Wednesday, July 23, 2008

MAP-NEG. OCC. SENDS MUAY PLAYER TO POF By: James U. Sy Jr.

Muay Association of the Philippines-Negros Occidental Chapter (MAP-Neg. Occ.) will be sending a lone entry to the Muay Thai Competition of the Philippine Olympic Festival (POF) All Visayas Qualifying Games scheduled for July 23-27, 2008 in Dumaguete City .

The Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc., a Founding Member of MAP-Neg. Occ., will be sending Reynold Baylon to represent Bacolod and Negros Occidental in the Thai Kickboxing tournament.

Accompanying Baylon will be PIMAA-FTSDA Founder/Preesident Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo and his son, Master Grandmaster Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo Jr.

GM Montoyo, the Muay Thai representative of the now inactive Bacolod City Sports Council (BCSC), had approached the city and provincial governments for support of the local Muay Thai delegation but he laments the lack of support to this wonderful sport.

“MAP-Neg. Occ. had to use out of the pocket funding and solicitations from generous private patrons just to be able to send a skeleton team to the POF. Muay Thai may be new to some but there is already a Bacoleño world champion in Muay Thai, Vince Soberano. I believe it is a sport where Negrosanons can excel in.” A few member organizations of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), to which GM Montoyo serves a president, also provided some financial support for the team.

It would be Baylon’s first outing in Muay Thai. He is trained by Master Don-Don, who teaches Filipino Tang Soo Do at the PIMAA-FTSDA Gym at the Bacolod YMCA and Muay Thai at Mega Boxing Gym in Lacson St . Baylon won in a Sipa Sumbag match during the 1st Brgy. Taloc Martial Arts Showdown last April 20, 2007 in Bago City ,

MAP Visayas and Region 7 Head Kru Ike Xavier S. Villaflores of Dumaguete City introduced Muay Thai as taught by the Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) during the 1st MAP Negros Occidental Muay Boran Instructors Course on Jun 18-19, 2005 at the Group K Complex, Bacolod City .

MAP-NEG. OCC. SENDS MUAY PLAYER TO POF By: James U. Sy Jr.

Muay Association of the Philippines-Negros Occidental Chapter (MAP-Neg. Occ.) will be sending a lone entry to the Muay Thai Competition of the Philippine Olympic Festival (POF) All Visayas Qualifying Games scheduled for July 23-27, 2008 in Dumaguete City .

The Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc., a Founding Member of MAP-Neg. Occ., will be sending Reynold Baylon to represent Bacolod and Negros Occidental in the Thai Kickboxing tournament.

Accompanying Baylon will be PIMAA-FTSDA Founder/Preesident Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo and his son, Master Grandmaster Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo Jr.

GM Montoyo, the Muay Thai representative of the now inactive Bacolod City Sports Council (BCSC), had approached the city and provincial governments for support of the local Muay Thai delegation but he laments the lack of support to this wonderful sport.

“MAP-Neg. Occ. had to use out of the pocket funding and solicitations from generous private patrons just to be able to send a skeleton team to the POF. Muay Thai may be new to some but there is already a Bacoleño world champion in Muay Thai, Vince Soberano. I believe it is a sport where Negrosanons can excel in.” A few member organizations of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), to which GM Montoyo serves a president, also provided some financial support for the team.

It would be Baylon’s first outing in Muay Thai. He is trained by Master Don-Don, who teaches Filipino Tang Soo Do at the PIMAA-FTSDA Gym at the Bacolod YMCA and Muay Thai at Mega Boxing Gym in Lacson St . Baylon won in a Sipa Sumbag match during the 1st Brgy. Taloc Martial Arts Showdown last April 20, 2007 in Bago City ,

MAP Visayas and Region 7 Head Kru Ike Xavier S. Villaflores of Dumaguete City introduced Muay Thai as taught by the Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) during the 1st MAP Negros Occidental Muay Boran Instructors Course on Jun 18-19, 2005 at the Group K Complex, Bacolod City .

MONTOYO PROMOTED TO ORIGINAL TAPADO GM By: James U. Sy Jr.

Master Elmer V. Montoyo, Founder/President of the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc., was promoted to Grandmaster in Original Filipino Tapado by the 1st Generation Inheritor (Tig-subli) Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido last June 28, 2008 at the Lobrido Rsidence, Prk. Langka, Bgry. Taloc, Bago City .

The promotion was awarded in a simple ceremony during GM Lobrido’s 58th birthday celebration, which was attended by the Mamar and Lobrido Clans, relatives, friends, and members of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc.

The celebration also marked GM Lobrido’s 48th year of studying and teaching Original Filipino Tapado, an indigenous long stick fighting art founded by his late uncle Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar in 1960 in Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City after studying Lagas, Oido, Layaw, and Sinamak from 4 different Arnis grandmasters.

The name Tapado derives from the Hiligaynon term Tapat, which in turn comes from Tapos “finish, end.” Contracting Tapat with the Hiligaynon suffix do, one gets a descriptive term for the degree or gravity of being finished or put to an end. Thus, Tapado is an art designed to finish a conflict the soonest.

GM Montoyo has a total of 51 years combined martial arts experience, starting off with Western Boxing under the late Coach Col. Porferio “Peryong” Arcobellas in 1957 at the Bacolod City Diamond Gloves. Montoyo started learning Shotokan Karate in 1960 at the famed White Kimono Karate Club under Levi Sembrano (3rd Class Brown Belt), then Jerry Gonzales (1st Class Brown Belt), followed by George A. Gargalicano Sensei (2nd Dan Black Belt), and finally Master Casimiro “Chingi” A. Grandeza, Founder/Chief Instructor of the White Kimono Karate-do Club, in 1963.

Montoyo was promoted to honorary Black Belt and 1st Dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate in 1964 and 1966 respectively by Master Grandeza, the latter being under the sanction of the Visayas Budokyokai and the certification signed by All Japan Karate Federation (AJKF) Chief Instructor Koichi Kondo Sensei, AJKF President Kainosuke Watanabe Sensei, and WKKC Chief Instructor Casimiro A. Grandeza Sensei.

He earned his 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Dan Black Belts in Tang Soo Do from GM Grandeza in 1969, 1972, and 1994 respectively under the sanction of the Philippine Moo Duk Kwan Inc. Korea Tang Soo Do Association (PMDKI-KTSDA). He was awarded his 6th da Dan Black Belt by Master Eric Breuer, 7th Dan Black Belt, under the sanction of Universal Martial Arts (USA).

He learned Kung Fu Karate Chinese Atado under Grandmaster Leong Fu, Hung Gar Kung Fu under Grandmaster Yao Hing Pui of Hong Kong, and Tai Chi Chuan under International Master Lee Fong Jong (Li Jun Feng), former National Wushu Coach of the People’s Republic of China .

Montoyo started his studies of Original Filipino Tapado under its Founder the late GM Mamar and his nephew Chief Instructor Master Lobrido in 1986 in Taloc, Bago City . He was awarded his Senior instructorship on December 20, 1998, his mastership on April 23, 2006, and his grandmastership on June 28, 2008, a total of 22 years continued practice and loyalty to Original Filipino Tapado. GM Montoyo earned the distinction as the first and only to be promoted to grandmaster in Original Filipino Tapado outside the Mamar and Lobrido Clans. Previously, the highest rank awarded in the art was master, which was bestowed to only 7 people.

GM Montoyo is also the President of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), Philippine Representative of Rossi Kuntao International, Board Director of the OFTLSFA, Inc., Chairman of the Muay Thai Association of the Philippines-Negros Occidental Chapter, and Consultant of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc.

He previously served as Chief Instructor and National Forms Consultant of PMDKI-KTSDA, Negros Occidental Coordinator of the Philippine Pencak Silat Association (Philsilat)-Negros Occidental Chapter, and VP-Central Negros of the Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP) -Negros Occidental Chapter.

TAI CHI CIRCLE OF BACOLOD TURNS 8 By: James U. Sy Jr.

The Tai Chi Circle of Bacolod (TCCB) turned 8 years old last July 17, 2008, making it perhaps the longest existing training network/group of Tai Chi enthusiasts in both Bacxolod City and Negros Occidental.

The Tai Chi Circle of Bacolod (TCCB) was founded by several career professionals as a low profile, non-profit group dedicated to the concentrated study of the thousand years old Chinese internal art of Tai Chi Chuan “Grand Ultimate Fist” on July 17, 2000 in Bacolod City .

The group was formed when several would-be founding members convinced Peter John Lloren Yap to lead the training. Yap was hesitant at first because he was just doing Tai Chi for personal consumption, that is to rehabilitate an injury that he sustained in his younger days. He later agreed provided it would be a non-commercial learning group with no fees.

Peter John Lloren Yap Sifu (B: 1944) started his studies of Tai Chi Chuan under a local master in Bacolod , learning a modified form of the 108-steps. He continued his studies with Master Li Jun-Feng, Head Coach of the Beijing Wushu Team, during visits to Bacolod in 1992 and 1993 sponsored by Cecille H. Magsaysay and Kaya Uy Se Kay respectively.

According to Chinese oral tradition, the legendary Taoist Chan Sang-Feng developed Tai Chi Chuan after having practiced and mastered the external art of Shaolin Chuan “Small Forest Fist.” He reportedly observed a fight between a crane and a snake. Inspite of the serpent’s combative advantage he was defeated by the bird who avoided his attacks by flowing with them and striking back with his beak. Thus, the flowing movements of Tai Chi Chuan were discovered.

The name Grand Ultimate Fist is a homage to the metaphysical principle Yin/Yang, which governs everything in the universe. Yin and Ying represent two opposing yet complementary forces that maintain equilibrium in the cosmos. An interplay of the two forces is essential since when one becomes greater, an imbalance presents itself. Grand Ultimate Fist is therefore the art that prevents imbalances and blockages in the human internal system with the proper practice of Chi Kung (energy work), meditation, performing the forms, and observing a balanced diet and lifestyle.

Tai Chi Chuan was made popular by the Chen Clan and modified by Yang Lu-Chan into Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. Today, there are many styles of the art such as Wu, Sun, Hao, and the competition routines put together by the Mainland Chinese Government.

TCCB is concentrated on the study of the Yang Chia 24-steps and the Cheng Man-Ching (Zheng Manqing) 37-steps. TCCB’s primary goal is to improve one’s quality of life through cultivation of the mind and inner peace, correct breathing, and non-impact/non-injurous physical exercise through Tai Chi Chuan, proper diet, a health centered lifestyle, and a harmonious relationship with one’s brothers and sisters in and outside the art. Many had joined the group to contain their diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, etc.

TCCB came to the attention of the public on March 31, 2004 when Atty. Juanito S. Amihan, himself a martial arts enthusiast, hosted Yap Sifu for his TV show Reflections over at Negros Progress Channel. The group’s first public demonstration was during the 2nd Bacolaodiat Celebration last February 27, 2007 at the Bacolod Public Plaza where Humberto “Toti” Lim and Cathy Friend performed the 37 and 27 posture Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan form.

Active TCCB members include Atty. Alexander Ang of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Charles Atas, Letty Chiu, Pepe Chiu, Catherine Friend, Cecille H. Magsaysay, Guillermo “Bill” L. Gomez, Rey Granada, Pepito Khey, Humberto “Toti” Lim, Felipe Lio, Celedinio Perez Jr., Alex Su, Sagay Councilor James Tupas, Jose Uy Jr., and Stephen Young.

Interested parties may contact Jose Uy Jr. at 434-7664 and join training for FREE every MWF 8:00 P.M. at Oceanlight Import and Export, Magsaysay St., Bacolod City.

REMEMBERING GM DOMINADOR D. FERRER By: James U. Sy Jr.

A year had passed since the gentle giant Grandmaster Dominador “Doming” D. Ferrer (1920-2007) left this world and joined his Creator but his memory still lives with the people who love him and aspired to be like him, as a person, a husband, a father, a teacher, a friend.

Teo Doming, as he was fondly called by those close to him, was born to Eduardo Ferrer, a farmer, and Catalina Dionson on November 25, 1920 in Bacolod City. The young Ferrer had his education at Mabini Elementary School and was a freshman at the Negros Occidental High School (NOHS) before quitting school. He worked at the printing house of his grandfather, Esteban Alemares.

At the outbreak of World War II, Ferrer was one of the countless Filipinos who volunteered for combat service in defense of their country. At the age of 20, he stood strong with the physique of a bodybuilder, having pumped iron during his teens.

When the Americans surrendered to the Japanese, Ferrer joined the guerilla movement the mountains of Calatrava and San Carlos in Negros . Ferrer was assigned in the Finance Department of the guerilla movement because of his printing experience. It was there that he met his future wife, Margarita L. Briones (B: July 20, 1927), a sorter and checker of the emergency notes printed by the guerilla movement. Ferrer and Briones were married in 1944 and three more times thereafter within their 63 years marriage. Ferrer was employed with the Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) after the war until his retirement in 1980.

Ferrer started his martial arts training under Founder/Great Grandmaster Jose “Joe” Lamayo Viñas (1906-1991) in October 1959 at the Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis Aficionados Association (LVAAA). Ferrer represented his teacher during exhibitions, among them Cebu Coliseum, Southwestern University , Far Eastern University, and University of the Visayas. Master Ferrer showed his disarming prowess at the 2nd National Eskrima (Arnis) Championships held by the National Arnis Association of the Philippines (NARAPHIL) on March 16, 1985 in Cebu City .

Ferrer was awarded his mastership in Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis by GGM Viñas on April 20, 1979 in Bacolod City after 20 years of continuous and dedicated practice. He was recognized as a Grandmaster by the Negros Occidental Arnis Federation (NOAF) during the 4th National Arnis Tournament and Festival on July 26-27, 1986 at the West Negros College Gym. Then NARAPHIL Visayas Region Commissioner Atty. Grandmaster Dionisio A. Cañete was one of those who signed his certification.

GM Ferrer learned the indigenous Bagoueño long stick fighting art Original Filipino Tapado under its Founder/Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar and then Chief Instructor and future 1st Generation Inheritor Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido and earned his Junior Instructorship on December 30, 1988 and his Senior Instructorship on May 28, 1989.

When GGM Viñas passed away in 1991, GM Ferrer started his own school, Kalantiaw Defense Society (KDS), not wanting to get involved in the struggle for succession of the headmastership. On December 30, 2003, 1st Generation Inheritor Headmaster Wilson “Nonong” E. Viñas, the son of the Founder, conferred to GM Ferrer a 10th Degree Grandmaster ranking in Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis, making him the first and only to be promoted to such high rank by a lineage holder.

GM Ferrer is recognized as a grandmaster by the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF) of Atty. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) under its President Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, and the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founders/Masters James U. sy jr. and Narciso “hansy” L. Alojado. He is also a Board Director of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc.

GM Ferrer was recognized for his “Outstanding Propagation of Arnis in Bacolod City ” by officials of Purok Macanpiña during the 1st Purok Macanpiña Martial Arts Expo on August 28, 2004 in Bacolod City . CMAS, IFFMAS, and OFTLSFA recognized him as “The Oldest Living Grandmaster of Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis in the World.”

GM Ferrer served as Arnis Training Director for Bantay Bayan under Regional Director Rudy Toledo and taught hand to hand defensive tactics to the Philippine Army in Negros .

GM Ferrer is a firm believer in living a peaceful life. He always reminded his students that the Filipino Martial Art (FMA) Arnis or Escrima should only be used in the protection in one’s or one’s loved ones’ lives. He lived by Jesus Christ’s Golden Rule. He was always humble and did not speak ill of other Arnisadors. For him, what one does goes back to him. He advocated the respect of one’s fellow man.

Grandmaster Dominador “Doming” D. Ferrer, 86, passed away on July 17, 2007 at the Doctors Hospital due a sudden cardiac arrest. He was laid to rest on July 23, 2007 at the Roselawns Memorial Park .

Grandmaster Dominador “Doming” D. Ferrer had taught a good number of students in his lifetime among them former Bacolod Councilor Atty. Juanito Amihan, American university Professor and FMA Master Ronald A. Harris, and some foreigners. He promoted only 4 people to Master in Arnis: Romy Berlanas of KDS, Rey Aguilar, Jun-Jun Maravilla of OFTLSFA, and James U. Sy Jr. of CMAS.

M.A. INSTRUCTOR APPREHENDS THIEF By: James U. Sy Jr.

Security Guard Diomedes N. Mamugay arrested a suspected thief in the early morning of July 18, 2008 at the San Carlos Bioenergy Inc. (SCBI) Sudecor Warehouse, Calachuchi St. , San Julio, Brgy. II, San Carlos City .

The incident happened on or about 3:45 A.M., when Mamugay, who was doing his routine rounds, spotted Montano Avelino, 18 years old, a resident of Rizal St. , Brgy. III, San Carlos City , suspiciously carrying one unit Hitachi truck battery with 8 assorted tools.

Mamugay asked the teen to put down the items. Upon closer inspection, it was found out that said items were from the warehouse. When Mamugay started to arrest the suspect, the suspect resisted. Mamugay managed to apply an arresting technique to the suspect and contained him without harming him.

“I didn’t want to hurt the suspect. My intention was just to take him to custody. The jointlocking technique that I learned from Wild Judo really came in handy. I and the suspect were both unharmed after the short fracass,” revealed Mamugay.

Mamugay turned over the suspect to Brgy. Capt. Roberto Mercado Sr. of Brgy. II at around 4:00 A.M. Policemen under P/Supt. Harold Tuzon, PO1 Jonathan Broce, PO1 Pauna, and company took custody of the suspect for investigation.

Mamugay is with the Negros Veterans Security Agency, Inc. under Admin/Operations Officer Capt. Rolando F. Andutan, PAR, and Supervisor MSG Alberto D. Escobar, PA (Ret.).

Mamugay is a martial arts instructor, being the Founder/Chief Instructor of the San Carlos Jungle Fighters Martial Arts Club (SACA JUFIMAC) with four other chapter/member schools. Mamugay uses his spare time to teach martial arts to the youth to put them to the right path and to stay them clear of unproductive vices such as drugs, alcoholism, gambling, etc.

Mamugay is a 3rd Degree Black Belt under (Ret.) Lt. Col. Master Epifanio F. Mercado of the Combat Taekwondo Club-Main (CTC-Main), 6th Degree Black Belt; a 2nd Degree in Karate under the Golden Armor of Ernie Sucaldito Sensei, and is currently working for his 1st Degree Instructor rank in Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis under Master James U. Sy Jr., who had also taught him Wild Judo.

Mamugay is the San Carlos Representative of the Wushu Federation of the Philippines-Negros Occidental (WFP-Neg. Occ.) under Provincial Coordinator Joery C. Amante and a Founding member of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) under its President Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

UNIVERSAL DEFENSIVE TACTICS LAUNCHED @ ROBINSON’S By: Jams U. Sy Jr.

The Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA), the newest group in the Negros martial arts community, was officially introduced to the public during ABS CBN’s 1st Negros Fighting Arts Exposition last July 8, 2008 at the Fountain Area, Robinson’s Place Bacolod, Bacolod City.

The event, which was held as part of the ABS-CBN Kapamilya Sinadya in celebration of the 20th Year Anniversary of its Bacolod station, showcased various demonstrations from not less than 68 martial arts exponents from Bacolod and Bago Cities from 13 organizations representing 18 different systems and styles of Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Thai, Indonesian, Brazilian, and Eclectic Martial Arts.

The UDTA Demo Team was composed of Founder/Chairman Abraham G. Ganzon Jr., Hamel Borromeo, Alex Denamarca Jr., Paul Anthony Ganzon, and Ramel Vallejera. The group’s demonstration started off with a traditional Aikido ki testing method that involved the use of the unbendable arm. Ganzon then went through various defenses against knife attacks and gun pointing using an eclectic blend of Aikido, Krav Maga, Karate, Kimdo, etc.

The Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA) traces its roots to F.I.G.H.T. (Filipino Integrated Guerilla Hand to Hand Tactics), a group composed of students from the Universal Health Caregivers Training Center (UHCTC) co-founded by Chairman Abraham G. Ganzon Jr. and Chief Instructor Rosyl “Russell” A. Mohametano last January 8, 2008 at #83A Cor. Rosario-Locsin Sts., Bacolod City with Dr. Leonilo “Nilo” N. del Carmen, Founder/Head Instructor of the Bacolod-based Musubi Dojo, as Consultant.

Ganzon, who is also the UHCTC Chairman of the Board, and Mohametano, then a caregiver student at the center, agreed to pool their resources and skills to run the group with Ganzon acting on an administrative capacity and Mohametano in a technical capacity.

F.I.G.H.T. was formally introduced to the public thru a demonstration by Ganzon and Ramel Vallajera at the 5th Negros Regional Tapondo Invitational Competition last May 25, 2008 at the Food Court Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City. The group practiced an eclectic syllabus which combined Mohametano’s Aikido and Ganzon’s Karate and Kimdo Taekwondo, at the Universal Health Caregivers Training Center.

In June 2008, the Board Directors of the Universal Health Caregivers Training Center decided to start up the Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA) as a department for the self defense course modules of its caregiver students. Universal was chosen to identify the group as coming from the Universal Health Caregivers Training Center and to signify an approach to self protection with no stylistic limitations. Defensive Tactics was used instead of martial arts because the primary focus was to be able to successfully defend oneself and survive an assault rather than to be a good fighter which will require more time to achieve.

The stockholders of the school wanted to equip their graduates with not only the expertise in caregiving but also in the skills of defending oneself against bodily harm, especially when they are already working abroad. The Universal Health Caregivers Training Center has affiliate agencies overseas and a big number of their graduates are now working in Canada.

The Board Directors of the Universal Health Caregivers Training Center will be hiring instructors from diverse backgrounds to teach the UDTA.Modules for empty hand skills, weaponswork, and defensive firearms.

Ganzon, who will serve as Founder/Chairman for UDTA, studied Karate under Bong-Bong Acot Sensei of Club 43, Taekwondo under Founder Joy T. Divinagracia of Kimdo Martial Arts Organization (KMAO), and briefly in Aikido under Chief Instructor Rosyl “Russell” A. Mohametano of Musubi Dojo-Himamaylan and Founder/Head Instructor Dr. Leonilo “Nilo” N. del Carmen of Musubi Dojo-Bacolod.

The Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA) will be processing its application for membership with the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) headed by Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, Founder of Filipino Tang Soo Do. The plan for UDTA is to get technical consultancy and organizational support from IFFMAS.

Interested parties may contact Universal Health Caregivers Training Center (Tel. No. 434-1429) and/or Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (Tel. No. 453-1763) at #83A Cor. Rosario-Locsin Sts., Bacolod City.

BACOLEÑO MUAY THAI CHAMP HONORED By: Jams U. Sy Jr.

Bacolod-born Kru (Master) Vince Patrick Esteban Casa Soberano, the first and only Filipino-American to fight and win at both the Queen's and the King's Birthday on the same year in Bangkok, was recognized for his achievements in the ring by URCC Founder Alvin Aguilar during the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) 12 “Supremacy” held recently at the A. Venue Events Hall, Makati City.

Aguilar also honored Grandmaster Napoleon “Nap” A. Fernandez, Founder of the Filipino kicking art of Yaw Yan with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the event.

Soberano is best known in the Philippines for coaching China’s first professional MMA delegation to the Universal Reality Combat Championships (URCC) “Art of War” at the Araneta Coliseum, where all 4 Chinese fighters defeated the Filipino URCC champions.

Soberano’s latest conquest was the World Professional Muay Thai Federation (WPMTF) Super Middleweight title when he knocked out Jaipech of Thailand in the 1st round on February 13, 2008 at the Bangla Stadium, Phuket, Thailand (watch the match at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPMM_0Yz9zE).

When Soberano was 10, his father Atty. Joe Soberano brought him to Bangkok for a vacation. His father brought him to the Lumpini Stadium to watch a Muay Thai competition. The youngster persuaded his father to enroll him to a Muay Thai camp at a former prizefighter's garage the following day. The short vacation turned into a 3 months intensive training. Soberano spent his succeeding summers in Bangkok to master Muay Thai. He had his first bout at 13. Later, he moved to the US. He turned pro in 1990 in Las Vegas and opened his first Black Tiger Academy in San Diego the following year.

Soberano, a software engineer by trade, traveled from Orange County, California, USA to Beijing, China in 2004 on a work project for his previous software company. The following year he started his own software consulting company.

Also in 2005, he met Prof. Chet Quint, an American black belt in Gracie Jiu-jitsu and together they founded the Black Tiger Academy at 9F Jianwai Soho complex, Central Business District (CBD) of Beijing, China in mid 2006. The school population had grown to over a hundred students, mostly foreigners and expatriates, the succeeding years. Soberano and Quint are pioneers of Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu in China respectively.

Soberano captured the World Professional Muay Thai Federation (WPMTF) Welterweight title by knocking out fighters from Hong Kong and Serbia and finally a Thai opponent with a devastating left hook and elbow in the 3rd round of the championship bout in that weight class during the King’s Cup held in honor of the Thai King on his 80th birthday on December 5, 2007 at the Suanlaam Park (in front of the Royal Palace), Bangkok, Thailand. The 2-day tournament was participated in by Muay Thai boxers from 50 countries and witnessed by more than 60,000 spectators.

He was crowned WPMTF lightweight (140 Lbs.) champion when he knocked out veteran Somchak of Thailand with a right hand in the 2nd round during the Queen's Birthday in August 2007, also in Bangkok, Thailand. 50,000 witnessed the fight.

He was also the 1995 World Muay Thai Association World Welterweight champion and the 1994 International Kickboxing League World Welterweight champion.

Most updated data on the internet place his Muay Thai/Kickboxing record at 30-2, Mixed Martial Arts at 8-2, and a total fight record of more than 64 amateur, professional, and unsanctioned bouts.

Soberano is an alumnus of the University of St. La Salle (USLS) Integrated School and is a film and telecommunications graduate from San Diego State University.

ORIGINAL TAPADO INHERITOR/HEADMASTER TURNS 58 By: James U. Sy Jr.

Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, the 1st Generation Inheritor (Tig-subli) of Original Filipino Tapado, celebrated his 58th birthday last June 28, 2008 in conjunction with the 2nd birthday of his first grandson, Vince Russell Lobrido (June 26, 2008), at the Lobrido Rsidence, Prk. Langka, Bgry. Taloc, Bago City.

The Mamar and Lobrido Clans, relatives, friends, and members of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. attended the celebration.

The celebration also marked GM Lobrido’s 48th year of studying and teaching Original Filipino Tapado, an indigenous long stick fighting art founded by his late uncle Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar in 1960 in Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City after studying Lagas, Oido, Layaw, and Sinamak from 4 different Arnis grandmasters. Tapado derives from the Hiligaynon term Tapat, which in turn comes from Tapos “finish, end.” Contracting Tapat with the suffix do, one gets a descriptive term for the degree or gravity of being finished or put to an end. Thus, Tapado is an art designed to finish a conflict the soonest.

Lobrido was among those very first to study the art directly from the Founder, in 1960, when he was just 10. By his early teens, he was assisting his uncle in teaching students. During those times, Arnis professors had to prove their worth by personal combat and Original Filipino Tapado was not exempted. GM Mamar braved many challengers, highly skilled in their own rights, to establish his new style as a viable system. These challenge matches then were unprotected, full contact skirmishes with the only rule being one submits when he can no longer continue. GM Lobrido had, in many instances, fought in behalf of GM Mamar.

GM Mamar had designated Lobrido the Chief Instructor of his art when it was introduced and taught publicly in 1984, the same year the official governing body for the art the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA) was founded. As Chief Instructor, Master Lobrido was second only to GM Mamar.

In 1986, GM Mamar publicly promoted his nephew to Master in Original Filipino Tapado after practicing and teaching the art for 26 yars at the West Negros College, Bacolod City. Master Lobrido did much of the teaching for GM Mamar and he is the Tapado teacher of the most prominent experts of Arnis, Karate, Kickboxing, Tang Soo Do, etc. in Negros Occidental.

The Mamar Clan formally turned over the headmastership of Original Filipino Tapado to GM Lobrido, during a simple ceremony at the funeral rites of the late Founder in February 2005 (see turnover pictures at http://oftlsfai.blogspot.com).

GM Lobrido serves as the 4th president of OFTLSFAI, having served since 2005 up to the present. GM Mamar was the 3rd president, serving from 1989 to 2005. It was under gM Lobrido’s administration that the association was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Under his admnistration, GM Lobrido had promoted 1 grandmaster, 3 Masters, 13 Senior Instructors, and 3 Junior Instructors in Original Filipino Tapado. Elmer V. Montoyo, Founder/President of the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc., is the first to be promoted to Grandmaster in Original Filipino Tapado outside of the Mamar and Lobrido Clans. OFTLSFAI recognized are Jose “Joe” Pamilangco of Bago, Nelson G. Carmona of Bacolod, and Clodualdo “Budoy” M. Lobrido of Bago, each one having decades of experience.

Recognized Senior Instructors are Narciso "Hansy" L. Alojado, Wilson Cejas, Joeffrey S. Deriada, Rufino Fernandez, Pastor Romeo N. Gumban, Dr. Raymund Antonio A. Maguad of Murcia, Jinny J. Mamar, Romeo “Tokong” Mamar Jr., John “Jun-Jun” Maravilla, Dr. Rey Mollenido of Iloilo, Dr. Jason Rojas of Texas, Rolito A. Ruelan, and James U. Sy Jr. Junior Instructors are Jake A. Bugna, Lafayette A. Diamante, and Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon.

GM Lobrido had been featured in the pages of Rapid Journal, the Philippines’ one and only and longest running martial arts magazine, several times. GM Lobrido is married to Rosenda “Rose” Lobrido and is blessed with 3 daughters - Rhoda, Rose Ann, and Rubie.

For more info on Original Filipino Tapado, check http://oftlsfai.blogspot.com and http://visayanfilipinomartialarts.blogspot.com. Interested parties may contact GM Lobrido thru Alojado at 0928-7195141 or GM Montoyo at the Bacolod YMCA (5:00-7:00 P.M. TTHF, 9:00-11:00 A.M. Sat.).

ABS-CBN NEGROS M.A. EXPO HUGE SUCCESS PART III: FILIPINO M.A. @ ITS BEST By: James U. Sy Jr.

The highly explosive 1st Negros Fighting Arts Exposition was successfully held by ABS-CBN, the nation’s largest broadcasting network, in cooperation with the Negros Fighting Arts Unlimited and Robinson’s Place Bacolod last July 8, 2008 at the Fountain Area, Robinson’s Place Bacolod, Bacolod City as part of the ABS-CBN Kapamilya Sinadya in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of its Bacolod station.

In the twelfth demonstration, Founder/Chief Instructor Noel Fuentes led Kyokan Dojo (KD) members Kenneth Materum and Greavinci Trongco in demonstrating Aikido, a harmonious, soft, and flowing Japanese pacifist art founded by the late Ueshiba, Morihei O’Sensei in the middle of the 20th Century in Japan. The basic waza (techniques) of Aikido such as Ikkyo (first form), kotegaeshi (wrist reversal), and shiho nage (four corner throw) were shown.

Ending the event with an explosive tapout was Affinity of Head Coach Chester Laquian which demonstrated Gracie Jiu-jitsu, a ground-intensive style of Jiu-jitsu developed by the famed Gracie Clan in the first half of the 20th Century in Brazil. The affinity Demo team, consisting of Sol Alquizar, Jojo Casilao, Ming Guirgen, Tommy Ledesma, and Egay Milaflores showed the various ground positions used in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), the various jointlocks and chokes one can apply from such positions, and several defenses to the same maneuvers. It was the group’s first public appearance under the name of Affinity.

Hosts for the event were DJs Rico and Sophie of M.O.R. with Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. as narrator for most of the performing groups.

Sponsors were Robinson’s Place Bacolod, Jollibee-Robinson’s, Chowking-Robinson’s, Greenwhich-Robinson’s, the Province of Negros Occidental under Gov. Isidro Zayco, and the City of Talisay under Hon. Eric Saratan.

Segments of the 1st Negros Fighting Arts Exposition had been shown at The Morning Show and TV Patrol. In one of the interview clips, Maxwell “Max” J. Maun Sensei of the Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (BAE) explained the deeper meaning of martial arts more as an art of peace than a mere means of violence.

Event Organizer and M.O.R. Production Chief Harold Limbo expressed his enthusiasm on the success of the event, “We are happy with the success of the event. The show made it known that the martial arts are not only for men but are also suited for women, the elderly, and children. It clearly displayed the true nature, philosophy, techniques, and the inherent physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of the martial arts. If the budget will allow it, ABS CBN would like to do a similar show one more time this coming Masskara.”

For a video clip of the CMAS demo go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMPHxK2QSHM. For pictures of the event, go to http://visayanfilipinomartialarts.blogspot.com.

The 1st Negros Fighting Arts Exposition was the first large-scale martial arts extravaganza organizaed by ABS CBN. Some of the invited groups had previously been tapped by ABS CBN to give demonstrations during the 1st Extra Joss La Cash Part II Regional Monthly Draw on May 20, 2006 at Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall. That event was organized by Barney Molina of ABS CBN for Extra Joss

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

ABS-CBN NEGROS M.A. EXPO HUGE SUCCESS PART II: FILIPINO M.A. @ ITS BEST By: James U. Sy Jr.

The highly explosive 1st Negros Fighting Arts Exposition was successfully held by ABS-CBN, the nation’s largest broadcasting network, in cooperation with the Negros Fighting Arts Unlimited and Robinson’s Place Bacolod last July 8, 2008 at the Fountain Area, Robinson’s Place Bacolod, Bacolod City as part of the ABS-CBN Kapamilya Sinadya in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the station’s Bacolod office.

In the sixth presentation, Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. and Chapter Head Lafayette A. Diamante of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. demonstrated self defense from a seated position, chair defense against a knife, pangamut contra sundang, pang-agaw, and pang-garote (stick strangulation).
CMASFounder/Master James U. Sy Jr. (standing) and Chapter Head Lafayette A. Diamante of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. demonstrate a Conceptual Filipino Martial Art technique of using a chair against a knife attack during the 1st ABS CBN Negros Fighting Arts Exposition last July 8, 2008 at the Fountain Area, Robinson’s Place Bacolod, Bacolod City (CMAS Photo).

Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. (standing) and Chapter Head Lafayette A. Diamante of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. demonstrate a Conceptual Filipino Martial Art technique of using a chair against a knife attack during the 1st ABS CBN Negros Fighting Arts Exposition last July 8, 2008 at the Fountain Area, Robinson’s Place Bacolod, Bacolod City (CMAS Photo).

Other members of the CMAS Demo Team, composed of Founder/Master Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado, Chapter Head Dr. Raymund Antion A. Maguad, Instructor Joeffrey S. Deriada, and Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon, performed the single and double touch versions of the Two-Man Form of Long Ying Quan, a Southern Chinese style of Kung Fu descended from Grandmaster Lao Kun of Manila to Paul Lim Miranda Sifu and Donald Gillera Sifu to Dr. Maguad and to CMAS.

The Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main (BFMAA-Main), led by its Chief Instructor and Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP) Negros Occidental Coordinator Master Joery C. Amante, 4th Degree Black Belt, presented the tournament format of Wushu Sanshou (Martial Art Free Hand), a modern sportive interpreation of traditional Chinese fighting concepts and techniques developed by the Mainland Chinese Government in the 20th Century.

2008 Philippine Wushu Sanshou champion and 2008 Philippine National Amateur Boxing Silver medallist Reynalyn “Ren-Ren” C. Jacob and 2007 LGDC West Visayas Wushu Sanshou Silver medallist Ma. Christina Bianan fought an exhibition bout. Another match was fought by former Philippine National Wushu Sanshou Training Pool member and BRAWL MMA champion Janry Amante and Kickboxing and Western Boxing champion Joselito Bianan

The Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. of Founder/Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo presented the most extensive demonstration during the event. 11 year old Ma. Therese “Princess” Libo-on of LCC-Gardenville, daughter of M2 Amado and Theresa Libo-on, performed the basic skills of Filipino Tang Soo Do including front and side splits, headstand, spider walk, cartwheel, etc.

Masters Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo Jr. and Ernest Christian “Chen-Chen” P. Montoyo, 5th and Degree Black Belts respectively, and Chester F. Esmalla did the traditional kata of Japanese Karate and Korean Tang Soo Do, descended from Grandmaster Casimiro “Chingi” A. Grandeza of the Philippine Moo Duk Kwan Inc. to Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo. The trio then proceeded to the combat applications of techniques from Filipino Tang Soo Do, Japanese Judo/Jiu-jitsu, Indonesian Pencak Silat, Muay Thai, and Submission Grappling.
FTSD Master Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo Jr. of the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. (right) throws his brother Master Ernest Christian “Chen-Chen” P. Montoyo using a Filipino Tang Soo Do technique during the 1st ABS CBN Negros Fighting Arts Exposition last July 8, 2008 at the Fountain Area, Robinson’s Place Bacolod, Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

The PIMAA-FTSDA demo peaked with the demonstration of the 24-step Tai Chi Chuan form by Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo and Master Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado, now in their early 60s and late 50s respectively, with an insertion of brick breaking at the middle of the form.

The newly formed Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA), a department of the Universal Health Caregivers Training Center, was led by Founder/Chairman Abraham G. Ganzon Jr. in its demonstration of traditional Aikido ki testing as well as UDTA’s eclectic self preservation methods against various knifing and gun attacks with the use of concepts and techniques from Aikido, Krav Maga, Karate, and others. Assisting F/CM Ganzon were Hamel Borromeo, Alex Denamarca Jr., Paul Anthony Ganzon, and Ramel Vallejera.

The Tapondo International Federation, Inc. (TIFI)-Bacolod Chapter of Negros Chief Instructor Master Roy R. Flores Sr., 6th Degree, was led by Black Belts Anson Ahunin, Jessie Honor, and Joebert Esmejarda in demonstrating Tapondo (To Throw and Lock), a Filipino style of Aikido founded Grandmaster Ambrosio “Monching” Gavileño of Guimaras originally as Combat Aikido.

The TIFI Demo Team, which included 11 students among them children and women, demonstrated the various Tapondo locking and throwing techniques against different types of attacks such as grabbing, knife, and hold up.

The Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (BAE) of Founder/Master Maxwell “Max” J. Maun had a two-part demo, starting off with a showcase of practical applications of Japanese Aikido against various grabbing and striking attacks. The second part was an integration of Herada Pigada Arnis with the Aikido structure. Herada Pigada is an eclectic style of arnis descended from Grandmaster Benito Agui of Cadiz to the Doromal military brothers to their nephew, Master Maun. Such integration included throws and strangles with the stick. The hakama (pleated skirt)-clad BAE Demo team was composed of Maun Sensei, Engr. Frank Calmerin, Gelkoff Calmerin, Kim Cepeda, Jose Gasacao, and Snow Torres.
BAEFounder/Chief instructor Maxwell “Max” J. Maun of the Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (BAE) demonstrates the synthesis of Japanese Aikido with the indigenous techniques of Herada Pigada, a style descended from Grandmaster Benito Agui and the Doromal brothers, during the 1st ABS CBN Negros Fighting Arts Exposition last July 8, 2008 at the Fountain Area, Robinson’s Place Bacolod, Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

ABS-CBN NEGROS M.A. EXPO HUGE SUCCESS PART I: FILIPINO M.A. @ ITS BEST By: James U. Sy Jr.

The highly explosive 1st Negros Fighting Arts Exposition was successfully held by ABS-CBN, the nation’s largest broadcasting network, in cooperation with the Negros Fighting Arts Unlimited and Robinson’s Place Bacolod last July 8, 2008 at the Fountain Area, Robinson’s Place Bacolod, Bacolod City as part of the ABS-CBN Kapamilya Sinadya in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of its Bacolod station.

13 organizations from Bacolod and Bago Cities representing 18 different systems and styles of Martial Arts supported the event, which was put together under ABS-CBN Bacolod Station Manager Leilani Salem Alba and supervied by M.O.R. Production Chief Harold Limbo with Program Producer/M.O.R. DJ James King.

Arts showcased included Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Thai, Indonesian, Brazilian, and eclectic forms of Fightign Arts. The Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) was the most represented, with 6 organizations and 3 others with Filipino elements.

Negros Fighting Arts Unlimited is the name given by the organizers to the different member organizations of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF) of Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo “Pope” C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., and Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) under President Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo as well as independent martial arts groups who participated in the ABS-CBN presentation.

The event was originally scheduled for June 25, 2008 but had to be postponed to July 8, 2008 to give way to the ABS CBN Sagip Kapamilya to extend relief assistance to victim families of Bagyo Frank in Iloilo, Bacolod, General Santos, Roxas, Zamboanga and Metro Manila. Nevertheless, the event was a huge success with the safety mats being provided by the Province of Negros Occidental under Hon. Gov. Isidro Zayco and the City of Talisay under Hon. Mayor Eric Saratan.

Each demonstrating team had their own theme music to set the mood for the non-stop fast-paced action. Among those played were Eye of the Tiger, Final Countdown, Moment of Truth, Once Upon A Time in China, and Samurai X.

The event started off with a very short but very explosive demonstration by Founder/Master Ricardo P. Filipinas of Sacred Ki Art of Filipino Footfighting (SKAFF). Master Filipinas, wearing a black gi with a red/white belt for his 6th Degree, raised his right leg and had his assistant yellow belt Stephen Jay D. Yanson hit his upraised leg with a 2 x 2 piece of wood. 2 pieces of wood were successfully broken with no injuries to the shin. Master Filipinas was representing Sikaran, the Filipino art of footfighting founded by Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo in Baras, Rizal.

The Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA) of Grandmaster Jose “Joe” Mancesa represented Alasabate Science (The Science of Attack), a close quarter style of Arnis that traces its roots to the late Grandmaster Dominador “Doming” Recto of Hinigaran. 2008 Arnis Philippines POF Neg. Occ. Eliminations Bantamweight champion Yvonne De La Cruz and Bago City Invitational Arnis champion Romulus Ballente showed the Whipping, Valor, and Doble Baston methods of the style.

GM Mancesa and 2 times Bago City Invitational, 2008 Arnis Philippines POF Neg. Occ. Eliminations Half Lightweight, and 2008 IMAFP Western Visayas Invitational Arnis champion Stevie John “Jan-Jan” Doctora demonstrated Tercia Vertical, Redonda, Siquete, and stick disarming.

The Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association (GKAKEA), Inc. of P/Supt. (Ret.) Founder/Grandmaster Ibarra “Baring” E. Lopez showcased their style of Pekiti Tirsia Arnis, an art with a multitude of applications with different weapons and ranges. The GKAKEA Demo Team, composed of 2007 NOBF KaliSilat Bacolod Arnis champion and 2008 IMAFP Western Visayas Invitational Arnis Bronze medallist Master Carlo Barzo, Master John Mark Barzo, Senior Instructor Irra Jane Lopez, and 2008 IMAFP Western Visayas Invitational Anyo champion and 2008 Sagay City IMAFP/GKAKEA Invitational Arnis Silver medallist Senior Instructor Mary Rose “Ayumi” Lamorena, demonstrated the IMAFP standard Anyo of the Letter I and the cross, the fundamentals of Solo Baston, Doble Baston, Daga y Daga, and self defense methods against various attacks.

GM Lopez, the first Negrense to win a gold medal in WEKAF style Arnis competition in Cebu City, with the help of Grandmaster Alejandro “Alex” Doza, showcased the GKAKEA method of Espada y Daga.

Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” Cardinal led members of the KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA) in their performance of their of KaliSilat, a style of Arnis founded by Grandmaster Jonathan “Jon” Bais of Sagay. GM Cardinal did an Anyo (form), which combined the basic attacks and defense of Arnis. The KAA Demo Team composed of Master Guilberto Dajao, Joselito Clemen, and Climaco Lumanog, showed the choreographed sequencing of various techniques into the duelo and the application of techniques in actual labanan competition.

The Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. of 1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido demonstrated the power and simplicity of Original Filipino Tapado, an indigenous long stickfighting art founded by his late uncle Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar in 1960 in Brgy. Taloc, Bago City. GM Lobrido with the OFTLSFA Demo Team composed of Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, Senior Instructors Jun-Jun Maravilla, Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado, Dr. Raymund Antion A. Maguad, and Joeffrey S. Deriada, and Junior Instructors Lafayette A. Diamante and Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon demonstrated the basics, advanced direct hitting, and short stick of OFT.
OFTSenior Instructor John “Jun-Jun” Maravilla (right) uses Original Filipino Tapado short stick techniques to defend against the attacks of 1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobriudo, the nephew of the late Founder/Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar, during the demonstration of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. during the 1st ABS CBN Negros Fighting Arts Exposition last July 8, 2008 at the Fountain Area, Robinson’s Place Bacolod, Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).