Wings, Warriors, and Pro Cards: A Standout Day for INBA Global Philippines 2025

This past Sunday, June 29, 2025, Century City Mall in Makati played host to the INBA Philippines Regional Natural Classic 2025, a natural bodybuilding show that did more than crown champions—it elevated the standard for what inclusive, meaningful, and community-driven bodybuilding should look like.

One of the most refreshing aspects of this show was how it recognized and respected the reality that training as a younger bodybuilder is fundamentally different from training later in life. Age matters—not just in years, but in biology. Younger athletes often have the edge with faster recovery, higher testosterone levels, and better joint resiliency. That’s why bodybuilding federations typically offer age categories like Masters. However, it’s not uncommon for those categories to lump together anyone 35 and older, which makes a 35-year-old going head-to-head with someone in their 50s a mismatched fight. Some shows even advertise distinct age classes only to combine them on the day due to low turnout, leaving older athletes—who specifically chose that show for the age bracket—feeling overlooked.

INBA Philippines didn’t fall into that trap. They embraced the diversity of experience and age in bodybuilding and took it to the next level. Their male divisions included Teenage (17–19), Juniors (20–23), Masters (40–49), and a standout category: Ultra Grandmasters (60–69). That last one turned heads and warmed hearts. Three men walked onstage to represent the Ultra Grandmasters, and one of them left with a pro card—an achievement that drew roaring applause. These weren’t just older athletes staying fit; they were redefining the timeline of what’s possible in the sport.

Among all the athletes, one name stood out loudest: Ken Ross.

With the INBA logo tattooed across his lower back, Ken was handed the mic and given the floor to speak. He shared his incredible journey—competing in 22 categories, stepping on stage over 150 times. For him, it was never about the medals. It was about testing limits, enjoying the process, and showing up every single time. True to form, Ken won a pro card that afternoon. Then, in a moment that stunned everyone, he handed it to his runner-up. The other competitor was visibly shaken and tried to refuse the unexpected gift. But Ken, calm and smiling, gently insisted. He made it clear: this was for him. In a sport where winning is often everything, that moment of humility and sportsmanship was everything. The crowd erupted. And the runner-up—now a newly minted pro—humbly accepted.

This year’s event also brought fresh flavor with the introduction of several new divisions: Men’s Ink Tattoo, Women’s Sports Model, Men’s Formal Wear, and one that truly stole the show—Women’s Angel. The Angel division was something straight out of a dream. Competitors strutted the stage in elaborate, oversized wings, moving with a kind of fierce elegance that somehow married muscular discipline with theatrical grace. Think Victoria’s Secret meets Olympia Weekend. It was bold, unexpected, and surprisingly moving. Watching those women hold their poses with poise, while managing what had to be awkward and heavy wing gear, earned them serious respect—and a few new fans.

Beyond the posing routines and judging panels, what made the day unforgettable were the emotional peaks tied to pro card wins. Aside from Ken Ross’ remarkable gesture, there were a couple of divisions that awarded unexpected second pro cards. It was clear from the reactions—wide-eyed disbelief, joyful tears, arms trembling in triumph—that this was more than a trophy. These were the moments every athlete lives for. Witnessing their hard work, sacrifice, and years of discipline finally recognized was a privilege, especially from a front-row seat.

All told, the INBA Philippines Regional Natural Classic 2025 wasn’t just another bodybuilding event. It was a celebration of what natural bodybuilding can be when done right—with integrity, inclusivity, and heart. From teenage rookies to seasoned warriors in their sixties, every competitor brought something powerful to the stage. If this event proved anything, it’s that in the world of bodybuilding, age doesn’t define your limits—your mindset does.

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

INBA PHILIPPINES REGIONAL NATURAL CLASSIC 2025

(Amateur and Pro-Qualifier)

Sunday, June 28, 2025

Century City Mall, Makati

MEN’S FORMAL WEAR

1st Judelio Yap 

PHYSICAL CHALLENGED STANDING

1st  Nikita Razvaliaev 

MEN’S SPORTS MODEL — NOVICE

1st. Karan won in the Men’s Sports Model

MEN’S SPORTS MODEL — JUNIOR MASTERS (35-39)

1st  Kenneth Ross 

MEN’S SPORTS MODEL — MASTERS (40-49)

1st  Kenneth Ross 

MEN’S SPORTS MODEL — GRAND MASTERS (50-59) & PRO CARD

1st. Judelio Yap

MEN’S SPORTS MODEL — OPEN & PRO CARD

1st  Karan

WOMEN’S SPORTS MODEL — OPEN

1st. Alyssa Hannah Go 

WOMEN’S SWIMSUIT MODEL — OPEN

1st. Normina Tomas 

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — NOVICE

1st  Mark Anthony Tamayo 

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — TEENAGE (17-19)

1st  Carl Anthony Dela Cruz 

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — JUNIORS (20-23)

1st   Laguardia Arkin Jimenez 

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — JUNIOR MASTERS (35-39)

1st  JC Kalacas 

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — MASTERS (40-49) & PRO CARD

1st  Judyrick Urdaneta

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — GRAND MASTERS (50-59)

1st  Judelio Yap 

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — ULTRA MASTERS (60-69)

1st  Jose Gerado M. Bautista 

MEN’S PHYSIQUE — OVERALL GRAND MASTERS (50+) & PRO CARD

1st  Jose Gerado M. Bautista

MEN’S INK TATTOO

1st  Roman A. Ong Jr. 

WOMEN’S BIKINI DIVA — NOVICE

1st  Samaria Pauline De Jesus Patricio 

WOMEN’S BIKINI DIVA — OPEN & PRO QUALIFIED

1st  Alyssa Hannah Go 

2nd  Normina Tomas 

MEN’S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE — NOVICE

1st  Justine Aeron G. Anselmo

MEN’S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE — MASTERS (40-49) & PRO CARD

1st  Judyrick Urdaneta 

MEN’S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE — ULTRA MASTERS (60-69)

1st   Jose Gerado M. Bautista 

MEN’S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE — OVERALL MASTERS (40+) & PRO CARD

1st   Judyrick Urdaneta

MEN’S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE — OPEN & PRO CARD

1st.  Gabriel Galpo

WOMEN’S ANGEL — OPEN & PRO CARD

1st   Normina Tomas

2nd  Samaria Pauline De Jesus Patricio 

MEN’S BODYBUILDING — NOVICE

Justine Aeron G. Anselmo 

MEN’S BODYBUILDING — JUNIORS (20-23)

1st Laguardia Arkin Jimenez 

MEN’S BODYBUILDING — MASTERS (40-49) & PRO CARD

1st  Judyrick Urdaneta

MEN’S BODYBUILDING — ULTRA MASTERS (60-69) 

1st   Jose Gerado M. Bautista 

MEN’S BODYBUILDING —OVERALL MASTERS (40+) & PRO CARD

1st  Judyrick Urdaneta

MEN’S BODYBUILDING —OPEN & PRO CARD

1st.  Gabriel Galpo