An Interview with Maryann Pangelinan
By: GBB
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For most people being fit means being well and looking good. Women nowadays are starting to compete in more sports and physical activities. They also experienced a sense of well-being and fulfillment. This year Maryann took first place in the women's GNPC 2007 fitness and later traveled afterwards to Hawaii and won 2nd place in the Hawaii's annual 2007 Paradise Cup contest. Thats very impresive for a first time competitor. Her inspiring story remind us all that every woman can achieve a healthy and fit body no matter what comes in their way. Here's MaryAnn up close and personal.
GBB:
You were overweight at one point; can you tell us the story about this part of your life?
MaryAnn:
I was a proud 180 pound Chamorro woman. Like any other island girl, I have the same battles in dealing with weight. The fiestas, the rosaries, the novenas, the weddings, the anniversaries, the birthdays, the Bar-B-Qs, the every reason we can possibly have and make, for that matter, to cook up a storm. I've come to terms that I was using "culture" as an excuse. The truth, I just have bad eating habits. Of course it doesn't help that our style of cooking now a days is no where near close to the way our ancestors prepared food-not to mention the fast food restaurants that makes everything so convenient. Honestly, I like the new wave of cooking, Lone Star's famous bread, Burger King, Shirley's fried rice-should I continue.I accepted that food is the center piece of social gathering using it to come together and visit each other. I just had to learn to make better choices and not make a big deal out of it.
My family didn't make it easy on me when I lost my first 40 pounds. "Are you on drugs," my cousins would ask. The lack of support from people that mattered to me became devastating. "I liked you better when you where chunky." "You are still going to the gym?" You're still dieting?" These were the typical comments that confused me. I simply wanted my family to understand that it was important to me to lose weight and maintain that weight loss. I just wanted to look good and feel better about myself.
Being over weight, along with drama in my awful relationships with men in the past, took a toll on my self-esteem. Shying away from social functions, unwilling to dress up, fix my hair, and wear make-up became common to me. The turning point was in Macy's Department Store shopping for new outfits because I was no longer a size 6. Comfortably fitting into a size 18 was a reality check. I said to myself, "La'na Maryann, lose weight fan, you're getting too damn big." All along my mom on the side telling me I still look good. For 2 years my self-esteem remained questionable.
GBB:
What got you into fitness/figure?
MaryAnn:
I started to play with weights while in college, trying to do cardio and resistance training hoping that my intensions will lead me into better shape. It wasn't until watching Guam's 2006 Bodybuilding show when I wanted to take my weight lost endeavors into a competitive level. Quite honestly, I never thought I had it, but of course as I started lifting and training more I had a few inspiring compliments. I still don't believe that I have come this far in such a short time.
GBB:
What's the difference between fitness/figure and bodybuilding?
MaryAnn:
There is no difference. It's all bodybuilding. I'm just not a bodybuilder. Just like a sprinter who trains to build his/her body-that's bodybuilding, but he/she is not a bodybuilder in the way society labels it. However, to clarify things; figure is a combination of elegance, poise, and femininity which is used along with strength training to develop a well balanced muscular physique. To simply put it, a very athletic, conditioned female with all the feminine qualities. The confusion lies in when a female shows great condition and the public chooses to see it as too masculine. This is often the "excuse" people give when their ego is in check, lol! There is in no way in this new millennium a figure competitor is too masculine. Trust your eyes and understand that a figure competitor is a finely tuned female, nothing more. Masculine? No. Muscular? Of course. It's part of the sport.
GBB:
How is it like competing for the first time?
MaryAnn:
I was scared and still scared to go on bigger stages. Because of the nature of the sport, I have to pretend that I have confidence, that I really believe in myself. Like Tony Morrison says, "You have to put on another hat. You are a professional. You are here to exhibit what the sport is about." So, lol, I pretend a lot. I'm not going to lie, my self-esteem is still questionable today. I have deep scars that take time to heal. I know that everyday it gets better. I'm proud of myself and that's all that matters.
GBB:
What motivates you?
MaryAnn:
I've traveled to many different countries and found that we are not any different in talent and caliber. I came to realize though, that persistence and consistency are the missing ingredients. If I can be persistent and consistent long enough, I might just prove to Guam and help our community understand that anyone is capable of reaching their dreams regardless of background, e.g. ethnic, sports, business, or education. This is my motivation.
GBB:
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
MaryAnn:
I dedicate my wins to Tony Morrison and his family. The support they have given me has been endless. Their countless accomplishments and background in sports made it easy for me to open up to them about the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges of training for a competition. They don't realize that their simple acknowledgment of my hard work fed my fire to become Guam's champion. Thank you and I love you all.
GBB:
Thank you Maryann for this detailed interview and we wish you luck on all your future endeavors
Bio:
Current Status:
National Level Figure Competitor & Guam's 2007 Fitness/figure Champion
Competition History:
2nd Place (qualify for nationals): 2007 Paradise Cup-Honolulu, HI (NPC, National Qualifier)
1st and Overall: 2007 Guam Nationals (IFBB)
Height: 5'5''
Competition Weight: 125-128lbs.
Years Training: 18 months
Years Competing: 2 months
Diet Style: What ever Tony Morrison tells me to eat.
Workout Regimen: What ever Tony Morrison tells me to lift. (I know it sounds funny but it's true)
Education:
University of Guam-Post Graduate (Admin & Supervision)
University of Hawaii-Bachelor's in Education
Current Occupation:
Health & Fitness Consultant
Certified High School Teacher
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