Monday, August 30, 2010

GM Leovigildo “Beldong” A. Torres: Old Timer Arnisador from Brgy. Ma-ao by: James U. Sy Jr.


Grandmaster Leovigildo “Beldong” A. Torres of Ma-ao strikes a classic Arnis pose (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Negros is home to countless arnisadors, each one having their own colorful life and contribution to the development and evolution of the indigenous Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) of Arnis/Eskrima in the island. Many of them have passed on and their memories only live in the oral accounts that remain with us today. This article is a biographical piece on one of the few surviving old timers from an era when Arnis was “played” with no protective armor/gear.

was born to Jacinto Seredon Torres, a farmer, and Josefa Yulo Abuyen, a housewife, on July 26, 1926 in Bo. Ma-ao, Bago City, Negros Occidental as the seventh of ten siblings. His other siblings (in this order) werer MNariano, Rosario Torres-Ovario, Edmundo, Thelma Torres-Lo, Guillermo, Rebecca Torres-Alonsagay, Esther Torres-Cruz, Hernani, and Leda Sol.

“Beldong” started his studies of Arnis under Beging Barrera in 1939 when he was 13. His main purpose in studying was for personal protection. Barrera was teaching Arnis in Ma-ao so he stops by Torres’ place twice a week and teaches him too. Barrera taught Torres for free.

From Barrera, Torres learned Espada y Daga “Sword and Dagger,” which was composed of 12 strikes and 12 defenses. Torres also studied Filipino “Judo” or kinamot as a minor subject and supplement to his weapons repertoire. They used lanite sticks during training. His training lasted for a year.

Torres graduated from the Ma-ao Elementary school but was not able to go to high school because World War II erupted.

Just like other arnisadors, Torres went on to pit his skills with other eskrimadors, either in muestrations “demonstration exchanges” or hampang “plays,” to gain more experience. He had crossed sticks with the likes of Ader, Saber Grandmaster Maeng Alvarez, Junior Cañet, Guarra Style Modern Arnis Founder/Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, Oido de Caburata Grandmaster Abraham T. Gubaton, Juan, Fencing Grandmaster Homero Sian, Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis Founder/Grandmaster Jose “Joe” Viñas, and other whom GM Torres could no longer remember.

The exchanges and plays between different arnisadors was an important ingredient in the development and evolution of the local Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) of Arnis/Eskrima as the effectivity of various methods are tested, new counters are developed, and cross pollination of techniques are imminent. Styles that were effective in one locality were constantly tested in other places that had their own prominent style(s).

Of the arnisadors he had crossed sticks with, GM Torres is most in awe with the speed and skill of GM Sian. According to him, GM Sian would gather different arnisadors from bago, Silay, and other places up north and spar with them.

GM Torres was employed as the in charge for the fire truck in the mercado since 1954 up to his retirement in 1985. It was in 1957 when he started teaching Arnis to a select few people, about 6 of them members of the fire team.

GM Torres married Quiteria Treoles Tuvilla (1936-1986) and had thirteen children with her, namely Angelita Torres-Gutierrez, Jocelyn Torres-Tindero, Guillermo, Nelsie Torres-Rodrigo, Leovigildo Jr., Rosemarie Torres-Lavarro, Armelito, Leo, Leonil, Jimmy, Lemuel, Leah Torres-Arsoa, and Leocildo.

Today at 84, GM Torres is battling cancer and is being cared for by his family.

“Universidad de San Agustin” of Dr. Funtecha Launched by: James U. Sy Jr.


“Universidad de San Agustin in 100 Years (1904-2004): A Historical Review” by her late husband Prof. Henry F. Funtecha, Ph.D. (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).


Prof. Nelly Sulay-Funtecha of Central Philippine University (CPU) holding the book “Universidad de San Agustin in 100 Years (1904-2004): A Historical Review,” the latest book by her late husband Prof. Henry F. Funtecha, Ph.D., tobe publihed (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).


Prof. Nelly Sulay-Funtecha of Central Philippine University (CPU) in her message during the book launching of “Universidad de San Agustin in 100 Years (1904-2004): A Historical Review” by her late husband Prof. Henry F. Funtecha, Ph.D., last August 24, 2010 at the University of San Agustin (USA), Iloilo City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).


Prof. Nelly Sulay-Funtecha accepting the symbolic first copy of the book “Universidad de San Agustin in 100 Years (1904-2004): A Historical Review” by her late husband Prof. Henry F. Funtecha during the book launching last August 24, 2010 at the University of San Agustin (USA) (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

The USA Coordinating Center for Research and Publications (UCRP) successfully held the book launching of “Universidad de San Agustin in 100 Years (1904-2004): A Historical Review” by the late Prof. Henry F. Funtecha, Ph.D., last August 24, 2010 at the President’s Conference Room, Administration Bldg., University of San Agustin (USA), Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City.

The Funtecha family, represented by Prof. Nelly Sulay-Funtecha of Central Philippine University (CPU), her sons Hennel Rhee S. Funtecha and Henry Agafel S. Funtecha, and Dr. Funtecha’s sister Aida Funtecha-Ampatin, graced the book launching.

Universidad de San Agustin is a work documenting the 100 years history of the educational institution starting when it was formally inaugurated on July 15, 1904 by the Augustinian Fathers. The Augustinians were the first Spanish missionaries in the Philippines and the first to establish missions as well as the first ones to initiate parochial schools. The book is significant because researches on educational institutions are rare and Dr. Funtecha’s work is among those few which are in existence.

“Universidad de San Agustin in 100 Years (1904-2004): A Historical Review” by the late Prof. Henry F. Funtecha, Ph.D., was published by the University of San Agustin Publishing House in 2009 with Prof. Jigger S. Latoza of USA and Prof. Nelly Sulay-Funtecha of CPU as Editorial Consultants and URCP Secretary Carmen G. Dureza as Editorial Assistant. The book, which is 192-pages thick, is composed of 6 chapters. It is the 33rd work to be published by the USA Coordinating Center for Research and Publications (UCRP) under the heading Libro Agustino.

The book launching was well attended by members of the academe. Giving the welcome remarks in behalf of USA President Rev. Fr. Raul M. Marchan, OSA, was former USA President Rev. Fr. Mamerto Alfeche, OSA. Present were URCP Director Prof. Jigger S. Latoza, USA Librarian Epifamia Paclibar, USA Deans Dr. Isidoro Cruz of the College of Arts & Sciences, Prof. Vicky Sustento of the College of Pharmacy & Medical Technology, Dr. Alex Pacinabao of the College of Education, Dr. Lucio Ercio of the College of Business Administration & Accountancy, and Engr. Reynaldo Asuncion of the College of Engineering & Architecture, USAA Alumni Association President Dr. Asunciuon Faro, Executive Assistant to the USA President Atty. Julius P. Eleas, USA Registrar Gemena Halili, Center for West Visayan Studies (CWVS), University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UP-V), Director Prof. Melanie Padilla, Central Philippine University (CPU) Librarian Prof. Vicky Dionio, Prof. Tita Torio of the Division of Social Sciences, UP-V Miag-ao, Iloilo, Prof. Corazon Nievales of the Department of Social Sciences, CPU, Chair Dr. Kristine Treñas and Eugene Jamerlan of the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council, Curator Mozart James Amsua of Museo Iloilo, and James U. Sy Jr. of Negros Daily Bulletin, Bacolod.

URCP Research and Advocacy Associate Mona V. Pico was the emcee.

A symbolic presentation of the first copy of the book was made by URCP Director Prof. Jigger S. Latoza to former USA President Rev. Fr. Mamerto Alfeche, OSA, in behalf of USA President Rev. Fr. Raul M. Marchan, OSA. Prof. Latoza and Fr. Alfeche then gave the symbolic first copy of the book to the late author’s wife, Prof. Nelly Sulay-Funtecha of CPU.

In the message given by Prof. Sulay-Funtecha, she remembers her beloved husband to be a prolific researcher and writer and someone who gave a high premium on academic pursuits, traits which attracted her to him. In between tears, she expressed her joy and thanks for another work of her late husband to be published and for all the accolades given to Dr. Funtecha by his peers in the academic field.

It has been revealed that the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council and Museo Iloilo will each be erecting a display section as a memorial and tribute to the late Prof. Henry F. Funtecha, Ph.D.

Prof. Henry F. Funtecha, Ph.D. was a Professor 9 of History and Anthropology at the College of Arts and Sciences , University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UP-V), Miag-ao main campus, Iloilo. He has served as Director for the Center for West Visayan Studies (CWVS), Chairperson of the UPV Centennial Program that included the UP Cebu and Tacloban campuses, Coordinator of the College of Arts and Sciences Research & Extension Program, and Coordinator of the Visayan Studies Program. .

Dr. Funtecha was UPV’s Most Outstanding Faculty for the period 199-1996, a semi-finalist in Metro Bank’s foundation’s Search for the Ten Outstanding Teachers of the Philippines (1997), and one of the Most Outstanding alumni of the College of Arts and Sciences of Central Philippine University (CPU). He was an Asia Foundation Fellow for Local Historical Studies in the Philippines (1972) and a British Council Fellow in England, Scotland, and Wales for Cultural Studies (1988). He is the author of eleven books and the writer of not less than 364 articles. He was a columnist at The News Today, penning historical and cultural pieces in his column “Bridging the Gap.”

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Donation Made to Asilo de Molo by: James U. Sy Jr.


Sr. Leticia Silmete, DC, sister in charge of Asilo de Molo, addressing the elderly residents before an afternoon snacks were served last August 16, 2010 (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).


One of the elderly residents of Asilo de Molo giving a song number for their visitors (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

60 elderly residents of Asilo de Molo in Iloilo City partook on an afternoon snacks, which included siopao and juice, given by 5 visitors last August 16, 2010.

Hosting the visitors was Sr. Leticia Silmete, DC, sister in charge of Asilo de Molo. Asilo de Molo was founded in 1912 as a home for orphans and the elderly but later it became apparent that there are other institutions that offer shelter to orphaned children but none for the elderly. Because of this, Asilo de Molo then became an exclusive sanctuary for the elderly, as of press time, the only one of its kind in Panay.

The visitors-donors were Cristita “Tata” P. Lim, Mary Salve L. Pe, Camille Manuel, Colleen Manuel, and James U. Sy Jr.

The elderly residents, most of them in a wheelchair, were represented by a few brave souls who gave song numbers. Of the 60 elderly residents, only five were males.

The visitors, on the other hand, conducted a few games where prizes were given to the lucky residents. Sy gave an Arnis demonstration for the residents.

Friday, August 27, 2010

BCCN, UNO-R, & NOHS Jins Bring Home Viz TKD Medals by: James U. Sy Jr.

Bacolod City jins from the Bacolod Christian College of Negros (BCCN), University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), and Negros Occidental High School (NOHS) led by Palarong Pambansa veteran Cherlyn Mondia of UNO-R took home a 5-2-4 medal haul during the recently concluded 2010 Visayas Inter-School Taekwondo Tournament at the Iloilo National High School Covered Gym, Iloilo City.

The tournament was organized by the Iloilo Taekwondo Association under the sanction of the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA). SEA games Taekwondo gold medalist and Milo model Japoy Lizardo was special guest of the competition.

The Bacolod gold medalists were Geovie Bedayos of BCCN (136-144 cm Kyorugi Advance), Cherlyn Mondia of UNO-R (Advance Girls Junior Flyweight), Bernadette Ramirez of NOHS, 12 (Junior girls advance Super Finweight), Roni Jean Raymundo of BCCN (Brown Belt Poomsae), and Rukmini Yanson of BCCN (Blue Belt Poomsae).

The silver medalists were Bernadette Ramirez of NOHS (13-Under 144-152 cm. Girls Advance) and Koki Sato of UNO-R (Junior Welterweight).

The bronze medalists were Geovie Bedayos of BCCN (Red Belt Poomsae), Charlene Gorriceta of UNO-R (128-136 cm. Girls Advance), Raphael Manoloto of UNO-R (Junior Lightweight), and Rukmini Yanson of BCCN (Junior Advance Flyweight).

Head Coach for the Bacolod jins was Joel Casiple, Founder of the Bacolod Consolidated Sports Management Association (BACSMA).

Prologo Sensei’s Birthday Celebrated by: James U. Sy Jr.


Members of the Shinsei Aikido Society (SAS) during the birthday celebration of the late Aikido teacher Patricio P. Prologo Sensei last August 15, 2010 at the Prologo Residence, Bangga Riles, Prk. Maanyag 2, Brgy. Alijis, Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

The family of Engr. Patricio “Pat” Pan Prologo Sensei (1936-2010), led by his widow, Ma. Losie Hontiveros-Prologo, and their children Ma. Sophie Prologo, Patricio H. Prologo Jr., Gunji H. Prologo, Ma. Kristine Prologo, and Naomi Prologo-Braza, celebrated the birthday of the late Aikido teacher last August 15, 2010 at the Prologo Residence, Bangga Riles, Prk. Maanyag 2, Brgy. Alijis, Bacolod City.

The simple get together was held in memory of Prologo Sensei, who passed away peacefully in his sleep last July 2, 2010. His remains were laid to rest on July 14, 2010 at the Rolling Hills Memorial Park.

Prologo Sensei was a pioneer of Judo and Aikido in Bacolod City. He founded the Caltex (Bacolod) Judo Club in 1960, the same year he started training in Judo. He started teaching Judo the following year and in 1965, earned his Shodan “1st Dan Black Belt” from Japanese teachers Hiroshi and Ozawa at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City. Prologo Sensei’s group later evolved into the Shinsei Judo Club (SJC) and gave birth to the Shinsei Aikido Society (SAS) in 1995.

Prologo learned his Aikido from Crecinciano “Anong” Javellana of Bago City, another judoka who learned Aikido in Guam. It’s not clear in what year Prologo Sensei started teaching Aikido but it can be placed at 1985 the earliest based on testimonies by his earliest students, albeit it was under the banner of Shinsei Judo Club (SJC).

Among his children, Prologo Sensei taught his Philippine Dynamic Arnis to both his youngest daughters, Ma. Kristine Prologo and Naomi Prologo-Braza, but it was only Naomi who also studied Aikido and Judo under him.

During the early to mid 2000’s, Prologo Sensei issued a number of Black Belt club recognitions under Shinsei Aikido Society (SAS) to later generations of SAS practitioners. When Prologo Sensei finally retired from teaching in 2008, four of his black belts took over the teaching functions of the club. These individuals were Jhun Montemayor, Roger Rey Lucena, Bernie Belen, and Jonald "Jojo" Palomar.

Prologo Sensei was first brought to the public attention when Negros’ premier martial arts historian/writer James U. Sy Jr. featured him as a Bacolod Aikido pioneer in his documentary article “What is Aikido?” which was published in a February 1998 issue of Sun Star Bacolod. He was also featured in the documentary “Stickfighters of Buenos Aires” by W.G. Productions and Art Vision which aired over at Negros Progress Channel 17, through the help of Fr. Gerson Balitor. There he demonstrated his interpretation of the Aikido jo “short staff” and the basic strikes of his Philippine Dynamic Arnis System.

SAS Charter President Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado, wrote a piece about Prologo Sensei entitled “Sensei Pat Prologo: Surmounting the Odds with Aikido” in the Vol. 11 No. 1 issue of the Rapid Journal, the one and only martial arts magazine in the Philippines, based in Binondo, Manila.

At the time of his death, Prologo Sensei held a 2nd Dan Black Belt in both Judo and Karate. He has been recognized as the Founder/Grandmaster of Prologo Style Traditional Philippine Dynamic Arnis System by the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founders/Masters James U. Sy Jr. and Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado, both 4th Degree Black Belt, through the authority of the group’s Council of Elders represented by Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido of Bago City, 1st Generation Inheritor of Original Filipino Tapado, and Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo of Bacolod City, 8th Dan Red Belt Tang Soo Do, Founder of Filipino Tang Soo Do.

SAS members in attendance during the birthday celebration were Bernie Belen, Jacqueline Doromal, P/Sgt. Vic Dueñas, Rey Eata, Eddie, Edgar Esteves, Roger Rey Lucena, Jhun Montemayor, Jonald “Jojo” Palomar, Winston Que, James U. Sy Jr., Jun Torres, Rufino Torres, Kahil Ybesate, and and Karlo Ybesate.

2nd UDTA-Mayor Bing Arnis Cup @ Gaisano to Go Reg’l by: James U. Sy Jr.

Abraham "Abe" G. Ganzon Jr., Founder/Chairman of Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA), announced recently that their upcoming 2nd UDTA-Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia Arnis Cup 2010, slated for October 2-3, 2010 at the Gaisano Bacolod Supermall, is expected to be the biggest Arnis competition in Bacolod and Negros Occidental for the year as several cities and municipalities in Western Visayas had already been invited and some have sent feelers for their support to the event.

The tournament will be under the sanction of Arnis Philippines Bacolod/Negros Chapter under Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo L. Cardinal and will have the generous support of the Bacolod City Government under Hon. Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia.

Invitations had already been sent to the following: Denny Castañeda Sensei of VILCAT Karate (La Carlota City), Arnis Philippines Iloilo City Commissioner Bonnie Celendro, Mary Grace F. Encila and Grandmaster Romeo Oro of the St. Columbans Academy Arnis Team (Cauayan), Escalante Arnis Team, Hon. Mayor Rene G. Gaudiel of Bayawan City, Arnis Trainor Master Sonnen Tajaran of the Tangalan, Aklan Arnis Team, Hon. Gov. Victor A. Tanco and Grandmaster Carlito Onillo of the Capiz Arnis Team, etc.

To accommodate as many entries as possible, competition had been limited to the Labanan “Sparring” Division. Arnis Philippines rules, the sole Philippine Government-recognized guidelines for Sport Arnis, will be used.

Immediate past Arnis Philippines Bacolod/Negros Commissioner Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo “Pope” C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., Founder/President of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), is expected to grace the event.

Interested parties may contact Tournament Director Abraham "Abe" G. Ganzon Jr. at 0922-830-0432.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Getz Pharma Brings Arnis to Iloilo Doctors


Master James U. Sy Jr., Founder of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (left), leads doctors in basic striking drills during the FMA in Action organized by Getz Pharma (Phils.), Inc. in cooperation with the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS)-Panay Chapter last July 31, 2010 at the Golden Salakot Hall, Hotel Del Rio, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City.


Organizers and Resource Instructors for FMA in Action last July 31, 2010 at the Hotel Del Rio, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City (from left): District Sales Manager J. Angelo H. Lee and PMR Elaine Louise Edulag of Getz Pharma (Phils.), Inc. and Iloilo Chapter Head Dr. Rey Mollenido, Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr., and Core Group/Master Joeffrey S. Deriada of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc.

Getz Pharma (Phils.), Inc. in cooperation with the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS)-Panay Chapter under its President Dr. Demy Tidon successfully held the FMA in Action as a part of its Family Day for doctors and their families last July 31, 2010 at the Golden Salakot Hall, Hotel Del Rio, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City. A total of 45 doctors (orthopedics, obegyne, surgeons, EENT, internal medicine, family medicine, etc.) and their families actively participated.

The Filipino Martial Art (FMA) ICOX activity was hosted by Celcoxx Product Manager Marie Yumul-Aranas, Regional Sales Manager Iris Gesta, District Sales Manager J. Angelo H. Lee, Marketing Specialist Emelyn Tuvida, and PMR Elaine Louise Edulag.

FMA in Action is a nationwide project of Getz Pharma (Phils.), Inc. where the history and fundamentals of the indigenous Filipino Martial Art (FMA) of Arnis/Eskrima are introduced to doctors by leading authorities of this art. Resource Instructors previously tapped for Manila and Cebu were University of the Philippines anthropology Professor Master Felipe “Bot” P. Jocano Jr. of Lightning Scientific Arnis International (LSAI)-Sangkil Karasak and masters from the famed Doce Pares respectively.

Resource Instructors for the Iloilo event were Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr., Core Group/Master Joeffrey S. Deriada, and Iloilo Chapter Head Dr. Rey Mollenido of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc.

The Bacolod-based Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. is a non-profit network of professionals dedicated to the research, study, documentation, systematization, establishment, stimulation of interest in, promotion, and propagation of the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), especially those from the Negros Island, as well as other Asian and Occidental martial arts in Bacolod City and the rest of the world.

The event started with a film showing about Getz Pharma (Phils.), Inc. and its commitment to the medical field. Then Celcoxx Product Manager Marie Yumul-Aranas gave an introduction of the Filipino Martial Art (FMA) of Arnis/Eskrima, which was then followed by another film showing about the intricacies and movements of the Filipino warrior arts with narrations by Master Jocano.
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The seminar proper was divided into lecture, demonstrations, and the hands on training. Master Sy gave the historical and cultural foundation of the Filipino Martial Art (FMA) of Arnis/Eskrima as well as the Filipino psychological mindset in conflict neutralization. Psychiatrist Dr. Mollenido, who is a Senior Instructor in Original Filipino Tapado, talked about his experience and study of the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) and its benefits to the younger generation.

Sy, Deriada, and Dr. Mollenido took turns in demonstrating the various aspects of the Filipino Martial Art (FMA) of Arnis/Eskrima. Demonstrations were given for the following: Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis basic panagang and pang-igo, Yasay Sable defense ofensa, Galvarole Dynamic Arnis striking, Guarra Style paired Sinawali, Aguilar Style Espada y Daga, Conceptual Arnis Daga y Daga, Daga y Mano, and Mano y Mano, Original Filipino Tapado long stick, and Conceptual Arnis hold up defense and seated defense.

During the hands on training, Getz Pharma (Phils.), Inc. provided doctors with Arnis sticks. Master Sy led doctors in doing the 8 Directions footwork and taught them the defensive application of said steps while Deriada and Dr. Mollenido went around to help participants with their form. Then Otso-otso (Figure 8) was taught as an offensive and defensive technique against any attacks directed to the four quadrants of the body.

The activity was concluded with a hearty buffet luncheon with hosts, instructors, and participants sharing light moments.

Fire @ Gaisano City Placed Under Control by: James U. Sy Jr.



Clean up operation by Gaisano personnel.



The responding firemen.




The reaponsing firetrucks of the Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigade.




Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall employees awaiting instructions to enter the mall premises.

Smoke and fire were discovered by personnel at the men’s section at the north wing of Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall at around 9:00-9:15 AM last August 22, 2010 but was promptly placed under control.

An interview with Store Operations Manager Mr. Armando Lim revealed that some employees of Gaisano had been doing overtime when they discovered heavy smoke at a post module of their consignor, Cotton Club. The fire was stopped because Gaisano had sprinklers which released water. Mall guards were immediately put to action to control the fire.

Firetrucks from the Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigade headed by Fire Chief Brynt Lao and the Bureau of Fire were fast to respond to the situation, arriving minutes later to the area. The responding firemen, however, did not get to use their water hoses since the fire was already halted. They instead helped out in the cleaning operation of the affected part of the department store.

Employees and shoppers were made to wait outside while remnant smoke was still being dissipated.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Nat’l Arnis Phils. Officiating seminar to be Held by: James U. Sy Jr.

The 2010 Referees & Judges 5-day Accreditation Seminar will be held by Arnis Philippines, Inc. on August 23-27, 2010 at its Head Office, No. 36-11th St. (near St. Luke’s Church), New Manila, Quezon City.

The training is part of a series of seminars held by Arnis Philippines, Inc. under the leadership of its President, Raymund S. Velayo, to equip and certify officials in the proper and safe conduct of Sport Arnis tournaments. Last May 19-20, 2010, the Seminar for Updating and Standardization of Revised International Rules for Sport Arnis was also conducted by Arnis Philippines (ArPi), Inc. in Quezon City.

Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” L. Cardinal, Bacolod/Negros Occidental Commissioner of Arnis Philippines, was among those who attended the May seminar. Since his return in Bacolod, GM Cardinal has already conducted two echo seminars last July 3-4, 2010 in Bago City and August 7-8 in Bacolod City as well as one officiating review on July 18, 2010 in Bago City.

Republic Act No. 9850 “An Act declaring Arnis as the National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines” was officially signed into law by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last on December 11, 2009. Said law makes Arnis as a requirement for the Physical Education (PE) course of the Department of Education, Culture, and Sports (DECS). The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is the lead agency tasked to implement RA 9850.

Meanwhile, Arnis Philippines is the sole government recognized National Sport Association (NSA) for Arnis in the Philippines. Arnis Philippines rules had been adopted by the DepEd. Because of this new development, there is a need for more qualified Judges and referees. The purpose of sportive Arnis is to build confidence in the students as competition is a quasi-real test of the skills they learn during training. The responsibility of the coaches and the tournament officials is to ensure the safety of the players while they engage in competition.

Abelardo Jagocoy Sr.: An Arnis Old Timer by: James U. Sy Jr.


Grandmaster Abelardo Jagocoy Sr. (right) demonstrates his technique to his grandson, Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo)

The research by the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. in the past few years showed that many old timer arnisadors of Negros Occidental had already passed away. Nevertheless, the CMAS Documentation Team had successfully recorded the lives of several of those who are still with us, with the hopes that the new generation will take an interest in our own indigenous Filipino Martial Art (FMA) of Arnis/Eskrima and maybe, maybe, learn it from the old men who had immersed themselves in the life long practice of this Filipino martial tradition.

One of these old timers is Abelardo Baga Jagocoy Sr. At age 79, he made his first public demonstration together with his grandson, Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo, during the 1st GSMASDA-Arjuka-CMAS Arnis Expo last August 1, 2010 at Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall in Bacolod City at the invitation of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founders/Masters James U. Sy Jr. and Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado. The event attracted more than 60 arnisadors/eskrimadors from Bacolod City, Bago City, Iloilo City, Murcia, and Pennsylvania, USA representing not less than 19 systems of Western Visayan Arnis/Eskrima.

Abelardo Baga Jagocoy was born to Gervacio Claridad Jagocoy of Sum-ag and Herenia Baga of Bohol on March 31, 1931 in Cansilayan, Murcia. He was the youngest among six siblings which included (in this order) Jose, Perfecto, Marianing, Maming Jagocoy-Cadigal, Petra, and him.

Jagocoy had relatives who were arnisadors, among them Francisco Salanap and Buenaventura “Tora” Salanap. Jagocoy started his studies of Arnis in 1950 under Grandmaster Federico “Peding” Abendan, a student of Grandmaster Abraham T. Gubaton, who is in turn a student of the Founder of Oido de Caburata, the late Grandmaster Antonio “Toñing” Tolosa of Minoyan, and his student, Grandmaster Jose D. Aguilar.

According to Jagocoy, GM Abendan taught him the short stick and called his art Oido. GM Abendan founded the long stickfighting art of Backhand but only did so after studying Oido under GM Gubaton. GM Abendan did not charge Jagocoy for the lessons because they were neighbors and relatives.

The art taught to Jagocoy must have been an earlier version of Oido de Caburata since GM Tolosa was continuously evolving his system up to the 1960’s. Oido de Caburata was founded in 1936.

The next teacher of Jagocoy was Jose “Joe” Mamar, who taught him the two handed stick. According to Jagocoy, Mamar was a student of GM Aguilar. It is not clear whether the long stick art taught to him was Backhand or methodo but it could not have been Original Filipino Tapado since it was only founded by the late Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar in 1960.

Jagocoy later exchanged ideas with other eskrimadors to gain more experience. He never taught because his purpose in studying Arnis was only for self protection. After years of silence, he started teaching his grandson, Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo, the Founder of Trese Grabes Piga-Piga System.

Jagocoy was among those recognized and honored as Grandmaster of Arnis by the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. and Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall during the Arnis Expo since he holds the link to an earlier version of Oido which helps show how the art had developed through the years when viewed side by side with the Oido that is practiced today.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Arnis Expo @ Gaisano Showcased Different Systems/Styles Part II: The Legacy Continues by: James U. Sy Jr.


The father and son tandem of Jerry P. Divinagracia (right) and Jio C. Divinagracia represented the Bago City-based Oido de Caburata Arnis Group (ODCA) during the 1st GSMASDA-Arjuka-CMAS Arnis Expo last August 1, 2010 at Gaisano Bacolod Supermall, Bacolod City.


Arnis Philippines Bacolod/Negros Occidental Commissioner Danilo “Danny” L. Cardinal and Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo (2nd and 3rd from left) giving out the awards during the closing ceremonies of the 1st GSMASDA-Arjuka-CMAS Arnis Expo last August 1, 2010 at Gaisano Bacolod Supermall, Bacolod City.

The exhibition of the Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) started with Grandmaster Abelardo Jagocoy Sr., 81, performing the Oido he learned from Grandmaster Federico “Peding” Abendan and Joe Mamar with his grandson Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo giving the attacks. Then GM Guinabo and Senior Instructor Joselito Guzon showed different aspects of GM Guinabo’s Trese Grabes Piga-Piga System.

Grandmaster Sotero Tario of Bago City, 79, demonstrated his own style, Oido Fencing, with a solo free form. Oido Fencing derives its power strikes from Oido de Caburata and adds to its repertoire thrusting techniques from Negrensanon Saber/Foil

The Bacolod Negros Arnis Federation International, (BNAFI), Inc. of Grandmaster Hortencio “Horten” M. Navales was represented by his sons Masters Prince and Cane Navales. The duo demonstrated abecedario, Balintawak, Batangueña, sinawali, Espada y Daga, and empty hands vs weapons.

1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” Mamar Lobrido, 60, President of the Bago City-based Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association, demonstrated the higher floating direct hitting techniques of his late uncle Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar’s Original Filipino Tapado with Master Joeffrey S. Deriada of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. feeding the attacks.

Pastor Romeo N. Gumban, 56, representing the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. of Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, demonstrated his combative system of Dumog with roots from Antique. Pastor Gumban, with the help of Founder/Masters James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., showed defenses against grabs, locks, takedowns, punches, and kicks using leverage throws, body locks, and jointlocks.

The Bago City-based Oido de Caburata Arnis Group (ODCA) came in full force with Patriarch Grandmaster Abraham T. Gubaton, 82, Chief Instructor Grandmaster Sabas T. Gubaton, 72, Masters Jonathan Gubaton and Jose “Joe” Salanap, Mary Camille and Joshelle Gubaton, and father and son Jerry P. and Jio C. Divinagracia. The Divinagracias demonstrated the basics of Oido de Caburata Arnis.

Host Guarra Style Modern Arnis of P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra and Arjuka-Malingin of Grandmaster Isaac “Saac T. Guarra started their exhibition with Real Dennis Guarra, 8 years old, and Richard Guarra, 10 years old, doing the Arjuka-style sinawali. Filton O. Bernadas, Nevelie Flores, John Rey C. Montes, and Ceasar Ian G. Poral demonstrated the 6 stages fundamental with empty hand disarming then proceeded to two-man interactive counter-for-counter form combining strikes, locks, and throws.

Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr. and Senior Instructor Jussel Torres of Tribu Hangaway Philippines (THP) performed their own version of the crisscross patterns of the doble baston as well as disarmings.

Host Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founders/Masters James U. Sy Jr. and Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado demonstrated the integrated fundamentals of the Conceptual Arnis System which is a fusion of several Negrosanon systems of Arnis/Eskrima. Master Sy and Manunuon Giovanni S. Mendoza of Pennsylvania showed defensive footwork with the hands tied/sticking, basic parries and defenses and counter strikes, and disarms. Dr. Master Raymund A. Maguad, PTRP, of Murcia and Montano Mondia performed the different ofensa, defense, pangagaw, lubad, and trangkada.

ARNIS PHILS. TOURNAMENT. The Tournament section of the 1st GSMASDA-Arjuka-CMAS Arnis Expo served as a practicum for official-trainees from Arjuka-Malingin and Guarra Style Modern Arnis, who participated in the Arnis Philippines Referee and Judges Officiating Echo Seminar last July 3-4, 2010 and the follow up review last July 18, 2010, both in Bago City, as well as a tune up for the upcoming 2nd UDTA Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia Arnis Cup to be held by the Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA) of Founder/Chairman Abraham “Abe” Ganzon Jr. on October 2-3, 2010, also at Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall.

Four bouts were contested under the supervision of Arnis Philippines Bacolod/Negros Occidental Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” l. Cardinal.

All competitors were from the KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA) of GM Cardinal except for one. Referee/Judges from Arjuka-Malingin/GSMASDA were Jonar “Open” D. Guarra, Ceasar Ian G. Poral, Windy Lou G. Poral, and Louie A. Terante.

Kei A. Gracias over Kyrle Patrick Gile. Jason Jocson over King joseph Cabiles of Tribu Hangaway. Gorge Estoque over Darwin Dajao. Jefe Pasco over Eugene Pilar.

Arnis Expo @ Gaisano Showcased Different Systems/Styles Part I: Western Visayan Arnis at Its Best by: James U. Sy Jr.



Some of the masters who graced the 1st GSMASDA-Arjuka-CMAS Arnis Expo last August 1, 2010 at Gaisano Bacolod Supermall, Bacolod City (from left): Engr. Niel T. Javellana (Uno Blanco Eskrima, Iloilo City), GM Isaac T. Guarra (Arjuka), GM Benefredo "Bebing" M. Lobrdio (Original Filipino Tapado), GM Sotero Tario (Oido Fencing), Pastor Romeo N. Gumban (Dumog), GM Abraham T. Gubaton (Oido de Caburata), Master Jose "Joe" Salanap (Oido de Caburata), GM Sabas T. Gubaton (Oido de Caburata), and Master James U. Sy Jr. (Conceptual Arnis) (CMAS Photo).


Engr. Niel T. Javellana of Iloilo City (right) demonstrating the powerful strikes of the Uno Blanco System of Eskrima from Panay with the assistance of Master Joeffrey S. Deriada of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (CMAS Photo).


Grandmaster Frank Abalajon, 72, demonstrating sinawali from his Abalajon Classical Arnis (CMAS Photo).

The 1st GSMASDA-Arjuka-CMAS Arnis Expo brought together 17 Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) organizations from Western Visayas and gave them a chance to exhibit their particular systems of Arnis last August 1, 2010, 3:00-5:30 PM, at the Atrium Area, Gaisano Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City.

The event was hosted by Guarra Style Modern Arnis & Self Defense Association (GSMASDA) of P/Sgt. (Ret.) Founder/Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, Arjuka-Malingin of Founder/Grandmaster Isaac “Saac T. Guarra, and Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founders/Masters James U. Sy Jr. and Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado in cooperation with the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc., and Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Occidental Chapter, and Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall represented by Advertising Officer Nomer Q. Lobaton.

More than 60 arnisadors/eskrimadors, aged 6 to 82 years old, from Bacolod City, Bago City, Iloilo City, Murcia, and Pennsylvania, USA gave demonstrations of not less than 19 systems of Western Visayan Arnis/Eskrima as well as compete in four Labanan bouts using Arnis Philippine (ArPi), Inc. rules. Arnisadors from Cebu, Silay, and Talisay Cities were also invited but did not make it to the exposition.

Master Sy, who wrote “100 FMA Systems Practiced in Negros” for Rapid Journal, together with his group mates at Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., has always worked hard to bring together martial artists from different disciplines in harmony and to grow together. The event best exemplified this higher philosophy in the martial arts.

Mayor Evelio “Bing” R. Leonardia was invited as the Guest of Honor but was not able to come because of a prior commitment. Grandmaster Col. Atty. Marcelo “Pope” C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., the Founder and retired President of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc., gave the inspirational speech. Other grandmasters were also given the chance to speak.

Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. was the Event Director and did the legwork and paperwork to help GM Eslao Guarra jumpstart the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. under his administration as president. The Arnis Expo was the first major event held since the retirement of Founder/Grandmaster Col. Atty. Marcelo “Pope” C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., as President of the NOBF and during GM Guarra’s term.

DEMONSTRATIONS. The exposition started off with Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association (GKAKEA), Inc. of P/CInsp. (Ret.) Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez, showcasing their Pekiti Tirsia style of anyo, abecedario, blocking, disarming, and sinawali. The demo team was composed of Grandmaster Alejandro “Alex” S. Doza, Rey T. Destriza, and August Zzar L. Lopez.

Engr. Niel Javellana traveled all the way from Iloilo City to represent the Karay-a Uno Blanco Eskrima System of Engr. Grandmaster Devaney “Van” T. Fuentes. He was assisted by Master Joeffrey S. Deriada of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. in demonstrating the unique defenses and attacks, disarming, jointlocks, and counters fused from three Panaynon systems of Arnis with roots from Antique.

The KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA) exhibition started with Danny John “Jan-Jan” Cardinal performing a solo baston anyo. Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” L. Cardinal and Master Guilberto C. Dajao then went through tapi-tapi, depensa ofensiva, contra baston, and daga contra daga from GM Cardinal’s Cargada Pigar Arnis System.

The UNO-R Martial Arts Society of Master Ferdinand Emmanuel Y. Gayoles, which was founded in June 2010, was represented by University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos Criminology students Aber Yamar M. Azuelo, Gerald June Daclan, and Carlos Trunio II. The trio, which composes the Core Group, integrated the various footwork, defenses, strikes, and disarms from the Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis System into a series of forms and paired one-step demonstrations.

Herada Pigada, the Cadiznon system of Arnis that descended from Grandmaster Benito Agui, was represented by Master Maxwell “Max” J. Maun, the nephew of the Doromal brothers and one of the few remaining practitioners of the art, with Gelkoff Calmerin, RN, Co-Founder of the Riverside Do Club. The duo went through the applications of the defenses, strikes, locks, throws, and counters of the system.

The demonstration of the Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA) began with Alrehs Carrie “Uni” V. Ganzon, 6 years old, the youngest among the performers of the event, showing various empty hand strikes with his father Founder/Chairman Abraham “Abe” Ganzon Jr. holding the punch mitts for her. The little girl also showed a few self defense techniques from the UDTA System. Founder/Chairman Ganzon demonstrated the 8 striking method combination of Ragas and Oido from the Mancesa Style of Arnis with and Rey A. Cartella.

Grandmaster Frank Abalajon, 72, demonstrated a sinawali free form which combined the 24 methodos which he teaches in his Abalajon Classical Arnis. The various striking patterns GM Abalajon showed were an amalgation of the techniques he had learned from his seven Arnis professors.

Phil. Dynamic Arnis Batang Arnisador Tilt Held by: James U. Sy Jr

The Philippine Dynamic Arnis of Grandmaster Rogelio H. Galvarole with the support of Brgy. Capt. Rolando Espulgar, Brgy. Luna Councilors, and Brgy. Luna tanods successfully held the successfully held the 2010 Batang Arnisador Dynamic Arnis Tournament recently at Brgy. Luna, Lapaz, Iloilo City.

OPEN DIVISION LABANAN. Gold medalists: Hernie Giner, Jhon Daniel Matuliano, Saldy Labayan, and Norberto Villa. Silver medalists: Manuelito Artuz, Ian Barcena, and Antony Badoles.

12 YEARS OLD BELOW BOYS. Gold medalists: Rolyn Delfin, Mark Antony Badoles, Rolyn Lacsa, Herman Clarito, John Lord Villaruel, and Chavy Caillan.

GIRLS DIVISION LABANAN. Gold medalists: Mary Catherine Dayon, Jessica Delfin, Analyn Estrilles, and Linmar Labordo. Silver medalists: Shyna Formacion, Rojelyn Francisco, Jenelyn Delfin, and Louwila Agnes Eribal

BOYS DIVISION LABANAN. Silver medalists: Gerson Deaces, Kent Herbie Giner, Joshua Delfin, and Herman Clarito.

Philippine Dynamic Arnis (PDA) of Grandmaster Rogelio H. Galvarole is a member of the Lightning Scientific Arnis International-Capiz Chapter of Grandmaster Carlito Ondillo and the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), Inc. of Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo. PDA, with the generous support of Hon. Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and Hon. Joe Espinosa III, had opened the Learn Arnis for Free Program to many children and youth of Iloilo City.

Arnis Phils. Officiating Seminar Held in Bacolod by: James U. Sy Jr.


Arnis Philippines Bacolod/Negros Occidental Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” l. Cardinal (12th from left) with the participants of the 2-day International Sport Arnis Officiating Echo Seminar for Referee/Judges last August 7-8, 2010 at the Universal Care Center of Excellence, Bacolod City (Arnis Phils.-Bacolod/Negros Occidental photo).


Action during the hands practicum for participants of the International Sport Arnis Officiating Echo Seminar for Referee/Judges last August 7-8, 2010 at the Universal Care Center of Excellence, Bacolod City (Arnis Phils.-Bacolod/Negros Occidental photo).


Action during the hands practicum for participants of the International Sport Arnis Officiating Echo Seminar for Referee/Judges last August 7-8, 2010 at the Universal Care Center of Excellence, Bacolod City (Arnis Phils.-Bacolod/Negros Occidental photo).

The Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA) of Founder/Chairman Abraham “Abe” Ganzon Jr. hosted the 2-day International Sport Arnis Officiating Echo Seminar for Referee/Judges last August 7-8, 2010 at the Universal Care Center of Excellence, #83A Cor. Rosario-Locsin Sts., Bacolod City.

Resource Lecturer was Arnis Philippines Bacolod/Negros Occidental Commissioner Danilo “Danny” L. Cardinal. There were a total of thirteen attendees from Bacolod, Bago, Escalante, La Carlota, and Talisay Cities.

Those who attended the seminar were Aisa A. Abug of VILCAT Karate Club (La Carlota City), Romeo Allesa of North Negros Karate Club (Talisay City), Joel C. Casiple of Bacolod Consolidated Sports Management Association (BACSMA), Guilberto C. Dajao of KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA), Voltaire V. Daypal of Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA), Renante G. Deferia of KAA, Han Lovie D. Gutieres and Armando C. Gutieres of NNKC (Talisay City), Renante R. Inso of Tribu Hangaway Philippines, Kelvin G. Maratas and Mary Mercy M. Sunido of Escalante National High School, Mery Jean A.Tiauzon of Old Poblacion National High School (Escalante City), and Raffy Yanong of Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (Bago City).

On the first day, GM Cardinal covered drills and hand signals for labanan and on the second day, anyo and hands on officiating. KAA and NUFAA players were made to spar while participants gave the officiating calls.

The seminar was a preparation for the 2nd UDTA Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia Arnis Cup slated for October 2-3, 2010 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Oido Arnis Taught at Ma-ao ES by: James U. Sy Jr.


Teacher II Mary Janet Gubaton-Sayson and Oido de Caburata Arnis Grandmaster Sabas T. Gubaton together with students participants of the Arnis training at Ma-ao Elementary School (ODCA picture).




Grandmaster Sabas T. Gubaton training his students in the basics of Oido de Caburata.


Training for students in the Oido de Caburata System of Arnis officially started last July 31, 2010 at the Covered Court , Ma-ao Elementary School , Bo. Ma-ao, Bago City .

This development came after the school received a Department of Education, Culture, and Sports (DECS) circular informing it of the inclusion of Arnis as Physical Education (PE) in the school curriculum as mandated by Republic Act 9850 “An Act Declaring Arnis as the National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines,” which was signed into law by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last December 11, 2009.

Teacher II Mary Janet Gubaton-Sayson was designated by the school as its Arnis Coach since her father, Grandmaster Abraham T. Gubaton, is a renowned and well respected Arnisador in Bago. GM Gubaton, now 82, has a total of 64 years experience in Arnis, having first learned Arnis after World War II, in 1946. He is the Grand Patriarch of the Oido de Caburata Arnis (ODCA) group.

The one tasked to teach the students was GM Gubaton’s younger brother, Grandmaster Sabas T. Gubaton, 72, Chief Instructor of the Oido de Caburata Arnis (ODCA) group.

Oido de Caburata is a unique system of Arnis founded by Grandmaster Antonio “Toñing” Tolosa in 1936 in Minoyan , Murcia to counter the existing prevalent system of Arnis during his time, the Espada y Daga or Methodo format of Arnis. Oido is a Spanish word which means “by the ear” and is used in colloquial language to mean “to play without notes,“ as in the case of a piano or a guitar. In Arnis parlance, Oido denotes the absence of a numbered pattern which is common with most systems of Arnis/Eskrima now taught. Caburata is a kind of flexible weapon which was once used by the now defunct Philippine Constabulary (PC).

After mastering the Espada y Daga method, GM Tolosa practiced the caburata and later translated its movements into the stick, thereby giving birth to Oido de Caburata Arnis. What makes Oido de Caburata Arnis unique is that its strikes can go around a defensive block, a characteristic it has borrowed from the caburata.

As of press time, training had already been done for July 31, August 7-8, and 14, 2010, whole day each. Participating in the program are Juan Carlos Alisaje, Juan Miguel Alisaje, Mariz Blasé, Kim Angela Calpe, Alexander Diosano, Daphy Escarra, Arvin John Gonzaga, Joshelle Gubaton, Mary Camille Gubaton, Denise Marie Lantape, Christian Angelo Saquian, and Vanessa Torrecarion. Except for the Gubaton cousins who are junior high school, the Arnis trainees are Grade IV, V, and VI students of the Ma-ao Elementary School .

The Arnis training was received with enthusiasm by the faculty and is very much supported by Principal Merian C. Banas, Sports Coordinator Mario Ferrer, and District 4 Supervisor Rutchill Ducay. The children themselves are very much interested in learning their own indigenous Filipino Martial Art (FMA), especially a system which has established itself as a formidable system of self protection in that area of Bago City , Murcia , and elsewhere in Negros Occidental.

Teacher II Mary Janet Gubaton-Sayson, who teaches Science 4 and Geography, History, and Civics 4, welcomes this development as this will help the youngsters appreciate their cultural heritage as Filipinos. The Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), commonly called Arnis/Eskrima, have a rich history and tradition that are only starting to be scholastically studied and documented in the last decade or so. Knowledge of one’s martial culture will instill pride in the Filipino youth as has Taekwondo, Karate, and Wushu for Korea , Japan , and China .

Grandmaster Sabas T. Gubaton taught the first four basic techniques of Oido de Caburata techniques to the students. He was assisted by Jerry Divinagracia of Brgy. Ilijan on August 14, 2010 as well as two other teaching staff in at least two occasions.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

GM Abraham T. Gubaton: The Grand Patriarch of Oido de Caburata Arnis Group (ODCA) By: James U. Sy Jr.

One of the oldest active Arnis grandmasters in Negros Island had just turned 82 recently. The Core Group of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., had started documenting the art and life of this man way back in 2005. With this write up, it is my hope to make the public aware that this man had kept alive a uniquely Negrosanon system of Arnis which was founded in 1936. He has a lineage that goes back to the Founder of Oido de Caburata.

Abraham Tacio Gubaton was born as the second child of Mateo Bubida Gubaton and Consolacion Tacio on July 6, 1928 in Ma-ao, Bago City. His other siblings (in descending order) are Esther, Napoleon, Nathan, Elojiah “Monina,” the twins Manuel and Emmanuel, Sabas, and George. The elder Gubaton studied Arnis under the professor of Bentong Fejedero. Nathan, Abraham, the twins, and Sabas would later study Arnsi themselves.

Abraham Gubaton started studying Arnis in 1946, when he was 18, under his brother-in-law, Gimeno Tiboso, who taught him the Espada y Daga method. At that time Gubaton was employed as an encargado “caretaker” of Woodrow Araneta in Hda. Marcaban in Bo. Ma-ao, Bago City. He studied under Tiboso for 2 years. Gubaton was obliged to study Arnis because the haciendas were a melting pot of people of different characters and temperament. Conflicts were quite common then and as caretaker he is expected to resolve any situation at hand.

Gubaton went on to study with some other arnisadors, mostly using Espada y Daga method. He also studied Saber Foil from Grandmaster Claro Alvarez, who was a relative to the Yasays and Suarezes, families who are proficient in that particular form of Arnis. He learned from Alvarez sometime in 1952, 1953, or 1954, paying P120.00/month for lessons.

One event that changed his perception of the methodo style of Arnis was when Gubaton had an exchange of blows with another bastonero who was using the Oido style. After the bout he sought out Jose D. Aguilar for instructions in Oido de Caburata Arnis. During their return bout, Gubaton defeated the Arnisador who previously beat him.

Grandmaster Jose D. Aguilar was himself a former Espada y Daga exponent. He had eight or nine professors before he met and exchanged blows with Grandmaster Antonio “Toñing” Tolosa of Minoyan, Murcia, the Founder of Oido de Caburata Arnis. GM Tolosa broke Aguilar’s hand with one strike. Aguilar went on to study under GM Tolosa.

Tolosa started his studies of Espada y Daga with his kumpare Ireneo Dulman of Murcia. After he completed the course, they closed the house and had a bout. They both had welts and bruises afterwards. This made Tolosa think deeply about the efficiency of what he has learned. Then one time, an unnamed friend of his got in a fight with an unruly group of men. His friend used a caburata to fight them off.

Tolosa was impressed by what he saw and borrowed the caburata the next day and practiced with it. When he perfected it, he translated the movements of the caburata into the stick in 1936, thereby giving birth to Oido de Caburata Arnis. Oido is a Spanish word which means “by the ear” and is used in colloquial language to mean “to play without notes“ as in the case of a piano or a guitar. In Arnis parlance, Oido denotes the absence of a numbered pattern which is common with most systems of Arnis/Eskrima now taught. Caburata, of course, refers to the flexible weapon which was once used by the now defunct Philippine Constabulary (PC).

Arnisadors who are not familiar with Oido de Caburata movements find it awkward and ineffective but it is this characteristic that makes it a powerful and formidable fighting system. A caburata, being flexible, can go around blocks and this characteristic has been integrated into the stick.

Aguilar was one of the first few who GM Tolosa taught, the others being Felmo and Welmo Conanan, Jose Dulman, Pakingking, and Salos. A later batch in 1953 included Ricardo Diaz, Abraham Gubaton, Sabas Gubaton, Bonifcaio Tolosa, and Comploso Tolosa

Master Gubaton studied under GM Aguilar for three years. He invited GM Aguilar to live with his family so he had access to uninterrupted instruction. The Gubatons had a small parcel of land and livestock. All Aguilar and Gubaton did all day was practice Arnis. Later, Master Gubaton continued his studies with his uncle, the Founder himself, Grandmaster Antonio “Toñing” Tolosa for seven more years.

Oido de Caburata although founded in 1936 was in constant development. GM Gubaton narrated that since GM Tolosa’s strikes were very powerful, he had to develop effective defenses against those strikes. These defenses were developed later in the evolution of Oido de Caburata and were taught to Grandmaster Abraham T. Gubaton.

GM Gubaton started teaching Oido de Caburata in 1975. In 1977, Federico “Peding” Abendan, an uncle and student of GM Gubaton, developed the long stick fighting style Backhand, which Fr. Jerson Balitor later baptized to Hagbas bugang. The Backhand was another step in the evolution of Oido de Caburata and later also laid the foundation for Original Filipino Tapado, founded by Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar of Brgy. Taloc, Bago City, another powerful long stickfighting art from Bago City.

Most of Oido practitioners can trace their line back to GM Gubaton. Different interpretations and offshoots of Oido de Caburata had surfaced. According to GM Gubaton, he had taught the bunal “strikes” to outsiders but not the defenses, which he maintains for his family. I am thankful for GM Gubaton for making me understand this point during my last visit. Without the explanation it is very hard, if not impossible, to understand what he meant. He cites his brother Grandmaster Sabas T. Gubaton, the Chief Instructor of the Oido de Caburata Arnis Group (ODCA), as an example; he explained the real essence of the art to him only when he was already 65.

GM Gubaton has seven children with his wife Exaltacion, namely Grace, Jonathan, Joseph, Janet, Julius, Ferdinand, and Job. Jonathan, Ferdinand, and Job had dedicated themselves to the study of their father’s art.

The Oido de Caburata Arnis Group (ODCA) was organized in 1985 but it was in 1995 when the group got the big boost it needed when Fr. Jerson Balitor joined. Fr. Balitor, then the Parish Priest in Brgy. Ma-ao, helped the Gubaton grandmasters organize themselves and document their and their art’s history. Fr. Balitor arranged for ODCA to be featured in the documentary The Stickfighters of Buenos Aires by W.G. Productions and Art Vision which was aired over at Negros Progress Channel 17. Fr. Balitor had also helped ODCA to organize its annual General assembly. Starting 2005, the Gubatons were also featured in the local newspapers and in 2009 in Rapid Journal by the Conceptual Martial Arts Society Documentation Team.

GM Abraham Gubaton had taught many Arnisadors in their locality. Even Americans traveled to Ma-ao, just to train with him and GM Sabas. The Americans, led by couple Guro Mike and May Williams of the Martial Arts Research Institute (Boston), train with the Gubaton brothers every other year. May Williams was a native of Ma-ao and is currently the only certified Instructor of Oido de Caburata in the US.

The Gubatons had also taught Arnis to brgy. tanods on April 17-May 8, 2005 for the Brgy. Don Jorge L. Araneta Barangay Public Safety Officers (BPSO) Self Defense Training.