Baguio Boy wins big in International Bodybuilding competition

Baguio-born and raised Leejan Raphael G. Nacnac emerged victorious with two gold medals and a bronze medal during the fifth staging of the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF)-Philippines held September 17 in the City of Tayabas, Quezon Province.

Leejan Raphael was adjudged champion in the Men’s Physique Juniors – Medium category as well as champion in the Men’s Bodybuilding Juniors category. He placed fourth with a bronze medal in the Men’s Physique Open – Medium category.

The WNBF-Philippines event is an international bodybuilding competition that highlights fitness, wellness, and its advocacy for drug-free sports, according to its official social media page.

Leejan Raphael hopes this success will promote natural bodybuilding in Baguio City for longevity and an avenue for healthy competition among athletes.

“Natural bodybuilding refers to a bodybuilding practice that prohibits the use of performance enhancing drugs such as but are not limited to: anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, stimulants and diuretics; all of which have detrimental effects on human health and in some cases, life threatening consequences,” the bodybuilding champ stated.

Leejan Raphael completed his formative education from SPED Center, Baguio City and the Philippine Science High School – Cordillera Administrative Region Campus.
His mother, Tina Nacnac, is an emerging local artist actively participating in local and national art exhibits and is also an active member of the Pasakalye Group of Artists in Baguio. His father, General Joel Nacnac, on the other hand is a PMA graduate and is currently in active military duty directing the AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict. – JMPS