The Morris Mendez Chronicles
When I went to San Salvador, El Salvador, this was my first time doing a guest appearance as a professional and my second time in South America. This would prove to be a challenge for me. A self described quiet and reserved person, I found it hard to do a presentation in front of a large crowd especially by myself. I feel that the level of anxiety I feel when up on stage prevents me from being the person I really want to be. So, now was the time to push myself and face my demons. Nobody else but me will be on that state in front of people holding it down for Musclemania. I have to make a good impression as a professional bodybuilder and as a spokesperson for the Muscle mania Industry because these people were there to see me. I had to dust off a few of the old routines and put something together; to be ready to answer the questions on training, competitions, and nutrition. So, smile, shake hands, take the shirt off and say "cheese" for the cameras.
When we arrived at the San Salvador airport, we were welcomed with a big greeting. An entourage of people holding a big sign that said "Muscle mania Champion-Morris Mendez-Numero Uno". How welcoming was that? A big boost to my ego. That was like saying Mr. Olympia was coming to town. And what do you know; I was treated like I was Mr. Olympia with a great deal of respect and hospitality. My new found friends were kind enough to give me a tour of the city. The city was beautiful with lush greenery surrounded by cloud misted hills and more than twenty volcanoes in the area. There were many shanty towns and streets lined with people selling just about everything.
Seminar
The fans were very friendly and excited to learn from me. I wanted to teach them as much as I could to help them into better bodybuilders.
Guest Posing
A surreal experience, the deafening applauds just elevates you and takes you to another level. Heck with being conservative on stage. I went all out. In the audience, up close and personal, dancing, posing, and taking pictures with the fans. When the fans show their love for something or someone, you want to give all you have to them. Give them their monies worth. All worries and phobias out the window, I just concentrated on having a good ol' time. My trip to San Salvador was beneficial. I found a new fuel to compete…inspire more people. I fought a personal battle with my phobias and came out on top. I also learned a lot about a new culture and made many new friends. To all my new friends of El Salvador, thank you for being my guides and translators. My thanks to all the fans and the El Salvador Muscle mania camp for inviting me.
A surreal experience, the deafening applauds just elevates you and takes you to another level. Heck with being conservative on stage. I went all out. In the audience, up close and personal, dancing, posing, and taking pictures with the fans. When the fans show their love for something or someone, you want to give all you have to them. Give them their monies worth. All worries and phobias out the window, I just concentrated on having a good ol' time. My trip to San Salvador was beneficial. I found a new fuel to compete…inspire more people. I fought a personal battle with my phobias and came out on top. I also learned a lot about a new culture and made many new friends. To all my new friends of El Salvador, thank you for being my guides and translators. My thanks to all the fans and the El Salvador Muscle mania camp for inviting me.
California 2004
The Musclemania World Championships in Anaheim, CA.
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This was a two day event where the best of the best natural athletes come to compete against each other. Rather than just a contest to see who takes the number one spot, it was a great opportunity for exposure and to meet new people. The television coverage, the press and photographers was unbelievable. This was to be my first debut as a pro since I received that status in 2003.
The Musclemania World Championships in Anaheim, CA.
window.google_render_ad();
This was a two day event where the best of the best natural athletes come to compete against each other. Rather than just a contest to see who takes the number one spot, it was a great opportunity for exposure and to meet new people. The television coverage, the press and photographers was unbelievable. This was to be my first debut as a pro since I received that status in 2003.
Day 1. After registering, took a few pictures with fans and photographers, I met new people and hung out with friends. The rest of the evening was spent recovering from the flight from the seven hour flight from CT. I was able to gather my thoughts and try to tuck away my meals. Gets boring sitting around eating dry chicken and rice and just waiting until countdown. Luckily, my friend Brian C. came along for the show and kept me on track so I wouldn't deter from my diet.
For this contest I weighed in at an even 199lbs. Then the Friday evening at the prejudge I came in at 204lbs. I was content with my conditioning in 14 days I was able to pull it together and do battle. The tool to my motivation for this show as my guest appearance in El Salvador. My confidence was up and there was new fuel under my fire burning strong.
Saturday at 12am, after it was all said and done, quarter turns, front double biceps etc., this show came with a surprise ending. The two favorites in the show (Ulisses ), had to settle for second and third. It was a good stand off. I was in good company on stage with Ulisses, Kofi,
Saturday at 12am, after it was all said and done, quarter turns, front double biceps etc., this show came with a surprise ending. The two favorites in the show (Ulisses ), had to settle for second and third. It was a good stand off. I was in good company on stage with Ulisses, Kofi,
Chris, and Komano and the rest of the pros. It was very close but as you know bodybuilding shows are subjective. What the judging panel went for that night excluded the trademark beauty of symmetry and full muscle bellies. And that also excluded the art of posing as well as entertaining. So, with that said, the spotlight was on Indonesian bodybuilding star Komano. My hat goes off to him. A great guy and a worthy champion. I was able to secure second place, one point behind Komano. I was ok with that but different opinions had the placing different. So, just as long as the crowd knows, I am happy.
There was no empathy about my placing. Bottom line is I had a great time. Yes, the show had its highs and lows but it was what you make of it. I was amongst friends, met new people, and got more exposure. I was able to show the world what God has blessed me with. Than you everyone for the experience…..Lou we need bigger trophiesJ
Mexico 2005
Well, moving on, to my guest appearance in Mexico City. The world's largest city is the financial, political, and cultural center of Mexico. Incredible place to visit. Very exciting things to see and do that holds pleasant and not so pleasant surprises. Hot weather, Margaritas, and beautiful women…what more can I say other than I was glad I had the opportunity to be there. It was no vacation though. It was a two day event planed for pictures wit the fans, autographing 8x10 photos, and stopping by different gyms. A seminar where both myself and fitness model Katie Utter shared our success stories and talked about contest preparation, nutrition, and training. After contest winners were chose we had the chance to show off our stuff.
It was an exciting two days but like I said it was no vacation. They really worked us and they take the Muscle mania Seminars and Competitions very seriously and professional. By far, this was one of the best events I have been to so far. Many thanks to the promoter, translator, and the bodybuilding fans of Mexico for your hospitality and respect.
After two exhausting days of Musclemania and soaking up some of the vibrant nightlife, I needed to relax. I am in Mexico and very fascinated with historical relics so why not see the pyramids and the sites. Our friend, Artuni, was kind enough to take the time to give me a tour of Mexico City and the Teotihuacn Pyramids. I was happy with that, icing on the cake. One thing I could say is Mexico City…I'll be back.
Well, moving on, to my guest appearance in Mexico City. The world's largest city is the financial, political, and cultural center of Mexico. Incredible place to visit. Very exciting things to see and do that holds pleasant and not so pleasant surprises. Hot weather, Margaritas, and beautiful women…what more can I say other than I was glad I had the opportunity to be there. It was no vacation though. It was a two day event planed for pictures wit the fans, autographing 8x10 photos, and stopping by different gyms. A seminar where both myself and fitness model Katie Utter shared our success stories and talked about contest preparation, nutrition, and training. After contest winners were chose we had the chance to show off our stuff.
It was an exciting two days but like I said it was no vacation. They really worked us and they take the Muscle mania Seminars and Competitions very seriously and professional. By far, this was one of the best events I have been to so far. Many thanks to the promoter, translator, and the bodybuilding fans of Mexico for your hospitality and respect.
After two exhausting days of Musclemania and soaking up some of the vibrant nightlife, I needed to relax. I am in Mexico and very fascinated with historical relics so why not see the pyramids and the sites. Our friend, Artuni, was kind enough to take the time to give me a tour of Mexico City and the Teotihuacn Pyramids. I was happy with that, icing on the cake. One thing I could say is Mexico City…I'll be back.
Connecticut 2005
Musclemania and Fitness Atlantic 2004 was my first time as a guest poser in the states. I was a little hesitant about the idea. The reason was through my experience as a spectator sitting in the audience you really hear the comments. If you are up on that stage and your not Ronnie Coleman or Jay Cutler, forget about it. These bodybuilding fans are hardcore. Its not the like in the foreign lands where the fans really appreciate your hard work and dedication and they can look at you as a motivating factor because they know it is possible to obtain your look. So, I was a little nervous to see how the audience would respond to the natural guest poser.
As usual, the Fitness Atlantic is always a great show. The competition was sharp and ready to do battle, and there was a good turn out in the audience. My boy Ulisses Jr did a good job on stage as a guest poser. He looked great as usual. Wil Usher kicked it off with his dance mo
Musclemania and Fitness Atlantic 2004 was my first time as a guest poser in the states. I was a little hesitant about the idea. The reason was through my experience as a spectator sitting in the audience you really hear the comments. If you are up on that stage and your not Ronnie Coleman or Jay Cutler, forget about it. These bodybuilding fans are hardcore. Its not the like in the foreign lands where the fans really appreciate your hard work and dedication and they can look at you as a motivating factor because they know it is possible to obtain your look. So, I was a little nervous to see how the audience would respond to the natural guest poser.
As usual, the Fitness Atlantic is always a great show. The competition was sharp and ready to do battle, and there was a good turn out in the audience. My boy Ulisses Jr did a good job on stage as a guest poser. He looked great as usual. Wil Usher kicked it off with his dance mo
ves and did a good job. Then, that left me for last. As for my performance, I felt I did a good job. My physique wasn't at its 110% but it was good enough for a guest appearance. I found peace within myself. I kept in mind that I am a professional bodybuilder and the people were here to see why. So after the jitters were gone, I worked the stage and got comfortable with the audience.
In the end we were given our accolades for our performances. The crowd showed their love so that was a good thing. It wasn't as bad as I thought….
In the end we were given our accolades for our performances. The crowd showed their love so that was a good thing. It wasn't as bad as I thought….
Again a great show as usual. Congratulations to Brian and all the athletes and a big welcome to Sean Larson to the pro scene.
Miami 2005
We did it! I know hold the 2005 Musclemania Superbody Pro Title. Over 300 athletes and Ten Musclemania Professionals competed in the Pro division and everyone looked great. The Eden Roc Resort was a beautiful venue and it was nice to be able to walk out to the beach to take pictures. I'd like to thank my sponsor Nutribolics for their support in providing my travel arrangements and to Richard Goodman of MusclePhotos.com for documenting the event for me. I couldn't have done it without the help of my trainer and friend Carla who kept me on track with my diet and stage color and oil prep she has always been the person that makes sure I'm fully prepared and ready. Hopefully this is a big step towards my goals of getting major magazine exposure. Thank you to everyone for your support!
We did it! I know hold the 2005 Musclemania Superbody Pro Title. Over 300 athletes and Ten Musclemania Professionals competed in the Pro division and everyone looked great. The Eden Roc Resort was a beautiful venue and it was nice to be able to walk out to the beach to take pictures. I'd like to thank my sponsor Nutribolics for their support in providing my travel arrangements and to Richard Goodman of MusclePhotos.com for documenting the event for me. I couldn't have done it without the help of my trainer and friend Carla who kept me on track with my diet and stage color and oil prep she has always been the person that makes sure I'm fully prepared and ready. Hopefully this is a big step towards my goals of getting major magazine exposure. Thank you to everyone for your support!
- Morris Mendez
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