PETE ISIP

Pete Isip, winner of the Bantam weight division of the Superbody 2001 which was held on June 30, 2001 at the Lincoln theater, Miami, Florida.

A native of Belleville, New Jersey, this 23 year old restaurant supervisor at one of the Marriot Hotels is one of the best we have seen and yes, people he has Filipino lineage. He is also an assistant wrestling coach for a local NJ High School.

Following is the interview carried out by the Ironpinoy representative in the US, Oscar Gan.

What's your height and weight?
About 5'4. On season, depending what weight class, below 150 usually 140. Off-season, about 155-160 lbs.

What are your parent's name and where are they from?
My mother's maiden name is Leonilda Palao and my father's name is Alfonso Isip. Both are from the Phillipines, province of Pampanga. My mom is from Lubao and my dad is from Macabebe. They love to watch me in competition, but hate me when I'm dieting.

Do you have any brothers or sisters?
I have one brother Jay. He's sort of my trainer and always travels with me whenever I compete. I owe him a lot because he and my parents keep my head straight. He's 19 and he's a big boy (muscle wise). He said he would try to compete… maybe one day. If you need a phat fade (hair cut) go to him.

How did you get started in Bodybuilding?
I was an extremely overweight child and teenager standing at 5'3" weighing 215 lbs. (People used to call me "TATTOO from Fantasy Island" and some even made me do the "truffle shuffle"). I started "dieting" in grammar school and that process never really worked out, so I gave up. In high school, I joined the wrestling team and was destroyed match after match because of my weight, but I kept on going. I reached 215lbs in my sophomore year and winning a match became even harder. That was when I decided enough is enough. I dropped to 171 lbs. to improve my wrestling record. That was also when I figured it was time to lose the fat. I started working out in the high school gym and started to develop muscles that you could actually see through weights and cardio. After a while, I wanted something else to do as a challenge, so why not bodybuilding?

Why did you go into Bodybuilding?
Bodybuilding is tough, both mentally and physically. I love the way we can mold and shape our bodies to what people see before their eyes.

What are your goals in Bb?
Just to improve my physique and presentation every time I compete and hopefully become recognized even become a PRO one day.

Where do you see yourself 10years from now?
I'll be a corporate executive for some company, with a great family, a phat Christmas tree with bells, and living the bodybuilding lifestyle. Man all I need to add is a white picket fence.

Do you play any other sports?
Sports wise I love to play everything, but I love wrestling and love to coach the sport. I'm not going to lie to you and tell you I was the greatest of all wrestlers, but I was decent and progressed as the years passed. The saying is- there are those who can wrestle and those who can coach. $500 dollars down ..I'll still take you down.

What was your first Bodybuilding competition and when?
My first Bodybuilding competition was ANBC show in NJ… very small show… I had no clue what I was doing. I didn't diet, no competition tan, just baby oil (which made my sweat drip like crazy). Horrible, but a learning experience. I remember when they said most muscular, I thought they meant what I thought was my body part, so I hit a side chest. I thought I'd never do another competition again.

What motivates you?
The willingness to learn more things about your body, the food you eat, the way to train, etc. You just learn more and more every time you do a show and the other bodybuilders are extremely helpful. Also the fact that I was the "fat kid" who people used to make fun of motivates me to push even harder. (I was still friends with everyone, but I just grinned at the remarks) The main factor to my motivation was from wrestling. I believe there is no other sport that is mentally or physically harder than wrestling and it helped me train for bodybuilding. God and family give me strength.

What's your philosophy on training?
Train hard and intense and the results will follow. I like to change my workout every 4-6 weeks.

Where do you train?
I train at a small gym in North Arlington, NJ called Synergy. Has everything I need and doesn't get too packed.

What do you do for supplementation?
All natural sources of foods like chicken, beef, fish, veggies, fruits, whole-grain and so on, but if I must, I will supplement a protein shake or protein bar just to get a meal in. I have never used supplements, like creatine and things of that sort, but I do not criticize people that do. Some people have to do what they have to do.

What do you think about the drug situation in bodybuilding?
Drugs, meaning steroids? Well my choice in life was to compete Naturally and some others may choose differently. I will not criticize people because of their decisions. Those competitors have to go through the same grueling dieting and training we natural bodybuilder's have to. Sure they may have the thickness and muscularity edge through drugs, but you still have to admire their determination. Do not judge and you won't be judged.

What's your diet like?
Off-season: Mostly high protein, moderate-high complex carbs, and moderate fats with an occasional splurge. Pre-contest: I keep the same diet (minus the splurge) until about 8-6 weeks out then monitor myself. Around 4 weeks out, I'll drop a good amount of carbs, depending on how I look and/or weigh, but keep the protein high. Things tend to change every time and I'm still young and learning. I am also open to any advice someone is willing to hand out.

Did anyone inspire you to be a bodybuilder?
Not really. I just figured it was something that would challenge me.

Who is your favorite bodybuilder?
From what I have seen so far I'd have to say Kevin Levrone and Stan McQuay.

What don't you like about the sport and how would you change it?
I love this sport because of the camaraderie and friendship behind the scenes. Although I have noticed in some organizations people play too much politics and too many negative vibes at the shows. Musclemania shows are the best ones I have been to because everyone is friendly and helpful. I didn't expect Pro's to actually speak to me, but they did. They were all like one big family when they got together, laughing and joking, just having a good time. If we can just eliminate the negativity and shadiness in some organizations and just relax, then it will be fine. Ewwww..I forgot to mention DIETING is grueling, wish I could change that. Some kin of other bodybuilders were even saying "Someone ought to write a book about "The other side of body building."

What are your best and worst qualities as a person?
Best quality would be that I am disciplined, resolute, and have a big heart. I am a great people person…always trying to show good humor and make people laugh. Worst qualities- sometimes anal…sometimes things just have to be in its place, need a little more confidence, I expect too much from some people sometimes.

What is the most important thing in your life?
The most important things in my life are Family, Friends, and God. If I do not have the three I would rather be dead. A loving family and religious guide are things people need to keep straight and learn the right way of life. Before blaming the TV, media, music, etc, for something wrong that has happened to you…look at your lifestyle and the way you were raised maybe there you can find the answers.

What is the lowest point of your life?
Lowest point of my life…hummmm…. To the fact I am only 23 and still have a life ahead. I would have to say was after high school I was rejected from every college I applied to. Man was I ever depressed. I was an above average student, but I hate tests SATS, HSPTS,etc. I couldn't take those little circles..A,B,C,D, or E…who knew what to choose. I thought if I had too many b's in a row something had to be wrong so I'd change something. But in the end I ended up in school and graduated with a BS in foodservice management and going back for my masters most likely in hospitality or management. I know to expect a lower point in life though.

Any messages to young Bb's?
To all the young bodybuilders out there…Stay focused, keep your head, and stay intense. It could be very trying at times, just keep at it and try to absorb every little piece of advice, hint, articles, suggestions, etc…soak it all up. You will all be successful. I am still a Young Bodybuilder and still learning, so if you have any advice to help me out please do. One thing I have learned is that it is all about trial and error. Learn from your mistakes and don't get frustrated (I know how easy it is to be). Keep the edge.

Is there anything else you want to add or anybody you want to thank?
I would like to take time out to thank my family who always support me (mom, dad, jay) It requires a lot of patience and understanding on their part and they have always been there for me. Also, thanks to Lj, Ken, Frankie, Che, all my friends, Shannon (dog), Planet Forklift and the owner Tim, all my young wrestlers and coaches (I am also known as coach I "EYE"). Also thank all my friend's families who reserved a top shelf in their fridge for the leftovers…EWWWW I love leftovers… Most of all, to GOD, who guide me and give me the strength and drive to succeed. Be on the look out …because I'll be there, Trust me I will be there.

…..That's nuts bud.

WINNINGS:
NABF tristate champion bantam and novice
ANBA lightwieght third
NABF 2000 nationals first bantam
Superbody 2001 bantam