The Philippine Committee of Bodybuilding and Fitness (PCBF) recently issued a ban on the Gemmalyn Crosby Sports Festival (GCSF), which will hold the third Philippine Fitness & Wellness Expo on September 3 at the SMX Convention Center.
“For the past two GCSF events we had, PCBF was our partner,” says Gemmalyn Crosby, a certified instructor of Filipino Combat Systems and the only IFBB Pro representing the Philippines via the Philippine League of Bodybuilding and Fitness. She has been part of the PCBF for 3 years.
Crosby is saddened by the issue as all bodybuilders in the Philippines have become afraid to join her event because they will be banned in joining other PCBF events.
“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 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 will not be allowed to participate in the Shawn Rhoden event in October.
“This is the reason why sports in the Philippines does not progress, because of these issues. I am based in Florida, but because of my love for this sport, I went back here to Manila to promote bodybuilding and then they will ban us because they said my organization and event are not sanctioned by the PCBF,” said an emotional Crosby, a Muay Thai and Kick Boxing instructor.
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 prouder to be a Filipino, because she keeps on coming back home to share her talents, her resources, everything she has to her kababayan. I think she only wants to promote the sport in our country,” says Tolentino.
Former junior bantamweight and bantamweight titleholder in boxing Gerry Peñalosa is also all praises for Crosby, a Mixed Martial Artist Crosby who holds an Advanced Personal Training Certification.
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“She has shown selflessness in her passion to promote fitness and bodybuilding in the Philippines. She deserves an explanation at least,” says Peñalosa, who has also been a partner of the GCSF for the past two years, with the 2015 event attended by over 2,000 participants and guests.
Despite the sad news, Crosby announced that the GCSF will push through. 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 at www.philippinefitnessexpo.com or call 09226882982. The GCSF’s Instagram is @philippinefitnessexpo and on Facebook page PhilippineFitnessandWellnessExpo.