The Rise of The New Generation: How the Batang Hipe Classic Fuels the Future of Bodybuilding
- Broni Slawa
- Oct 7
- 6 min read
If there’s one show that gives first timers their moment to shine, sweat, and prove they belong, it’s the Batang Hipe Classic — and in this year’s 2025 edition, one thing was clear: the future of Philippine bodybuilding is in strong, motivated hands.
We got a chance to talk to the main man himself, Coach Wins Hipe, despite him being one of the busiest people in the building. He was everywhere — checking in with the organizers, greeting athletes, chatting with attendees, personally dropping off meals to the judges, and making sure everything ran smoothly from start to finish.
Coach Wins Hipe’s heart has always been with the first timers. They bring the crowd, the energy, and a contagious excitement that reminds everyone why they fell in love with the sport in the first place. It’s a smart focus — not just from a business perspective, but for building the next generation of bodybuilders that he’s clearly passionate about.
Paying It Forward
Leading up to the show, Coach Wins Hipe hosted numerous seminars, including “How to Build a Successful Coaching Career” — his way of giving back to the community that built him. Having started over 20 years ago, he’s built a name that’s not just respected, but reputable — and these seminars are his way of helping new coaches and athletes find their footing in a sport that’s as mentally demanding as it is physical.
A Stage Made for Grit
The stage setup this year was simple yet powerful — a silk blue curtain backdrop that gave the event a regal tone, highlighting the athletes without drowning them in sponsor clutter. The rest of the auditorium was dim, illuminated only by the stage lights, keeping the audience’s focus squarely where it belonged.
The First Timer classes were the highlight of the night — as they always are at Batang Hipe. And that’s exactly what makes this event perfect for newcomers: they truly get their due spotlight and attention here. Judges had an exceptionally hard time choosing winners. Competitors were called back repeatedly for front and back poses, with some visibly trembling or feeling lightheaded under the lights. But no one backed down. As host Ojee reminded the crowd,
“Endurance is part of the game.”
A Glimpse of the Future
Twelve teens took the stage for Men’s Physique Teens, each one looking impressively polished and confident. “None of my friends looked like that when I was a teenager,” someone joked in the audience — and honestly, they weren’t wrong.
It’s proof that the sport is not only growing, but also getting younger and stronger. Shows like Batang Hipe, which give first timers a real platform, are fueling that growth.
During breaks, Supplement King kept the energy alive with interactive giveaways — tossing products into the crowd and asking bodybuilding trivia. By night’s end, the Overall Men’s Physique Champion walked away with a trophy and a two-year gym membership worth ₱30,000 — a solid reward for the hard work it takes to get stage-ready.
Lessons from the Stage: 10 Tips for First Timers
After watching today’s lineup at Batang Hipe Classic 2025, it’s clear — the first timers showed heart. But as any seasoned competitor will tell you, there’s more to standing out on stage than just showing up shredded.
Here are some real-world tips drawn from experience, observation, and what the judges were clearly looking for today:
Understand dehydration.How you present your hard work matters. Excessive sweat under stage lights causes your tan to “bleed,” leaving streaks that ruin your look. Manage your fluids properly — it’s part of your presentation.
Build endurance, not just muscle.Posing is physically demanding. You can’t flex what you can’t hold. As Ojee said, “Endurance is part of the game.”
Respect your walkout timing.When the host starts introducing the next competitor, it’s your cue to thank the crowd and exit. Dragging your time only gives the judges more seconds to find flaws.
Bring energy and personality.You’re tired, sure — but this is your moment. Smile, command the stage, and engage with the crowd. Confidence stands out more than mass.
Know your poses.Each federation has its own set of mandatory poses. Don’t assume they’re all the same. Study, practice, and rehearse your transitions until they’re second nature.
Don’t chew gum.It looks unprofessional and distracts from your presentation. Keep your focus — not your jaw — moving.
Learn to pose exhausted.A great insider’s tip: do your posing practice after your workouts when your muscles are fatigued. That’s the closest you’ll get to show-day conditions — sweaty, depleted, and shaking — so your body learns how to hold form under stress.
Pack for backstage like a pro.Bring your own towel, extra posing oil, and pump-up bands. Don’t rely on others. Shows can run long, and the smallest thing you forget can throw you off mentally.
Keep your pump controlled.Many first timers overpump before going on stage, leaving them flat by the time they’re up. Do short, efficient sets and focus on getting blood into your key display muscles — not everything.
Check your transitions on video.Record your mock posing sessions. What feels smooth doesn’t always look smooth. Reviewing footage helps you fix awkward angles and improve flow.
Final Thoughts
Batang Hipe Classic 2025 wasn’t just another bodybuilding show — it was a celebration of beginnings. It reminded everyone that while pros may inspire the crowd, it’s the first timers who ignite the passion that keeps this sport alive.
Thanks to Coach Wins Hipe, who continues to create opportunities and platforms for them, the next generation of Filipino bodybuilders is not just ready — they’re rising.
And as the stage lights dimmed on Palacio De Maynila, one thing was clear:
The future of Philippine bodybuilding isn’t coming — it’s already here.
And without much ado, here is the Winner's List...
BATANG HIPE CLASSIC 2025
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Palacio De Maynila
Malate, Manila
Organized by Supplement Hub
Presented by JFit
MEN’S PHYSIQUE – FIRST TIMER, SHORT
1st Nhel Galvan, #3 – CHAMPION
2nd John Jeremiah Dela Cruz, #67
3rd Nenoy Hortillano, #64
4th John Michael Dela Cruz, #66
5th Wilfredo Castro Jr., #47
MEN’S PHYSIQUE – FIRST TIMER, TALL
1st Jeffray Arce, #35 – CHAMPION
2nd Jeboy Picardal, #34
3rd Justine Todhunter, #103
4th Angelo Alaman, #93
5th Rodney Gonzales, #33
MEN’S PHYSIQUE – TEENS
1st Justine Todhunter, #103 – CHAMPION
2nd Michael Bongabong, #4
3rd Martin Laurence Pereyra, #42
4th Wilfredo Castro Jr., #47
5th Vincent Ryan Tomas, #39
MEN’S PHYSIQUE – JUNIOR
1st Ong Bernan Hermo, #68 – CHAMPION
2nd Franz Cedric Bonsol, #101
3rd Ayman Almadawi, #63
4th Narz Alcaide, #21
5th John Demorie Albaten, #84
MEN’S PHYSIQUE – NOVICE, CLASS A
1st John Jeremiah Dela Cruz, #67 – CHAMPION
2nd Jun Nidea, #20
3rd Harald Lopez, #90
4th Ronald Allan Castro, #36
5th Nhel Galvan, #3
MEN’S PHYSIQUE – NOVICE, CLASS B
1st John Michael Dela Cruz, #66 – CHAMPION
2nd Ong Berman Hermo, #68
3rd Angelo Alaman, #93
4th Joseph Costan, #118
5th Irvin Kim Bulauan, #60
MEN’S PHYSIQUE – NOVICE, CLASS C
1st Jeffray Arce, #35 – CHAMPION
2nd Josel Buenavista, #46
3rd Jeboy Picardal, #34
4th Kent Brian Cañete, #29
5th Plaveo Pineda, #96
MEN’S PHYSIQUE – NOVICE, CLASS D
1st Rodney Gonzalez, #33 – CHAMPION
2nd Mark James Mercado, #108
3rd Mart William Saba, #37
4th Kurt Angelo Aragon, #27
MEN’S PHYSIQUE – NATURAL, CLASS A
1st Ramil Sonio, #75 – CHAMPION
2nd Ogmand Deleon, #89
3rd Christian Irvin Rosales, #11
4th Moises Absin, #69
5th Martin Laurence Pereyra, #42
MEN’S PHYSIQUE – NATURAL, CLASS B
1st Edenver Dela Cruz Maputol, #65 – CHAMPION
2nd Joven Gallego, #19
3rd Ong Berman Hermo, #68
4th Joseph Costan, #118
5th Kane Argous, #91
MEN’S PHYSIQUE – NATURAL, CLASS C
1st Ayman Almadawy, #63 – CHAMPION
2nd Franze Cedric Bonsol, #101
3rd Jeboy Picardal, #34
4th Kent Brain Cañete, #29
5th Rjay Basbas, #5
MEN’S PHYSIQUE – NATURAL, CLASS D
1st Carmelo Faustino, #74 – CHAMPION
2nd Mc Regala, #56
3rd Rommel Garcia, #32
MEN’S PHYSIQUE – MASTERS (35 & ABOVE)
1st Mark Palomar, #57 – CHAMPION
2nd Dave Prieto, #61
3rd Mark Agila Bergonia, #71
4th Angelo Bernilla, #15
5th Ronald Allan Castro, #36
BIKINI – NOVICE
1st Rea Fe Clemenia, #26 – CHAMPION
2nd Jill Anne Oro, #9
3rd Angelo Prades, #111
4th Jennelyn Flores, #119
5th Yssa Aguirre, #83
BIKINI – OPEN
1st Gabriella Hilde, #87 – CHAMPION
2nd Rea Fe Clemenia, #26
3rd Gillete Montano, #53
4th Pretty Mae Saldua, #115
5th Yssa Aguirre, #83
SINGLE DIVISION – CLASSIC
1st Jun Nidea, #20 – CHAMPION
2nd Dave Prieto, #61
3rd Harald Lopez, #90
4th Lee Aznar, #114
5th Angelo Alaman, #93
SINGLE DIVISION – BODYBUILDING
1st Eduard Esparagoza, #72 – CHAMPION
2nd Dave Prieto, #61
3rd Lloyd De Guzman, #62
4th Manny Nuezca, #116
5th Garski Agar, #78
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