Figure competitor Meriza Deguzman (formerly Goncalves) took time out of her contest preparation schedule to interview at The Muscular Asian Woman.  She recently took third place in the Figure "A" class at the NPC Junior Nationals in Chicago, and is preparing for the upcoming NPC Figure Nationals in NYC. Growing up in Manila, Philippines, Ms Deguzman now lives in San Diego, California, where she and pro bodybuilder Pete Ciccone have a personal training business and supplements store known as 619 Muscle: "So-Cal's Sports Nutrition Authority."

Muscular Asian Woman: What is your age?
Meriza DeGuzman: Like my daughter says, "a real lady never reveals her age."  

MAW: Fair enough!  How tall are you? 
MD: According to the NPC, I'm 161 cm (4ft 11.5in) and shrinking every contest!

MAW: How did you get started in bodybuilding?  
MD: I started training to lose weight following the birth of Alexis, my daughter.  That was 10 years ago.  I started training seriously for competitions in 2002.

MAW: When was your first competition and how did you place?  
MD: My first competition was in 2002, Ms. Yokosuka, Japan.  I won my class, and the overall!

MAW: What did you think about the women's bodybuilding/fitness scene in Japan?  
MD: I'm not too familiar with the Japanese fitness scene; I competed once while I was over there, competing in a U.S. military-organized event.  I learned that supplements over there [in Japan] are terribly expensive compared to the U.S. (and food too!)  I learrned to love sushi in Japan! 

MAW: Which class do you compete in now? 
MD: Figure “A” (short class, ha ha!)

MAW: So, are you preparing for a contest now?
MD: Yes. I just finished the Jr. Nationals in Chicago. I placed 3rd. I’m now preparing for the Figure Nationals in NYC, 3 weeks from this interview.

MAW: About the NPC Jr. Nationals: First, congratulations! As a spectator, it is sometimes hard to tell what judges are looking for, and I know competitors had some troubles after rule changes.  Is it getting easier to tell what the judges look for in a figure competition?
MD: No.  It changes all the time.  I've learned through experience that you just have to bring your "A" game to each show.  I suggest getting feedback from the judges - they are, after all, who judges us . . . but, we've [Pete and I] decided to shape my body to the best of my genetic package, rather than try to be "just like" another figure girl who happens to win a particular show.  Every body is different, with different strengths and weaknesses.  Part of the "art of figure" is doing the best you can with what God has given you.

MAW: What keeps you motivated?
MD: I love the sport, and as much as I say I don't like training, I guess I really enjoy challenging myself.  The cardio and weight training are tough, but I think I like to see the changes I can make in my physique.   

MAW: What do you do when you are not at the gym?
MD: I'm a typical mom to my daughter.  We like to movie-hop, eat sushi, and do artwork, like painting ceramics – Alexis is very creative.  We also love to hang out the bookstore!

MAW: Who are your role models? Why? 
MD: One of my first role models was Masae Tagami, IFBB Pro.  I met her in Japan.  She worked out at the same gym as me, and I've always admired her physique.  I told myself that someday, I'd like to look like her.

MAW: What is your favorite bodypart to train? 
MD: It used to be shoulders because they respond quickly, but since I started training my legs seriously, I really enjoy seeing them change, and I actually enjoy the soreness after a really hard leg workout!  

MAW: Your legs certainly look outstanding.  So, which bodypart do you like training the least? 
MD: Abs.

MAW: What is your favorite CHEAT FOOD?  
MD: Ice cream!  Although we’ve found a great new place here in San Diego where they serve fat free, lo-carb frozen yogurt – it’s almost as good as the real thing!  Also, any dessert is a favorite!

MAW: What does a typical meal look like when you are getting ready for a contest? 
MD: Tilapia, lean ground turkey breast, and occasional chicken or beef for my proteins; steamed rice and whole grain English muffins, or rice cakes for my carbs.

MAW: What are your future goals?
MD: To be able to earn my pro card, hopefully this year, and eventually be able to compete in the pro ranks.

MAW: What would you say to other women who are interested in bodybuilding and fitness?  
MD: Go for it!  Our way of life, weight training and exercise are not just for guys or athletes!  Fitness is for everybody!  I have many female clients who have found that exercise and our lifestyle really add to the quality of their lives!

MAW: Is there anything else you would like to say?
MD: I am a firm believer that health is a gift.  Everyone has the responsibility of taking care of their bodies.  I am hopefully leading by example, and wish to show others, especially women, that this lifestyle can be for all body shapes and styles…and we owe it to ourselves to take care of the one body we've got!

MAW: Thanks for the interview, Meriza!  We wish you the very best at the Figure Nationals in New York City, and will be cheering for you to get that pro card on July 14!

All the best,



Meriza Deguzman links:
... MerizaFigure.com
... San Diego's authority on Sports Nutrition: 619 Muscle
... Results from the 2007 NPC Junior Nationals in Chicago
... at MAN Sports
... excellent galleries at FitSights.com
... small gallery at TwixPix.com
... at IronPinoy.com