, 72

   
   

BIKINI FITNESS -- MASTERS

1. Hazel Joanna Salvacion, 75

2. Mycel Binaday, 73

3. Loxin Sanchez, 76

4. Agnes Uy, 69

5. Erl Ondevilla, 74

   
   

BIKINI FITNESS -- OPEN SHORT

1. Genevieve Lopez, 71

2. Genily Malinao, 70

3. Hazel Joanna Salvacion, 75

4. Loxin Sanchez, 76

5. Amazigrace Caramba, 72

   
   

BIKINI FITNESS -- OPEN TALL

1. Mycel Binaday, 73

2. Agnes Uy, 69

3. Erl Ondevilla, 74

   
   

OVERALL BIKINI FITNESS CHAMPION

Genevieve Lopez, 71

MEN'S PHYSIQUE NATURAL -- NOVICE

1. Dionne Alem Fray Cabantog, 59

2. Michael Ernest Castillo, 4

3. Jhay Roel Ferrer, 22

4. Charles Fernandez, 10

5. Gerald Masotes, 78

   
   

MEN'S PHYSIQUE NATURAL -- OPEN SHORT

1. Matt Condez, 81

2. Gerald Masotes, 78

3. Jordan Zebastian Santos, 83

4. Novy Consigna Jr., 6

5. Jhay Roel Ferrer, 22

   
   

MEN'S PHYSIQUE NATURAL -- OPEN TALL

1. Enver Florendo, 84

2. Kenneth Lawrence Manansala, 85

3. Reymar Ken Pilapil, 86

4. Janne Mark Uberita, 68

5. Kirby Repaja, 87

   
   

OVERALL MEN'S PHYSIQUE NATURAL CHAMPION

Enver Florendo, 84

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- NOVICE

1. Gilianne Steven Dacay, 27

2. Kaster Niu Quider, 40

3. Ritzmon Peralta, 98

4. Lord Dwight Arce, 90

5. Ronio Dela Cruz, 30

   
   

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- JUNIORS

1. Marke Joeie Dacsa, 106

2. Ivan Andrei Mallanao, 107

3. Reymar Ken Pilapil, 86

4. Kenneth Lawrence Manansala, 85

5. Lester Vetuz, 103

   
   

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- MASTERS

1. Leonard Idaño, 110

2. Legran Gil, 109

3. Jose Dagsil, 108

4. Juan Miguel Gonzalez, 96

   
   

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- OPEN SHORT

1. Mark Vincent Aguilar, 112

2. Christian Faminia, 114

3. Leonard Idaño, 110

4. Alvaro Asuncion, 58

5. Lester Vetuz, 103

   
   

MEN'S PHYSIQUE -- OPEN TALL

1. Rod Cereno, 116

2. Francesco Jose Anicete, 61

3. Daryl Floyd Makinano, 120

4. Migs Guevarra, 119

5. Ghilano "Zeus" Garcia, 118

   
   

OVERALL MEN'S PHYSIQUE CHAMPION

Rod Cereno, 116