FINALLY! The day you have all been training and waiting for has arrived!

Save the date, guys- NOVEMBER 14, 2009, at 5 PM, in SM Mall of Asia! Time to see whose gastronomic prowess reigns SUPREME!

I’ll see you all there! Good luck, guys!

From CCTV.com

Simply bring relief goods to 7-11 stores. I’m not entirely sure if all of them accept goods, but it’s a fairly good chance that they do. Here’s a list of things that the Ondoy victims might need:

-Bottled water
-Ready-to-eat meals. Please avoid bringing meals in styro containers as there’s already too much garbage in relocation areas, and that will ultimately lead to another disaster such as this one.
-Wound dressing. Some kids have open wounds and they need to be wrapped up
-Anti-fungal/Anti-bacterial cream. Flood water is dirty, and they needs items such as these to avoid infection
-Sanitary napkins
-Blankets
-Dry clothes
-Maybe can openers
-Wet and dry tissue paper
-Banig, if you can spare one
-Underwear (disposable and reusable)
-Slippers
-Towels

Help out in any way you can, please.

Due to heavy rains and really crappy weather (our house is experiencing terrible property damage), today’s Big Bite Match is POSTPONED! We will keep you posted on the new schedule. We apologize for this delay and we will keep you guys informed on the coming details. Thanks for still supporting us!

Apparently these 25 gobblers are—check out the top gurgitators who made it to 7-Eleven’s Big Bite Challenge:
1.    Donald “Top Gun” Jao
2.    Kyle “The Beast” De Guzman
3.    Crisaldo “Dominator” Mendiao
4.    Seth “Raging Demon” Rubian
5.    Cermino “Super” Dela Cruz
6.    Rodrigo “Airstrike” Villamor
7.     William “Chomp” Amba
8.    Rey “Gun” Mahilum
9.    Eldebrando “Matador “Guevarra:
10.    Jowel “Em Pacho” Lazaga
11.    Marvin James “Magic Man” Alzola
12.    John Paul “Macho Man” Aragoncillo
13.    James “Super Spy” Pierce
14.    Marvin “More, More” Mora
15.    Daniel “Gigantic” Janoras
16.    Leonardo “Epic” Reataza
17.    Paolo Jonas “Eating Rage” Paguio
18.    Leopoldo “Black Hole” Quinto, Jr.
19.    Domingo “Symphony of Digestion” Beltrano
20.    Jose Lucrecio “Running Devil” Rivera
21.    Edwin “Lightning Strike” Duque
22.    Michael “Jaws” Samonte
23.    Raymond “Exploding Bazooka” Bagoncia
24.    Reynate “Alien” Irarte
25.    Eduardo “Anaconda” Nariz

Proving that  Filipinos are a veritable match for any competitive sport, these names have proven the strength of their gut—literally—by making it to the semi-finals of the country’s first hotdog eating competition hosted by 7-Eleven Philippines.

Tom "The Goose" Gilbert, devouring hot dogs at the Big Bite Challenge Launch

These Filipino eating machines will gather on September 26, 2009, Saturday for the culmination of one of the biggest and widest gastronomic competition ever assembled in Southeast Asia. The fastest eaters gathered from 7-Eleven stores nationwide are set to battle it out at the final Big Bite Match where the champion gurgitator will bring home P500,000 in cash.

“Our culture has a natural affinity for food and if there’s one sport we can excel in—as evidenced by the exceptional time that our semi-finalists have set, competitive eating is one of them,” said Armi Andrade, 7-Eleven’s Food Service Division Manager. “We believe that Filipinos will appreciate a different kind of exhilaration with this spectator event.”

Expect nothing short of a digestive grandstanding at the challenge culminates on September 26, Saturday at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia. For questions and inquiries, please visit www.eatingmachinesphilippines.com.

7-Eleven is celebrating its 25th year of being the largest convenience store chain in the Philippines. For inquiries about franchising, please contact the Customer Hotline at 724-10-31 or the Mobile Hotline at 0920-945-2036.
Big Bite ® Match is the biggest competitive eating event in the Philippines visit www.eatingmachinesphilippines.com/ for more information.

The finals are back on! Save the date, hot dog munchers- September 26, 2009. 5PM. SM Mall of Asia Hall of Music. Come prepared.

There will be no more semi-finals. Didn’t I say I wasn’t going to let you guys down? You’re welcome.

The final list, surprisingly, is composed of mostly people new to the leader boards. Although it’s refreshing to see new blood in the list, I’m glad to see some of the leader board veterans stay strong and qualify for the semi finals.

The 25th placer, Eduardo Nariz is the winner of the tie-breaker match with 0:01:20. 24th to 21st positions, with a time of 0:01:19, are held by Reynarte Iriarte, Raymond Bagoncia, Michael Samonte and Edwin Duque.

20th to 18th positions are held by Jose Rivera, Domingo Beltrano, Leopoldo Quinto, Jr., tied up at 0:01:18. 17th position to 15th also ended up in a tie at 0:01:17. It’s held by Paulo Jonas Paguio, Leonardo Reataza, and Daniel Janjoras.

14th to 12th positions are tied up at 0:01:16 and are held by Marvin Mora, James Pierce, and John Paul Aragoncillo. 11th to 7th positions, at 0:01:15, are held by Marvin James Alzola, Jowel Lazaga, Edelbrando Guevarra, Rey Mahilum and William Amba.

6th is Rodrigo “Airstrike” Villamor with a time of 0:01:14. He’s followed by Cermino Dela Cruz, running a time of 0:01:12 at 5th. Seth Rubian has 4th place with 0:01:09. Crisaldo Mendiao clocks in at 0:01:08 to get 3rd spot.

Our king of the hill for 3 weeks in a row has been throw off the cliff. Landing at 2nd place, Kyle De Guzman settles with a time of 0:01:07.

The new leader is Donal Jao “Top Gun” Empeynado, with an astonishing time of 0:01:03!

Unfortunately, the date for the semi finals has yet to be announced. I do, however, promise to announce it here as soon as I catch the news. Congratulations to the semi finalists!

We are extremely sorry to announce that the semi finals, which was set for tomorrow, August 22, 2009 has been postponed.

The competition is still going to push through, but at a much later date, which is still being determined. We apologize to the inconvenience. We will keep you all posted on the developments of the competition as newer details arise. I promise to not let you guys down.

Maybe we could think of it this way, we have more time to practice!

Sorry again, guys.

If anyone could give the leader board elite a run for their  money, it could very well be this guy. He’s determined, he has the technique and he’s built like a brick. That’s normally a winning combination.

7-11 asked Argie “Strongman” Samson a few questions and here’s what he has to say.

7-11:  Please give a brief description of your personal background ( ie. age, profession, etc.).
Argie Samson:I’m a Fitness Instructor. I’m 31 years old, married, with 1 child and expecting another. My hobbies are body building, watching movies, playing the guitar and binge eating.

7-11: How did your interest in competitive eating start?
AS: It started when I joined a beef bowl eating contest, made it to the finals but unfortunately didn’t win the grand prize. Since then, I started training more.

7-11: Who is the competitive eater that you look up to the most? Why?
AS: Takeru Kobayashi, because even though he’s into binge eating, he’s still in great shape. I’m into body building myself and I’d like to still look good while competing in this sport.

7-11: Describe your competitive eating style. What food are you most comfortable with?
AS: It’s as simple as trying not to get choked and washing down the food as fast as I can. I’m most comfortable with burgers.

7-11: What are some of the methods or techniques you adapt in order to develop your skill?
AS: I prefer not to answer this question, because each competitor has their own secret weapons. I won’t give mine away. Hehe.

7-11: What is your personal record?
AS: 1 min and 28 seconds for five hot dogs. I know I can do better but I would rather save the best for last.

7-11: How did you hear about 7-11’s Big Bite competition? Why do you want to join this competition? How did you prepare for it?
AS: Just through flyers. I want to win the money, of course, for my family and I really enjoy joining this type of competition.

7-11: We heard that you record a video of yourself trying to beat the record. What’s the reason behind this?
AS: In order to review mistakes of previous tries, and to develop new techniques.

7-11:Do you think that competitive eating has already reached its full potential here in the Philippines ?
AS: Absolutely, because I know a lot of binge eaters like myself. We really have turned to the new era’s ROCKSTARS. Hehe.

7-11: Apart from yourself, do you know of anyone or any organization that does competitive eating here in the  Philippines ?
AS: I know some friends who join, as I’ve joined quite a few beef bowl eating contest and the (certain type of burger) challenge at (a popular fastfood chain).

7-11: How do you think the 7-11 Big Bite Competition will improve the milieu of competitive eating in the  Philippines ?
AS: This will be the beginning of a bushfire to other establishments, just like Nathan’s hot dog eating contest in the US. Now it’s being held yearly and gaining popularity. This should be part of the olympics! Hehe.

And there you have it, guys. Our resident macho man has the tools and the experience to debunk our number 1 contender, but can he do it come showdown time? Check in every now and then for updates about the competition.

The elimination period is now over. Once I get all the details for the semi-finals, I’ll post them here so we can all watch these people devour processed meat products right before our eyes.

Recently, 7-11 got in touch with the reigning king of the ring, Kyle De “The Beast” Guzman and asked him a few questions about his techniques and competitive eating. He was happy to let us in on his inner most thoughts. Well, at least as far as eating hot dogs with a passion goes. Here’s what he has to say.

7-11:  Please give a brief description of your personal background ( ie. age, profession, etc.)

Kyle De Guzman:  I’m 22 years old, nursing student of University of Pangasinan PHINMA Education network (I’m on my 3rd year now and surviving, I really want to graduate soon, It’s a bit odd for a nursing student doing competitive eating right? hahaha. I guess an interesting fact about me is I only lived here in the Philippines for three and a half years. I actually came back to the Philippines to finish my college. Yes, I’m full Filipino and can understand Tagalog and pangasinan haha.  I’m originally from San Jose, California, yup thats where the Champion Hotdog Eater of the World lives, the incredible Joey “Jaws” Chestnut. I saw him once at Great America Parkway Theme park for a funnel cake eating contest, Man that guy could really eat. I think that’s all I’ll say about myself for now haha.

7-11: How did your interest in competitive eating start?

KDG: I think I got interested once 7-11 started promoting the event. I never thought I’d be in competitive eating. I actually wanted to get into MMA but I think I found something I thought I was good at instead haha. It really have to be 7-11 being the one that got me interested in competitive eating. I mean I know I can eat fast and a lot I just didn’t know it’d be useful or even healthy in my life haha. But I guess things happen for a reason.

7-11: Who is the competitive eater that you look up to the most? Why?

KDG: Pandas! Have you seen how much bamboo they could eat? Freaking 20 - 30 pounds of bamboo shoots! haha but honestly it’d be Joey “Jaws” Chestnut. I’m not jumping the bandwagon here since he beat kobayashi but that guy has been trying really hard to beat Takeru in the past and he finally did it. He has heart and spirit so I give props to him. He’s also a native to San Jose.

7-11: Describe your competitive eating style. What food are you most comfortable with?

KDG: I don’t think I can describe it myself. although my friends usually call me a beast when I eat so I guess that makes me have a veracious style? That’s how I got my nickname but I’m going to just be Bruce Lee about it and say “The style of no style.” I’m more comfortable with any kind of food as long it tastes good to me. I’m not picky really I’m not I Love FOOD haha.

7-11: What are some of the methods or techniques you adapt in order to develop your skill?

KDG: I think it would have to be controlling nausea and the gag reflex. I mean eating fast may be easy for some people but what I find challenging is when your stomach starts to expand and it sends signals to your brain telling your body that its full. Seriously eating 5 hot dogs can be easy but try eating 25 within a 5 minutes span and tell me how you feel haha.. Rhythm is another thing too because if you slow down you can’t keep up the tempo of what you are eating. Bottom line is that its physically and mentally challenging.

7-11: What is your personal record?

KDG: Personal record? Ummm you know the Chow King sulit salo set good for 4? I ate the whole thing in 8 minutes and 38 secs =X

7-11: How did you hear about 7-11’s Big Bite competition? Why do you want to join this competition? How did you prepare for it?

KDG: Quite honestly I didn’t really expect myself to be in a hot dog eating competition haha. Actually my best friend Franky told me about it. In fact, I was studying for my unit test around June and he comes busting through my dorm door screaming “KYLE WE GOT TO DO THIS MAN!!!!” I had no idea 7-11 would hold an eating competition. But yeah he pushed me to it because he believed in my *cough* eating abilities. My first try was 3 mins and 14 secs I didn’t practice or anything I just did it for fun and I was also really hungry that day. But after a lot of people got into it and when the real competition started in July I got addicted to beating other players’ time. After that I started my competitive training regime early July.

Kyle, rocking that awesome shirt.

7-11: We heard that you record a video of yourself trying to beat the record. What’s the reason behind this?

KDG: I recorded myself so I could see what slows me down and how much of a glutton I look on camera haha. But mostly to see what mistakes I make in the trail run.

7-11: Do you think that competitive eating has already reached its full potential here in the Philippines?

KDG: No I don’t think so but its starting to get big here. I think it’s an awesome idea because people got big appetites here and they got potential. Heck, I’d like to see a rice bowl eating competition, I know a lot of people would join that. Heck I’ll join haha.

7-11: Apart from yourself do you know of anyone or any organization that does competitive eating here in the Philippines?

KDG: No not that I know of, I thought 7-11 is the first one to hold a competitive eating competition in the Philippines. Thank You 7-11!

7-11: How do you think the 7-11 Big Bite Competition will improve the milieu of competitive eating in the Philippines ?

KDG: I think 7-11 will improve the competitive eating competition by opening to the public this new idea of competition, making it become the hype and something different to the society. Not just U.S. or Japan but Philippines can do it too. This would be a great yearly competition haha.

And there you have it, folks. Seems like Kyle is a guy who just loves eating, and who wouldn’t be good at what they love doing, yeah?

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, Kyle. We look forward to seeing you at the semis and hopefully at the finals!

I’m amazed at how frequently the landscape of the leader board changes weekly; however, the leader, Kyle “The Beast” De Guzman has held the spot for two weeks in a row. Will he still be the top dog this time around or has he been thrown off his comfortable chair at the top?

Let’s get head straight to the meat, people.

At 26th and 25th place, with a staggering time of 0:01:44, we have Ronald “The Sting” Martinez and Alvin Thompson “Tommy Gun” Tan. They close follow new leader board comer Eduardo “Anaconda” Nariz with 0:01:43, at 24th place. John Paul “Crystal Ball” Cristobal creeps up past Anaconda at 0:01:41 to land 23rd in the boards this week.

Our first ever four-way tie belongs to Ariel “Doc” Samson, Alvin “Double A” Alunday, Alejandro Villarino “Long Name” Romy Sarmento, and Donn “Dinosauric” Dono at 0:01:40. They take up spots 19 to 22. They’re quickly followed by a tie at 18th and 17th, held by Christopher “Monkey Eating” Demaguila and Michael “Jaws” Samonte, at a clock of 0:01:37. 16th spot goes to Alfredo “The Mayor?!” Lim at 0:01:36.

Ricardo “Senyor” Hernandez occupies the 15th and 14th places with a time of 0:01:35. He shares it with Yasker “Super Dragon” Yu at 0:01:35. A surprising jump to 0:01:29 sneaks in at 13th and 12th spots and are held by Bryan “Kung Fu” Lim Ang and Edwin Paul “Turbo” John. Argie “Strongman” Samson brings up the 11th spot at 0:01:28.

Here we go with the top ten eaters of the week.

At 10th, Agapito “Teenage Mutant” Pag-Ong clocks in at 0:01:25. Tie for 9th and 8th places has a time of 0:01:24 and are held by Paolo Jonas “Eating Rage” Paguio and Elmer “The Hunter” Soriano. Rommel “El Luchador” Luacra has the 7th spot at 0:01:20. That’s an impressive jump- 4 seconds less than the previous spot. 6th place belongs to James “Super Spy” Pierce, at a time of 0:01:19.

At the edge of the top 5, we have Leopoldo “Black Hole” Quinto, Jr. with a time of 0:01:18. This guy’s been around for a while, and it seems he’s been improving. John Paul “El Macho” Aragoncillo holds the 4th spot at 0:01:16. The 3rd and 2nd spots belong to Rey “Gun” Mahilum and newbiw Jowel “Laser” Lazaga, with a great time of 0:01:15.

And the king of these boards again this week is Kyle “The Beast” De Guzman! Living up to his name, his time of 0:01:07 has yet to be beaten!

Now, I’ve been hearing things about getting 30 people for the semi finals instead of 25. Until I hear official confirmation, I don’t want to make any announcements. For now, all I know is that there are 25 finalists. Please come back here to see any updates on this if ever. For now, though, this is your leader board. Congratulations to the guys who are in it and to those who aren’t, you still have about a couple days to get in. You can do it!