GUAM’S BEST BODIES TAKE TO THE STAGE

By Karisma Tupaz

The 2025 NPC Guam National Bodybuilding Championship brought together Guam’s top athletes for a night of intense competition, dedication, and community. Strength, discipline, and spirit were on full display as competitors showcased their hard-earned physiques on stage Saturday night.

The competition kicked off with the men’s divisions setting the tone for an electrifying evening. Athletes showcased a wide range of physiques. From muscular and defined to sleek and athletic. Each bringing their own unique style and intensity to the stage.

Jerome Diyco stood out early, dominating both the Men’s Bodybuilding and Men’s Classic Physique divisions with his powerful stage presence and confidence. He came to do his best, and that he did.

Diyco shared that this win is a stepping stone toward earning his Pro Card in the years to come. Alongside him, Ian Milan impressed the judges and audience alike, earning the top spot in Men’s Physique with a balanced mix of power and stage presence that showcased the depth of talent in Guam’s men’s bodybuilding scene.

Women’s Divisions

The women’s divisions delivered just as much fire — if not more — with athletes radiating confidence, power, and undeniable stage presence. Maria San Nicolas earned the Bikini Overall title, capturing the crowd with her striking presentation and command of the stage. As she stepped onto the spotlight, her thoughts consisted of, “I made it this far. I gotta just own it, own the stage, do my walk, and claim the prize.”

She came to win, and she did. When asked about her inspiration, she shared, “My kids – everything that I do is now for them. My husband, too. Without the support of my husband and my family, this wouldn’t have been possible. Most of all, just God. I have a purpose here on Earth. I’m still trying to find that purpose, and I feel like this is part of my calling.” But she’s not done yet. When asked what’s next, she laughed, “First, my favorite foods. Then maybe the WNBF next month. We’ll see, gotta keep pushing.”

Meanwhile, Nicole Raqueno dazzled the audience in the Women’s Wellness division, earning the overall title with a routine that blended strength, elegance, and undeniable confidence. From the moment she stepped out, her polished posing and vibrant energy captivated the audience. She moved with purpose and dedication, lighting up the stage with a confident smile that never wavered.

“I just wanted to make everyone proud: my coaches, my friends, my family who showed up today,” she said. For Nicole, the victory was never just her own. “There’s a saying, ‘It takes a whole village,’ and truly no success is won alone. It wasn’t just me up there, but everyone who supported me,” she shared. Her presence didn’t just earn her a trophy — it left a lasting impression on everyone watching.

The 2025 NPC Guam Nationals was more than just a competition — it was an incredible showcase of dedication and talent across every division. From seasoned veterans to promising newcomers, athletes delivered performances that kept the crowd riled up.

Judge Terry “The Bull” praised the competitors’ courage and preparation. “The courage of these athletes, to be able to stand in front of an audience and present themselves, that really impressed me,” he said. “The athletes were well-conditioned, well-prepared, and they put on a great show. Every single division stood out to me.”

Beyond the winners, competitors like Barry Fine, Zachary Criss, Lauren Ashley Baluyot, and many others brought energy, skill, and heart to the stage, making the event a memorable celebration of talent and perseverance.

Behind every champion is a coach who pushes, guides, and motivates, and Coach Mike Duay was a driving force behind many of the night’s top performances. He emphasized that success in bodybuilding goes beyond just physical appearance.

“Physique without the mind is nothing,” he said. “They had to pose for hours, eat plain chicken and rice, and grind through cardio day in and day out. But at the end of the day, it’s all hard work.” He stressed that mental toughness is just as critical as physical conditioning.

His role goes beyond training: “Making sure they’re ready mentally before they hit the stage is just as important as their physical prep.” Finally, he added, “I just wanna say I’m so proud of my athletes and all the hard work they’ve put in, all the hours in the gym, all the dieting, just everything that happens outside the environment. I just wanna say I’m so proud of them and all their hard work — and on to the next.” 

The 2025 NPC Guam Nationals was more than muscle and medals — it was an electric night of support, sportsmanship, and friendly competition. Athletes cheered each other on, both onstage and backstage, creating a community built on respect and encouragement.

Powerful moments like Jason Lee Cruz competing despite lupus and Jerome Diyco’s emotional win showed this event was about resilience, brotherhood, and shared triumphs. It was a true celebration of strength and spirit.