MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino bodybuilding champion Jerick Ternida is planning to face the best of the best as he targets to qualify for the Mr. Olympia, the top professional bodybuilding competition in the world.

Ternida said he is looking to earn his pro card from the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) to be able to compete in the under-202 pound division of the Mr. Olympia.

“I’m planning to go back to IFBB to represent the Philippines. They have already the Mr. Olympia 202-under,” said the seasoned bodybuilder.

The Mr. Olympia has introduced the 202 Showdown for shorter bodybuilders who compete below 202 pounds.

Ternida stands 5-foot-4 and weighed around 175 pounds when he won the over-all championship in the 2008 Muscle Mania Universe.

The current Mr. Olympia 202 champion is Kevin English of the US.

Among the past Mr. Olympia champions were Sergio Oliva, Frank Zane, Ronnie Coleman and bodybuilder-turned California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Ternida, a 6-time Mr. Philippines title-holder, said he was introduced to bodybuilding when he was 21.

“I was very skinny, I was just 98 pounds then,” he said. “At that time, may pagka-asthmatic ako. May allergic rhinitis ako. Eventually nagustuhan ko ang bodybuilding.”

He then went on to become Mr. Philippines and won several international titles like the 2003 Muscle Mania World lightweight and the 2008 Muscle Mania Universe 2008 middleweight crowns.