Friday, September 2, 2022

GM Lobrido of Original Tapado Turns 72 By: James U. Sy Jr.

GM Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido of Original Filipino Tapado (OFT) with his family during his 72nd birthday celebration on June 28, 2022 in Brgy. Taloc, Bago City (OFTLSFAI / CMAS photo). Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, the 1st Generation Inheritor (Manugsubli) of Original Filipino Tapado (OFT), celebrated his 72nd birthday through a simple dinner with his family and a few of his students and guests last June 28, 2022 at the Lobrido Residence, Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City. The simple gathering also doubled as a celebration for the 16th birthday of Senior Instructor Ben Russell “Bensoy” Lobrido, the grandson of GM Lobrido and his officially designated 2nd Generation Inheritor (Manugsubli) of Original Filipino Tapado (OFT). The birthday celebrants were joined by GM Lobrido’s wife, Rosenda “Rose” P. Lobrido, and their youngest daughter, Rose Ann, and her daughters Khimxia and Khaycie Villarmino. Other guests were Analee Vergara, Chief Instructor Master James U. Sy Jr., OFT Cadiz City Representative Master Alessandro “Dodong” M. Calvo, SI Romeo “Romy” T. Jarapa, Ike A. Curativo of Cadiz, and Michael Raymund R. Fabila. GM Lobrido’s 72nd birthday also marked his 62nd year of continuous study and teaching of Original Filipino Tapado (OFT). He was the sole Chief Instructor of the system founded by his uncle, Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar during the latter’s entire lifetime, with the rank of Master even before the art was introduced and taught publicly. All beginners in OFT had to undergo training under Master Lobrido before they can study under GM Mamar. The headmastership of Original Filipino Tapado (OFT) was officially turned over by the Mamar Clan to GM Lobrido in February 2005 after the passing of the Founder. GM Lobrido has kept Original Filipino Tapado (OFT) alive in the last 17 years after the passing of the Founder and has produced the next generation of instructors of the art, primarily his heir apparent, Senior Instructor Ben Russell “Bensoy” Lobrido.

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