A Filipino in Slovenia writes about his body building journey

‘My body building journey’

My name is Grant Ramone Rama Bucaj.

I am currently living in Slovenia but born in the Philippines. I left the Philippines with my mom when I was still 4 years old. It has been 17 years already.

Although I have lived most of my life in Slovenia, I still remember my roots and am a proud Filipino.

Growing I was quite a chubby kid. I was not really a sports type of guy but I have enrolled and played tennis and basketball. I loved to eat. My mom can cook and I loved and still love her food. She would spoil me with good food and gets mad if I eat a lot. This is in present tense because it an ongoing battle. LOL!

My journey started when I decided to go exercise with my mother to a nearby gym owned by Jiujitsu black-belter, Damir Mikelič. I originally trained boxing with him but ended up in fitness training. This was my first gym experience. I trained once in a while but never took it seriously and continued my love for eating.

The time I took weight loss seriously was during the Covid days. We stayed home and there was nothing to do. So, I decided to take short walks every day and exercised in our basement. I slowly lifted weights and cut down on my food intake. Then I started to lose weight. I saw the positive change in my body and felt very good. I swore to myself that I will never go back to the chubby kid I once was.

As I saw the progress I was making, my interest for body building turned into passion. I got better and better. Stronger. I lifted weights I never thought I could ever lift. My desire to make a change served me right and I couldn’t be happier.

I tried several gyms and ended up in California gym Slovenia which is owned by a then body builder champion and IBFF founder, Dušan Madzarovič. That was when my thirst for body building sky rocketed. I was inspired by his achievement and what he does for aspiring body builders like myself. He is the one training me, giving me motivation to do better every day, to lift hard but with caution and eat right.

I have met other body builders here in Slovenia and in Cebu such as Pancho Ramirez. There is one half-Filipino body builder who inspires me very much, Jeremy Buendia. I think his physique and accomplishments are exceptional. But my first inspiration has always been my mother. I have always seen and admired her effort in maintaining her body till this very day. She’s 46 years old and killing it. I am always thankful for her strict discipline and guidance. Let’s not forget the genes as well.

I will be joining a body building competition this year named IBFF (International Body-building and Fitness Federation). It will be held in Koper, Slovenia on October 21, 2023. I will be in the beginners’ level. I am proud to be a part of this competition for I will be the only Filipino joining, proudly representing the Philippines.

October 24, 2023: My first ever body building competition was a big success. I came 1st in Mr. Fitness model, 2nd in the Junior’s category, and 5th in men’s physique. I am so thankful to my mentor, Dušan Madzarovič, and the IBFF team for the help and support.

To God be the glory!

• Competition
What: IBFF (international bodybuilding and fitness federation) competition
Where: Koper, Slovenia
When: October 21, 2023
Competitor: Grant Ramone Rama Bucaj
Country represented: Philippines
Date of Birth: August 27, 2002
Place of Birth: Cebu City, Philippines
Parents: Gia Rama Bucaj / David Bucaj*