Pinay dominates Fitness Universe

MANILA, Philippines - A Filipina multi-sport athlete has conquered not just one, but two major categories in the just-concluded Fitness Universe in Miami Beach, Florida, Sunday morning, Manila time.

Loujen Saldo, a former rugby, soccer and muay thai athlete, won the overall women's physique championship at the prestigious event organized my Musclemania, besting more known competitors from all over the world. Saldo won the Slimmer's World Great Bodies competition last year, earning her an entry into the fitness competition. 

Knowing she also had a shot at the bikini competition, Saldo, who had won the overall championships at the inaugural Muscle Beach contest in Asia in Boracay just three weeks ago, raised additional funds through sponsors for the entry fee and other costs for the Ms. Bikini Universe tilt, which she also won. 

“Thank you so much to all the people who supported and watched the event.

‘I am grateful and blessed that after the sacrifices I made, no matter how hard it is, I made it until the end,” said Saldo, a former beauty contest winner. “I am thankful to God for all the blessings, for giving me a supportive family and specially for always guiding and supporting me.”

The week before leaving for the US, Saldo was hard-pressed to raise her pocket money and funds for her costume and other necessary expenses. But thanks to the help of GooZam and prominent members of the Filipino community, she was able to gather everything she needed and focus on the competition. 

Contestants are divided according to height – short and tall – and the winners for each category then compete with one another for the overall title. Saldo won her category and was immediately thrust into the overall competition for each category. Therefore, she actually won four awards in total.

“Traveling alone to a far, far away place to compete and to represent the country without any assistance is so hard and I am so happy how these people help me in everything,” Saldo said on her Facebook page. “Let’s help, inspire and motivate people to meet their dreams come true! Be Strong. Be Brave. Believe in yourself and love!” 

Saldo is now eligible to vie for an international license in the US and compete professionally. She returns to the Philippines this week.