I was always a bodybuilding fan thanks to my father's influence. He was one hell of a Spaniard with Popeye-sized forearms and could knock out people twice his size and beat them hands down at arm wrestling. He bought me my first Muscle Magazine with Rey & Mike Mentzer featured while Frank Zane was the reigning Mr. Olympia. I would watch every contest held in the Philippines from Mr. Asia to Mr. Universe with Lou Ferrigno as guest poser. I was always pretty athletic as a kid playing football and doing field events such as shot put and discuss throw but I was always on the fat side so I never really saw any muscle until recently when I started shedding fat.

It gives me a personal sense of fulfillment which nobody can take away.