What’s up strong strong peeps! Your friendly neighborhood meathead Carlos here to give you the low down on this year’s biggest competitions is back at it.
The first Sunday of December will go down in history as the first year back of the heaviest, toughest show in the country. 2023’s Philippines Strongest Man.
In this ultimate test of power and resilience first comeback after the pandemic, multiple series of hardcore qualifying rounds were set up all over the country
Qualified athletes from every corner of the archipelago gather to vie for the prestigious title of PH Strongest Man. It is a battleground where months, even years of arduous training get to be expressed and only the most conditioned, healthy, and prepared individuals will rise above the rest.
As the competition unfolded, the sheer dedication and iron will of these contenders became evident, their sweat and determination pouring into each heavy-ass classic strongman event Throughout the year, these athletes have honed their bodies and minds, pushing the boundaries of what is physically and mentally possible. Now, their efforts were put to the ultimate test, as they compete in a series of grueling challenges that demand not only raw power but also strategic prowess and unwavering resolve.
Let us dig in on what transpired this year in the scope of strength by going through what the events of this year were. A test of will and leg strength with max reps squatting to pin as the first event with some competitive weight classes going as far as getting 21 reps with 160kg under 90 seconds.
(Llewelyn Eustaquio placing 3rd in this event and 5th overall)
The one-arm circus dumbbell press challenged coordination, balance, and shoulder power with different ways to hoist the dumbbell up. It was very entertaining to see a balance of technicians and brute static monsters; different disciplines of pressing on display for all to see.
(Priest Villanueva, back-to-back PH Strongest Man u80kg, making light work of 50kg)
The third event tests endurance, work capacity, and cardio with the need for intense stability and grace under pressure. The classic yoke walk. This year marks the heaviest yoke walk in competition in PH strongman history with the open category having to stand up and walk a total of 20 meters with 380kg. Very excited to see how the current roster interprets the weights for nationals getting heavier and heavier as the years go by and how it will affect their training styles.
(Dr. Janlo Labayen in his best showing, placing 2nd u105kg. Stay healthy Doc!)
(Retsam Khanky 2nd place u70kg and future u70kg Champ XD)
(Michael Padua Filipino Strongman representing Strength Culture HK u90 Champ)
Last but not least the greatest equalizer and a deciding point for some contenders and even the cause of great upsets this year is the Atlas Stone series, a mainstay event for every PH Strongest Man national since 2016. Some athletes by this time were already spent, some nursing old recurring injuries, some past the breaking point. This last and final 5th event greatly shuffled the odds for every contender in the running. Retsam from 4th place overall before Stones jumped up to bag silver in the very competitive under 70kg division. It goes to show that sometimes Strongman isn’t about being the absolute strongest but the healthiest, most well-rounded athlete on the roster. Congratulations Mr.Khanky!
Aside from the usual suspects, I’m mostly excited with up-and-comers like 19-year-old Nathaniel Mendoza bagging a big second-place finish in his first-ever year of competing in a strength sport and the top 3 finishes in the Novice u90 division and the Novice Open. For sure the old dogs will have their hands full in the following years as these young pups play catch up and catch up i’m sure they will.
What a time to be alive, strength sports and niche pockets of sportsmanship are still alive and kicking in the Philippines. I am honored, humbled, and grateful to be a part of 40 athletes who fought tooth and nail to belong and dominate the fight against gravity yet again 4 years after winning my first title. I salute you Philippines’ Strongest Men!
That’s all the reminiscing for now I’m stoked. Here are the official results for the podium finishes for anyone wanting to be in the know.
