Categories
Jonathan C. Gadbilao - February 2007
We met Jonathan C. Gadbilao at the NPC Excalibur Bodybuilding & Figure Championships held December 2, 2006 at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Culver City, California. On stage, he stood out because he was just ripped and cut for the show. He competed in the Middleweight class at 170 lbs. Another Filipino-American athlete in the making.
Yes. That's right. It's easy to spot a Filipino among other Asian and non-Asian competitors on stage, which was the case that night. A very gentleman and a very cordial person to talk to, here's his story he wants to share with Pinoymuscle to inspire those who have dreams and ambitions like him.
Jon was born in Manila. In 1995, Jon received his Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Sto. Tomas in Manila. He took up Computer Technology for a year at EARN Computer Center in Manila in 1996 and was given the Best Student Award. He immigrated to the US in 2000 and made Phoenix, Arizona his home ever since.
That same year, he earned another degree in Sports Nutrition and Human Kinetics from the Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix, Arizona. The next year, he earned another degree in Dental Hygiene at Phoenix College and ended up working as a Dental Hygienist and Periodontal Nutritionist. He also received another diploma in Dental Radiology from Phoenix College in 2001 and earned him another Best Student Award.
Jon opened his own retail store business called One Stop Nutrition selling sports supplements - vitamins and herbs in Phoenix, Arizona just last January, 2006. The business is doing very well. It has a health bar section with coffee and smoothie, a free Internet cafe with Plasma TV, a place where you can mingle with other health buffs and what-nots.
Jon is very fortunate to train with Rusty Jeffers, an IFBB Pro athlete and with Jason Chambers, also a NPC champion who helps in preparing his posing, dieting and training before a show. Posing comes very natural to him because eversince he was a child, he had always wanted to be on stage. As a child he was into painting and drawing in Arts. He actually won several awards including an International Exhibit award in Japan for 2 consecutive years.
Jon would like to write a motivational book someday, sort of like an Anthony Robbins book. He also would like to start his own gym in Phoenix by next year. He would like to continue competing in bodybuilding. He is looking to win the NPC Nationals next year to get his PRO card. A PRO card in the US entitles you to receive cash prize in competitions (the biggest ones are the Arnold Classics and the Mr. Olympia - one that awards $250,000) and more publicity for him and for his business. Amateur competitions in the US only entitles you to trophies and some publicity.
Awards
- 2003, March - Western Regional USA, Phoenix, Arizona 1st place - Novice and 1st place - Heavyweight (160 lbs)
- 2003, July - Arizona Open, Phoenix, Arizona 1st place - Middleweight (160 lbs)
- 2005, July - Arizona Open, Phoenix, Arizona 1st place - Middleweight (172 lbs)
- 2005, July - LA Championship, Los Angeles, California 3rd place - Middleweight (172 lbs)
- 2006, December - Excalibur Bodybuilding Championships, Los Angeles, California
Jon is an inspiration and a role model to all Filipino athletes and all wanna-be's. His hard work and drive to succeed, shows in everything he does from his creative childhood, through his formal years in education and now his career in bodybuilding and fitness. There are 4 D's he wants to share to all who would listen:
Dream, Direction, Determination and Discipline. These are the main ingredients of his will to succeed. Pinoymuscle is proud to have someone from the US motivating our Filpino athletes on these pages.
Jonathan is also a Contest Preparatory Consultant together with his wife Robin who placed 2nd at the 2005 Western Regional Womens Figure in Phoenix, Arizona. He can be contacted at (602) 992-6213 or visit the website www.onestopnutrition.com.