SAIPAN-BORN Jerome Diyco stole the show during the 2025 NPC Guam National Bodybuilding Championship, claiming the overall Bodybuilding and Classic Physique titles at the Royal Rhiga Resort Guam on Saturday, June 21.
“After winning both overalls, it was a surreal moment for me. I was overfilled with joy and felt grateful that all the work I put into this prep paid off,” said Diyco in an interview with Variety. Not knowing whether he would be named the overall winner in both categories, Diyco shared, “All I could think of was to just do my best, have fun, and bring my best package to the stage.”
Winning the overall Classic Physique title, in particular, was a personal highlight for Diyco. “I have been eyeing to at least earn the Classic Physique overall since 2022, after my first competition here in Guam,” Diyco said. Back in 2022, he placed third and made a promise to his coach, Mike Duay — founder and head coach of Next Level Lifestyle Guam — that one day he would bring him an overall title.
“Not only was I able to earn one overall title this year, but I was also able to earn two and fulfill that promise at the same time,” he added.
Diyco’s hard work paid off. He began preparing for the competition in February, dialing in his nutrition and training with Coach Duay starting in March for a 20-week prep. Throughout that time, Diyco said they focused on improving his leg conditioning while maintaining size and detail in his shoulders and arms.
Although Diyco competed in two separate categories, he shared that it wasn’t difficult to prepare for both, since Classic Physique is similar to Bodybuilding — though without a few mandatory poses. “I would say the only difficult thing about preparing for both categories is the long hours of posing practice to make sure we hold a polished look, because we never know how close the competition will be or how long the judges will keep us on stage until they decide on a winner,” he said.
“The most challenging part of this prep was just battling low energy levels on certain days when carbs were low.”
Diyco was born and raised on Saipan but moved to Guam in 2019. He began bodybuilding in 2018 while working at Gold’s Gym and now has seven years of experience.
“First, I would like to thank our Lord God for giving me the strength and guidance during this prep. I would like to thank my family, friends, and my fiancée Maria Caringal for their unconditional support. I would also like to thank my coach, Mike Duay, and the team at Next Level Lifestyle Guam for helping me prepare for this show,” said Diyco.
“Lastly, I would like to thank my fellow teammate and gym partner, Chesther Suarez, who also competed and placed third in Class B of the Classic Physique Division, for pushing me through prep when training got hard,” he added.
Jerome Diyco, second the right, poses with the other contestants during the 2025 NPC Guam National Bodybuilding Championship at the Royal Rhiga Resort Guam on Saturday, June 21.
Jerome Diyco displays his awards with Coach Mike Duay during the 2025 NPC Guam National Bodybuilding Championship at the Royal Rhiga Resort Guam on Saturday, June 21.
Contributed photo
