• Events

The Gemmalyn Crosby Sports Festival (GCSF), which will hold the third Philippine Fitness & Wellness Expo on September 3 at the SMX Convention Center, has announced that all bodybuilders regardless of past affiliations can compete at all GCSF events.

For the past two GCSF events, Crosby has partnered with the Philippine Committee of Bodybuilding Federation (PCBF) and Crosby, as the first IFBB Pro representing the Philippines, has supported the PCBF with her knowledge and real life experiences as an international competitor and IFBB Pro.

Crosby is saddened by alleged obsessive control issues witnessed by many bodybuilders in the Philippines who have been getting banned from joining PCBF events if they compete in any other events such as the GCSF.

“I really want to join, or even just to visit as a guest, but we have been told that it’s prohibited. Otherwise, we will be banned from the PCBF organization,” said a bodybuilder who asked not to be named.

Another female bodybuilder admits that Crosby invited her to be a judge in the GCSF event, but she has received information that those who will join the GCSF event will not be allowed to participate in the Shawn Rhoden PCBF event in October.

“This is the reason why sports in the Philippines does not progress. I have big plans for all Philippine Sport Organizations who partner with GCSF and the future is bright for all athletes. Because of my love for this sport, I now reside full time in the Philippines to give every athlete the opportunity to become internationally recognized without fear of getting banned or fined by organizations that try to control their competitors," said Crosby.

Ms. Regine Tolentino, a partner of the GCSF, only has good words for Crosby, who, like her, is a fitness model and actress. Crosby is likewise a certified sports nutrition specialist and a book author.

“Gemmalyn makes me proud to be a Filipino, because she keeps on coming back home to share her talents, her resources, everything she has to her . She truly wants to promote the sport in our country,” says Tolentino.

Former junior bantamweight and bantamweight titleholder in boxing, Gerry Peñalosa also praises for Crosby, a mixed martial artist and certified personal trainer.

“She has shown selflessness in her passion to promote fitness and Wellness in the Philippines,” says Peñalosa, who has also been a partner of GCSF for the past two years, with the 2015 event attended by over 2,000 participants and guests.

Despite the recent news, Crosby is confident that the 2016 Filipino Fitness and Wellness Expo will be the biggest event of the year, giving all athletes international exposure and recognition. The multi-sport event will feature the best, as well as promote the latest trends in the fitness, sports and wellness industry. Athletes, sports enthusiasts and celebrity guests from all around the Philippines and the world will participate in and grace the event.

Events include Filipino Martial Arts & Arnis Championships, Bodybuilding Championships, Karatedo Championships, Arnis Best of the Best of the Philippines, Filipino Martial Arts, Table Tennis Games and Exhibitions, Yoga Classes, Boxing, Zumba and much more.

Tickets are available at SM Tickets (www.smtickets.com). For booth info and other inquiries, visit the website atwww.philippinefitnessexpo.com or call 09226882982. The GCSF’s Instagram is @philippinefitnessexpo and on Facebook page PhilippineFitnessandWellnessExpo.