Filipino-Canadian workout queen Mitch Byrne will host World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) Philippines’ 2018 WNBF Philippine First Amateur Championship, at Johnny B. Good in Makati City tomorrow.
WNBF Philippines is represented by Mitch and fellow international fitness guru Chris Byrne and they are internationally known as two of the best Filipino-Canadian fitness icons in North America today.
The Philippine affiliation of the WNBF aims to promote natural bodybuilding in the country and to demonstrate that athletes do not need to use steroids or other harmful, illegal substances to get strong and beautiful bodies.
Mitch Byrne, is a former beauty queen and a successful gym owner, personal trainer and professional bikini competitor and she decided to bring the organization to the Philippines as she knows that the general public would appreciate a competition that is truly drug-free and that awards athletes for their commitment and sacrifice to good nutrition and consistent training the natural way.
Since 1990, WNBF is proud to have held the highest standard in promoting stringently drug-tested, professionally produced bodybuilding and physique events around the world. The backbone of the WNBF reputation is the strict adherence to stringent testing. Athletes are first tested by polygraph and winners are then subject to a urinalysis. This organization places the highest importance on ensuring that athletes are competing on a level playing field in each of its worldwide events.
With top foreign judges from Canada and the USA, most notably Tina Smith and Bob Bell, the president and vice president of the WNBF, the parent organization, the first competition is already attracting amazing competitors from around the country and the world. Male and female athletes locally and from all over the world will compete in the event’s bodybuilding, physique, figure and bikini categories.
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Film festivals in this part of town is becoming a dime a dozen. And all of them cater to a variety of markets, although organizers wish the entire Filipino audience of movies would go and watch the entries.
In 2016,Milagros O. How, PH. D., president and CEO of Universal Harvester, Inc., distributors of agricultural fertilizers, along with the late movie/TV director Maryo J. delos Reyes, put up what is now known as the ToFarm Film Festival with entries showcasing the lives and journeys of farmers around the country.
This year with TV/movie writer Bibeth Orteza Siguion-Reyna as festival director, ToFarm announced the seven entries for the festival that unreels on Sept. 12 to 19. Screenwriter Raquel Villavicencio headed the panel that selected the final scripts upon which the entries would be based.
So here are the future film entries:
1957
A historical drama written and directed by Hubert Tibi is about the story of farmers in Bicol under Don Pepe, a strict landlord.
Alimuom
A science fiction movie written and to be directed by Keith Sicat.
Fasang
A period romance written by Charlson Ong (no director has been announced). The film is set in the 1920’s and will feature a Japanese actor.
Isang Kwento ng Gubat (The Leonard Co Story)
A biopic written by Rosalie Matilac to be directed by Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, Rosalie Matilac, and Nilo Paz is about the great Filipino botanists slain together with a guide and ranger in the forest of Kananga, Leyte.
Lola Igna
A cultural drama written and directed by Eduardo Roy, Jr. who lives in Sagada is about Lola Igna, a 115-years old who is wondering if she would make it to the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest living person.
Mga Anak Ng Kamote
A futuristic drama written by John Carlo Pacala, to be directed by Carlo Catu is set in the Philippines in the year 2052.
Sol Searching
A dark comedy written and directed by Roman Perez Jr. about teacher Sol who died but cannot be buried due to lack of funds.
This year, the selection committee is composed of, apart from Villavicencio (chairperson), Krip Yuson, Antoinette Jadaone, Mario Cornejo, and Manny Buising. How will be the executive producer.
So, are the farmers ready for this?