Five deserving men and women out of 15 finalists, who all had undergone remarkable transformations after taking up a healthier lifestyle, were crowned winners at the recent 2012 Fitness First New You Achievement Awards (NYAA) held at the Unilab Bayanihan Center on July 19.
The overall winner Haide Acuña came from Fitness First Cebu. In January this year, she had capped off a 2nd place finish among women in the Bataan Death March 160k race — the longest solo road race in our country that retraces the infamous Death March route during WWII. Now, she is proudly five months pregnant with her first child. She was also the winner in the Sports Category which recognized finalists who underwent a rigorous training regimen to prepare for a sports competition or a physical event. The Health Category acknowledged contenders who were able to improve their well-being. Richard Mitra, winner in the Health Category, was diagnosed at an early age with hyperthyroidism but overcame his illness through hard work and determination. Winning the title in the Shape Category was Cristina del Rosario, who lost 30 lbs. and is now ready to compete in her first running marathon. The Strength Category included those who improved their endurance to withstand arduous exercise. This year’s winner, Pure Lozada, is a 63- year-old retired government employee who successfully battled obesity and stroke to attain fitness and strength. Lastly, Fitness First also recognized the outstanding accomplishments of its own employees through the Staff Category. Bataan Death March female champion Lieza Valerio was adjudged Staff Category winner.
They underwent months of workouts and balance diet with the help of their respective personal trainers in Fitness First to qualify and be fit on their respective categories. The competition that tested their determination to have healthier lifestyle is divided into five categories with three contestants each includes Shape (Joel Guinto, Maria Armel Torre, and Cristina Del Rosario), Sports (Haide Acuña, Gerardine Kun, and Alejandro Paez), Health (Maricar dela Cruz, Margarette Guzman and Richard Mitra), Strength (Pure Lozada, Rosalinda Tajonera and Bert Tajonera), and Staff (Lieza Valerio, Archie Gabaleo, and Mary Rose Guese).
It was a night filled with dreams that came true. There were fifteen of them, already achieving something that they believed in. Every one there was a proof of dedication, hard work and discipline. All of them are winners already!
The New You Achievement Awards is an annual celebration but in truth, everyday in 18 Fitness First clubs in the Philippines, we celebrate the stories of our members; stories of overcoming personal challenges, emerging better versions of themselves, proving something to themselves and inspiring others. Weight loss isn’t just about inches and pounds. It can mean eligibility to donate blood, ability to have a baby, or staying on the road to recovery. It can mean being an inspiration and even a teacher to others, improved relationships due to a new-found confidence, or better performance in sports and life. It can also mean independence.
This year’s panel of judges included acclaimed fashion designer Frederick Peralta, film director Joey Reyes, NYAA 2010 Overall Winner Ivan Camasura, Fitness First Fitness training manager Joann Santos and Fitness First Head Nutritionist Rency Caga-anan.
