I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Strongman Federation of Philippines since it started in 2015 and have been involved with them as their advising Technical Director to help them grow the sport of Strongman in Philippines.
In this month’s article I have the utmost pleasure of sitting down with Carlos Lanzona from the Philippines. I’ve worked with him in his past two competitions (actually it was more like abuse). So a week after his incredible and stunning win at the Philippines Strongest Man and Woman 2019. Winning in the Men’s Open category and surpassing 3x Champion Ray Jefferson Querubin and talk about his amazing achievement!
Carlos introduce yourself to the readers and share a bit about yourself.
Hello! I’m Carlos Lanzona, I have been working as a professional cook since 18 years old. I’m currently 25 and I like going to punk gigs, riding a bicycle with my girl and playing Dota2 in my spare time. I also love lifting all heavy things too!
How does it feel to win Philippines Strongest Man 2019 and surpassing Ray Querubin 3x Champion?
Carlos finishing 1st on Podium
It still is a surreal experience for me. I am still in shock!
I gave myself till 2022 to take a proper shot at that Men’s Open title and winning this year is dope! Surpassed is such a strong term, Ray is a tremendous athlete and a good friend, still someone to watch out for. I’m very sure he will come back and give me a lesson or two. The long arduous journey in truly dominating the national scene is still in progress. Put my head down, work hard grit and never quit.
What’s next for the 2019 Philippines Strongest Man?
Stop competing in Powerlifting and Weightlifting to focus on mastery. I tend to want to do everything and anything. But I need to learn how to focus on one thing at a time. Training on joint health and tendon strength for a few months. Addressing my static strength and try to catch up with the other contenders.
Priority is to stay healthy, stay in the game and outlast everyone. I don’t intend to be a one hit wonder or a flash in a pan (no pun intended). I plan to work hard and be in this sport for a long time.
My spirit animal is a cock roach, because it never dies. I am also helping friends with powerlifting training and am finding that I adore coaching.
I’ve also got an invite to compete in Asia Pacific Deadlift Championships 2020 and hopefully I am able to pull big numbers and finish on podium. Maybe I might be able to push Taufiq Strongman… Just maybe with some luck.
What’s your training programme like?
This year for PSM it has been four times a week twice a day. A good mix of conjugate method and common sense. In the afternoons I do mostly barbell work, very short rest periods lots of warming up and ridiculous amounts of volume work like how my Uncle Taufiq trained me last year and almost never above 85%. This method has worked out for me pretty well. It’s actually common sense and when I feel like crap, I just focus on accessory work and go for walks.
When I get home from work around midnight from work. I do 100-150 reps of Glute Hamstring Raise variations, facepulls, IYTs, tricep pushdowns, shoulder rehab and maybe abs. All of these exercises are completed in under twenty minutes to keep conditioning up.
4-6 weeks out before the competition I start to touch implements but never heavy always for correcting footing, pickup and transitions for moving events and for 65-80% doubles on static events. Always doubles, I always have Uncle Taufiq in my head shouting at me… “DOUBLES! Doubles! CHIN DOWN!”
What are your weakest events?
Pressing or anything overhead because I have past shoulder injuries from knocks and tears. I am currently trying to strengthen and overhead events still scare me at times. I also need to catch up on my deadlifts and maybe throwing.
Who are your inspirations or role models if any?
Jim Morrison, Sisyphus from Greek Myths, current World Strongest Man Martins Licis, definitely the amazingly awesome Rob Kearney, Patrick Lim and the whole of crew from Strong Stuff Training Hall and definitely Taufiq Strongman!
What do you hope for the strongman scene in Philippines?
Moving forward with the Farmer’s Walk
I hope it continues being a no drama and fun filled healthy environment to grow and nurture athletes in. I’m proud to report that Strongman in the Philippines is under one banner and one family. Everyone is supportive, cheering and constantly encouraging each other! I hope it draws more and more crowds in each year and truly be a spectacle worth watching for people as time goes on.
It has been amazing to see foreign athletes competing I hope next time Open competitors come over too and show us what’s up, I welcome defeat every damn day. I think I’ve also learnt to accept that you either win or you learn when it comes to strongman.
️Thanks for your time Taufiq. Much appreciated. Good luck with your own training and competitions.
Follow Carlos on IG – @paomasalamaker.pjx
Thank you Carlos for your time. Once again congratulations on winning the title of Philippines Strongest Man 2019. If you ever are in Manila, make sure to visit Carlos at his restaurant. He cooks a pretty decent meal too and from what I heard anything with masala. In the meantime stay strong, train hard and be injury free!
It has been no secret that I have been prepping and
training for the Highland Games in Scotland. Why does a strongman want to do a
Highland Games? The answer to that is pretty obvious. The origins of strongman dates
back to the Norse and Scottish culture dating back more than seven centuries. Where
feats of strength are the norm in day to day life and at times survival.
The Highland Games itself especially the Heavy Events are probably or most likely the origins of the modern day contemporary strongman competitions. Now individuals who have not seen or tried any of the events in the Highland Games may come to a quick conclusion that “Hey, that looks pretty easy”. I can assure you that it is not. It was an eye-opening experience and definitely each throw, attempt or failure is a learning experience on how much I need to grow as an athlete.
The
Highland Games in a Nutshell
Whether spectating or participating, The Highland
Games are a unifying rite of passage for any Scots. Amidst the vast ocean
of tartan, bagpipes and clans, sits a cultural event steeped in skill,
tradition and community.
From the months of May through to September, society and communities across Scotland and other countries partakes in these games, which include the heavy events like the caber toss, stone put, throwing weights for distance or height and the Scottish hammer throw. Dancers of immense talent of various ages and genders move gracefully under the hypnotic tunes of the bagpipes. The pipe bands and march past is a cultural fixture at all Highland Games that summon harmonious and almost hypnotic melodies throughout the games.
It turns out that the Highland Games, like many moments in Scottish history, are laced with a healthy dose of ambiguity. Multiple sources mention King Malcolm III of Scotland. During the 11th century, proposed a foot race at the majestic summit of Craig Choinnich, which overlooks Braemar. The story goes that his motive was to uncover the fastest runner of the bunch, so that he could have a swift royal messenger!
Many
adhere to the thought that the Games originated as a type of war game or as a
means of sifting through the ranks as a means of finding the best candidates in
their field to serve the clan chieftains, both of which focus on strength,
agility, and to some degree, entertainment. To stress the enduring
nature of the Highland Games, rewind back to 1314 in Fife, where the Ceres Highland Games, the oldest free games out there started by Robert The Bruce,
were conceived to commemorate and celebrate the victorious return to Ceres of
the men who fought at Bannockburn in 1314.
At the end of the day, when it comes to the history of the Highland Games. The most important thing is the sporting element. For it is the sporting portion that has always been the star of this Scottish show.
Prepping for the Highland Games Events
My
sole focus will be on the Heavy Events because I’m definitely not graceful
enough to be part of the dancing bit of the Games.
There
are a few events which are fixtures at most Highland Games like below.
Caber Toss – The caber is a large, tapered, wooden pole (like a telegraph pole)
between 15 and 23 feet (5-7 metres) long and weighing between 5 and 11 stone
(30-70kg). One of the most fearsome cabers of all is the 20ft (6m), 9.5
stone (60kg) Braemar caber, first tossed in 1951. The origins of this event is
from woodsmen who were used to hauling trees.
Shot Put/Stone Put – Similar to the modern-day Olympic shot put, but
normally featuring a smooth stone (or sometimes not). There are versions of the
stone toss events, one that allows a run-up and more variation in technique,
the other a standing put. Large smooth stones from a riverbed are used for
putting.
Scottish Hammer Throw – Similar to the hammer throw as seen in
modern-day track and field competitions. A round metal ball (weighing 16 or 22
lb. for men or 12 or 16 lb. for women) is attached to the end of a shaft about
4 feet in length. The throwing motion involves about two to three swings from
stationary position. The hammer throw originated using a blacksmith’s hammer.
Weight for Distance – The weights are made of metal and have a handle
attached either directly or by means of a chain. The implement is thrown using
one hand only, but otherwise using any technique. Usually, a spinning technique
is employed.
Weight over Bar – Athletes toss a 56-pound (4-stone) weight with an attached handle over a horizontal bar using only one hand.
Drumtocthy Highland
Games
The Drumtocthy Games takes place in the grounds of Drumtochty
Castle in Drumtochty Glen just two miles outside the picturesque village of
Auchenblae. It’s known as the friendliest games in all of Scotland. And
all You have to do is just turn and approach any of the grounds staff or
officials and they will direct you where to go.
I selected this games because it was within my schedule of my stay while in Scotland. But what I did not know was that the Drumtocthy Highland Games was a sheer international display at the highest of levels of competition with athletes from Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, US and Scotland. It escalated quickly turning out to be an international affair with world class Highland Games athletes whom have years of experience and numerous Highland games under their belt. It was very clear that I was a fish out of water especially after the first event which was the Hammer Throw.
But I have always adopted the philosophy of just competing and do my own thing while enjoying myself. With every throw the crowd cheered and clapped, you may not be the best thrower but one thing that I really appreciated was the crowd cheered and clapped for every single one who genuinely gave their best in every throw, every event and attempt.
I walked away from this games with some personal best of a really smooth hammer, heavy hammer and weight for distance throw in terms of technique. It also seems that I am the breaker of all equipment by damaging the equipment for weight over bar with the weight dropping on the equipment stand causing it to collapse to the bewilderment, laughter and cheers of the crowd. I was utterly embarrassed and I probably got the death stares from Bruce the Head Judge for the Heavies.
In the final event the Caber toss… It is still sad to say that I have not mastered or gotten this event yet. And I still have to work harder to get the technique down.
Being
one of the oldest Highland Games since 1314 sanctioned by Robert the Bruce to commemorate and celebrate the victorious return to
Ceres of the men who fought at Bannockburn in 1314. The only
times that the Ceres Games didn’t happen was during the Act of Proconscription (1746-1782) and the years during World War I and
II. The Ceres Games is one of the very few free games that you don’t have to
pay an entrance fee to compete or to watch. All you have to do is show up walk
up to any of the officials and they will direct you where you need to go.
The Ceres Highland Games featured different events from
Drumtocthy. They don’t have a hammer because of the competition area is rather
small when compared to Drumtocthy. Ceres Heavy Events featured Shot Put, Heavy
Weight for Distance, Ceres Stane, Weight over Bar, Sheaf Toss, Caber for
Distance and Caber for Accuracy. Some of the events that were different and rather
interesting was the Ceres Stane, Sheaf Toss and Weight over Bar.
The Ceres Stane is a 100-110lbs (45-50kg) stone attached to a ring that only fitted three of my fingers and you have to throw is over a distance anyway or whatever way that you can. Each athlete is only given two throw. I chose to do a run up and throw. But I can definitely do better at this event.
The Sheaf Toss is a rather interesting because as my Scottish friends were telling me, this was a really traditional event that farm boys have to heave a 15kg to 20kg sheaf onto a cart which is about 10 feet high. And on the cart will be another farm hand to stack and arrange the sheaf. If the sheaf fell in a wrong position he would be the butt of the joke for the whole day. Of course this story is entirely anecdotal but it could probably be true. This was a pretty fun event though. You get three tries for each height and we started at 14 feet. I managed to chuck it over the bar on the third attempt to the cheers of the crowd.
The Weight over Bar is generally a crowd favourite, athletes will have to throw a 56lbs (25kg) weight over a height, three tries per height and then the bar rises again. Until you fail all three attempts on a set height. Then you are eliminated from the event. To put this event in perspective, it’s like throwing a 7-8 year old child over a double decker bus. But of course no children were harmed in this event. I managed to do personal best on this event with 13”, failed on the 14” height but I was pretty close. This event was not to my advantage because I don’t have the physical leverages but it just means that I have to train and work harder.
My
Overall Thoughts on my Highland Games Adventure
Flying 18 hours, 3 flight changes, 1 week of acclimatisation and loads of driving later. I finished my first proper Highland Games adventure in Scotland. Was it worth it spending money, flying and travelling all this way to get beaten and get an education? I think equating money and time to this whole adventure is pointless. Because I’ve been wanting to do a proper Highland Games in Scotland and be part of the history! I am after all probably the only Singaporean or Asian crazy enough to compete in the Highland Games in Scotland.
I was truly humbled to be able to compete in both the most challenging games in Drumtochty with the best of the athletes from all over the world. And the most historical games Highland Games at Ceres. Brett Nicol (Dinnie Stones Judge) spoke to me that “You got a real proper education at the Drumtochty Games because of the calibre of the athletes and you did yourself proud! No shame in doing your best”.
I already knew that I know I’m not going to place well in a
field of world class athletes like Kyle Randall, Lukas Wenta and Vladimir just to
name a few. But I was pleased to learn and compete with the best! Because if
you want to be up there, you got to compete with the best. If the opportunity
is not given to you, you got to create your own chances. Take your licks, keep
your head down, show up and do your best.
The highlight for me for this trip was having my name in the book of the Dinnie
Stones which I would share in my next article when I actually get down to
writing it. In the meantime train hard, train safe and always be brave to chase
the impossible
All around the world people participate or are spectators at Scottish Highland Games. Seen as a way of celebrating Scottish and Celtic culture it is one of Scotland’s biggest cultural exports. Features of the Games include competitions in piping and drumming, dancing, heavy athletics, as well all kinds entertainment and exhibits related to many aspects of Scottish and Gaelic culture.
They were also thought to have originally been events where the strongest and bravest soldiers in Scotland would be tested. These gatherings were not only about trials of strength. Musicians and dancers were encouraged to reveal their skill and talents and so be a great credit to the clan that they represented.
Now there are Highland Games held in many places throughout the world. Traditionally some events have become standard in these games such as the caber toss, stone put, Scottish hammer throw, weight throw, weight over the bar and sheaf toss. However, these gathering now have a whole variety of events, stalls, entertainments, pipes, dancing and all kinds of competitions
First Highland Games experience in Kuala Lumpur
I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to be able to compete the Highland Games in Kuala Lumpur, the hosts of the event invited me along to be part of the festivities. The Highland Games is definitely a gentlemen’s event with a high value placed on ethics, sport-manlike behaviour and camaraderie with your fellow Highland Games athletes.
Like for one… After you finished your throw, you are expected to place the implement at the starting point. After tossing the Caber, you are expected to bring back the Caber for the next athlete and raise it up for him. This was pretty amazing because it just solidifies the concept of camaraderie.
I didn’t expect to do well at the Highland Games in Kuala Lumpur. It was pretty much a learn as you go. I’ve only thrown the shot put. I’ve never thrown the hammer, weight over bar, weight for distance or tossed a Caber. But I was pleasantly surprised that with every throw or event, I got better and better. Of course technique wise I was pretty terrible but I did hold my own with seasoned Highland Games athletes.
Highland Games Events
Caber Toss
Perhaps the signature event of the Highland Games is the caber toss, where competitors toss a 20-foot-long caber (a large log), which normally weighs around 150lb, as far as possible. The caber toss is also a good test of balance, as the athlete has to balance the caber in their hands and perform a run-up before they toss it. Athletes’ throws are also judged on their straightness; a perfect toss sees the small end of the caber facing away from the thrower, at a “12 o’clock” angle.
Hammer Throw
The hammer throw is also an Olympic event, although the hammer thrown in the Highland Games is quite different. It consists of a metal ball, which can weigh up to 22lbs, connected to a wooden handle. Also unlike in the Olympic Games, athletes are not allowed to spin while throwing the hammer. Instead, they stand with their back facing the field, and swing the hammer over their heads before they twist 180 degrees and launch it as far as they can. The athletes also wear special boots, with long blades fixed to the bottom, in order to make sure they stay fixed into that spot in the ground.
Hammer Throwing Practice
Stone Put
The stone put event is much like shotput, however, the
athletes instead throw a stone, weighing around 18lb, picked from a nearby
river. Competitors throw the stone from behind a board known as a trig, and
have three attempts to launch it as far as possible.
Weight for Height
This event is a real test of brute strength and tests how
high the athletes can throw a 56lb weight over a cross bar. The catch is that
they may only throw it with one hand, from a standing position, with three
attempts to throw the weight over the bar at that height. The bar continues to
be raised, with the athletes having to launch the weight higher and higher,
until it’s the last man standing. To put this event into perspective is the
same thing as launching a 7 year old up and over a double decker bus!
Weight over Height Throwing Practice Photo by: Andrew Johnson @inspirational_athletes
Weight for Distance
There are actually two separate events, one using a light
(28 lb for men and 14 lb for women) and the other a heavy (56 lb for men, 42 lb
for masters men, and 28 lb for women) weight. The weights are made of metal and
have a handle attached either directly or by means of a chain. The implement is
thrown using one hand only, but otherwise using any technique. Usually a
spinning technique is employed. The furthest throw wins.
Sheaf Toss
A bundle of straw (the sheaf) weighing 20 pounds (9.1 kg) for the men and 10 pounds (4.5 kg) for the women and wrapped in a burlap bag is tossed vertically with a pitchfork over a raised bar much like that used in pole vaulting. The progression and scoring of this event is similar to the Weight Over The Bar. This event scares me because I have no idea how to do this. Worst case scenario, I stab myself in the while tossing the sheaf. Maybe I should wear safety goggles for this event.
How do I prep for something that I’ve never done before?
The truth is… Its almost impossible. Throwing to me came
pretty naturally because my background as an athlete was Track and Field. I
used to throw in my younger years representing my school and country. So some
events came naturally to me like the shot put or stone throw because the
movements were rather similar.
Basically the Highland Games in Kuala Lumpur was a warm up
and I needed it make sure I knew what I getting myself into. As a result of
that, I’ve fabricated my own throwing hammer, weight over bar and weight for
distance. Just slowly building up my own arsenal of Highland Games equipment of
course with the help and input from the guys I’ve competed with at the Highland
Games in Kuala Lumpur. Now I do event training at least twice a week when my
schedule allows it. I’ve even got my blades fabricated and I’ve attached them
to my throwing boots already! #achievementunlocked
You just got to throw caution to the wind and just learn as you go. It’s my dream to actually compete in one of the most traditional feats of strengths that is the Highland Games. I’ve always adopted a philosophy that you either win or you learn. I’m definitely not able to be pushing for a top three finish but I’m definitely going to do my best and make every throw count. And I’m going to learn from the best in Scotland which is also my ancestral home.
I will be competing at the Drumtochty Highland Games on the
22nd June 2019. The following week at the Ceres Highland Games on the 29th June
2019. And of course I had to choose the games that is oldest and most
historical games. Questionable Life Decisions right there!
In the meantime stay injury free, stay strong and have a good month of fasting for my Muslim friends!
What an excellent weekend we had at the Asia Pacific Deadlift championships. We had athletes from Czech Republic, Brunei, Hong Kong, UK, Thailand and Singapore. In total we had 52 athletes from 6 from countries as everyone definitely brought their A-game!
We also saw two of our youngest competitors Brad and Ariel in their first competition. The Asia Pacific Deadlift Competition was held over at Radiance Physiofit which was also our event and venue partner.
This is the first time we had strongman style deadlift competition held in Singapore, also possibly in our region, we at Singapore Strongman Series truly have been truly innovative within our region especially in novice and amateur competitions. Last weekend’s turn out was the highest turnout in a strongman competition with a record number of 52 athletes and audience.
We also saw coming into the fray amazing lifts especially in the Under 80kg and Under 90kg weight categories. Jiri from Czech Republic broke his own world record for the deadlift at 385kg in the Under 105kg weight class from 382kg set in Ukraine last year. Our very own Ahmad Taufiq set a new Asia-Pacific Deadlift Record at 370 kg and a failed attempt at 400kg in the Mens Open.
Hymsuen Li deadlifted 320kg to take the win in the Under 90kg category. Edging out Daniel Fattris who pulled 310kg in a highly contested one to one battle. The Under 80kg weight category saw the most number of competitors in the Singapore Strongman Series. The win was taken by Koh Xin Miao with a lift of 220kg edging out Qin Shi by a lighter bodyweight who also lifted 220kg.
The Women’s Open was won by Valerie Mirić from the Czech Republic with a deadlift of 170kg. Reena also managed to deadlift 170kg but Valerie was declared the winner due to a lighter body weight. In the women’s Under 62kg saw new comers to the sport, Perada from Thailand managed to deadlift 120kg but winning for being the lightest athlete. Special mention goes out to Ariel Johnson who deadlifted 50kg at 24.9kg body weight! What an amazing achievement!
From the team at Singapore Strongman Series who were running the Asia Pacific Deadlift Championships 2018, we would like to extend a huge thank you, appreciation and love to all the athletes that competed over the weekend. It was truly amazing to see almost everyone breaking their PBs and putting on an amazing performance!
We would also like to thank our Sponsors
Radiance Physiofit for being our event sponsor and venue partner! It was indeed an amazing location big enough for all the athletes, crowd and everyone to watch and roam free!
Optimum Nutrition for being our supplement sponsor and partner for the past 4 years and believing in us and helping us grow the sport. It has grown from strength to strength
CHALLENGE for being equipment sponsors not just for this competition but also to the next few competitions within the next few years
Chiropractor Singapore and Dr Shara for always being so supportive since our first competition in 2014! Thank you for being there for all the athletes and making sure they remain unbroken
Squeaky Clean Cafe for stepping up and providing healthy food options for our crew, athletes and everyone.
Derrick See from Seed Images for the amazing photos! You are definitely our only choice of photographer.
GRRRL Clothing for supporting and sponsoring prizes for the ladies! It’s amazing that such a HUGE brand is keen to work with us to help us grow the sport for the ladies!
Interesting Statistics over the weekend
Youngest athlete: 7 years old
Oldest athlete: 43 years old
Heaviest Successful weight lifted: 385kg
Heaviest attempted weight: 400kg
Number of female athletes: 10
Number of male athletes: 42
Number of sponsor: 14
Number of crew: 18
Number of hours to prep venue: 8
Number of hours to tear down: 2
Number of hours to make 1 bespoked medal: 1.5 hours
Number of bespoked medals given out: 18
Total Number of weight lifted (Successful): 9035 kilograms
It was a pretty amazing weekend
Thank you once again to everyone for making the event a resounding success. We look forward to seeing everyone again in October for Static Monsters Singapore 2018!
