Fitness

NATIONAL BODYBUILDING BACK SINCE 2019

Balecha, Chargualaf top male and female performers

Published on

July 23, 2022

GSPN

By Jay Leon Guerrero

The ballroom was packed!

Supporters flocked the RIHGA Royal Laguna Resort to witness the 2022 NPC Guam National Bodybuilding Championships presented by Michelob Ultra and Paradise Fitness Center Saturday night.

Runell Balecha (men’s overall classic title), Joshua Cantara (men’s overall physique title) and Zoey Chargualaf (women’s overall) celebrated wins in their respective categories.

From the seating areas to the doorways and the hallways, fans chanted for their favorite contestant. The men took the stage first with Bulecha winning the bantamweight category and later crowned the overall champion.

Cantara advanced to win the overall classic physique division after being crowned the category B division winner.

After an intermission, the ladies took the stage for the finale. Chargualaf won the Bikini A category to stamp her ticket to the overall finals.

The judges called upon Chargualaf and Bikini B division winner Brittany Borja to center stage as the judges deliberated. “It was incredible to be up there, all the girls looked amazing,” said Chargualaf.

“I’m blessed to have great people to guide me. From my nutrition coach Steve Oshiro, to my posing coach Jeralyn Mesa and most especially my dad (Joseph Chargualaf) who had been training me for the last two years,” said Chargualaf.

For most competitors, this marked their first competition but the results of hard work were displayed on stage.

Leanne Biasa won the master bikini division and was grateful for the opportunity. “This is my first time competing. I came here to get on stage and that was my win,” said Biasa.

“I dedicated seven days a week, bringing three of my kids with me to train for this. I felt I got to the best shape of my life and it felt so awesome,” said Biasa.

In the men’s heavyweight bodybuilding division, Jason Cruz worked his way onto the stage for the 20 year in a row, this time taking top honors.