Alejo R. Manuel - April 2005

Fri, 01 Apr 2005 23:16:47 +0800

Alejo R. Manuel, also known as "Choi" to family and friends and people close to him, is a true athlete in every sense of the word.

A swimmer turned bodybuilder, Choi went to college at San Sebastian College Manila on a full swimming scholarship. He made record-breaking history for his alma mater as a varsity swimmer in every event and meet with other universities and colleges throughout the Philippines. Even in high school at the University of the East High School Department in Manila, Choi has been the favorite among the swimmers competing for the gold.

In March, 2000, his attention turned to bodybuilding. The barangay captain of Quiapo, Manila where he was residing at that time brought a bench press machine to the sports complex and let him use it. He motivated himself in training with weights, together with the other youths in the complex. He went to see bodybuilding competitions and read physique and bodybuilding magazines in order to educate himself on muscle development. Needless to say, the discipline, drive and determination he had as a swimmer, were the same traits he used in order for him to achieve his goals in bodybuilding. Now at the age of 24, he is ready to compete big time. He has been winning several amateur titles when he started competing in 2001.

Alejo also has that winning smile, besides having a great physique he developed since his days as a swimmer. As a matter of fact, he won a special award at the Mr.& Ms. Philippines - Luzon 2005 held last month in Naga City, Camarines Sur. He was awarded Mr. Close-Up Smile by the major sponsor of the event, Unilever, together with Angie Altavano as the Ms. Close-Up Smile. It was a surprise call that evening since most bodybuilding events don't usually have this prize.

Choi trains hard at his own gym - the Laurence Gym located on Roosevelt Avenue by Quezon Avenue in Quezon City. He recently put up this gym in July, 2004 because of his love for the sport and also to focus more on his training. Now, his membership is growing by leaps and bounds because of his friendly relationship with the people coming in to work out. Needless to say, Choi is doing well as a businessman also. He also does Interior Design and Curtain Decoration consulting on the side as part of the family business his sister left behind when she migrated to United States.

Choi also owns 5 pitbull terrier. He loves his dogs. He has been breeding and training them as a hobby.

At 5' 9" in height, Choi usually competes in the lightweight category. His best condition so far was when he competed in the Junior Division in the Ironman 2003 at 153 lbs. He's also competed in the heavyweight and open categories. His off season weight takes him to 235 lbs. He carbs up mostly on rice and pasta to gain weight and diets 3 months before a contest diet on high protein white chicken and low carbs.

Choi has his eye on the International scene - the Musclemania Asia as part of his goal in bodybuilding. He hopes someday to bring home the bacon so his family can be proud of him.

Pinoymuscle is proud of this athlete now for bringing quality to bodybuilding in the Philippines. We're all behind you Choi and Good luck!

Awards

• 2001, September - Ginoong Luzon, Lightweight 6th place Naga City, Camarines Sur
• 2002, June - Ironman Junior Open weight 2nd place, Camp Aguinaldo Theatre, Quezon City
• 2002, May - Mr. La Union - Champion Lightweight, San Fernando, La Union
• 2002, May - Man of Mandaluyong - Heavyweight and Overall Champion, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila
• 2003, May - Barangay Onse - Openweight 4th place San Juan, Metro Manila
• 2003, December - Ironman Junior Champion, Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila
• 2003, August - Ginoong Antipolo Openweight 5th place, Antipolo City, Rizal
• 2003, May - Man of Mandaluyong Lightweight 2nd place, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila
• 2002, February - Mr. Valentine PBSF - Lightweight 4th place, Manila
• 2004, November - Mr. Paranaque - Lightweight 4th place, Paranaque City, Metro Manila
• 2005, January - Ginoong Tondo, Openweight 3rd place, Tondo, Manila
• 2005, March - Mr. Luzon Philippines Openweight 2nd place, Naga City, Camarines Sur

Alejo Manuel graduated with a bachelors degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at the San Sebastian College Manila in 2001. He can be reached at his cell phone (0927) 372-8627.