I attended Richard “Coach Pep” Agosto’s weightlifting seminar in Lokal Active, Quezon City’s workshop. For those not in the know Coach Pep is an IWF Worlds medallist and has been weightlifting for more than two decades. He has started out careers of many, getting them a spot in the National team, coached successful weightlifters and joining them in their tourneys abroad as their corner man and handler. He’s also the founder of the Pep Weightlifting Project, a non-profit organization and team that helps out less fortunate young children get into the sport and get them out of the streets through his own pockets, workshops and through the donations and collaborations with the weightlifting & CrossFit community and LGUs from all over.
“A beneficiary of a scholarship himself, Coach Pep hopes his project can one day provide his kids with the sa same opportunity. “Makahanap kami ng scholarship para sa mga bata. Hindi imposible dahil nangyari din sa akin – CNN article”
I was blessed enough to be able to attend his class where we delved into the intricacies of the Snatch, one of the two technically demanding events in Olympic weightlifting. Because of my background as a powerlifter and strongman, I found the foot pressure and balance required for weightlifting to be a significant hardship. Coach Pep’s warm-ups and drills, while challenging, proved to be invaluable in honing my technique. This is the missing piece of the puzzle for me to finally understand what’s up. It is super duper hard to do all of it in tippy toes and even with my big-ass calves It took me a while to not wimp out on the incoming cramp feelings.
The seminar drew attendees from diverse backgrounds, including CrossFitters, seasoned weightlifters, and even myself, a lone strongman. Notably, fashion designer and weightlifting team member Odelon Simpao also made an appearance at the bootcamp. Coach Pep’s humorous, relatable and watchful coaching style added an enjoyable dimension to the learning experience. His no frills cueing and decades of knowledge in the sport shines through as even me, a total neophyte in the lift understood the assignment.
One of the highlights of this experience was breaking my own personal snatch record even with armwrestling pains and a bad shoulder. I managed to beat my previous best easily by 5 kg , a feat I achieved with Coach Pep’s guidance in just 40 minutes. His expertise and very deep understanding of the sport to the point of being able to explain it to me like i was 5 years old helped a lot.
Pep Weightlifting Project
Coach Pep Agosto is not only a skilled weightlifting coach but also an advocate for a meaningful cause. Through his “Pep Weightlifting” project, he is making a difference in the lives of underprivileged children, helping them transition from scavengers to potential members of the Philippine national weightlifting team. This initiative is truly inspiring, as it provides these children with opportunities they might not have otherwise had.
For more information about Coach Pep Agosto’s inspiring work with underprivileged children and the Pep Weightlifting project, you can explore the following articles:
- “From Garbage to Goals” on GMA Network: Read Article
- “Weightlifting Uplifts Underprivileged Kids” on CNN Philippines: Read Article
These articles provide further insight into Coach Pep’s dedication to both the sport of weightlifting and the betterment of disadvantaged youth in the Philippines. His efforts are not only transforming the lives of these children but also contributing to the growth of weightlifting in the country.
Gcash for donations: 09088731516
Richard Pep Agosto
Coach Peps Instagram: Drachir Ostoga (@jerker_pep) •
Shoes, clothes and other lifting related stuff are encouraged too! Send him a message.
