Visayan Filipino Martial Arts

2nd Hon. Ramon Torres Arnis Tilt to Explode on Bago Charter Celebration by James U. Sy Jr.

2012-02-16T01:50:00.001-08:00

Arnisadors after an organizational meeting last February 11, 2012 at the Sea Breeze Hotel, San Juan St., Bacolod City for the upcoming 2nd Hon. Mayor Ramon D. Torres Arnis Expo & Tournament on February 18, 2012 at the Bantayan Park, Bago City. From left: Master James U. Sy Jr., Master Ferdinand Emmanuel “Bobot” Y. Gayoles, Master Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo Jr., Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, Master Luciano “Nick” Montoya, Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” Cardinal, SI Randy Alvarado, Gerald Daclan, Carl Trunio II, and Mr. Heiroteo “Didoy” Villarosa (CMAS Photo).

The Bago City Office of the Mayor and the Bago City Tourism Office will be presenting the 2nd Hon. Mayor Ramon D. Torres Arnis Expo & Tournament this coming February 18, 2012, 2:00 P.M., at the Bantayan Park, Bago City, Negros Occidental as part of the city’s 46th Charter Anniversary celebration.

Organizing the event for the Bago City Government is the Taloc-based Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. of 1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” Mamar Lobrido in cooperation with the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. and the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), Inc. under its President Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo.

GM Lobrido, the nephew of the late Founder of Original Filipino Tapado Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar, is the Event Organizer while Master Sy, who is known for bringing together different arnisadors from various systems/styles in the events he organizes, is the Expo/Tournament Director.

The 1st Hon. Mayor Ramon D. Torres Arnis Expo & Tournament was also put together by Master Sy for the Bago City Government with the Guarra Style Modern Arnis (GSMA) of P/Sgt. (Ret.) Founder/Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra and Arjuka-Malingin of Founder/Grandmaster Isaac “Saac T. Guarra as Event Organizers last November 5, 2010, also at the Bantayan Park as part of the city’s Cinco de Novembre celebration.

This year, not less than 80-100 arnisadors representing 19-20 organizations from Bacolod, Bago, Murcia, San Enrique, Talisay, and Valladolid are expected to give demonstrations on different systems/styles of indigenous and foreign based Ilonggo-Filipino Martial Arts that were developed, practiced, and evolved in the province of Negros Occidental, and to compete in three competition format: Tapado Rules, IFFMAS Arnis Rules, and Yasay Sable Arnis Rules.

Original Filipino Tapado (OFT) is a long stick fighting art indigenous to Brgy. Taloc of Bago City, founded by the late GM Mamar in 1960 and field tested in countless challenge matches against other arnisadors. There will be two bouts for the Tapado rules competition, the only goal of which is to overpower the other player’s long stick (No hits to the body allowed).

IFFMAS Arnis rules were proposed by GM Eslao Guarra to IFFMAS to which he is a member of the Council of Elders. This set of rules is fought in a circle with combatants assuming defender and attacker roles for the first two rounds and freestyle for the last round. This format was so designed to highlight an arnisador’s defensive ability which is often neglected in modern day Sport Arnis competitions. Research by master Sy showed that this was a traditional format used in parts of, if not all, Negros, Panay, and Cebu.

Yasay Sable is an indigenous blade-based art that has been practiced by the yasay Clan of Bago City for 4 generations now. Grandmaster Paterno V. Yasay is the 3rd Generation Headmaster while Master Ferdinand Emmanuel “Bobot” Y. Gayoles is the 4th Generation Chief Instructor. Yasay Sable rules is based on the premise that the weapon being held is a blade, and not a stick. Thus, strikes are made with less body torque but with more precision and timing.

Both the IFFMAS Arnis and Yasay Sable Arnis rules use time limits which are much more shorter than well established formats such as ArPi, IMAFP, and WEKAF; the logic being real fights are very short and one needs to get the advantage early on.

Among the systems/styles expected to be showcased in the demonstrations are Arjuka, Cargada Pigar KaliSilat Arnis, Conceptual Arnis/Martial Arts, Espada y Daga, Filipino Tang Soo Do, Guarra Style Modern Arnis, Hangaway Arnis, Herada Pigada Arnis, Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis, Oido de Caburata, Oido de Cinco Generales, Oido Fencing, Original Filipino Tapado, Trece grabes Piga-Piga System, UDTA System, and Yasay Sable.

Hon. Mayor Ramon Torres is an ardent supporter of Arnis/Eskrima. It was in his term when the Bago City College (BCC) Arnis Team headed by Coach/Trainor Randy Alvarado took the overall championship during the 3rd Alculympics held last 2011 at the City College of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro with a 12-5-7 medal haul, beating 5 other teams.

Muay Thai Tourney a Success by James U. Sy Jr.

2012-01-22T23:03:00.000-08:00

The Tribu Hangaway Philippines of Founder/Master Roy R. Flores, 6th Degree Black Belt, successfully held the 1st Muay Thai Negros Occidental Selection last January 22, 2012, Sunday, at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City.

Overall champion was Tribu Hangaway Philippines of Founder/Master Roy R. Flores with a win-lose slate of 3-2, followed by the Deftac Bacolod Fight Club of Chief Instructor Edwin J. Tusil (2-2) and the Black Falcon Martial Arts Association (BFMAA)-Main of Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante (1-2).

Demonstrations. The Renzoku Mart Arts Academy (RMAA) under Bert Ginete Sensei performed several kata (forms) from the Shotokan style of Karate. Those who demonstrated were medalists in the NOPSCEA Karate event: Lysterr Antiquiera, James defallo, Tsuki Defallo, Janreb Garbanzos, and Wesley Salvador.

The demo team of host Tribu Hangaway Philippines was led by Blackl belt Jimmy Soquiña in demonstrating the techniques of Aikido: Samurai walk, ukemi (breakfalling), self defense against cellphone snatching, women’s defense against two attackers, and other self defense techniques using jointlocks and throws.

Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. performed a blade based solo baston anyo (form). Sy also assisted P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, President of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF) , in showcasing the punta y punta and sulab y sulab aspect of his Guarra Style Modern Arnis.

2011 Philippine National Games (PNG) silver medalists Michael Catalan (60 kg.) and Rosendo Trayco III (56 kg.) demonstrated the allowed and foul techniques in Muay Thai rules competition.

Results. The larger Joery “Jun-Jun” Amante Jr., 43 kg., of BFMAA-Main defeated Roy C. Flores Jr., 38 kg., of THP via retirement at 1.50 of the 3rd round. Arjay Flores, 47 kg., of THP beat Johnny Basico, 43 kg., of BFMAA-Main on points. Jason Framco, 54 kg., of THP won over Ejay Esmino, 53 kg., via unanimous decision.

The gargantum Marvin Marquez, 100 kg., of DBFC overpowered the more experience but much smaller Rosendo Trayco III , 58 kg., of BFMAA-Main via retirement at 1.11 of the 2nd round. Trayco had the heart but the power and weight of Marquez was just too much for him.

Brian Diaz, 67 kg., of TH, derfeated Francis Lamata, 65 kg., of DBFC, via unanimous decision. Kareem Feria, 80 kg., of DBFC won over Justin Tolentino, 83 kg., of THP via RSC-Injury at 0.21 of the 2nd round.

Winners of the tournament were qualified to compete in the Regionals this coming February in Iloilo.

Officials were MAP Negros Occidental Coordinator Founder/Master Roy R. Flores of Tribu Hangaway Philippines (Chief Jury), MAP Iloilo Director Ronnie Catalan (Jury), Chief Instructor Ronilo “Nonoy” Magbanua of Supreme Modern combat (Referee), Michelle Abancio, Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante of Black Falcon Martial Arts Association (BFMAA)-Main, Rustia Caporas, Jrry de la Cruz, Dan Domingo of Tribu Sindigma, and Annabelle Santos-Austria (Judges), Joel B. Gonza, EMT-D (Medical Personnel), and Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (Emcee), Faith Lachica de la Peña (Timer).

Guests were Master Abraham Ganzon Jr. of Universal Defensive tactics Academy (UDTA), Karate yudansha Marcel Hortsman of Holland, Reg’ Commander Col. Wesley Salvador of the regional Mobile group-Reg. 6, Northern Negros State College (Sagay City) Vice President Dra. Ma. Elena Defallo, and Joel Vallejera of the Western Visayas Karate-do Education Association, and Hinigaran MTC Clerk of Court Moises “Jung-Jung” G. Nifras Jr. of CMAS.

Sponsors were Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Aksyon Radio, 1 on 1 Boxing gym, Engr. Ronnel Uy, Charito Heights by Alunan Realty, Hon. Brgy. Chairman Carlo Barredo, and Hon. Kagawad Mark Lester Abancio.

A commentary

2012-01-21T00:47:00.001-08:00

The above video clip is a commentary of GM Benefredo Mamar Lobrido to what he considered to be a replica or a true representation of a form in espada y daga demonstration. He showed us this form because he watched a demo in recent activities wherein espada y daga was not properly performed or was not properly represented by the performer. He said even he himself felt ashamed of the performance. In ilonggo term he said "Makahuluya, indi amo" (Its a shame. That is not it)
He then picked up two sticks and showed us how to do the espada y daga thing. It is really sad that some people are not prepared to do justice to the system. And he advised us that before doing the demonstration be sure that you do justice to the form you are representing, because there are people watching and one can not be sure that if there are experts present around. Be sure to practice the form before showing it to the public.
He said that he may not be doing it right, but this is how he used to be taught by his teachers. And what he showed us he said was how I interpret the said system.

1ST Muay Thai Neg. Occ. Selection Slated by James U. Sy jr.

2012-01-18T00:14:00.000-08:00

Founder/Master Roy R. Flores of Tribu Hangaway Philippines (left) together with 4 times World Wushu Sanshou champion and the Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) Region 6 Director Rene Catalan in a file photo taken last January 2011 (CMAS photo).

The 1ST Muay Thai Negros Occidental Selection will be presented by the Tribu Hangaway Philippines of Founder/Master Roy R. Flores this coming January 22, 2012, Sunday, 1:00-7:00 PM, at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City.

Winners for the event will qualify to compete in the Regionals this coming February in Iloilo. Expected teams to participate are the Black Falcon Martial Arts Association (BFMAA)-Main (Bacolod) under Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante, Thunder Kick Martial arts (Escalante) under Founder/Chief Instructor Jesus “Jess” Flores, San Carlos Jungle Fighters Martial Arts Club (SACA JUFIMAC) under Founder/Chief Instructor Diomedes N. Mamugay, and Victorias Team.

Southeast Asian, 2 times Asian, and 4 times World Wushu Sanshou champion Rene Catalan of Sta. Barbara, Region 6 Director for the Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP), will grace the event. Catalan appointed Master Roy Flores as Coordinators Negros Occidental last October 2011.

Mandalagan ES Overall Champion in Prov’l Arnis by James U. Sy Jr.

2012-01-17T23:55:00.000-08:00

The triumphant Mandalagan Elementary School (District I, Bacolod City) Arnis Team under Coach/Trainor Shiela M. Duran and Coaches Julia A. Duran and Mary Jerty Villando was crowned overall champion in Arnis Boys and Girls Elementary Division during the recently concluded Provincial Meet at the Pana-ad Park and Stadium, Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City (Shiela M. Duran photo).

Mandalagan Elementary School (District I, Bacolod City) Arnis Team under Coach/Trainor Shiela M. Duran and Coaches Julia A. Duran and Mary Jerty Villando was crowned overall champion in Arnis Boys and Girls Elementary Division during the recently concluded Provincial Meet at the Pana-ad Park and Stadium, Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City,

Alicia Rimpus, Vivian Joyce Minosa, and Ronnie de la Cruz were crowned champions in the anyo solo baston, doble baston, and mixed weapons. Rimpus and Minosa also took the silver medal in the labanan event.

Officials for the team were Principal Arnel V. Ariola, District Supervisor Lowelyn D. Escalona, PESS Supervisor Nenita B. Cordova, and Schools Division Superintendent Ma, Gemma M. Ledersma.

Conceptual Arresting Techniques Taught @ 605th, 6RCDG, ARESCOM

2012-01-17T22:00:00.000-08:00

Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. teaching the bent wrist lock using a stick to members of the 605th, 6RCDG (6th Regional Community Defense Group), ARESCOM (Army Reserve Command) with the assistance of H2H Combat Instructor Technical Sgt. (T/Sgt.) Abraham G. Ganzon Jr. last January 8, 2012 at the H605th (NOC), CDC, 6RCDG, ARESCOM Head Quarters, Pana-ad Park, Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City (CMAS Photo).

H2H Combat Instructor Technical Sgt. (T/Sgt.) Abraham G. Ganzon Jr. invited Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. to teach arresting techniques with the use of sticks to 20 members of the 605th, 6RCDG (6th Regional Community Defense Group), ARESCOM (Army Reserve Command) last January 8, 2012 at the H605th (NOC), CDC, 6RCDG, ARESCOM Head Quarters, Pana-ad Park, Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

Officials present during the formation were Company Commander Capt. Hernan Maglupay of HQ, 1Lt. Raymund Ibrado of Bravo Co., and 1Lt. Antonio Sapalo Jr. of Batalion S3.

The seminar training was meant to prepare the reservists for their patrol duty for the 2012 Kabankalan Sinulog Celebration. Arresting techniques were the focus since the aim was to control and detain rather than harm uncooperative suspects. Since the reservists scheduled for duty were to be issued sticks, it is only logical that they should know how to effect a jointlocking technique with it.

Sy primarily taught the bent wrist lock, taking different manifestations from Filipino, Japanese, and Chinese methods and teaching them as one technique applied to multiple situations and attacks. He started off by applying the technique on rifle retention and explained and also taught their roots from the sheathed and unsheathed blade and then the stick and empty hands applications.

To supplement the bent wrist lock, Sy also taught two techniques for knife against stick from Guarra Style Modern Arnis, two choking techniques with the stick from Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis and Herada Pigada Arnis, and an arresting technique with the stick.

T/Sgt. Ganzon also taught empty handed versions of the hammer lock and the goose neck lock as well as one method of striking with the stick. Hand to hand combat training for members of the 605th, 6RCDG (6th Regional Community Defense Group), ARESCOM (Army Reserve Command) was started by T/Sgt. Ganzon last September 26, 2010.

The Many faces of the Sto. Niño by James U. y jr.

2012-01-16T23:38:00.000-08:00

We Filipinos are very religious people. We have always shown it in our culture, language, beliefs, dealings with other people, and festivities. The Fiesta of the Sto. Niño is a good reflection of the Filipinos' devotion to the Catholic faith. This fiesta is variously celebrated in different parts of the Philippines, among them Cebu City (as Pit Señor), Iloilo City (as Dinagyang), Bacolod City, Cadiz City, and Kabankalan City. The following pictures will depict the various images of the Sto. Niño during the fiesta celebration held last January 15, 2012 at the Sto. Niño Shrine in Bacolod City.

The procession started from the Sto. Niño Shrine, proceeded to Rizal St., Burgos St., Burgos Market, and back to the shrine (James U. Sy Jr. photo).

The different faces of the Sto. Niño (James U. Sy Jr. photo).

The procession started from the Sto. Niño Shrine, proceeded to Rizal St., Burgos St., Burgos Market, and back to the shrine (James U. Sy Jr. photo).

Babies wearing Sto. Niño outfits together with their mothers (James U. Sy Jr. photo).

Children dressed as atis (James U. Sy Jr. photo).

The drummers for the festivities (James U. Sy Jr. photo).

The Sto. Niño Shrine near West Negros University (WNU) (James U. Sy Jr. photo).

Airborne Collision Rocks Locsin St. by James U. Sy Jr.

2012-01-15T01:49:00.000-08:00

Just moments after the Bata-Libertad jeepney went airborne and dropped on its left side. Note that the rear axle was twisted and the right side of the body of the vehicle was folded. At this initial stages of the accident two vigilant bystanders, one on the rear and one on top of the vehicle, went to action, trying to pull the two passengers to safety (James U. Sy Jr./NDB/WVJ Photo).

A vigilant bystander wastes no time in pulling out an unconscious woman passenger (James U. Sy Jr./NDB/WVJ Photo).

Bystanders starting to gather on the collision site until the area was covered with many people, investigators, and medical personnel (James U. Sy Jr./NDB/WVJ Photo).

Close up of the point of impact on the collapsed jeepney (James U. Sy Jr./NDB/WVJ Photo).

The front side of the collapsed jeepney (James U. Sy Jr./NDB/WVJ Photo).

The damaged area of the jeepney as shown after the vehicle has been restored to its vertical axis by helpful bystanders (James U. Sy Jr./NDB/WVJ Photo).

The driver of the jeepney (left, front) refused an interview to air his side of the story (James U. Sy Jr./NDB/WVJ Photo).

The damage on the car of Antonio Escuadra shown from all sides.(James U. Sy Jr./NDB/WVJ Photo).

The Amity Volunteer Fire Brigade 161 Ambulance had a very short response time, just minutes after some bystanders called for help (James U. Sy Jr./NDB/WVJ Photo).

The Amity Volunteer Fire Brigade 161 medical team attending to a passenger who hurt his leg/s during the collision (James U. Sy Jr./NDB/WVJ Photo).

The Amity Volunteer Fire Brigade 161 medical team transporting the injured passenger to a medical facility (James U. Sy Jr./NDB/WVJ Photo).

It was like a scene from a Hollywood movie, a speeding vehicle is thrown airborne during a collision, except this time there were no special effects and everything was for real. This was what happened along Locsin St. when two vehicles collided yesterday, January 15, 2011, at about 12:20 PM.

Two jeepneys were travelling side by side from Hernaez St. and into Locsin St. Just before reaching the intersection at Locsin-Rosario Sts., the Bata-Libertad jeepney on the left, with plate No. T-060480, tried to overtake the other PUJ. At that point, a black car, with plate No. PRM-177, driven by Antonio Escuadra, 53, of San Carlos City, was also heading towards the intersection. The PUJ on the right gave way to the car but the one on the left went ahead and speed away to overtake. The jeepney was clipped by the car on its right side and forced across the street, directly in front of Red Square, C.M.W. Disco Bar, and Double “L” Spotlite. The impact was highly magnified by the speed of the overtaking jeepney, which in turn forced the vehicle to fly in the air, collapse on its side, and fall on its left side.

The car on the other hand, also screeched out of its lane and initially followed a parallel path to the collapsing jeepney before turning to the other side of the road and stopping nearly in the sidewalk, just a few paces away from Derd’s 8 Tailoring and Sportswear.

The rear axle of the jeepney was twisted and a pipe was broken. There were shreds of broken glass on the pavement and the right side of the vehicle folded into a crease. The driver was not injured. However, his two passengers, a couple, suffered injuries. The woman, who was unconscious, was pulled out by a concerned bystander from the collapsed vehicle. It took her some minutes to gain consciousness and be able to sit down. She said her leg/s was/were aching. Her husband, who was found, sitting outside of the rear side of the vehicle and in the entrance of Red Square, injured his leg/s.

The passengers of the black car were also a couple. Escuadra and his 51 year old wife just got out of church from the baptism of their grandchild. They were unhurt because they wore seatbelts. However, the front side of their car, including the hood, was a wreck. The car’s door on the right side was also out of its frame slightly. Escuadra managed to get some control of his car otherwise he could have also crashed into the establishments, next to the collapsed jeepney.

The Amity Volunteer Fire Brigade 161 medical team responded at a very short interval after the accident and attended to the injured. The driver of the jeepney refused an interview with the Negros Daily Bulletin and Western Visayas Journal.

It was fortunate that the jeepney didn’t have many passengers otherwise there would be many injured. If there’s anything that this incident had taught those who witnessed the accident, including this writer, it is that overtaking may save you a little time or it can also waste a lot of your time and put many people’s lives at risk. Discipline in the road is all we can ask for now that this has happened.

2012 Tat Jun Tao Reunion

2012-01-05T02:37:00.000-08:00

When: January 8, 2011, Sunday
Where: new Bgy. Kalubihan Hall (fronting Asian College of Technology), P. del Rosario St., Cebu City

Christmas in Singapore (CMAS/NDB Photos)

2011-12-22T03:00:00.000-08:00

Arnis Anyo Seminars Taught @ OLPA

2011-12-05T01:29:00.000-08:00

Joshelle Rianne C. Gubaton and Wilson D. Espejo of the OLPA Arnis Team crossing sticks during one of the seminars held at the Our Lady of Pillar Academy (OLPA), Brgy. Ma-ao, Bago City (CMAS Photo).

Josea Elaine May V. Tulog of the OLPA Arnis Team performing the paying block from Yasay Sable/Guarra Style Modern Arnis against the center thrust of Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (CMAS Photo).

To maximize the preparedness of the Our Lady of Pillar Academy (OLPA) Arnis Team for the upcoming Provincial Meet this December, Coach Ariane M. Ignacio invited Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. to conduct the 2nd OLPA Sport Arnis Seminar: Solo Baston Anyo and the 3rd OLPA Sport Arnis Seminar: Doble Baston Anyo last November 24 and December 1, 2011 respectively at one of the rooms of the academy, Brgy. Ma-ao, Bago City.

The Our Lady of Pillar Academy (OLPA) Arnis Team was crowned champion in the boys labanan division with 5 gold medals in the Area Meet held last October 13-15, 2011 at the La Consolacion School Isabela Negros Occidental, Inc. in the Municipality of Isabela. The team also took three gold medals in the girls labanan division and a gold in the girls anyo category. Vanessa G, Torrecarion gave the team its lone gold medal by stringing together the basic striking patterns taught by Grandmaster Sabas T. Gubaton, Chief Instructor of the Oido de Caburata Arnis Group (ODCA). The team’s success gave them the opportunity to compete at the provincial level.

Ignacio expressed the excitement and anxiety her team feels, “We know there is better competition in the provincial level and more experience at that. Our team is a neophyte, only assembled this year. We need to train harder and we need all the support we can get.” The OLPA Arnis Team made their debut this year at the Division Meet. The Area Meet was only their second outing.

The series of seminars focused on the anyo event, which has more medal slots that the individual labanan event. For each seminar, Sy taught two sets of any a it is the required number of performances for each competitor for each category as set by the Department of Education (DepEd). Sy specifically designed the four forms for use by the OLPA Arnis Team for competition. The forms were a synthesis of sword-based movements from Conceptual Arnis, Yasay Sable, Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis, and Guarra Style Modern Arnis. Sy also gave pointers on how to go perform based on the set criterion and made the players understand the rules to avoid penalties in their scores.

Those who attended the seminars were Ryan N. Arguelles, Wilson D. Espejo, Joshelle Rianne C. Gubaton, Melissa Hilario, Christile Joy Landero, Roger A. Manong, John Mark G. Niña, Herokho Jean Gracir Saldon, Vanessa G. Torrecarion, and Josea Elaine May V. Tulog.

Another workshop, this time focused on labanan, is scheduled for December 6, 2011. Master Ferdinand “Bobot” Y. Gayoles of Yasay Sable and Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra of Guarra Style Modern Arnis gave their blessings to teach segments of their systems for the labanan division.

The Our Lady of Pillar Academy (OLPA) Arnis Team is supported by Director Rev. Fr. Samuel E. Balboa and Principal Candelaria Balbao.

CMAS, Inc. Donates Books to Bac. Lib.

2011-12-05T00:36:00.000-08:00

The Bacolod City Public Library headed by Librarian III Merlyn Corpuz and Librarian I Greta Memoria received a donation of 75 textbooks and 150 periodicals from Negros martial arts historian/writer James U. Sy Jr., Founder/Master of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. last November 17, 2011 at its premises in Hernaez-Araneta Sts., Bacolod City.

There were a few college texts but majority of the books were for the secondary and elementary levels. The same is true for the magazines. The donation was the first batch that was made by CMAS; a second batch is expected as more books are being gathered.

A Memorial to GM Abraham T. Gubaton (1928-2011): The Grand Patriarch of Oido de Caburata Arnis Part I: The Passing of a Grandmaster by: James U. Sy Jr

2011-11-28T23:21:00.000-08:00

Grandmaster Abraham "Kapitan Berong" Tapio Gubaton (seated center) together with his immediate family and students after lunch during his 83rd birthday last July 6, 2011 at his home in Brgy. Ma-ao, Bago City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

These are perhaps the last series of photos of Oido de Caburata Arnis Grandmaster Abraham "Kapitan Berong" Tapio Gubaton, which were taken on October 10, 2011 a his residence in Brgy. Ma-ao, Bago City. He is shown here with his granddaughters Mary Camille Joy H. Gubaton and Joshelle Rianne C. Gubaton and Norma Jauod, the cousin of his late wife, Exaltacion Jauod (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Oido de Caburata Arnis Grandmaster Abraham "Kapitan Berong" Tapio Gubaton together with one of his two last students, Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

The vigil for Grandmaster Abraham "Kapitan Berong" Tapio Gubaton was held from November 13-19, 2011 at the Baxter Memorial Chapel in Bago City proper before his remains were transferred to the Catholic Church in Brgy. Ma-ao (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Arnisadors paying respect to their fallen friend and fellow eskrimador, Grandmaster Abraham "Kapitan Berong" Tapio Gibaton (from left): Grandmaster Isaac "Saac" T. Guarra (Arjuka), Grandmaster Jose "Joe" Salanap (Oido de Caburata), Grandmaster Estanislao "Eslao" T. Guarra (Guarra Style Modern Arnis), and Master James U. sy Jr. (Conceptual Arnis).

Mourners walk the way from the Ma-ao Catholic Church to the last resting place of Grandmaster Abraham "Kapitan Berong" Tapio Gubaton at the New Ma-ao Public Cemeery in Brgy. Ma-ao, Bago City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Grandmaster Abraham "Kapitan Berong" Tapio Gubaton, The Grand Patriarch of he Oido de Caburata Arnis System, succumbed to a fever and complications arising from pneumonia last November 12, 2011, 2:20 P.M. at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), Lacson-Burgos Sts., Bacolod City. He was 83 years old.

In late June 2011, GM Gubaton was rushed to the same hospital after experiencing a mild stroke. His family was vigilant all throughout his hospitalization and he was discharged later. The path to recovery was slowly as his speech had been slurred and his movements were calculated. Nevertheless, he did go around, even holding and flailing his dear baston and caburata when friends visited him. He celebrated his 83rd birthday, his last, on July 6, 2011 with his immediate family and two of his students. His birthday was celebrated at lunchtime.

Then on October 28, 2011, GM Gubaon was again hospitalized. The day before his death, the doctor had cleared him for discharge but a fever forced him to stay at the hospital. It was that fever that led to his eventual demise.

The vigil for GM Gubaton was held from November 13-19, 2011 at the Baxter Memorial Chapel in Bago City proper before his remains were transferred to the Catholic Church in Brgy. Ma-ao. Not less than 500 people attended the internment.

His family, relatives, friends, and arnisadors flocked to Baxter to pay their last respects to GM Gubaton. Interment was held last November 21, 2011 at the New Ma-ao Public Cemetery with the mass held at the Catholic Church.

GM Gubaton was survived by his children Dionesio Minerales and Grace Gubaton-Minerales and their children Diane Grace and Denise Marie G. Minerales; Jonathan J. Gubaton and Janet Araneta-Gubaton and their children Patrick John and Vincent John A. Gubaton; Joseph J. Gubaton and Rochel Cartel-Gubaton and their child Joshelle Rianne C. Gubaton; Noel Sayson and Mary Janet Gubaton-Sayson and their children John Noel and Joseph Noel G. Sayson; Julius J. Gubaton and Lourdes Hedonia-Gubaton and their children Gabriel John and Mary Camille Joy H. Gubaton; Ferdinand J. Gubaton and Melinda Abetong-Gubaton and their children Lyndie Joyce and Derick A. Gubaton; and and Bemboy Camelo Job J. Gubaton and Margie Abetong-Gubaton and their children Jeannea Marie and Johanna Marie A. Gubaton

Storytelling Day Set @ Bacolod Lib. by James U. Sy Jr.

2011-11-28T01:26:00.000-08:00

Preparations at the Bacolod City Public Library under Librarian III Merlyn Corpuz and Librarian I Greta Memoria are underway Storytelling Day slated this November 29, 2011 as part of the 77th National Book Week celebration in the last week of November. Sponsors are Rotary Club of Bacolod under President Glenn de Guzman and Rotary Club of Bacolod-West under President Cecilia del Castillo (CMAS/NDB photo).

The Bacolod City Public Library headed by Librarian III Merlyn Corpuz and Librarian I Greta Memoria will be holding the Storytelling Day this November 29, 2011 at its premises in Hernaez-Araneta Sts., Bacolod City as part of the 77th National Book Week celebration in the last week of November.

A total of 120 Day Care Center children, 60 each, from Brgy. Banago and Brgy. Alijis will be in attendance. One of the featured storytellers will be Col. Roderick Alba of the Rotary Club of Bacolod. One of the guests will be Exec. Asst. II Rogelio Giganan.

Sponsors of the event are Rotary Club of Bacolod under President Glenn de Guzman and Rotary Club of Bacolod-West under President Cecilia del Castillo, who will give out free snacks and coloring books and crayons respectively. .

Tai chi and ballroom dancing

2011-11-27T17:35:00.001-08:00

Sifu Peter Yap of TachicircleBacolod would always emphasize to his audience the "universal viability or application of taichi principles." He states that the principles is not only limited to forms, tuishou, sanshou, weapons demo, competition or show only." He said it is also present in entertainment and ballroom dancing. he said "the taichi principles ofrelaxation, softness, flexibility, alignment, spontaneity, continuity circularity, rythmn and yin-yang interplay, rooting, balance or central equilibrium are present in all steps thoughout the dance.",Here are a series of pictures wherein Sifu Peter Yap meant what he says. The form of puch downard could be applied to the Tango Dip Step.

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Rapid Journal Donated to UNO-R by James U. Sy Jr.

2011-11-22T22:02:00.000-08:00

University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) Director of Libraries Arabella M. Ananorio receiving a donation of a set of 46 issues of the Rapid Journal from Editor/Publisher Daniel O. Go of Binondo through the journal’s Western Visayas Correspondent James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. last November 17, 2011 at the 2/F UNO-R College Library Bldg. Featured in the cover of the journal is Grandmaster Benefredo "Bebing" M. Lobrido of Taloc, Bago City (CMAS photo).

The University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) College Library under Director of Libraries Arabella M. Ananorio received a donation of 46 issues of the Rapid Journal, the longest running and the most scholastically presented martial arts resource in the Philippines, from its Editor/Publisher Daniel O. Go of Binondo through the journal’s Western Visayas Correspondent and Negros martial arts historian/writer James U. Sy Jr., Founder/Master of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. last November 17, 2011 at the 2/F UNO-R College Library Bldg., University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), Lizares St., Bacolod City.

Witnessing the turnover was University Library Secretary Jesusa “Susan” Escalona. The donated journals were Vol. 1 Nos. 1-2, Vol. 2 Nos. 1-3, Vol. 3 Nos. 1-4, Vol. 4 Nos. 1-4, Vol. 5 Nos. 1-4, Vol. 6 Nos. 1-4, Vol. 7 Nos. 1-4, Vol. 8 Nos. 1-4, Vol. 9 Nos. 1-4, Vol. 10 Nos. 1-3, Vol. 11 Nos. 2 & 4, and Vol. 12 Nos. 1 & 3. Six more issues will soon be shipped to complete the collection.

Rapid Journal was a quarterly publication based in Binondo with subscribers in Finland, France, and the USA and copies sold in Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Thailand. Rapid, which is an acronym for Research and Propagation for Internal Development, originally referred to the department/section of the Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP) that published the now defunct Wushu Newsletter in 1995. The Rapid Group was organized by Go to systematize the study of Chinese Martial Arts (CMA), most notably the internal art of Tai Chi Chuan, as well as research, document , propagate, and legitimize the arts and improve its teaching methods. When the Rapid Group separated from WFP in 1996, Mr. Go, a 2 time Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Tai Chi Chuan gold medalist, started the publication of Rapid Journal, originally exclusive to Chinese Martial Arts (CMA) but later extended to cover Filipino, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Western, and other forms of martial arts.

Rapid Journal was in circulation from 1996 to 2010. During those times it was the only martial arts resource in the country. It greatly differed from the average martial arts magazine, such as Black Belt, because its articles are well researched, scholastic, and with great depth. Subjects cover the historical, cultural, linguistic, sociological, anthropological, ethnological, hoplological, economic, and political factors that have influenced the development and evolution of the various martial arts from different countries and cultures.

The contributing writers for the journal have academic backgrounds which show in their works. Rapid Journal has become home to some of the most prominent, respected, and credible martial arts historians, scholars, writers, and/or authorities in the Philippines today who can take their place next to world renown martial arts authorities such as Donn F. Draeger (Nihon Koryu Bujutsu), Stanley Pranin (Aikido), John Chambers (European Renaissance fencing), etc. Notable Rapid Journal writers include Dr. Ned R. Nepangue of Cebu, anthropologist and University of the Philippines Prof. Felipe Jocano Jr., FMA Master Pedro Reyes of Manila, University of the Philippines College of Human Kinetics Prof. Marilitz Dizon, Acupuncturist and FMA Master Rene J. Navarro, University of St. La Salle alumni and Negrense FMA researcher/historian/writer James U. Sy Jr. of Bacolod, among others.

Director Arabella Ananorio was happy in acquiring the donation for UNO-R, “These would prove to be very useful to our criminology students. We are glad to get hold of these scholastic works because these are not commonly found in the average bookstore. Students who wish to researchand know more about the martial arts now have more reliable sources.”

Previously, Go had also donated sets of Rapid Journal thru Sy to the West Visayas State University (WVSU) and University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UP-V) in Iloilo City, Panay, the University of St. La Salle (USLS) in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, and the National Library in Manila. Additional sets are mulled to be donated to Cebu and Cagayan de Oro, places where Sy plans to visit for his research in his book in the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA).

It is the hope of Go that the donations made to these academic institutions will provide researchers with the necessary reliable reference materials that are otherwise absent in almost all academic libraries. There are many myths and fallacies in martial arts history that have been transcribed or copy pasted from unreliable sources or no source at all at times and many times evolved into further untruths. The Rapid Journal serves to correct these mistaken claims and guide researchers to reliable and legitimate research sources for martial arts. Rapid Journal also sought to educate the public of the cultural and wellness benefit of the martial arts as well as the foundation philosophies and principles from which they were founded upon.

Interested parties may read the journals at the UNO-R College Library.

Remembering Rene F. Cornel Sensei (1951-2005) by James U. Sy Jr.

2011-11-22T21:45:00.000-08:00

Last November 11, 2011 was the 6th year death anniversary of Rene Fujiwara Cornel Sensei who passed away due to a kidney ailment and complications resulting from said illness.

Cornel, a product of the La Consolacion College (LCC)-Bacolod, was Architect IV at the Bacolod City Engineer’s Office and later served as OIC for Building Officials in 2000 to 2002. He was, however, best remembered for his involvement in the martial arts.

Cornel was a prolific martial artist who studied and taught different Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino styles and systems. He held a 1st Dan Black Belts in Karate under Mike F. Vasquez Sensei of the Vasquez Martial Arts Center (VMAC) and Judo under the Philippine Amateur Judo Association (PAJA). He was a 2nd generation judoka at the Paglaum Judo Club and later taught at the Shinsei Judo Club at St. Joseph High School), the YMCA Judo and Sports Club in Burgos St., and the USLS Judo Club at the University of St. La Salle). He learned his Judo and Aikido from Bacolod Judo and Aikido pioneer Patricio “Pat” P. Prologo Sensei (1936-2010). He later became a member of the Ki Society of the Philippines (KISOPHIL) under Philippine Aikido pioneer and Chief Instructor Ernesto “Enie” Talag Sensei and became his representative for Bacolod City.

Cornel Sensei was also a practitioner of the Chinese internal arts of Tai Chi Chuan, Pa Kua Chuan, and Hsing I Chuan as well as the healing arts of acupuncture, acupressure, pranic healing, and herbal medicine.

He is one of the first four individuals to be promoted by the Founder of Original Filipino Tapado to the rank of Master in 1986. He once served as the Chairman for the Membership Committee of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association in Bago City. He had also studied various Filipino Martial Arts, among them Yaming Arnis under Grandmaster Fortunato “Atong” Garcia (1917-2008).

Rene Cornel Sensei was featured in the book Eskrima: Filipino Martial Art by Krishna Godhania.

Sports Arnis Officiating Seminar Held by James U. Sy Jr.

2011-11-21T22:06:00.000-08:00

The teacher-participants of the Arnis section of the Upgrading Teacher's Competence in Coaching Officiating of Different Sports Events Seminar recently held by the Department of Education (DepEd)-Region 6/Western Visayas at the Doña Monserrat Lopez Memorial National High School, Silay City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Arnis Philippines (Arpi) Dumaguete Commissioner Master Ike Xavier Sarabia Villaflores (standing, 11th from left) together with the 37 teacher-participants of the Arnis section of the Upgrading Teacher's Competence in Coaching Officiating of Different Sports Events Seminar recently held by the Department of Education (DepEd)-Region 6/Western Visayas at the Doña Monserrat Lopez Memorial National High School, Silay City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Arnis Philippines (Arpi) Dumaguete Commissioner Master Ike Xavier Sarabia Villaflores (left) receiving a recognition of his mastery of Eskrima and his untiring efforts to propagate the art from his friend Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc.(CMAS photo).

The Upgrading Teacher's Competence in Coaching Officiating of Different Sports Events Seminar was successfully held by the Department of Education (DepEd)-Region 6/Western Visayas recently at the Doña Monserrat Lopez Memorial National High School, Silay City, Negros Occidental.

The seminar, which lasted for 3 days, focused on different forms of sports played in the school system. The Arnis seminar was conducted by Master Ike Xavier Sarabia Villaflores, Arnis Philippines (Arpi) Commissioner for Dumaguete City, who traveled straight to Negros Occidental from another seminar engagement in another part of the Visayas.

The Arnis seminar, however, had to be compressed into one and a half days only. Master Villaflores had to adjust his teaching style to cover all the essential elements of the seminar material. He went through the new set of rules of the DepEd Arnis competition together with the 37 teacher participants from differtent parts of Negros among them Bago and Escalante Cities.

Master Villaflores, the Founder of the DUMAA Eskrima System and the Dumaguete Arnis Association (DUMAA), is himself a school teacher in his hometown. He has been actively teaching Arnis in regular classes and seminars and organizing tournaments to encourage the youth to take up their very own indigenbous martial art, Arnis/Eskrima. Master Villaflores had already produced Arnis champions among his wards in various local, regional, national, and world Arnis championships.

Near the end of the seminar, Master Villaflores was visited by his friend, Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., who turned over a certificate recognizing his mastery of Eskrima and his untiring efforts to propagate the art; The recognition was among several issued to old time grandmasters and new generation masters last year at an Arnis event at Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall but had to be given this year because of the distance of Dumaguete from Bacolod.

Arnis, also known as Eskrima in Cebu, is recognized by the Philippine Government as the country’s National Martial Sport, as much as Taekwondo is to Korea. Rhe government-recognized National Sport Association (NSA) for Arnis is Arnis Philippines, Inc. (Arpi).

2nd RMAC Sports Fest Held by James U. Sy Jr.

2011-11-21T21:58:00.000-08:00

The 2nd RMAC Sports Fest was successfully held by the Ritarian Martial Arts Club (RMAC) recently at the at the Colegio de Sta. Rita (CSR), San Carlos City.

A total of 23 bouts were contested: 19 in Taekwondo, 2 in Western Boxing, 1 in Wushu Sanshou, and 1 in Kickboxing.

The Ritarian Martial Arts Club (RMAC) is under the supervision of Superior Directress Rev. Sr. Benecia Olaño, A.R., and Principal Rev. Sr. Juliet Natinga, A.R. and was founded by Chief Instructor Diomedes N. Mamugay, 3rd Degree Black Belt, on November 8, 2007 as the 6th chapter school of his San Carlos Jungle Fighters Martial Arts Club (SACA JUFIMAC).

OLPA Boys Arnis Champs in Area Meet by James U. Sy Jr.

2011-11-20T19:00:00.001-08:00

English and Filipino teacher Mrs. Ariane M. Ignacio and Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (seated) with members of the OLPA Arnis Team after a training workshop at the Our Lady of Pillar Academy (OLPA), Brgy. Ma-ao, Bago City (CMAS Photo).

The Our Lady of Pillar Academy (OLPA) Arnis Team was crowned champion in the boys labanan division and took three gold medals in the girls labanan division and a gold in the girls anyo category during the Arnis event of the Area Meet recently at the La Consolacion School Isabela Negros Occidental, Inc., Municipality of Isabela, Negros Occidental.

OLPA Arnis Team gold medalists for the boys labanan division were Ryan N. Arguelles (flyweight), John Mark G. Niña (pinmweight), Wilson D. Espejo (bantamweight), Herokho Jean Gracir Saldon (featherweight), and Roger A. Manong (extra lightweight).

Gold medalists for the girls labanan division were Vanessa G, Torrecarion (flyweight), Christile Joy Landero (bantamweight), and Josea Elaine May V. Tulog (featherweight). Silver medalistrs for the girls division were Melissa Hilario (pinweight) and Joshelle Rianne C. Gubaton (extra lightweight).

Gold medalist for the girls anyo division was Vanessa G, Torrecarion. John Mark G. Niña took the silver in boys anyo.

The OLPA Arnis Team was supported by Principal Candelaria Balbao and prepared by Coaches Ronilo Cadigal Jr. (boys) and Ariane M. Ignacio (girls), Asst. Coach Chona Landero, and Trainors Grandmaster Sabas T. Gubaton and Master James U. Sy Jr.

GM Sabas Gubaton, Chief Instructor of the Oido de Caburata Arnis Group (ODCA) under the patriarchship of his elder brother Grandmaster Abraham T. Gubaton, initially trained the OLPA Arnis Team in the four basic striking techniques of the system founded by the late Grandmaster Antonio "Toñing" Tolosa in 1936/1937 in Murcia.

When the course was finished, English and Filipino teacher Mrs. Ariane M. Ignacio, who was also formerly a MPEH instructress, invited Master James Sy Jr., Founder of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. and PIO of Arnis Philippines-Negros Occidental Chapter and Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc., to teach the rules of the competition, footwork of Yasay Sable and Guarra Style, and the fundamental otso-otso pattern as well as fundamentals of likha anyo.

The OLPA Arnis Team made their debut this year at the Division Meet. Ignacio will be scheduling a series of training workshops for the winners of her team which will focus on the anyo category, solo and doble baston events.

2011 Philippine blog Awatds Visayas - Leg

2011-11-14T00:24:00.000-08:00

A Memorial to William " Smokin Joe" Frazier (1944-2011) by James U. Sy Jr.

2011-11-09T05:44:00.000-08:00

Olympic and world boxing champion Joseph William " Smokin Joe" Frazier (1944-2011) passed away due to liver cancer on November 7, 2011 at his residence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He was 67.

Frazier was diagnosed with liver cancer in late September 2011 and admitted to hospice care. Weeks before his death, he was said to have lost 50 lbs.

Frazier was born as the youngest of 12 children of Rubin and Dolly Frazier on January 12, 1944 in Laurel Bay, Beaufort, South Carolina, USA. He relocated to Philadelphia during his teens. He took up boxing while working in a slaughterhouse. By the age of 20, Frazier was one of the elite heavyweight prospects in the world.

Frazier won the Middle Atlantic Golden Gloves heavyweight championships in three successive years (1962-1964). He lost to Buster Mathis in the trials but had to replace him due to injury and won the heavyweight gold medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. He was the only American boxer to be crowned champion inspite of an injured left thumb during the finals.He turned pro in 1965 and was crowned the World Boxing Association (WBA) world heavyweight champion after he TKOed Jimmy Ellis in the 5th round in 1970 at the Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, USA. He was then small for a heavyweight, weighing only 206 lbs. Frazier went on to defend his title successfully four times, including one against Muhammad Ali, before losing it to knockout artist George Foreman in 1973.

Frazier, however, was best remembered for his trilogy with Muhammad Ali which took place from 1971 to 1975. Their first battle, dubbed "Fight of the Century” took place on March 8, 1971 at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. Both men were undefeated then. Frazier distinguished himself as the first man to defeat Ali. He floored Ali with a leaping left hook, his trademark punch, in the 15th round and snatched the victory via unanimous decision. The following year, they fought again at the same venue, with Ali winning the brawl via 12-round decision. The highly hyped and epic third meeting, dubbed “The Thrilla in Manila," was held in 1975 in the Philippines where both man completely exhausted and bloodied each other for 14 rounds. Frazier, inspite of his nearly swollen shut eye, wanted to continue but his trainer, Eddie Futch, had the fight stopped. Frazier lost and Ali kept his world title.

Ali and Frazier fought a total of 41 rounds. After the Thrilla in Manila, Frazier fought only two more times. He lost badly in a rematch with Foreman in 1976 and then retired. In 1981, he made an ill-adviced comeback where he drew with the unheralded Jumbo Cummings.

The animosity between Ali and Frazier would continue outside the ring. Ali called him gorilla and mocked him as an Uncle Tom. Frazier was bitter but in their later life, when both boxers were already slowed down by disease, Frazier had forgiven Ali for his transgressions.

After retiring, Frazier made cameo appearances in several Hollywood movies, and two episodes of The Simpsons.

Frazier was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. The International Boxing Research Organization (IBRO) rates Frazier among the ten greatest heavyweights of all time. In 1996, Frazier released his autobiograpy: Smokin' Joe the Autobiography

Frazier had a lifetime pro boxing record of 32-4-1 (27 KO). Frazier won 73% of his fights by KO as against the 60% of Ali and the 84% of Foreman.

In his later years, Frazier would have financial trouble and had to run a gym in Philadelphia. Frazier slowed in his later years and his speech slurred by the toll of punches taken in the ring. He, however, was still active on the autograph circuit in the months before he succumbed to liver cancer.

SOURCES:

“Boxing Legend Joe Frazier Dies.” ESPN Go. 8 Nov 2011, 8 Nov 2011

Cofield, Steve. “Smokin” Joe Frazier Loses His Battle Against Liver Cancer.” Yahoo! Sports. 7 Nov 2011. 8 Nov 2011

“Former Heavyweight Champion Joe Frazier Dies After Losing Cancer Fight.” The Telegraph. 8 Nov 2011, 8 Nov 2011

Gelston, Dan. “Ex-Heavyweight Champ Frazier Still Fighting Cancer.” Yahoo! Sports. 7 Nov 2011. 8 Nov 2011

Gelston, Dan and Tim Dahlberg. “Boxing Great Joe Frazier Dies After Cancer Fight.” Yahoo! Sport. 8 Nov. 2011. 8 Nov. 2011

5 de Noviembre Local History Forum, On the Spot Painting Held by: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-11-04T03:25:00.000-07:00

Tarpauline for the Forum on Local History and Culture held by the Negros Occidental Historical Council, Inc. (NOHCI) with the support of the Negros Occidental Provincial Government on November 3, 2011 at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall, Bacolod City in connection with the province’s Cinco de Noviembre celebration (James U. Sy Jr./NDB/WVJ Photo).

Attendees of the Forum on Local History and Culture held by the Negros Occidental Historical Council, Inc. (NOHCI) with the support of the Negros Occidental Provincial Government on November 3, 2011 at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall, Bacolod City in connection with the province’s Cinco de Noviembre celebration (James U. Sy Jr./NDB/WVJ Photo).

Negros Occidental Historical Council, Inc. (NOHCI) Officers who conducted with the support of the Negros Occidental Provincial Government the Forum on Local History and Culture last November 3, 2011 at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall, Bacolod City (top-down): Executive Director Roque P. Hofileña Jr. (Forum Facilitator), Chairman Msgr. Guillermo Gaston, Director/Treasurer Ma. Asuncion Belzunce, and DirectorRolando “Rolly” Espina (Featured Speakersa) (James U. Sy Jr./NDB/WVJ Photo).

Millenne Rose P. Casue of UNO-R, 1st Place Winner of the Negros Occidental Provincial Government-organized On the Spot Painting Contest, with her award and Negros Occidental Historical Council, Inc. (NOHCI) Chairman Msgr. Guillermo Gaston during the Forum on Local History and Culture on November 3, 2011 at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall, Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./NDB/WVJ Photo).

The Negros Occidental Historical Council, Inc. (NOHCI) with the support of the Negros Occidental Provincial Government successfully held the Forum on Local History and Culture on November 3, 2011 at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall, Bacolod City in connection with the province’s Cinco de Noviembre celebration. The forum, which was attended by not less than 91 students and government employees, was an echo of the Local History and Culture Forum (A Mini Dialogue Among Practitioners) conducted by the NOHCI last September 24, 2011 at the Jose Montelibano Hall, Sweet City Captel, Gatuslao St., Bacolod City in line with the council’s 40th (Ruby) Anniversary. However, more focus was given to the significance of the Cinco de Noviembre to the Negrense people in this later forum.

The roster of Featured Speakers were composed of NOHCI Officers, namely Msgr. Guillermo Gaston, Chairman; Ma. Asuncion Belzunce of the Bayanihan Dance Troupe, Director/Treasurer; and long time journalist and Rolando “Rolly” Espina, Director. They were also the Featured Speakers for the previous forum. Forum Facilitator was NOHCI Executive Director Roque P. Hofileña Jr.

All three Guest Speakers elucidated the importance of awareness of local history and culture. Msgr. Gaston emphasized that the Filipino culture is a composite product of the various cultures that came to the islands as traders, migrants, or conquerors. Thus, the Filipino culture is actually a merger of the best of the east and the west. Furthermore, each region has its own native cultures and traditions. Negros, for instance, as voiced by Belzunce, has various expressions of its indigenous dances for different occasions. Dances and songs themselves are some of the mediums by which Filipinos expresses their thoughts and feelings in addition to poems, oral literature, and others. The diversity of these regional cultures is what makes the Filipino culture stand out from other Asian civilizations. Espina, as the other speakers, had pointed out that knowing the past can give each generation awareness and appreciation of their roots and the richness of their heritage.

Msgr. Gaston laments that some students don’t even know the real reason behind the celebration of the Cinco de Noviembre or when it is being celebrated, as is the case with other holidays such as Rizal Fay, people just simply think of the ceremonies involved rather than the message it conveys. The capitulation of the Spaniards to the Bago forces under Gen. Juan Araneta and Talisay forces under Gen. Anaceto Lacson is historically significant since it was a bloodless victory, much like the world famous People Power of 1986. While Tagalog heroes are often celebrated in Philippine history, Filipinos in the provinces, including Negrosanons, must realize that they have their own heroes who also fought for their freedom. Not many knew that while Gen. Aguinaldo established his republic in Luzon, Negros and Panay had their own republics at roughly the same time.

Another aspect of Negrosanon culture that has been discussed was language. Msgr. Gaston pointed out that the Hiligaynon language is very rich and the Ilonggos should know them by heart.

Hofileña called unto the attendees to document their own family histories for the next generation to appreciate and as a reference for them. He cited Msgr. Gaston who annually updates the history of the Gaston Family. He also invited the participants to visit the NOHI Library for their research needs.

The Negros Occidental Historical Council, Inc. (formerly Commission) was created by Resolution No. 33 of the Provincial Board chaired by then Gov. Alfredo L. Montelibano Jr. in 1971 and was formally constituted in 1973. The main goal of the council is to help the province promote history and culture with a focus on local history.

The forum was covered by GMA Network as well as the Negros Daily Bulletin and Western Visayas Journal through James U. Sy Jr.

At about a third of the forum, the awarding ceremony for the winners of the On the Spot Painting Contest was conducted. Winners for the elementary category were Millenne Rose P. Casue of UNO-R (1st Place), Angela Joy H. Musang of UNO-R (2nd Place), Catherine Joy C. Perejon of Cudangdang Elementary School (3rd Place), Gracelia R. Ngangan of Naravis-Paticcii Elementary School (4th Place), and Stephanie J. Lobaton of Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School (5th Place). Winners for the high school category were Katherine S. Pedrera of Mansilingan Agro Industrial High School (1st Place), Napthalie Paulie Betia of Angela Gonzaga National High School (2nd Place), Aira Moralde of Teofilo M. Gensoli Jr. National High School (3rd Place), Ryan Christian Rodero of Luis Hervias National High School (4th Place), and Ramir Aliosa Jr. of Paglaum Village National High School (5th Place).

The following schools were represented in the forum: Angela Gonzaga National High School, Bacolod City National High School, Dr. Antonio A. Lizares Municipal High School, ELNHS, FGNIS, Fr. Murray Gracianan Integrated School, Mandalagan National High School, Mansilingan Agro Industrial High School, Mansilingan High School, Negros Occidental High School (NOHS), PVNHS, St. Joseph-La Salle, Sum-ag High School, Teofilo M. Gensoli Jr. National High School, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), and University of St. La Salle (USLS).

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? by Debra J. Hicks

2011-10-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

Please check all that apply. This year for Halloween, I'll probably:

1. Dress the little ones up in costumes and escort them around our neighborhood to collect candy.
2. Check out the local haunted house.
3. Get together with some buddies to watch a scary movie.
4. Dress up in a devil suit and scare the neighborhood kids that knock on the front door.
5. Turn off the porch light and hope nobody finds me eating the three bags of Snickers bars I bought for trick-or-treaters.

Most people see nothing wrong with the activities listed above. They consider Halloween festivities to be a harmless way for their children to have an evening of "fantasy and fun."

But does this standard hold true for Christians? Is dressing up like ghosts, goblins, and witches really "no big deal"? Or is it glorifying and empowering Satan?

If we have truly committed our hearts and our lives to Christ, we will set ourselves apart as people who seek to reflect God's goodness and love to the world. Because we become like the things we behold, the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:8 counsels Christians to think deeply about-and to continually fill our minds with-what is good. A careful, honest look at Halloween reveals little or nothing that is good. Instead, it is a day that points toward Satanism, fear, and gluttony.

"For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?" (2 Corinthians 6:14-15, NIV).

Although the word Halloween means "holy or hallowed evening," history shows that nothing could be further from the truth. Halloween is clearly a relic of pagan times, and it has never reflected true Christian virtues.

The customs connected with Halloween are most commonly traced to a festival celebrated by the Druids-priests of the Celtic tribes that occupied northern and western Europe. This celebration, which dates back several centuries before Christ, began each year on October 31 and was called the festival of Samhain, the lord of death.

As part of their worship of Samhain, the Druid priests built huge bonfires on which both animals and humans were sacrificed. This barbaric practice continued openly for hundreds of years, until Rome conquered Britain and outlawed it.

Years passed, and Rome continued to conquer new territory and increase in power. The people of each conquered nation were forced not only to become Roman citizens, but also to become members of the Roman church. As you can imagine, these new "converts" cared little about Christianity and clung tenaciously to their cherished pagan practices.

So, since the Roman church was unable to get people to abandon their heathen festivals, it decided to "sanctify" some of them. The Druids' celebration in honor of the lord of death thus became All Saints' Day, which was to be observed by all churches. Officially, it was proclaimed a day to honor all the saints who had died, known or unknown. But in practice, it remained what it had always been-a pagan celebration of the "Day of the Dead."

Throughout its history, Halloween has been thought of as the time when supernatural forces prevail. Anton LaVey, author of "The Satanic Bible" and high priest of the Church of Satan, says that Satanists consider Halloween the most important day of the year. He says that on this night, satanic, occult, and witchcraft power are at their highest potency level, and that any witch or occultist who has been having difficulty with a spell or curse can usually achieve success on October 31st because Satan and his powers are at their best that night.

Divination, or fortune telling, is also believed to reach its highest powers on Halloween, as people are eager to learn what might happen to them in the upcoming year. Even today, predictions of leading psychics and astrologers are generally released about the time of Halloween.

Clearly, the rites and symbols of this holiday reveal that it is still a day that glorifies Satan. Look around you. Though October 31 is still a month away, you can probably see evidences that Halloween is approaching. Pictures of ghosts, goblins, witches, skeletons, and devil-faced pumpkins appear on store windows everywhere. Horror movies are promoted on television and in the theaters, and most bookstores give prominent attention to books dealing with death and the occult.

As Christians, we are not to associate with the things of Satan. Christ Himself said, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other" (Matthew 6:24).

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

Since its beginning, the festival of Halloween has played upon people's fears. The Celtic people believed that on the night of October 31, demons, witches, and the spirits of all those who had died within the past year roamed about freely. Most people were afraid to leave their homes on this night. Those who absolutely had to go out wore grotesque masks and terrifying costumes. They reasoned that if they looked horrible enough, the spirits would think they were one of them and would do them no harm!

Fear is a big part of modern Halloween celebrations, as well. Spooky decorations, horror movies, and haunted houses make a very real impression on little children. Is there any wonder so many youth have nightmares or are afraid to be alone in the dark? Satan delights in filling people's minds with thoughts of fear, death, and destruction. It is a tactic he has used for centuries to keep mankind under his control.

God, on the other hand, longs to give His children peace. He doesn't want us to be paralyzed by our fears. In fact, the Bible says that Christ died "that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Hebrews 2:15, NKJV).

"Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31, NKJV).

Several days before their festival began, the Druid priests would go from house to house demanding food or other items they would use in their worship of Samhain, the lord of death. If a villager refused to give them what they wanted, the priest would put a demonic curse on the home. It was no idle threat, either. Someone from that house usually died within the year. It is from this abominable practice that our present-day "trick-or-treat" custom evolved.

While it is true that trick-or-treat is no longer primarily about curses, it is about gluttony. Children go from house to house, filling grocery bags full of candy and then returning home to feast on their great treasure. Often, those who stay at home to hand out the candy consume great amounts of it themselves!

Even this element of Halloween, which in comparison might seem harmless, does nothing to glorify God. The Bible says that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. We should not be polluting that temple with food that clouds our perceptions and draws us away from God.

"Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Ephesians 5:11).

Satan is no doubt jubilant that such a large portion of this "Christian nation" views a holiday in his honor as something that is harmless fun. Could it be that by our carelessness, we are contributing to the extraordinary power Satan seems to have on October 31?

No matter how fun or exciting it may seem, Halloween is no celebration for a Christian. If we truly seek to glorify God, then how can we devote one day of the year to worshipping Satan? We can't.

The Bible says, "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

Conceptual Arnis Fundamentals Taught @ UNO-R

2011-10-27T02:26:00.000-07:00

Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. introducing Arnis evasive footwork to participating freshmen PE students during the UNO-R High School Introductory Seminar on Arnis Fundamentals organized and hosted by MAPEH Teacher Mary Grace Villasor-Geolingo, with the full support of the High School Department under Principal Sol P. Abellar, M.A. Ed., and Subject Area Chair - MAPEH Michael Ditchella, last October 14, 2011 at the UNO-R High School Gym, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), Lizares St., Bacolod City (CMAS photo).

Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. training freshmen PE students in the applications of evasive footwork against any angle of attacks during the UNO-R High School Introductory Seminar on Arnis Fundamentals organized and hosted by MAPEH Teacher Mary Grace Villasor-Geolingo, with the full support of the High School Department under Principal Sol P. Abellar, M.A. Ed., and Subject Area Chair - MAPEH Michael Ditchella, last October 14, 2011 at the UNO-R High School Gym, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), Lizares St., Bacolod City (CMAS photo).

Freshmen PE students learning the essential body mechanics of otso-otso (figure 8) pattern during the UNO-R High School Introductory Seminar on Arnis Fundamentals organized and hosted by MAPEH Teacher Mary Grace Villasor-Geolingo, with the full support of the High School Department under Principal Sol P. Abellar, M.A. Ed., and Subject Area Chair - MAPEH Michael Ditchella, last October 14, 2011 at the UNO-R High School Gym, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), Lizares St., Bacolod City (CMAS photo).

Two of the four sections of freshmen PE students who participated in the UNO-R High School Introductory Seminar on Arnis Fundamentals organized and hosted by MAPEH Teacher Mary Grace Villasor-Geolingo (seated), with the full support of the High School Department under Principal Sol P. Abellar, M.A. Ed., and Subject Area Chair - MAPEH Michael Ditchella, and conducted by Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (seated) last October 14, 2011 at the UNO-R High School Gym, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), Lizares St., Bacolod City (CMAS photo).

MAPEH Teacher Mary Grace Villasor-Geolingo, with the full support of the High School Department under Principal Sol P. Abellar, M.A. Ed., and Subject Area Chair - MAPEH Michael Ditchella, organized and hosted the UNO-R High School Introductory Seminar on Arnis Fundamentals last October 14, 2011 at the UNO-R High School Gym, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), Lizares St., Bacolod City for about 184 freshmen students coming from four sections. The seminar, which totaled to 4 hours, was held as part of the department’s Physical Education classes.

Resource Instructor was Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., an Arnis researcher, writer/historian, and teacher, entrepreneur, and formerly a Purchasing Officer at Asian Alcohol Corporation.

The seminar for every class started with a brief history of the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) within the context of documented Philippine history, the etymologies of Arnis and Eskrima and their linguistic significance, and the expression of courtesy and etiquette in Arnis/Eskrima.

During pre-Hispanic times, the primary means of armament in baranganic warfare in the Visayas were swords and knives (i.e. kampilan, baladao, etc.) of different sizes and shapes as well as bangkaw, taming, and pana. With the introduction of the new society, the brandishing of bladed weapons was prohibited and Arnis/Eskrima adepts translated their bladework to the innocent looking sticks. Traditional Filipino weapons work is based on slashing/cutting movements characterized by the kaya/kulob of the hand.

Arnis is a corruption of the word Arnes “harness, trappings, mail armor (Español)” which alludes to the reputed ability of arnisadors to defend themselves as if wearing an armor for protection. Eskrima, the preferred term for the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) in Cebu, is a corruption of the word Esgrima “Fencing (Español),” which implies fighting with swords. There are still extant Negrosanon systems of Arnis which are based on the blade, among them Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis of Bacolod, Yasay Sable of Bago City, Oido de Caburata of Murcia, and Guarra Style of Bago.

Considering the number of students involved and the constraints on time, Sy focused on the most simple yet highly effective fundamental techniques of Arnis as taught in his Conceptual Martial Arts System, a blend of several Negrosanon/Ilonggo systems. The seminar focused heavily on the Paniil sa Walo ka Padulungan “8 Directions Footwork,” which the students learned to blend with and evade any attack with the least possible exertion of force. Before the end of the seminar for each section, students gained an idea on how to use paniil against any type of attack by merely identifying its angle. The seminar was rounded up with the study of the basic otss-otso “figure 8” pattern with the application both as attack and defense with weapons as well as empty handed (pangamut). Sy also showed the use of the caburata and a mineral water bottle, weapons that are unique to Arnis, as well as translating the knowledge of stick work as translated to the nunchaku.

The reception of the students was very positive. Mrs. Geolingo and her superiors hope that the introductory seminar had opened the eyes of the students to the rich martial culture of the Philippines and that they will appreciate what is truly their own and see it in the context of their history as a nation.

Four days earlier Sy also conducted the 1st OLPA Sports Arnis Seminar at the Our Lady of Pillar Academy (OLPA), Brgy. Ma-ao, Bago City which was hosted by English and Filipino teacher Ariane M. Ignacio and attended by 16 students.

PAGCOR Arnis for Health to be Concluded Fri. by James U. Sy Jr.

2011-10-25T23:05:00.000-07:00

Some of the PAGCOR employees who participated in the Arnis for Health course, which was organized by MWR Coordinator Mayu Lozada, together with Resource Instructors (seated from left) Bryan Baylon Sensei, Chief Instructor of the Musubi Aikido Dojo Bacolod, Maxwell “Max” J. Maun Sensei, Master of Herada Pigada Arnis and Founder/Chief Instructor of Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (BAE), and Master James U. Sy Jr., Founder of Conceptual Arnis System and the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc.

Mayu Lozada (right) parries the attack of Errol Francisco and prepares to deliver a counterattack during one of the training sessions of the PAGCOR Arnis for Health course at the PAGCOR Amphitheater (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

October 28, 2011 will be the final day of the 30-session Arnis for Health course for the employees of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) which started in the middle of August 2011. The program was organized by Mayu Lozada, MWR Coordinator, as part of PAGCOR’S Wellness and Health Program for all of its employees.

Maxwell “Max” J. Maun, F&B Supervisor, was tapped as the Resource Instructor for the course. Maun is a Master of the Herada Pigada system of Arnis, which he learned from his uncles Maj. Pedro Doromal Jr., Capt. Nelson Doromal, and Robert Doromal; He is also the Founder/Chief Instructor of the Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (BAE) and former Arnis Philippines Negros Occidental Commissioner. Master Maun was assisted by James U. Sy Jr., Founder/Master of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. and the Arnis system that bears the same name, and Bryan Baylon, Chief Instructor of the Musubi Aikido Dojo Bacolod. Sy and Baylon had also studied Aikido under Maun Sensei in the past.

Not less than 20 employees participated in the program. The training was originally done every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday but was later transferred to Monday, Wednesday, and Friday towards the end of the course. Practice was originally held at the PAGCOR Amphitheater but was later transferred to the Pool Side/Weights Gym. PAGCOR provided the sticks used for the training.

Master Maun taught the fundamentals and the corridas and tahi-tahi flow drills of the Herada Pigada System to improve the coordination and reflexes of the employees at the same time giving them an invigorating workout. Training in Arnis, or any legitimate martial art for that matter, benefits the body because of more oxygen flow to the heart and the release of hormones which calms the mind, which results to better performance in the job.

Herada Pigada was evolved by the aforementioned Doromals, along with their three other brothers and their father Pedro Doromal Sr., from the Bayoneta Carada taught to them by USAFFE Army Infantryman Grandmaster Benito Agui of Cadiz City. The style is characterized by the forward pressing movements; hence, the adoption of the corrupted form of the Spanish pegar “press” in its name.

When Master Maun took a leave in September, Master Sy and Baylon Sensei took over the instructions. The duo continued the fundamentals taught by Master Maun and Sy also introduced aspects of his Conceptual Arnis System, which is a composite of several traditional Negrosanon systems of Arnis, among them Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis, Yasay Sable, Oido de Caburata, and Original Filipino Tapado.

PAGCOR officials hope that with the program they had equipped the participants to better care for themselves and to make exercise a good part of their lifestyle for better health and well being.

Hospitality & Tourism Management Reg’l Summit Today by: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-10-20T03:29:00.000-07:00

The HTM4-Convention and Events Management, School of Hospitality Management of the La Consolacion College (LCC)-Bacolod will be hosting the Hospitality & Tourism Management Students Regional Summit "A Path to a Progressive Tourism Industry" today, October 21, 2011, 8:00AM- 5:00 PM, at the L'Fisher Hotel, Lacson st., Bacolod City.

Featured speakers for the summit are Mr. Xander Kim Sigua, MPA, the Founder of the League of Tourism Students of the Philippines (LTSP); Dr. Robert Lim Joseph, Consul of the Republic of Latvia; and Mr. Oscar P. Palabyab, Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism, Philippines.

Tickets for the summit are at PhP 700.00 only inclusive of two snacks, one lunch, certificate, and convention kit.

Tribe WAR VIII Explodes in Gaisano City Part II by: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-10-12T23:13:00.001-07:00

Franklin Olimpus of Tribu Hangaway Philippines and Dondon Baylon of Strike & Shoot grapple for supremacy as Referee Maxwell "Big Max" Maun looks on at the Tribe WAR (Warriors Art Rumble) VIII last October 8, 2011 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Organizers, guests, fighters, and coaches pose for posterity at the conclusion of the Tribe WAR (Warriors Art Rumble) VIII last October 8, 2011 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

REESULTS. Gerald Hans Gonzales of TH, 27, 105 lbs., forced Letmar Bañares of IAMMA, 115 lbs., to tapout at 3.53. It was Gonzales’ third fight. His teammate Franklin Olimpus, 20, 115 lbs., who holds a grappling record of 1-1 before the fight, got a decision win over Dondon Baylon of S&SB, the nephew of SEA Games Judo champion John Baylon. Olimpus got his very first win last year at the Freestyle grappling tournament.

Jason Jocson of TH, 18, 110 lbs., decisioned Jmart Sombingo of SSP-B. Jocson also took a victory during the last installment of Tribe WAR. Debuting Paolo Gonzales of SSP-B, 25, 140 lbs., submitted Robert John Amoloria of IAMMA, 140 lbs., with a Peruvian choke at 4.40.

Herbert Jocson of TH, 22, 120 lbs. won over Mark Mahusay of SSP-B, 130 lbs., via points. It was Jocson’s 2nd win in a grappling competition; his first win was at Tribe WAR VII. Elmer Tortogo of TH, 130 lbs., won against Daryl Garcia of SSP-B via default. Prior to the fight Tortogo had a 1-1 grappling record, the win of which was during the last installment of Tribe WAR.

Multifaceted boxer Nonoy Plomeda of SSP-B, 31, 130 lbs., submitted Jay Cabarobias of IAMMA with a Kimura at 2.22. Plomeda was rated no. 5 in the Philippines as an amateur boxer and compiled a 16-1 pro boxing record. He has a 9-2 MMA record, has won at the Universal reality combat Championships (URCC) last year, and competed at the international event Pacific Extreme Combat.

Altun Yu of SSP-B, 30, 160 lbs., forced a tapout from Dandy Visitacion of S&SB with a scarf hold at 1.40. It was Yu’s 2nd grappling win, the first of which was during tribe WAR IV. Debuting Justin Tolentino of TH, 180 lbs., won over Carlo Christo Alicaya of IAMMA.

In the main event, which was in the openweight class, the larger Jimmy Soquiño of TH, 190 lbs., went toe to toe with Alexander Villa of IAMMA. Inspite of his size disadvantage, Villa gave a well fought fight, squirming out of very tight situations which ordinary fighters might find difficult to get out of. Some spectators described him as being “daw isda, syado kadanlog.” But in the end Soquiño took the win by reaching the maximum 15 points, within 6 minutes. Soquiño did more pinning and offensive.

Officials were Master Roy R. Flores of Tribu Hangaway Philippines (Tournament Director), Maxwell J. Maun Sensei of Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (Referee), Mr. Dan Domingo of Bulacan/Tribu Hangaway Philippines (Judge), Boy Duran of Aksyon Radyo Bacolod (Emcee/Commentator), Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. Conceptual Martial Arts Society (Emcee/Commentator/Recorder), Rommel Villarta of Tribu Hangaway Philippines (Timer), and Personnel fo the City health Office (Medical Team).

Guests were 1st Generation Inheritor Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc., Grandmaster Casimiro “Chingi” Grandeza of White Kimono/Philippine Moo Duk Kwan Inc.-Korean Tang Soo Do Association, Chief Instructor Wendell Billones of Black Dragon Martial Arts, Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” l. Cardinal, Master Elizalde Aspan, Master Gualberto Dajao of Carga Pigar Kalis Silat Arnis Club, 4 times world Wushu Sanshou champion Rene Catalan and 2011 world Muay Thai champion Robin S. Catalan of the Iloilo Alliance Mixed Martial Arts (IAMMA), Founder/Master Abraham “Abe” Ganzon of Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA), URCC fighter Adrian Hillana of Submission Sports Philippines-Bacolod Team (SSP-BT), Henriid Lamayo of ATLETA Judo Club, Russell Mohametano Sensei of Arashi Ryu Aikido, and Angelo Nazario of Strike and Shoot Bacolod (S&SB).

Major sponsors are dyEZ Aksyon Radio-Bacolod, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Shakey’s Pizza, and San Miguel Corporation. Other sponsors are 91.9 Love Radio (Bacolod), 105.5 Easy Rock (Bacolod), 103.7 Radyo Nation (San Carlos), Negros daily bulletin, KOI Herbal Capsule and KOI Liniment Oil, TMG Hollow Blocks (Bacolod), Celcor Builders and Equipments, Inc. (Bacolod), CHY Ventures (Bacolod), New Shirmarros Wine Center, Sr. Supt. Ricardo Dela Paz (City Director Bacolod City Police Office), RMK Car Exchange, and Hon. Mayor Evelio “Bing” R. Leonardia.

Host Tribu Hangaway Philippines is a proud member of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), Inc. under Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo.

Tribe WAR VIII Explodes in Gaisano City Part I by: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-10-12T22:45:00.000-07:00

Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. demonstrating doble baston which combined movement patterns from the systems of Herada Pigada, Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis, Oido de Caburata, Romero Arnis de Mano, Singkatan, and Yasay Sable during the Tribe WAR (Warriors Art Rumble) VIII last October 8, 2011 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City (CMAS Photo).

Tribe WAR (Warriors Art Rumble) VIII was successfully held by Tribu Hangaway Philippines (THP) of Master Roy R. Flores, 6th Degree Black Belt, in cooperation with Aksyon Radyo Bacolod under Station Manager JJ Ocampo and Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall last October 8, 2011 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City. Four teams saw action in ten action-filled Submission Grappling bouts while six other organizations gave various demonstrations of combative Korean, Japanese, Thai, and Filipino Martial Arts.

Overall champion was Tribu Hangaway Philippines (THP) of Master Roy R. Flores with 7 wins and Submission Sports Philippines-Bacolod Team (SSP-BT) of URCC fighter Adrian Hillana at 2nd place with 3 wins. Other competing teams were Strike and Shoot Bacolod (S&SB) headed by Angelo Nazario and Iloilo Alliance Mixed Martial Arts (IAMMA) led by 4 times World Wushu Sanshou champion Rene Catalan of Sta. Barbara.

DEMONSTRATIONS. Black Dragon Martial Arts Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do Soo Bahk Do of Chief Instructor Wendell Billones showed an assortment of Hangul Mudo “Korean Martial Ways (Hangul)” exhibitions which included basic and advance WTF Taekwondo and Soo Bahk Do poomse “forms,” basic, obstacle, and high altitude falling techniques, and various self defense techniques for children, women, men, holdup and snatching, striking and kicking, and knife attacks. Black Dragon had the most performers for the event, with a total of 32 demonstrators. Soo Bahk Do Grandmaster Casimiro “Chingi” Grandeza, 7th Dan Black Belt, Founder of White Kimono, “The father of Karate in Negros,” was in attendance to give support to the students.

Russell Mohametano Sensei, this time representing his own Arashi Ryu Aikido, demonstrated a few Iaido kata “forms.” The exhibition continued with Mohametano Sensei and his two assistants performing Aikido self defense techniques against different empty handed and armed attacks, with the use of nage waza “throwing techniques (Nihonggo)” and kansetsu waza “joint locking techniques (Nihonggo).”

The Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA) of Founder/Master Abraham “Abe” Ganzon was represented by Dr. John Philip T. Pestaño and Ricky B. Eslabon, who demonstrated the UDTA interpretation of Espada y daga “sword and dagger (Español).”

Master Elizalde Aspan represented the Carga Pigar Kalis Silat Arnis Club of Grandmaster danilo “Danny” l. Cardinal by performing an elaborate solo baston anyo. Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. gave a demonstration of doble baston which combined movement patterns from the systems of Herada Pigada, Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis, Oido de Caburata, Romero Arnis de Mano, Singkatan, and Yasay Sable.

Southeast Asian, 2 times Asian, and 4 times World Wushu Sanshou champion Rene Catalan of Sta. Barbara and his brother 2011 world Muay Thai champion Robin S. Catalan waved the banner of the Iloilo Alliance Mixed Martial Arts (IAMMA) as they demonstrated the fundamental and advanced techniques of Muay Thai “The Art of the 8 Limbs” from Thailand.

The demo team of host Tribu Hangaway Philippines (THP) of Master Roy R. Flores was led by Instructor Jared Turbanos in showing the falling techniques, evasion and leading, jointlocking, and throwing techniques of Combat Aikido, the Filipino version of Ueshiba, morihei O’Sensei’s Aiki Budo. Master Flores and Instructor Turbanos also showed knife defense and knife vs knife.

OLPA Hosts Sport Arnis Seminar

2011-10-12T03:12:00.000-07:00

English and Filipino teacher Mrs. Ariane M. Ignacio and
Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (seated) with participants of the 1st OLPA Sports Arnis Seminar last October 10, 2011 at the Our Lady of Peace Academy (OLPA), Brgy. Ma-ao, Bago City (CMAS Photo).

English and Filipino teacher Mrs. Ariane M. Ignacio organized the 1st OLPA Sports Arnis Seminar last October 10, 2011 in one of the classrooms of the Our Lady of Pillar Academy (OLPA), Brgy. Ma-ao, Bago City. The seminar was attended by 16 of the 21 students expected to represent the academy during the Area Meet Arnis Competition this coming October 13-15, 2011 at the La Consolacion School Isabela Negros Occidental, Inc. in the Municipality of Isabela.

Resource Instructor was Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., PIO of Arnis Philippines-Negros Occidental Chapter and Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc.

Ignacio, who was originally a MPEH teacher, previously commissioned Grandmaster Sabas T. Gubaton of the Oido de Caburata Arnis Group (ODCA) to serve as the Trainor for the Arnis Team of OLPA. The lesson focused on the fundamentals of the particular style of Arnis of GM Gubaton for use in the DepEd Labanan category. The OLPA Arnis Team made their debut this year at the Division Meet. Since then the lessons with GM Gubaton ended.

Ignacio, wanting to maximize the training of OLPA players, invited Sy to teach a seminar on both Anyo and Labanan events with their corresponding set of rules. Sy had studied and is certified in different systems of Arnis by various grandmasters, among them Oido de Caburata Arnis Patriarch GM Abraham T. Gubaton and Chief Instructor GM Sabas T. Gubaton. He had attended a number of Sport Arnis seminars conducted by Arnis Philippines-Negros Occidental Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo L. Cardinal. Mary Camille Gubaton and Joshelle Rianne C. Gubaton, the granddaughters of the Gubaton grandmasters who studied basic empty handed conceptual women’s self defense under Sy, recommended Sy to Ignacio.

Sy began the seminar with doble baston fundamentals as components of the anyo. Finer points were given for the wrist position, angling of the weapon, body torque, force generation, proper breathing, and proper body alignment. The training then proceeded to the Labanan category where Sy used the Yasay Sable system of the famed Yasay Clan of Bago City as the teaching format for sparring. Students were taught basic positioning, evasive footwork, otso-otso, strike interception, and basic competition strategy. A portion of the seminar was devoted to the athlete’s conditioning. The seminar closed with a few demonstrations of combative arnis applications.

Those who participated in the seminar were Carlos Miguel Alisaje, Ryan N. Arguelles, Melchora J. Baylosis, Karlos Enrique Duyo, Wilson D. Espejo, Joshelle Rianne C. Gubaton, Chris Adolf V. Jeruta, Christine Joy Landero, Divine E. Malunes, Roger A. Manong, Ma. Cecelia Denice G. Miape, John Mark G. Niña, Cresiani Jay R. Rabay, Alodia Faye G. Somcio, Esther Ruth G. Somcio, Vanessa G, Torrecarion, and Josea Elaine May V. Tulog.

Mrs. Ariane M. Ignacio organized the Sport Arnis seminar with the support of Principal Candelaria Balbao.

TAI CHI CIRCLE BACOLOD (TCCB)’s LECTURE @ YUAN THONG TEMPLE A PRELUDE TO CHENG MANCHING 37 FORM

2011-10-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

by Narciso (Hansy Alojado, Instructor of TCCB, cellphone number 09287195141)

(from left to right:Humberto (toti0 LIM, Hansy Alojado, Ana from Russia, Jenn from Samar, Renee from Manila Jarrin from Canada, Sifu Peter Yap,Kattie from Germany, a student from Russia, a student from Bacolod, Monk Master, Bill Gomez Cora Romero, , Loubert Sajo, and Nena King.)

“There are 3 friends who were students of martial arts. They were bragging to ech other the feats of their masters. The first one said that his master could break hollow blocks, slabs of stone or wooden planks with his bare hand. The 2nd student would not be outdone by the first one said that his teacher/master could leap over high fences and could leap upward to some tall buildings. The third one just said softly that his teacher eats when he is hungry, drinks when he is thirsty and lie down when he is sleepy. Upon hearing this the two friends exclaimed in unison, “What! your teacher is just a normal human being.” The 3rd student just said, “Yes my teacher is normal but yours are abnormal!”

With this story, Sifu Peter Yap of TCCB group, concluded his talk/lecture on Tai Chi. He was invited /requested to give a lecture on Tai Chi by Mrs. Terry Gochangco, the president of the Yuan Thong Temple at Burgos St., Bacolod City, to the 4th batch of live-in students from Russia, Germany, Manila, Samar and Bacolod, studying at the temple on different arts.The instructions/sessions is free of charge.

The story, I think, summarizes the whole lecture of Sifu Peter Yap wherein he encourages/advocates the normal/natural way of practicing Tai Chi. One does not have to have extra efforts in practicing the form. Why do you have to exert tremendous effort just to get to the tall building when one can use the stairs or ladder. Or why do you have to punish oneself by using your barehand in breaking the ice when one has to use an ice pick to crack it. We do not exert extra effort during our practice at TCCB. As Sifu Petr Yap mentions in his talk, putting extra effort beyond the natural way is sometimes detrimental for the cultivation of chi or life force. This is one of the principles that we practice at TCCB with the guidance of Sifu Peter Yap.

Sifu Peter Yap demonstrated by example when he mentions about the basic principles which should be present during the practice of Tai chi. Aside from the example by doing, Sifu Peter even used Chinese characters mentiond in the Tai Chi forms and gave different meanings of a single Chinese character according to context using the white board.

At the open forum, he answered questions with ease, aplomb and spontaneity with matching demonstration, the health benefits of tai Chi, the different harmonies (esternal and internal). He even fielded questions about food and matching diet.

Sifu Peter Yap said that unless your Tai Chi has all the requirements, your tai chi is just an ordinary calisthenics or Tai Chi look-alike. Tai Chi is bio-energetics not a mechanical/muscular mimicry.

His lecture/talk was a summary of his casual conversation after TCCB’s formal practice every MWF evening at Oceanlite, Singcang, Bacolod, as well as every Saturday and Sunday morning at the Capitol Lagoon. Sifu Peter Yap would make it a point to attend every practice session if the weather permits.

So join us in practicing tai chi, the TCCB way, which is the natural/normal way

Tai Chi & Dance: Harmony in Motion Part I: The Constant Flux That Changes Martial Arts by: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-09-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

Peter Yap Sifu in a Tai Chi posture at Tai chi Circle of Bacolod headquarters (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Martial arts had always been an important part of Asian life and culture since the ancient times. Fighting skills were a necessity to survive against conquest and pillage by neighboring kingdoms and in later times, European colonialists. The martial arts were used to strengthen the clan, tribe, kingdom, or empire regardless of in what part of Asia it was located. Various warrior classes, such as the errant knights of China, the Samurai of Japan, the Hwarang of Korea, the Ksathriya of India, and the Bagani of the Manobos in the Philippines among others, were developed.

However, no martial art, no matter how evolved it is, can withstand the power behind gunpowder. The incursion of western powers, such as the Spaniards, Portuguese, British, Dutch, and Americans, into Asian commerce and political affairs cost Asians countless lives in defense of their lands. Over time the martial arts declined in popularity as its most skilled exponents perished in these wars for freedom, the imperialists banned the arts, firearms took center stage in the battlefields, and industrialization and modernization shaped a new society.

Among the martial arts systems caught in these changing times was Tai Chi Chuan “Grand Ultimate Fist (Mandarin).” There are legendary accounts of the art’s roots but what is historically verifiable is that it was first recorded in the Chen Village in China. It was here that Yang Lu-Chan learned Chen Style and later evolved it into Yang Style. Yang made modifications to the art he learned. The old Chen style had lower stances due to the fact that warriors wore armor in earlier times. But in Yang’s time, this was no longer the case so he raised the stances and made other pertinent revisions.

Fast forward to the 21st Century, a time which is no longer plagued by anarchy and chaos, at least in a general sense. Tai Chi Chuan is now practiced by millions for the purpose of health and longevity. While there are still a few who teach the martial applications of the art, the health aspects of Tai Chi took center stage to combat the more pressing concerns of stress and illness in the more fast paced modern life. Various studies, many of which were conducted in modern day China, had confirmed the health benefits of Tai Chi.

In Bacolod, the oldest group practicing the art is the Tai Chi Circle of Bacolod (TCCB), which was founded way back in July 17, 2000. While there were ethnic Chinese residing in Negros who practiced Tai Chi in the earlier days, they did not teach and kept the art to themselves and their families. There were early teachers but there’s no cohesive group to talk of. TCCB was nowhere in public view until this writer first wrote about the group around the middle of the first decades of the 2000’s. Their patriarch, Peter John Lloren Yap Sifu, at first refused an interview because they were not a commercial group. The group shared Tai Chi for those interested for free; that was the main reason why this writer endeavored to introduce them to the greater public.

Yap Sifu’s journey to Tai Chi started late in life. All he wanted was a cure for the aches he amassed from years of hard labor during his younger days. Tai Chi helped him cope with this problem. Through TCCB Yap Sifu wanted to share this gift from the Chinese civilization and help its members live more comfortable and productive lives inspite of existing medical conditions. Yap Sifu knows the martial applications of Tai Chi but he believes maintenance of one’s health and well being is the priority of training, at least for his group, because most members are civilians who wouldn’t be faced with conflict most of their lives.

Tai Chi Chuan, as taught by Yap Sifu, is dedicated to the focused study of the teachings of the late Grandmaster Chen Man-Ching. Yap Sifu teaches in a scientific manner rather in cryptic and mystical jargon. For instance, he emphasizes proper musculo-skeletal alignment during movements, which is very essential in maintaining the integrity of the joints and avoid tears to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Breathing is natural and not forced or artificial. Speaking in such understandable terms enables practitioners to easily comprehend the essence of what they are taught and thereby progress significantly in the art in a less period of time.

In several conversations with Yap Sifu, this writer discovered that he has tapped another application of Tai Chi Chuan, something unheard of, at least here in Bacolod, and something that some have criticized to be out of bounds. This is the application of Tai Chi principles and movements to dance. This we will discuss more in the second part of this article.

Bacolod’s Jalene G. Thomas: The Beauty and the Voice by: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-08-24T03:52:00.000-07:00

Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) singing sensation Jalene G. Thomas of Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr.photo).

Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) singing sensation Jalene G. Thomas of Bacolod City (Thomas family photo).

Jalene G. Thomas of Bacolod City at the Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) Cebu auditions (Thomas familyphoto).

Jalene G. Thomas of Bacolod City with Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) hosts Bill crawford and Luis Manzano (Thomas family photo).

Without a doubt Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) is today’s premier primetime talent show in the Philippines. It has showcased a wide assortment of talents across the archipelago from people representing different ethnolinguistic groups coming from all walks of life. In the pilot session of the show Negros did not shine that much. But in the next two editions, the Negrense talents started popping up. So far, Bacolod, Escalante, Hinigaran, San Carlos, and Talisay had been represented.

One such talent captured not only the ears of the viewers but also their hearts. With the beauty comes the voice that matches it. I had the chance to meet up with Jalene G. Thomas of Bacolod City last week for an interview. I’m grateful to Mrs. Brilla Ellery Yap Yu for linking us. What follows is the transcript of the interview.

JUSJ: Tell us a little about yourself.

JGT: I was born to Robert "Bob" Thomas and Jean Geriane Thomason July 2,1994 in Sacramento, California, USA. My dad is half Kapampangan, half American while my mom is a native of Brgy. Ma-ao, Bago City, Negros Occidental. I have a younger sister, Julia.

JUSJ: When did you start singing?

JGT: When I was 4 years old, I would grab a broom and stand on top of the table and sing. My grandma just loved it and she bought me a magic stick. From then on I was singing non-stop. However, I didn’t take formal voice lessons.

JUSJ: What prompted your family to go back to the Philippines?

JGT: I was going to get my high school education here. We arrived in 2007 and I was originally enrolled at Our Lady of Pillar Academy (OLPA) in Ma-ao. Later my mom made me transfer to Colegio de San Agustin-Bacolod (CSA-B) because it was nearer to our residence in Bacolod and would save me lots of time traveling. I graduated last March 2011. This coming January 2012 I’m going back to the States to pursue a college degree, probably in business at the Sacramento State University. And hopefully once I graduate I plan to pursue studies in the performing arts in New York. After my education I plan to go back to Bacolod to establish my own business.

JUSJ: How do you find Negros?

JGT: Initially it was a culture shock for me. In Ma-ao almost everybody knows everybody, they being relatives to a certain degree. So when I started schooling at OLPA, it was always, “O, may Kana!” People would know I’m dayo lang. At times, somebody would approach me and say, “Hi, I’m your tita.” People there are close knit and warm. I also had to adjust to how things are done there. The Filipino subject was the hardest for me.

JUSJ: How did you enter Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT)? And how has it changed your life?

JGT: My dad saw it on TV and asked me if I wanted to join. I was hesitant at first but finally I joined the pre-audition at La Consolacion (LCC)-Bacolod. I sang Just Grenade. I was so happy when I was informed that I made it to the next round. I traveled to the Cebu auditions to represent Bacolod/Negros Occidental together with my cousin Wella Geriane Monville. There I sang Just the Way You Are and got a triple yes from the judges. I was so happy, way beyond words can describe. My family was very supportive. When I went back to Bacolod, people would recognize me, often times asking me if it’s really me. I would just smile and blush some. However, with so many good talents in the pool, I didn’t make it to the next round. I have to admit I felt bad at first but then life goes on. I’m just happy that people still give their support to me, even in FB. And I’ve proven that I have talent.

JUSJ: Aside from singing, what are your other interests?

JGT: I’m an emotional person but at times I become silent. In those times, I write a lot of poems, the free verse type. In fact I have loads of paper where I write them hehe. I blog. I also like reading, especially love stories and inspirational works like Chicken Soup. I did some Taekwondo (Chung Do Kwan) while in the US.

JUSJ: Last question. Do you have a BF?

JGT: Before I had but my parents wanted me to concentrate on my studies. But now that I’ve graduated from high school I have a special someone.

Arnis Tilt Set by: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-08-24T03:51:00.000-07:00

The 1st Cargada Pigar Inter School Arnis Cup 2011 will be held by the Sum-ag Cargada Pigar Arnis Kalis Silat Club of Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” Cardinal this coming August 28, 2011 at the Sum-ag Gym, Brgy. Sum-ag, Bacolod City.

8 clubs had confirmed to participate: Bago, Cargada Pigar-Taculing, Cargada Pigar-Sum-ag National High School, Cauayan, Domingo Lacson National High School, Mandalagan Elementary School, Mansilingan Elementary School, and UDTA Bastonero.

Tournament officials will be GM Danilo Cardinal, Danny John Cardinal, Master Gualberto Dajao, Voltaire Daypal, Renane Deferia, Master Sheila Duran, Ricky Estabon, Master Abraham Ganzon Jr., and GM Joe Mancesa.

The tournament will be enforcing Arnis Philippines Inc. rules. Cardinal is the Commissioner of Arnis Philippines for Negros Occidental. An officiating refresher course for tournament referees and judges was held last August 14, 2011 at the Universal Caregiver, Locsin St., Bacolod City.

GMA’s Amaya: Fact or Fiction? Part IV: Religious Perspective By: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-07-06T22:48:00.000-07:00

Dr. Juana J. Pelmoka wrote that the ancestral religion of the pre-Hispanic Filipinos was not paganism. The word paganism was derived from the word pagan, which itself was derived from the Latin pagus and referred to all religions who adored a false God. Under this definition, Judaism and Islam can not be called paganism because they believe in one true God. In the same manner, ancient Filipino religion can’t be called paganism because it believed in one true God (Pelmoka 111-112). Perdon pointed out that pre-colonial Filipinos were animists (Perdon 20).

This one true supreme God is known as Bathala, Maycapal, or Bathala Maycapal by the Tagalogs, Lauon/Laon by the Visayans (writer - particularly the Ilonggos), and by other names by other ethnic groups. Bathala came from the Sanskrit bhattara (Scott 40). Of the different names for the Filipino supreme God, Bathala is the one most often found in Philippine history textbooks. Bathala has also been known to have been used by the Cebuanos and Boholanos.

Amaya chose to use the name Abba to refer to the ancient Filipino supreme God. Abba is actually another term for Bathala. Abba was also among the old Cebuano words recorded by the Spanish chronicler Antonio Pigafetta in 1521 (Pigafetta).

Although Amaya mostly used the word Abba, it also made reference to Laon. In one scene, Dian Lamitan did mention the God Laon. In another scene, during the June 29 episode, when Amaya rose from the dead, an alabay who witnessed the event muttered, “Mahal na Laon!” The Panaynons used this name and later, with reverence, was applied to what is now known as Canlaon/Kanlaon in the mountainous regions of Oriental Negros. The original name was actually Kang Raon/Laon “For Raon/Laon (Kinaray-a).” It should be noted that even up to the present day Canalaon still holds a very esoteric part of Negrense life. Many have pilgrims to Canalaon every Holy Week in search of anting-anting and other esoteric powers or to simply comply with the yearly panumpaun “vow (Hiligaynon)” for those who own such magical items.

Bathala or Abba was supposed to be the creator of the universe and all things. Thus, he was superior to all other deities (Agoncillo & Alfonso 50; Pelmoka 119). The pre-Hispanic Filipinos had other lesser deities who had limited powers and their own functions or specializations, not unlike the Greek and Roman Gods. Magwayen, the Goddess of the Other World, was featured in one of the episodes of Amaya where the lead character was crossing the spiritual river after her death.

The pre-Hispanic Filipinos also believed in the Diwata who were spirits who dwell in nature. The word Diwata was derived from the Sanskrit devata and was well known for its distribution throughout the central and southern Philippines. Both Bathala and Diwata were variously applied to Gods, spirits, omen-birds, and idols (Scott 40). Diwa, the root word of Diwata, means “God, spirit” (Luengo 18). Pandaki, the righteous babyalan diwata, fought Magwayen for Amaya’s soul.

Archaeological finds show that ancient Filipinos practiced a local form of ancestor worship, which is an influence from the Chinese (Halili 51, 58). This would come to no surprise since the pre-Hispanic Filipinos had commercial relations with Sino traders since time immemorial and archaeological excavations show that Chinese porcelains are scattered all over the archipelago. Some other cultural influences by the Chinese, which were shown in Amaya, will be discussed in a future part of this series of articles.

In his La Antigua Civilization Tagala (1887), Paterno wrote that the soul of the dead was called Nono or Anito (Paterno 148). Note that the Tagalog word for ancestor is ninuno. The Visayans called their ancestor spirits umalagad, from the root word alagad “follower.” The spirit in the kapid “twin (Hiligaynon)” snake of Amaya is an umalagad. Paterno and Agoncillo likened the ancestor spirits to the saints of the Catholic Church (Paterno 148; Agoncillo & Alfonso 50-51). The early Filipinos believed these spirits could defend them before Bathala (Leogardo 29).

The pre-Hispanic Filipinos believed in the immortality of the soul and in life after death, much like Christians do. The Visayans believed that the soul of the dead went to either Ologan for good souls and to a place of doom called Sulad for bad souls, a concept very similar to the Catholic heaven and hell. The equivalents of Ologan and Sulad in Tagalog are Kawalhatian “State of bliss” and Kasamaan “Evil” (Agoncillo & Alfonso 50; Halili 58, Zaide 24; Pelmoka 120).

Ologan (or what was termed as Saad in the series) and Sulad were depicted in Amaya with visual distinction. The scene where Amaya was riding a baroto “small boat (Hiligaynon)” with Magwayen reminds me of similar scenes in old Greek-themed movies where souls of the newly deceased aboard the boat of Charon (Kharon) cross the rivers Styx and Acheron, which divides the world of the living and the world of the dead.

Amaya correctly depicted the spiritual leader of Rajah Mangubat’s banwa as a babaylan since the setting of the story is in central Panay. Babaylan is a term used in the Visayas and according to a Tausug friend of mine, is/was also used in pre-Islamic Mindanao. The priestesses of the pre-Hispanic Filipino animistic religion were variously known in different parts of the archipelago. Among these names are/were balyan or balian, baylan (Bagobo), baglan (Ilocano and Pangasinan), catalonan/katalonan (Tagalog), dawac, mambunong, mammalian (Pampango), mangngallag, and mumbaki (“Frequently Asked Questions”). It must be noted that while these priestesses may exercise similar functions and gifted with similar powers and skills, they must have differed from their other counterparts in certain aspects due to regional necessities and culture. So the use of the term babaylan is appropriate.

The babaylan had several functions: healer (hilot, herbalist), fortuneteller and diviner, shaman, ritualist, chanter, spiritual medium, sage, keeper of oral tradition, philosopher/adviser, etc. Because of the wide scope of natural knowledge the babaylan had, she had great influence in a barangay, just as was shown in Amaya where even Rajah Mangubat could not go against the words of the head babaylan.

The babaylan of pre-Hispanic Philippines were mostly females, usually elderly, just as was depicted in Amaya, which goes to show that women in those times held a an important status. A man can become a babaylan if he acts, dresses, and speak like a woman or if he is a transvestite (Chirino; Boncan et. al 78). In later centuries male babaylans were recorded to have led revolts against Spaniards and even against the Americans.

When the Conquistadores came they forcibly uprooted the babaylans from the Filipinos’ cultural foundation as to be displaced by Christianity, a move the babaylans opposed. Our history records that a number of revolts were led by Babaylans, noteworthy of these babaylan leaders were Tamblot of Bohol (Tamblot Uprising, 1621-1622), Tapar of Oton, Iloilo (Tapar Revolt, 1663), Ponciano Elopre (nom de guerre: Dios Buhawi) of Negros, and Dionisio Magbuelas (nom de guerre: Papa Isio; a.k.a. Dionisio Seguela & Dionisio Papa y Barlucia) (?-1911) of Himamaylan, Negros Occidental (babaylan rebellion, 1896-1907) (Halili 113, 118; “Philippine Revolts Against Spain”; “A Chronology: The Ilonggo Nation”; Bauzon 37; “Papa Isio Marker Unveiled”; Cuesta). Note that these babaylan leaders were males. Another uprising, Bankaw’s Revolt in Leyte (1622), was led by the aged chieftain of Limasawa Bankaw with his sons and the native priest Pagali (Halili 113).

In essence, Amaya infused life into these religious beliefs and practices gathered from our storied past, interpret it within the framework of the storyline, and present it in pleasing visual terms so viewers can internalize it better than if it were just in plain script in history textbooks. The visual presentation definitely helps in ingraining the data into the viewers’ subconscious. The broadcast media is without a doubt a powerful tool to convey ideas. It is in this way that Amaya differs from the average soap opera on TV.

“A Chronology: The Ilonggo Nation.” About Philippines. Retrieved: 5 Jun. 2011

Agoncillo, Teofdoro A. & Oscar M. Alfonso. History of the Filipino People. Quezon City: Malaya Books, 1967.

Boncan, Dr. Celestina P., May Dorothy dl Jose, Jerome A. Ong, John N. Ponsaran, and Dr. Grace Estela C. Mateo. Philippine Civilization: History and Government. Manila: Vibal Publishing House, Inc., 2006.

Chirino, Pedro. Relacion de las Islas Filipinas. Rome: (1604).

Cuesta, Angel Martinez. History of Negros. Manila: Historical Conservation Society, 1980.

“Frequently Asked Questions.” Center for Babaylan Studies (CFBS). Retrieved: 5 jun. 2011

Leogardo, Felicitas Tensuan, Vicente R. Leogardo, & Mr. Jacobo. A History of the Philippines. Manila: Philippine Book Company.

Luengo, Rev. Josemaria. A History of the Philippines: A Focus on the Christianization of Bohol (1521-1991). Bohol: Master Dei Publications, 1992.

“Papa Isio Marker Unveiled” Visayan Daily Star. 10 Nov. 2009: 14.

Paterno, Pedro M. La Antigua Civilization Tagala. Madrid: 1887.

Pelmoka, Dr. Juana J. Pre-Spanish Philippines. Caloocan City: Philippine graphic Arts, Inc., 1996.

Perdon, Renato. Footnotes in Philippine History. Sydney/Manila: The Manila Prints, 2008.

“Philippine Revolts Against Spain.” Wikipilipinas. Retrieved: 5 Jun. 2011

Pigafetta, Antonio. "First Voyage Around the World (1519-1522)" Document 15. Documentary Sources of Philippine History. Gregorio F. Zaide. Manila: National Bookstore, 1990. 81-210.

Scott, Dr. William Henry. Pre-Hispanic Source Materials for the Study of Philippine History. Quezon City: New Day Publishers, 1984.

Zaide, Dr. Gregorio F. Philippine History for High Schools. rev. ed. Manila: The Modern Book Company. 1969.

GMA’s Amaya: Fact or Fiction? Part III: Hoplological Perspective By: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-07-04T01:56:00.000-07:00

Since Amaya is set at a time where piratical raiding is the norm of the day, fight scenes are therefore a major part of the script. And from a theatrical point of view, this is the icing of the cake which action enthusiasts are waiting for. Thus, it is only proper to have a hoplological commentary on the realism of these fight sequences.

Hoplology is a new science started by the late Donn F. Draeger, a high ranking Japanese Martial Arts (JMA) master, scholar, and author. Hoplology is the study of human combative behavior. The way humans fight will largely depend on their geographical location, culture, religious, philosophical, and other beliefs, technology, political climate, social structure, and a host of many others.

For example, the fight scenes in Amaya are fast paced since it is mostly fought on the seashores which are level plain. This may not be the cause when the same conflict will be fought on rocky, mountainous, and uneven terrain, on snow, or in muddy rice fields or swamps.

A good example of how religious beliefs may influence combative behavior is that the Christianized and Islamized population of the Philippines do not practice headhunting. Of the more than fifty tribes of the Philippines, five have been identified to practice headhunting, in order of their importance: the Ilongots, Kalingas, Ifugaos, Igorots, and Tinguians, all of whom are found in Luzon, particularly in the Cordillera, Sierra Madre, and Caraballo, which are situated in Ilocandia and the Cagayan valley (Anima 1).

It is noticeable in Amaya that the female oripuns do not carry weapons nor women of nobility, including the Binukots. If fact, when Datu Bugna was teaching the young Amaya how to use the kampilan it came to a surprise to both Amaya and her half sister(s) because a Binukot is not meant to be a warrior but the better half of datu or a ginoo.

Which brings us to the first point I want to raise from a hoplological perspective. As previously stated by my good friend, colleague, and fellow researcher Dr. Ned R. Nepangue, co-author with Celestino Macachor of the best selling book “Cebuano Eskrima: Beyond the Myth,” and I concur with him, the kampilan is a heavy sword, a detail made clear by the fact that even muscular men hold it with both hands. So, it would be difficult physically, if not entirely impossible, for a young lass to handle it with ease and efficiency. The kampilan was specifically designed for the male physiology. The current Director of the Center for West Visayan Studies (CWVS) at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UP-V) also stressed that a Binukot is a princess, not a warrior.

The statue of Lapu-Lapu in Mactan shows him holding a kampilan.

A review of history texts will reveal almost no distinguished women warriors of the pre-Hispanic Philippines. One may come across the legendary warrior princess Urduja who is said to only marry the man who can beat her in personal combat. While the legend of this princess has been taught in schools before, today many historians agree that she is an unhistorical figure.The story of Princess Urduja reportedly came from Muhammad Ibn Abdullah Ibn Batuta a.k.a. Ibn Batuta (1304-1378).

So in the spirit of accurately educating the viewing public, it should be remembered that Amaya is a historical fiction and although it is based on historical and cultural data, it has to twist certain details to make the series meatier. On the other, GMA must be prudent enough to only make justifiable claims so that the viewing public may not be confused in believing that what has been offered to them are all historically accurate.

The first fight scene of the series showed Rajah Mangubat killing a datu using only his index finger. I strongly believe that this is not a Filipino technique and concept but that of the Chinese Martial Arts (CMA), more commonly known as Dim Mak “Death Touch.” In my research of the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), I haven’t come across such technique as part of our martial culture, unless it has been introduced from another source, in this case Chinese Kung Fu. It is also important to note that piercing the human body with just a finger is a long standing belief in the martial arts world although to date it has not been medically supported/documented.

Also during that battle scene, as well as the one where Rajah Mangubat attacked the banwa of Datu Bugna, it was depicted that the warriors were in certain formations, like the shield men and the archers. This seems to be a western military concept, like the Greek Phalanx, which I believe is not well developed in pre-colonial Philippines because the conflicts in the archipelago at that time were not large scale wars like in Europe considering that the barangays were very small units, consisting of anywhere from 30 to 100 families. And sad but true, the Spaniards were more advanced in military discipline, tactics, and technology that inspite of their few numbers managed to conquer the then fragmented Filipinos.

I have also noticed that the archers of Rajah Mangubat shoot their arrows even if their enemies were not that close enough. Under normal combative conditions, archers would wait for the charging enemies to close in before shooting.

In the difference fight scenes, action had been blurred. Understandably this is for the safety of the actors so they can do their sequences in slow motion and speed is just adjusted mechanically. However, this will diverge from the excitement that a clear fight scene would give its viewers, considering that this is the icing on the cake. This became very apparent during the fight scene between the white Goddess Pandaki and the black Goddess. In the fight between Amaya and Angaway portions of the scene were clear enough though. Angaway, in that fight, assumed a fighting stance with the weapon in the rear, which is not ideal unless one has a taming “shield.” Amaya used a kris knife, a wavy blade generally associated with Muslim warriors of Mindanao. The Panay Bukidnon, from whose Binukot Amaya was inspired, used the blades talibung and sanduko; these are the blades displayed at the Museo Iloilo, together with the bangkaw and taming.

Since the fight scenes make use of blades, it would be nice, just to be in line with GMA’s claim to authenticity, if the production crew does not show edge-to-edge sword fights that are most often characteristic of stage combat. Skillful sword fighting makes proper manipulation of the sword so there is no, or at least minimal, edge to edge contact. This phenomenon is a unique trait of edge weapons, unlike impact weapons, such as sticks.

In one scene where Rajah Mangubat was sparring, he did a side kick, a fighting technique that is obviously of Okinawan origin, not Filipino. What’s worse, the side kick is designed for empty handed combat, hence Karate “empty hands.” The body alignment and movements for empty handed and weapons (more so on blade) fighting differ. A side kick is not compatible with movements for the use of a kampilan, remembering that it is a heavy sword. Every time a person raises his leg, he needs to shift his weight to the remaining foot. Things are complicated by the added weight of the sword in the hands. And every time a kick is thrown, the executioner of the technique risks his leg being cut off. And a cut from a kampilan can do more damage than a kick can.

Marian Rivera (Amaya) is also seen doing roundhouse, crescent, and spinning kicks in a promotional video which shows her training for her fight scenes against multiple opponents. The types of kicks she were doing were obviously derived from Korean Taekwondo, another empty handed fighting art. The same argument applies.

It should be noted that the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) are primarily weapons-based systems even if they have their own arsenal of empty handed techniques. This makes our fighting arts unique from other Asian Martial Arts which starts training empty handed and later progresses to weapons. A soldier goes to war with weapons, as the Samurai class of Japan and the knights of Europe would show us. This is no different from the hangaway of pre-Hispanic Philippines.

In the scene where Datu Bugna was training Amaya, and in his fight with Rajah Mangubat, Raymund Bagatsing explicitly picted the left bantay kamay “guard hand” that is so indispensible in most Arnis systems of our archipelago. Bagatsing is a karateka but he gives justice to the movements inherent in a weapons fight. Also in the training scene, it was accurately depicted that sticks are primarily used for practice, especially for a child.

And most importantly, I am happy that the makers of Amaya did not adopt the term Kali to refer to the fighting art of its characters. While the term Kali has grown in popularity in the US over the years, it has never been used as a traditional term for the martial arts of the Philippine archipelago. The earliest record of the term Kali was in the 20th Century, in a book written by Placido Yamabao. In comparison, Arnis was used by Francisco Balagtas in his Florante at Laura in the 1800’s and church records show the use of Escrima as late as the 1700’s. Kali is essentially a modern term passed on as an ancient term for the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA). No historical basis can be found to prove its myriad of claims.

It is also commendable for the makers of Amaya for not using either Arnis or Eskrima, inspite of the fact that they were historical terms used by the Filipinos for their fighting arts. Both Arnis and Eskrima are Spanish-derived words that would be inappropriate in a pre-Hispanic setting. Not giving a name to the pre-Hispanic Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) and just referring it by the weapon used, i.e. kampilan, is an accurate depiction, just like when an Ilonggo says “bastonon ta karon (I’ll beat you with the stick)” or when a Karay-a says “yamingon ta ka (I’ll beat you with the stick).” In this case, baston (Sp.) and yaming (Karay-a) are terms for the weapon used.

(Next: Part IV: Religious Perspective)

References:

Anima, Nid. The Headhunting Tribes of the Philippines. Quezon City: Cultural Foundation for Asia, 1985.

GMA’s Amaya: Fact or Fiction? Part II: Linguistic Perspective By: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-07-04T01:55:00.000-07:00

Renowned historian, professor, and author William Henry Scott, Ph.D., clarified in his classic work “Pre-Hispanic Source Materials for the study of Philippine History” that the only valid pre-colonial source materials for our archipelago’s storied past are archaeological finds, two medieval Chinese accounts, and a comparison of Philippine languages (Scott 139).

Of course, this is not to imply that pre-Hispanic Filipinos did not have a method of writing. Morga wrote in his Susesos en las Islas Filipinas that “almost all the natives, both men and women, write…” This has been echoed in the works of Fr. Collins, Paterno, and Retana. The sad fact is that early Filipinos wrote on barks of trees or on banana leaves, materials that do not stand the test of time (Zaide 29).

The effort of the makers of Amaya to include specific words that are indigenous to the culture depicted in its storyline is one of the reasons I hold it highly as a significant step in making Filipinos aware of their varied native cultures.

Language is a good reflection of the civilization that is using it. It is through language where emotions, abstract ideas, skills, knowledge, and tradition are transmitted by native speakers. It is a manifestation of the sophistication of a culture. The Binukots of Panay, for one, makes extensive use of chanting to transmit culture, at times reaching 33 hours, the longest recorded in our land.

When I was still in secondary school, I often hear of Hiligaynon and Cebuano being called dialects. But when I started my path to research, I found out that they were not dialects and are actually languages. A language is a system of vocal conventional signs characteristic of the interaction of one or two communities of human beings (“Language, Science of”). A language is mutually unintelligible with other people’s speech. A dialect is a regional variation of a language (Scot 33-34). Ilocano and Cebuano are both languages because their native speakers can not understand each other. However, there are languages which share cognates, i.e. words that are present in at least two languages with the same meaning, making their speakers understand each other to some extent. An example of a cognate is bangkaw which in both Cebuano and Hiligaynon means “spear” and balay which in both Hiligaynon and Pamapangeño means “house.” Boholano, on the other hand, is a dialect of the Cebuano language, characterized by its changing of the Y to J in Cebuano words.

All the native languages in the Philippines except for one belong to the Malayo-Polynesian subgroup of the Austronesian linguistic family, which is spoken from Hawaiian to Madagascar and from Easter Island to Taiwan. The Malayo-Polynesian family has over 1,200 living languages (“Philippines” 752).

The primary language used in Amaya is Tagalog, which is the basis of the national Filipino language. The series’ use of deeper Tagalog words is commendable and creates greater awareness for the classic version of the language. The effort to exclude Spanish-derived words in the series is also a big step in realism as the series is set in 15th Century pre-Hispanic Philippines. However, it is noticeable that several Spanish loan words had inadvertently found their way into the script, such as lugar (in the 7th episode), para, sobra, sigurado, etc. The production team needs to look into this closer if they wish to remain true to GMA’s ad that the Spanish loan words had been left out of the series.

For Tagalog viewers who do not speak any of the Visayan languages, it would be prudent to note that not all the words in the series are Tagalog. Many of these “new” sounding words are actually Hiligaynon and/or Kinaray-a, the two major languages out of the more than 40 languages/dialects spoken in Panay, the island from which the cultural foundation of Amaya was based from (Regalado & Ernesto 56). Hiligaynon ranks is the fourth in the 8 major languages of the Philippines according to the number of speakers (Zaide, G. & Zaide, S. 23). Hiligaynon is concentrated in Iloilo and Negros Occidental Provinces as well as in the Panaynon Provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Guimaras and many parts of Mindanao such as Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat. As a second language, it is spoken by Karay-a in Antique, Aklanon and Malaynon in Aklan, Cebuano in Siquijor, and Capiznon in Capiz.

Noteworthy of these Hiligaynon and/or Kinaray-a words are babaylan (shaman), bakunawa (mythical snake like creature), balay (house), bana (husband), banwa (town), baroto (small boat), bangkaw (spear), baladaw/baladao (dagger), binukot (hideen princess), bulawan (gold), coral/codal (fence), datu (chief), dungan (life force), gubat (fight/warfare), hampang (play), himalad (palm reading), husay (comb), iloy (mother), hanagaway (warrior), kalag (soul), and oripun (slave) among others.

Baladaw (baladao), Hiligaynon and old Cebuano for “dagger,” is variously rendered as balaraw in Tagalog and baraw in modern Cebuano.

Dungan has been translated in the series as “soul” and/or “willpower,” if I remember it right. Dungan is a very abstract Hiligaynon term which one will have difficulty in finding an exact English translation. The Ilonggo dungan is comparable to the Chinese chi, Japanese and Korean ki, Indian prajna, and Greek pnauma, all referring to the vital life force that energizes the body and gives it life. It is not a soul per se because one can extend it out of one’s body like in healing or injuring another person. The usual usage of the word dungan by Ilonggos is often found in the expression unahan sang dungan, in reference to two people having either a physical or verbal conflict where one could not move or say anything temporarily. In this case, one’s dungan had overpowered another’s. Unahan sang dungan is akin to what is called as aura (of the human body) in Kirlian photography. If one’s dungan is strong, it pushes another’s dungan back before it can be projected outward, thus that person is rendered motionless temporarily.

Gubat is a Hiligaynon word which means “fight.” When used as a verb, gubat becomes mangubat (the name of the evil rajah in the series) or gubaton (a real life surname of Arnis grandmasters in Bago City, Negros Occidental). Another term for “fight” in the Hiligaynon language is away, the root word of hangaway “warrior” and mangaway “to start a fight.” Angaway, one of the characters in Amaya, is a variation of hangaway.

Oripun is obviously Kinaray-a. Its Hiligaynon and old Cebuano equivalent is olipun. Note the difference in R and L. Kinaray-a is the parent language of Hiligaynon. The name Kinaray-a was derived from iraya (ilaya in Tagalog) “people living in the mountainous area.” The Kinaray-a language is spoken by the Karay-a people in interior parts of Antique Province in Panay as well as most towns in Iloilo Province and some villages in Mindanao which traces their origins to Antique. It is said that the Chinese mestizos who lived in the lowlands of Panay could not pronounce the R of Kinaray-a and ended up replacing it with L. A good example is paray to palay and turun-an to tulun-an. The term oripun is found in Dr. Scott’s work.

It is also important to note that some of the Visayan words that have been used in Amaya were among those recorded by Antonio Pigafetta, Ferdinand Magellan’s chronicler, during their landing and stay in Cebu in 1521, and some are also cognates that are found in the Hiligaynon language. Among these old Cebuano words (modern Cebuano equivalents in parenthesis) were Abba (God), bulawan (gold), baladao (dagger - baraw), and campilan (cutlasses - kampilan) (Pigafetta). Amaya also made use of modern Cebuano words (older versions as recorded by Pigafetta in parenthesis) such as bangkao (spear - bancan), baroto (small boat - boloto ), rajah (king - raia), and ulipon (slave - bonsul) (Rubrico).

In at least two instances, when Datu Bugna was training the young Amaya, Cebuano counting was introduced i.e. isa, dua, tulo. Since the setting of the story is Panay, I was expecting the counting to be in Karay-a, i.e. sara, darwa, tatlo, or at least in Hiligaynon, i.e. isa, dua, tatlo.

Bagani is the word for “hero” in a language in Mindanao the name of which escapes my mind at the moment while lumad is a Cebuano word for “indigenous people.” Lumad is the same as tumandok of Hiligaynon.

During the first few episodes Bahasa Indonesia “The Indonesian Language” was used in a scene where Dian Lamitan was talking to Malay traders. In another scene where she was selling Dal Ang to Chinese merchants, the Sino traders spoke the Hokkien dialect from Southern China. During the pre-Hispanic period, Malay was a widespread medium of communication in trade. Even the earliest Spanish expeditions to the Philippines used Malay interpreters to communicate with the locals.

The different Philippine native languages had assimilated many loan words from various languages spoken by merchants who traded with pre-Hispanic Filipinos, among them Sanskrit, Chinese, Malay, and Arabic. This is best exemplified in Amaya when Bagani said to Amaya “Ikaw ang aking buwan, ang aking tala.” Buwan (buan) “moon” is the Tagalog rendition of the Malay bulan; it is also bulan in Hiligaynon (Pelmoka 52) and Cebuano. The Tagalog tala “star” was derived from the Sanskrit tara. Diwata “fairy,” raha “king” and kudyapi “guitar,” are some of the words used in Amaya that trace their origins from Sanskrit dewata, raha and kacchapi.

Another thing I’ve noted is that the pronunciation of some words is incorrect, like those in iloy and bugay. Obviously this comes to no surprise since the actors and actresses are not born speakers of these languages. But aside from this shortcoming, the effort to integrate these words into the storyline are noteworthy.

More can be said about the language component of the epic teleserye Amaya because linguistics is a very broad and interesting topic but due to space restrictions, I will wind up here and will consider adding some more inputs whne the time warrants.

(Next: Part III: Hoplological Perspective)

References:

“Language, Science of.” The Encyclopedia Americana, International ed. Vol. 16: From Jefferson, Charles E. to Latin. New York: Americana Corporation, 1973.

Nepangue, Dr. Ned R. Phone conversation. 12 Jun. 2011.

Pelmoka, Dr. Juana J. Pre-Spanish Philippines. Caloocan City: Philippine graphic Arts, Inc., 1996.

“Philippines.” The Encyclopedia Americana International ed. Vol. 21: Orley to Photographic Telescope. New York: Americana Corporation, 1973.

Pigafetta, Antonio. "First Voyage Around the World (1519-1522)" Document 15. Documentary Sources of Philippine History. Gregorio F. Zaide. Manila: National Bookstore, 1990. 81-210.

Regalado, Felix B. & Ernesto, Quintin B. History of Panay. Iloilo City: Central Philippine University (CPU), 1973.

Rubrico, Jessie Grace U. “Some of the Cebuano Words Recorded by Pigafetta in 1521.” Language Links.

Scott, Dr. William Henry. Pre-Hispanic Source Materials for the Study of Philippine History. Quezon City: New Day Publishers, 1984.

Zaide, Dr. Gregorio F. Philippine History for High Schools. rev. ed. Manila: The Modern Book Company. 1969.

Zaide, Dr. Gregorio F. & Zaide, Dr. Sonia M. Philippine History and Government. Quezon City: All Nations Publishing Co., Inc., 2004.

GMA’s Amaya: Fact or Fiction? Part I: Overall Perspective By: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-07-04T01:48:00.000-07:00

GMA’s new epic teleserye Amaya is a two-edged sword. It has its own merits and shortcomings and as to be expected, it received mixed reviews of both praises and criticisms. This commentary is by no means contributory to the raging network wars on cyberspace. Instead it is meant to give credit to what this teleserye means to the awareness of certain aspects of Philippine culture and at the same time, point out certain irregularities in the use, or misuse, of certain cultural and/or historical data in its storyline.

What is most commendable about the project is its effort to present the story based on cultural and historical researched data, something which is unheard of before, or at least not of this caliber. Amaya is both a milestone and a big risk for GMA. As far as is recorded and known, and as GMA advertised it, the teleserye is the first ever on Philippine TV to be explicitly based on pre-Hispanic Philippine history and culture. This makes it stand out immediate among its peer programs. Of course, the saleable programs are those centered on love stories and emotions, as Filipinos are fond of this formula as Korean telenovelas would show us. In essence, GMA is taking a big step by making something that has not been tried and done before. And it seems, they did well. The viewers just love Amaya.

As a native Ilonggo living in Region 6, I am glad and feel honored that the project Amaya took pains in presenting the rich pre-Hispanic culture of Panay, from which majority of the ancestors of the inhabitants of Negros Occidental also came from.

I am a professional and businessman, who in my free time engage in the research, study, documentation (and writing), promotion, and propagation of the various Ilonggo and other Visayan systems/styles of Arnis/Eskrima. While conducting data gathering for my book on Arnis, I traveled to several parts of the Visayas and a few in Luzon and Mindanao. I met the late prominent Ilonggo professor, historian, and author Dr. Henry Florida Funtecha, then the Director of the Center for West Visayan Studies (CWVS) at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UP-V). I was so inspired for his call for locals to write their own history and not to be passive to let outsiders do it for them. He believed that such history can be written nearer to its real essence if seen from the eyes of a local who has a fuller knowledge of the inner workings of the subject.

Although he himself had written several books on local Ilonggo history and culture, Dr. Funtecha stressed that much more has not been documented about the rich local traditions, culture, and history and that the work I’m working will be one of the milestones once finished because it is the only academically prepared work in its category in Western Visayas of date. If Dr. Funtecha is only alive today, I know he will be happy to see Amaya propagating Karay-a/Ilonggo culture and history.

It is a mistaken notion that the Philippines has only one culture. Since time immemorial, our archipelago was home to many different cultures. The history, culture, and language that have largely been associated with the Filipino people is that of Luzon, where our capital is located. But in reality this will vary from place to place. In Luzon itself, the Ilocanos and Igorots have their own unique cultures as compared to say, the Tagalogs. Although we have a national language, the Tagalog-based Filipino, the Philippines is home to more than a hundred languages, all except for one belonging to the Austronesian “Southern Islands” (Malayo-Polynesian) family of languages. Amaya is a big step in showing and instilling respect to this diversity of the different cultures housed in what is now known as the Republic of the Philippines.

It is my belief, as well as some of my researcher friends, that before we can be proud to be Filipino, one must first be proud of one’s own ethnic cultural heritage be it Karay-a, Ilonggo, Cebuano, Tausug, etc. Once one’s ethnic identity had been identified and appreciated, then we can join hands and say, inspite of our varied cultures, we are all Filipinos. The Philippines is home to several cultures and that is what makes Filipinos adaptable to different situations.

History is derived from either primary or secondary sources. Primary sources are those that have witnessed the event that took place or have been part of the incident being studied, i.e. written records, fossils, artifacts, and testimony from living witnesses. Secondary sources are those that are not part of the event in question, i.e. magazines, newspapers, pamphlets, typescripts, and articles written about the primary sources (Halili 5). Admittedly, Amaya is not perfect in fully depicting “accurate” historical/cultural details. This would be understandable because obviously, the makers of Amaya relied on secondary sources. While about a year was given to research the details in Amaya, it is not enough to conduct a primary sources search, which in itself is mostly reserved to the most scholarly of scholars. And it would not be practical to do so.

Whereas the makers of Amaya have consulted two UP professors, let us not forget that academicians themselves have their own fields of expertise or specialization, much as doctors and lawyers do. Some are into indigenous lifestyles, like Dra. Alicia Magos of UP-Visayas, who lived among the Panay Bukidnons and as far as I know, did the most extensive actual and live-in study of the Binukots. So consultants function best in their own field of specialization. It is my belief that the makers of Amaya had to fill in certain details which to them may remain gray areas even after consultation with noted experts.

I agree that Amaya is a good medium to educate but I take exception to what has been said during “The Making of Amaya” that all historical details used has been checked to be authentic. There are certain depictions that are not entirely true (I’ll point them out in the next parts of this article) and the average viewers may accept it as true. A distortion repeated many times ultimately becomes “the truth” and becomes hard to correct. As a researcher myself, I’ve seen this repeated over and over in the dissemination of the history of Arnis/Eskrima. If we want to study our culture and history we need to study it in earnest and with utmost dedication.

So let me give this cavet to all Amaya supporters and fans. Let us not forget that inspite of being based on actual history, Amaya is still historical fiction. History and historical fiction are two different things. Just like when we say “based on a true story,” which is not exactly the true story. GMA is prudent enough to include in their opening this line, “Mula sa original na katha para sa GMA ni Suzette Doctolero.” I don’t know if viewers have noticed this but they should see the teleserye as it is - historical fiction.

(Next: Pert II: Linguistic Perspective)

References:

Halili, Maria Christine N. Philippine History. Manila: Rex Book Store, 2004.

Brgy. Luna, Lapaz Arnis Held

2011-06-15T03:53:00.001-07:00

Getz Pharma Arnis Icox Seminar A Success

2011-06-15T03:45:00.000-07:00

Tanod Arnis Graduation Held By: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-05-18T01:33:00.000-07:00

The Barangay Public Safety Officers (BPSO) who completed the Barangay Tanod Arnis and Adino Self Defense Training during their Graduation Exercises recently at the Don Bernardo Benedicto Plaza, Cadiz City.The Skills Enhancement Training was conducted by the Zion Original Disciples in Arnis and Combat Sports (ZODIACS) Self Defense Society of the Philippines, Inc. (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Government officials, Training Directors and Staff, Guests, and graduating Barangay Public Safety Officers (BPSO) at the conclusion of the Barangay Tanod Arnis and Adino Self Defense Training Graduation Exercises held by the Zion Original Disciples in Arnis and Combat Sports (ZODIACS) Self Defense Society of the Philippines, Inc. in cooperation with the Cadiz City Office of the Mayor under Hon. Patrick G. Escalante, M.D., and Public Assistance and Reaction Against Crime (PARAC) recently at the Don Bernardo Benedicto Plaza, Cadiz City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

The Barangay Tanod Arnis and Adino Self Defense Training Graduation Exercises were held by the Zion Original Disciples in Arnis and Combat Sports (ZODIACS) Self Defense Society of the Philippines, Inc. of Founder/Grandmaster Pastor Julius B. Delasan, 9th Degree Red Belt, in cooperation with the Cadiz City Office of the Mayor under Hon. Patrick G. Escalante, M.D., and Public Assistance and Reaction Against Crime (PARAC) under Reg. 6 President Dave Michael D. Sevillo, 6th Degree Red White Belt, recently at the Don Bernardo Benedicto Plaza, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.

At least 65 Barangay Public Safety Officers (BPSO) or Barangay Tanods representing not less than 8 barangays graduated from the training. Course Instructors were Master Romeo G. Banas, 7th Degree Red Belt, ZODIACS VP & Deputy National Director, and Master Ian B. Negrido, 5th Degree Black Belt, Founder of BASSDUMAS Combat Sports and ZODIACS Provincial Coordinator with the assistance of the Training Staff: Salvador Segura, 4th Degree Black Belt, Bambie Lampon, Jr. V. de los Santos, and Arthur Dollosa, all 1st Degree Black Belt, and Alvin Aligarbes, Brown Belt.

Hon. Mayor Patrick G. Escalante, M.D., was represented by Hon. SP Member Antonio U. Lacson III, Chairman of the Committee on Peace and Order and Public Safety.

The training was conducted to better equip Barangay Tanods as the partners of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in curbing crime, especially in the more far flung areas. The training consisted of Scripture studies, fundamentals, of stances, blocks, punches, kicks, releases from holds, knife and gun disarming, and handcuffing and arresting techniques.

The Barangay Tanods of the different barangays gave a demonstration of their new found skills during the graduation rites. Arnis sparring was also showcased by the Training Staff.

Those who graduated were (Zone 2) Noe Abelido, Lope Bacayo Jr., Fulton Barilea, Rosevil Besa, Rammel Enriquez, Jolly Lanotes, Mitchell Llema, Dario Matarong, Salvador Pecayco, Brgy. Tanod Head Bernardo Pergamino Sr., Eduardo Pudadua, and Jerome Tumabiane; (Zone 4) Estanislao Agupuyan III, Diego B. Ascura, Cirilo F. Babaylo, Renante Canencia, Rodel de la Cruz, Harmie Doedocil, Bernardo Esperancilla, Hon. Kagawad Ismael Lampon, Romeo Laya-og, Primo Negre, and Brgy. Tanod Head Adonis Plana; (Zone 6) Crisanto Dejualian, Brgy. Tanod Head Arnel Española, Reynaldo Jarina, Greg Repolon, Cecil de los Reyes, and Renato Siason; (Burgos) Eduardo Aboniawan Jr., Fernando Alquisar, Romel and Rudy Ambrona, Joebert Ayco, Dante Belera, Eddie Demacutac, Romulo Dequinto, Hon. Kagawad Jerry C. Ditching, Nicomedes Dondoy Jr., Rodel Evedente, Aquilino Fortaleza Jr., Manuel Gomez, Eddie Guintao, Abnel Meraiz, Brgy. Tanod Head Roberto A. Oñates, Renante Sales, Ronilo Supuesca, and Armin Vito; (Cabahug) Eduardo Clamares, Jonito Enfanto, Ernesto Gilbuena, Brgy. Tanod Head Joel Gregorio, Ricardo Lumangyao, Bernardo, Edwin, and Vivian Mahinay, Julianito Parihos, Alex Sitjar, Jordan Tequihanon, Virgilio Tingson, and Jimmy Vasquez. (Magsaysay) Rodolfo Bachinela, Roberto Borja, Alfonso Castor, Michael Daguia, Elacris Delfin, Glomon Derecho, Manuel Ediz, Brgy. Tanod Head Arnie Lamis, Roger Lanis, Wilfredo Legaspi, Arnulfo and Ronito Libre, Ronnie Mendoza, Estelito Padernal, Reynaldo Pleridad, Richard Rebeoco, and Pedro Salvano.

Awards given were Best in Arnis Hon. Brgy. Capt. Rodel Evidente of Burgos (1st Place), Bernardo Pergamino Jr. of Zone 2 (2nd Place), and Maya of Brgy. Magsaysay (3rd Place); Best in Disarming Joebert Ayco of Burgos (1st Place), Adonis Plana of Zone 4 (2nd Place), and Hon. Brgy. Capt. Antonio Ferrer of Cadiz Viejo (3rd Place); Best in Handcuffing Harmie Doedocil and Diego B. Ascura of Zone 4 (1st Place), Reynante Sales of Burgos (2nd Place), and Jimmy Vasquez and Ricardo Lumangyao of Cabahug (3rd Place); Best Brgy. Tanod Participation Brgy. Burgos (1st Place), Brgy. Magsaysay and Zone 4 (2nd Place); Most Outstanding Arnis and Adino Player Hon. Brgy. Capt. Rodel Evidente of Burgos; Special Citations Brgy. Cabahug, Zone 2 & 6, and Cadiz Viejo; and Special award Vivian Mahinay of Cabahug.

Other officials who received Certificates of appreciation were ABC President Hon. Arthur N. Lanis, Cadiz Sports Coordinator Jun Bani Saravia, Cadiz Mayor’s Aide Rigor d. Rosario, City Book Binder Lorie Joy R. Maja, Pastor art Legaspina of CCC, Talabaan, Hon. Brgy. Capt. Macario Baroba (Zone 2), Hon. Brgy. Capt. Ma. Zenaida Po (Zone 4), Hon. Brgy. Capt. Jose Dino Hautea (Zone 6), Hon. Brgy. Capt. Eduardo Javier (Caduhaan), Hon. Brgy. Capt. Dionisio Villaruz (Cadiz Viejo), Hon. Brgy. Capt. Ray P. Yee (Cabahug), Hon. Kagawad Alex S. Jasmin (Cabahug), Hon. Kagawad Ireneo Cabahug (Peace and Order, zone 6), Chief of Police P/Supt. Santiago Y. Rapiz, ZODIACS Reg. 6 Secretary Janeth F. Banas, ZODIACS Instructor Ron Van Jay F. Banas, Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc./Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB), Brgy. Tanod Head Nestor Teruel (Caduhaan), and Brgy. Tanod Head Santiago Solatorio (Cadiz Viejo).

36 Sports Events to be Played in the Upcoming PNG By: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-05-17T01:11:00.001-07:00

The 1st Philippine National Games (PNG) "Synchronized National Championships of NSAs” will feature 36 sports events when it is held by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) on May 22-29, 2011 in several locations in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod, Bago, Silay, and Talisay Cities. Of the 36 sports events, 9 will be combat sports:

Events to be held in Bacolod City (with scheduled play dates and venue in parenthesis) are Fun Run (May 22, Bacolod City New Government Center), Athletics (May 22-26, Panaad Track Oval), Badminton (May 23-28, Pohang Badminton Court), Beach Volleyball (May 23-28, St. La Salle University - Sand Court), Billiards (May 24-29, Gaisano Mall), Fencing (May 24-27, UNO-R Gymnasium), Gymnastics (May 22-29, St John Institute & San Agustin College Gymnasium), Judo (May 23-26, Riverside College), Karatedo (May 23-25, Bacolod Arts Center - Bacolod City National High School), Lawn Tennis (May 23-29, Center Court Tennis Club / Noah's Haven), Motorcyle Sports (May 28-29, Bacolod City Airport Runway), Sailing (May 24-28, Lopue Family Beach Resort), Softball (May 24-29, Bacolod City National High School), Soft Tennis (May 27-29, UNO-R Outdoor Court / Panaad Tennis Court), Swimming (May 22-26, (May 25-26, Panaad Swimming Pool), Taekwondo (May 25-26, Negros Occidental Multipurpose Activity Center), Volleyball (May 23-29, St. La Salle University - College and High School Covered Court), Weightlifting (May 27-28, SM North Terminal), Wind Surfing (May 24-27, Lopue Family Beach Resort), and Wrestling (May 26-28, Bacolod Arts Center - Bacolod City National High School).

Events to be held in Bago City are Baseball City (May 24-28, Hall Housing Site), Canoe Kayak (May 26-28, Bantayan Park, Bago River), Dragon Boat (May 26-28, Bantayan Park, Bago River), Muay Thai (May 23-27, Manuel Torres Coliseum and Cultural Center), Wall Climbing (May 27-28, Bago Sports Center), and Wushu (May 28-29, Manuel Torres Coliseum and Cultural Center).

Events to be held in Talisay City are Cycling (May 23-24, Silay - Talisay City Hall), Futsal (May 22-29, Talisay City Gymnasium), Football (Women) (May 23-29, Carlos Hilado State College Football Field / Yanson Football Field), Pencak (May 23-27, Silat Talisay Public Plaza), and Table Tennis (May 24-28, Carlos Hilado State College Coliseum).

Events to be held in Silay City are Archery (May 24-28, Dona Monserat Lopez High School - Football Field), Arnis (May 22-27, Silay City Plaza), Sepak Takraw (Men) (May 24-28, Natalio Velez Multi-Purpose Gym), and Triathlon (May 28-29, Swim: Marina-Pacific Shore; Bike: Talisay-Silay; Run: Talisay).

The Pencak Silat competition, to be supervised by the Philippine Pencak Silat Association (Philsilat), will see action in the 1st Pencak Silat Junior Open Championship for Pesilats (Pencak Silat players) aged 14-17 years old and the 12th Pencak Silat National Open Championship for Pesilats aged 18 to 30 years old.

Meanwhile, the Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) is planning a a seminar for all Muay Thai practitioners simultaneously with the staging of the PNG.

The PNG will feature the simultaneously conduct of the National Open Championships of the different National Sports Associations (NSAs). The main objective of the games is to scout for new potential athletes to be included in the national training pool.

Bago City College Champs in Alculympics by: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-05-16T01:06:00.000-07:00

BCC Alculympics Coach/Trainor Randy Alvarado (seated) with The Hon. Mayor Ramon Torres-sponsored Bago City College (BCC) that took the overall championships during the 3rd Alculympics held recently at the City College of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro (Randy Alvarado/CMAS Photo).

The Hon. Mayor Ramon Torres-sponsored Bago City College (BCC) headed by Coach/Trainor Randy Alvarado took the overall championship during the 3rd Alculympics held recently at the City College of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro with a 12-5-7 medal haul, beating 5 other teams.

The other teams that competed were Cebu, Makati, Mandaue, Taguig, and Valenzuela.

The BCC Arnis Team was made of 12 criminology students, 7 males and 5 females.

BCC medalists for Labanan Men were Ramonito Amejado (Gold), Tom Serapia (Gold), and Dave Guarra (Gold), Mon Klair (Silver), and Lounijie Escote (Bronze); for Labanan Women, Glorilyn Gelogo (Gold), May Jean Pasa (Gold), and Lovely Jacildo (Gold), and Frawjen Valdeviezo (Bronze) and Lariane Crisosto (Bronze).

For Anyo Men Synchronized Team Single Baston - Ramonito Amejado, Tom Serapia, and Dave Guarra (Gold); Double Baston - Dave Guarra, Rene Abajeto, and Bernard Gonzales (Bronze); Espada y Daga - Tom Serapia, Bernard Gonzales, and Rene Abajeto (Bronze).

For anyo women synchronized team single baston - Lariane Crisosto, Glorilyn Gelogo, and May Jean Pasa (Silver); Double Baston - Lariane Crisosto, Glorilyn Gelogo, and May Jean Pasa (Silver); Espada y Daga - May Jean Pasa, Lovely Jacildo, and Frawjen Valdeviezo (Gold).

For anyo men individual Single Baston - Ramonito Amejado (Gold); Double Baston - Dave Guarra (Bronze); Espada y Daga - Tom Serapia (Bronze). For anyo men individual Single Baston - May Jean Pasa (Gold); Espada y Daga - May Jean Pasa (Silver).

Sponsors and supporters of the BCC Arnis Team were Bago City Mayor Hon. Mayor Ramon Torres, BCC Administrator Ramona C. Lamo, BCC 2011 Alculympics Coordinator Jose Neri de la Cruz, BCC ACE IS Department Head Deborah Natalia E. Singson, BCC Students Affairs Office Head Sandra E. Locsin,Team Labanan Consultant Master Ferdinand Emanuel “Bobot” Gayoles of Yasay Sable, and
Assistant Trainor Wilson Alvarado.

Security Officers Undergo H2H and Knife Defense Training By: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-05-16T00:42:00.000-07:00

Training Director Rizza B. San Miguel of the Philippine Arms Training Institute (PATI) and Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo of the Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) (seated 4th and 5th) together with the officials and participants of the 5-day Basic Supervisory Training Course for Security Officers License recently held at the DYRL Gym, Camerole Ave., Brgy. 35, Bacolod City (Felix A. Guinabo Felix A. Guinabo/CMAS photo).

Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo, Founder of the Piga-Piga Trese Grabes System of Arnis, teaches knife neutralization skills to 22 Area Detachment Commanders, Shift supervisors, and team leaders of the Negros Goldwings Security Services Corporation (NGSSC) during Basic Supervisory Training Course for Security Officers License organized by the Philippine Arms Training Institute (PATI) headed by Training Director Rizza B. San Miguel and NGSSC under General Manager Annevein J. Andaya recently at the DYRL Gym, Camerole Ave., Brgy. 35, Bacolod City (Felix A. Guinabo Felix A. Guinabo/CMAS photo).

At least 22 Area Detachment Commanders, Shift supervisors, and team leaders of the Negros Goldwings Security Services Corporation (NGSSC) assigned to 4 prominent corporations underwent the 5-day Basic Supervisory Training Course for Security Officers License which was organized by the Philippine Arms Training Institute (PATI) headed by Training Director Rizalia "Rizza" B. San Miguel and NGSSC under General Manager Annevein J. Andaya recently at the DYRL Gym, Camerole Ave., Brgy. 35, Bacolod City.

The officer participants are assigned to B-Meg Feeds, Distilleria Bago, Inc., ECT Farms, San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMBI) Bacolod Plant, and San Miguel Foods, Inc..

The training course covered marksmanship, legalities of the security occupation, and Arnis (hand to hand combat and knife defense).

Featured Instructors were Training Director Rizza B. San Miguel and Mila A. Beato of the Philippine Arms Training Institute (PATI) and Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo of the Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS).

The training objective was to better equip Security Officers with the necessary skills required in their line of work. Marksmanship, a subject often neglected in security training, prepares the officer for long range combat confrontation while Arnis equips them with the essential close quarter skills to effect maximum control over a suspect with the least possible harm.

Contrary to popular belief, Arnis extends beyond the realm of stick and blade work. Its higher phase involves empty handed skills, locally known as Pangamut, against an equally empty handed attacker or one armed with a knife, sword, and stick. GM Felix Guinabo, Founder of the Piga-Piga Trese Grabes System of Arnis, chose to use the term knife defense because the intent is to control and subdue rather to maim or kill a suspect. In security work, skill is shown on how to control a suspect with the least damage. Knife fighting has the connotation of dueling, which under the law could not be classified as “self defense” and may be construed as “mutual combat”. This is in consonance with the subject matter on legalities which covers the amount of justifiable force, rights of a suspect, acceptable arresting procedures, and other related areas.

GM Guinabo had previously conducted the Defensive Tactics (DefTac) section for the Refresher Retraining Course of 31 security personnel of the Negros Goldwings Security Services Corporation (NGSSC) last June 21, 2010 in Hda. Balatong, La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

GM Guinabo studied Arnis from 6 professors: Grandmaster Mario Lavista (1982), Grandmaster Hortencio M. Navales (1985), Grandmaster Teotimo Buenaflor (1987), Grandmaster Geronimo Valdes (1990), Grandmaster Bernandino Tanique (1992), and Grandmaster Frank Abalajon (1997). Master Guinabo started teaching under his own school, Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS), in June 1989 in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan, when he instructed the 61st IB of the Philippine Army (PA).

GM Guinabo is a member of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF) under P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra and Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Occidental Chapter under Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” Cardinal and has cordial relationships with the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) under grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo and the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association 9OFTLSFA), Inc. under 1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido.

Participants were Rixon C. Dingcong, Dave N. Genova, Glen B. Gombo, and Eduardo C. Rapis representing Distilleria Bago, Inc.; Genaro D. Abolencia, Mustafa B. Amiry, Jerry John T. Aride, Jovelle L. Casilao, Mario P. Delgado, Reynald C. Lapada, Bernardo B. Peñas, Samuel H. Rivera, Jimmylito B. Urmeg, Richard P. Viñas representing ECT Farms; Floyd Aldrin B. Gaucia, Renato C. Jagna-an, and Arthur C. Zamora representing San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMBI); Geoffrey B. Baylen and Noel B. Villacampa representing San Miguel Foods, Inc.; and NGSSC Staff Jose B. Bagain and Jessie N. Providencia.

Iloilo and Capiz Tops Dinagyang Nat’l Invitational Arnis Tilt Part I by: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-02-08T01:33:00.000-08:00

Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog made the 2nd National Invitational Arnis Competition “Dinagyang Bastonero 2011” possible with the generous support of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Iloilo City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Iloilo City Arnis Philippines Commissioner Bonie A. Celendro was the Tournament Director of the 2nd National Invitational Arnis Competition “Dinagyang Bastonero 2011” last January 22-23, 2011 at the Activity Center/Parking Area, Amigo Mall, Iznart St., Iloilo City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Delegates during the opening ceremonies of the 2nd National Invitational Arnis Competition “Dinagyang Bastonero 2011” last January 22-23, 2011 at the Activity Center/Parking Area, Amigo Mall, Iznart St., Iloilo City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Capiz Arnis Philippines/Lightning Scientific Arnis International (LSAI) under Commissioner Grandmaster Carlito Ondillo, 10th Degree, placed second in the 2nd National Invitational Arnis Competition “Dinagyang Bastonero 2011” last January 22-23, 2011 at the Activity Center/Parking Area, Amigo Mall, Iznart St., Iloilo City where 467 players from various parts of Region VI and VII fought for titles in the Labanan and Anyo Divisions (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Iloilo City Arnis Philippines under Commissioner Bonie A. Celendro was crowned overall champion with a 18 gold, 3 silver, and 5 bronze medal haul while Capiz Arnis Philippines/Lightning Scientific Arnis International (LSAI) under Commissioner Grandmaster Carlito Ondillo, 10th Degree, followed as 2nd Place with a 7-2-5 record during the 2nd National Invitational Arnis Competition “Dinagyang Bastonero 2011” organized by host Iloilo City last January 22-23, 2011 at the Activity Center/Parking Area, Amigo Mall, Iznart St., Iloilo City. Traditional Phil Arnis of Iloilo Province Commissioner Regulus Navarro Jr. was 3rd Place with a 3-8-5 haul.

A total of 467 players and 32 coaches representing 25 teams/organizations participated in the event which featured both anyo “form” and labanan “sparring” competitions under standard Arnis Philippines rules.

LABANAN RESULTS:

BOYS BATANG PINOY - BRACKET A (6-8 Years Old). Joenel Villaruz of Capiz (Gold), Christian Paul Caballero of Cabatuan (Silver), and Nathaniel Balajadia of De Leon Martial Arts and Jade Alit of Golden Kamagong/Bacolod Christian College (Bronze). BRACKET B (9-10 Years Old). Ramil Steven Boral of Capiz (Gold), John Paul Malata of Rizal CASASAI (Silver), and France Edward Magada and Adrian Arca of Aklan (Bronze). BRACKET C (11-12 Years Old). Joseph Baldesimo of Capiz (Gold), Glenn Dellomes of Leganes Iloilo (Silver), and Jevon Anota of Leganes Iloilo and John Clark Segutier of Rizal CASASAI (Bronze).

BOYS JUNIORS - FLYWEIGHT (43 Kg. Below). John Mar Baldesimo of Capiz (Gold), John Caberte of Bago City (Silver), and Michael Handoy of Iloilo City and Bayron Allado (Bronze). BANTAM WEIGHT (+43-47 Kg.). Christian Amorsolo of Iloilo City (Gold), Ralf Kendlejon De Leon of De Leon Martial Arts (Silver), Rustom Lapi of Bayawan City and Regie Aguilar of Passi City (Bronze). FEATHER WEIGHT (+47-51 Kg.). Emil De Lamar of Iloilo City (Gold), Hernan Lebres of Iloilo City (Silver), Fredie De Los Angeles Jr. of Philippine Dynamic Arnis and Regin De La Cruz of Domingo Lacson National High School (Bacolod) (Bronze). EXTRA LIGHTWEIGHT (+51-55 Kg.). Jomar Bunda of Iloilo City (Gold), Jovic Digdigan of Iloilo City (Silver), and John Tinagan of Capiz and Frances Bisana of De Leon Martial Arts (Bronze). HALF LIGHTWEIGHT (+55-60 Kg.). Ervin Maparangala of Traditional Phil Arnis (Gold), Franz Martin Araneta of Bago City (Silver), and Bharvey Paul Celino of Filamer, Roxas City (Bronze).

GIRLS BATANG PINOY - BRACKET A (6-8 Years Old). Roselle Peal De Leon of De Leon Martial Arts (Gold), Nikki Landa of Cabatuan, Iloilo (Silver), and Hazel Ciocon of Golden Kamagong/Bacolod Christian College (Bronze). BRACKET B (9-10 Years Old). Charmine Talamor of Cabatuan, Iloilo (Gold), Nicole Cacatian of Tinagan Martial Arts (Silver), and Journalie Ondillo of Capiz (Bronze). BRACKET C (11-12 Years Old). Reloen Faith Navarro of Traditional Phil. Arnis (Gold), Cherry Ann Patricio of Cabatuan, Iloilo (Silver), and Pops Pastor of San Rafael, Iloilo (Bronze).

GIRLS JUNIOR - FLYWEIGHT (37 Below). Crystal Aj Bartonico of Iloilo City (Gold), Joy Santillan of De Leon Martial Arts (Silver), and Joyce Catoras of Traditional Phil Arnis and Clara Olido of Bayawan City (Bronze). BANTAMWEIGHT (+37-40 Kg.). Renalyn Lanes of Capiz (Gold), Aura Angelique Domingo of Philippine Dynamic Arnis (Silver), and Monica Penida of Cabatuan (Bronze). FEATHERWEIGHT (+40-44 Kg.). Ferbie Ann Ramos of Iloilo City (Gold), Kleah Montaño of Cabatuan (Silver), and April Joy Barcellano of Bago City and Kimberly Hu Amar of De Leon Martial Arts (Bronze). EXTRA LIGHTWEIGHT (+44-48 Kg.). Mhel Jean Diosana of Bago City (Gold), Cindy Abigail Monte of Traditional Phil Arnis (Silver), and Beatris Estampador of Traditional Phil Arnis and Alona Mae Maravillas of Bayawan City (Bronze). HALF LIGHTWEIGHT (+48-52 Kg.). Jessica Robles of Iloilo City (Gold), Joy Principe of Traditional Phil Arnis (Silver), and Joana Marie Fontiveros of Traditional Phil Arnis (Bronze).

MEN’S SENIOR - EXTRA LIGHT WEIGHT (60 Kg. Below). Evonie De La Cruz of Bago City (Gold), Nelvin Peral of Iloilo City (Silver), Alvin Hallares of WVCST and Kliezer Juanga of Iloilo City (Bronze). HALF LIGHTWEIGHT (+60-65 Kg.). Ruel Hapdus of Capiz (Gold), Rusty Tumalaytay of WVCST (Silver), and Relito Tambong of Kalibo, Aklan (Bronze). LIGHTWEIGHT (+65-71 Kg.). Ernie Braca of Iloilo City (Gold), Nhomer Portillo of WVCST (Silver), Jose Japsay Jr. of Capiz and Jander Ralf Aguirre of Kalibo, Aklan (Bronze). HALF MIDDLEWEIGHT (+71-78 Kg.). Welhim Ballescas of Iloilo City (Gold), Manly Bayuna of WVCST (Silver), Rolen Balajadia of De Leon Martial Arts and Prince Robles of Cabatuan (Bronze). MIDDLEWEIGHT (+78-86 Kg.). Golwin Japitana of Iloilo City (Gold), Arnold Gutierez of WVCST (Silver), and Elezer Cusio of Filamer, Roxas City (Bronze). HALF HEAVYWEIGHT (+86-95 Kg.). Francis Ryan Davis of Iloilo City (Gold) and Allen De Mayo of Filamer, Roxas City (Silver).

WOMEN’S SENIOR - EXTRA LIGHT WEIGHT (48 Below). Cherelou Calinao of Iloilo City (Gold), Jean Santillan of De Leon Martial Arts (Silver), and Marian Albarillo of Aklan and Clinc Kee Nabor of Aklan (Bronze). HALF LIGHTWEIGHT (+48-52 Kg.). Jofel Mae Jamandre of WVCST (Gold), Emiliza Yanol of Kalibo, Aklan (Silver), and Geselle Grace Palmares of Tinagan (Bronze). LIGHTWEIGHT (+52-56 Kg.). Precious Belandres of Iloilo City (Gold) and Christy Napat of Kalibo, Aklan (Silver). HALF MIDDLEWEIGHT (+56-61 Kg.). Jenerose Geguira of Iloilo City (Gold) and Lea Mae Obarra of Kalibo, Aklan (Silver). MIDDLEWEIGHT (+61-66 Kg.). Glory Joy Bartonico of Iloilo City (Gold), Janet Lee Ondillo of Capiz (Silver), and Rona Hilario of Kalibo, Aklan (Bronze). MIDDLE WEIGHT (+66 - 72). Junalyn Ann Servana of Aklan (Gold) and Ezra Benidecto of Iloilo City (Silver).

Muay Thai Meeting/Seminar Held By: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-01-31T01:56:00.000-08:00

4 times world Sanshou champion and new Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) Region 6 Director Rene Catalan of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo (standing, 4th from left) with Negros Occidental martial arts instructors during an organizational meeting and seminar last January 26, 2011 at the Tribu Hangaway Gym, Golden heritage Bldg., San Juan St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

4 times world Sanshou champion and new Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) Region 6 Director Rene Catalan of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, met with Negros Occidental martial arts instructors for an organizational meeting and seminar last January 26, 2011 at the Tribu Hangaway Gym, Golden heritage Bldg., San Juan St., Bacolod City.

A total of 14 instructors and fighters from 7 cities and towns were in attendance. James U. Sy Jr., Founder of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. and former MAP Negros Occidental Coordinator, assembled the instructors at the request of Catalan.

Catalan, who resigned from Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP) to focus on Muay Thai, wanted to meet the local school heads and reorganize the local chapter of MAP. Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP)-Negros Occidental was founded by several martial arts organizations on June 24, 2005 in Bacolod City with Sy being appointed by MAP Visayas Head Kru Ike Xavier S. Villaflores as Provincial Coordinator. Sy sponsored two Muay Thai seminars which were conducted by Kru Villaflores. Master Elmer V. Montoyo succeeded Sy as Coordinator in the succeeding years; a student of his brought home a bronze medal from the Philippine Olympic Festival held in Dumaguete City.

Catalan went through a short review of Muay Thai rules and had one hands-on refereeing practice. He also echoed to the school heads his plans as Reg. 6 Director. His first major project is a regional tournament tentatively slated for March 12, 2011 although the host group has still to be finalized.

The Negros Occidental instructors expressed their desire to help the region so long as there won’t be politics that are so common in sports organizations nowadays.

Catalan verbally appointed Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo of Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. and Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante of Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main as Coordinators for Bacolod City and Negros Occidental respectively.

Those in attendance were Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante of Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main, Tony Ross Bullecer and National Sanshou bronze medalist Nilrax de Café of Pabalinas MMA (Victorias), Instructor Allan Mario Facturan of Tribu Hangaway, Founder/Chief Instructor Jesus “Jess” Flores of Thunder Kick Martial arts (Escalante), Founder/Master Roy R. Flores of Tribu Hangaway, Founder/Chief Instructor Melchor Garcia of Rainbow Martial Arts Club (Silay), Founder/Chief Instructor Diomedes N. Mamugay of San Carlos Jungle Fighters Martial Arts Club, Founder/Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, Master Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo Jr., and Master Ernest Christian “Chen-Chen” P. Montoyo of Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc., Founder/Chief Instructor Ian B. Negrido of BASSDUMAS Combat Sport (Talisay), Assigned Instructor Jerry Nodnod of Red Dragon Fighters Martial Arts Club (Calatrava), and Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc.

Wing Chun Kung Fu Demonstrated at Tay Tung By: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-01-28T01:12:00.000-08:00

Sports Coordinator/High School Health Teacher Pearl Marie A. Oh, Ng Yung-Wa Sifu, and High School PE Teacher Mia M. Balista (seated from left) with sophomore students pose for a group picture at the conclusion of the “Wing Chun Kung Fu Lecture and Demo” held last January 24-25, 2011 at the Po Hang Gym, Bacolod Tay Tung High School (BTTHS), Hernaes St., Bacolod City.

The Bacolod Tay Tung High School (BTTHS), one of the three Chinese schools in the city of Bacolod, hosted the “Wing Chun Kung Fu Lecture and Demo” last January 24-25, 2011 at the Po Hang Gym, BTTHS, Hernaes St., Bacolod City.

The Wing Chun lecture and exhibition was a milestone in the history of BTTHS because it was the first ever to be held within its premises since its founding many decades ago.

The “Wing Chun Kung Fu Lecture and Demo” was conducted by Ng Yung-Wa Sifu, a Hong Kong-born Cantonese who now resides in the Netherlands, and was facilitated by BTTHS Board of Trustee Mr. Victor Go, Principal Nilda Monge, Sports Coordinator/High School Health Teacher Pearl Marie A. Oh, and High School PE Teacher Mia M. Balista. Accompanying Ng Sifu was James U. Sy Jr., Founder of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., and Jeremy John Dy of Kimdo Martial Arts, who assisted him, and Chris Marie Dumasis, who documented the event. 80 freshmen and 45 sophomore students witnessed the lecture and demo on the first and second days respectively.

The purpose of the demo was to introduce students to one aspect of the Chinese culture that is often neglected by scholars, its martial heritage. In centuries past, Chine reigned as a superpower and it was the center of innovations and learning. Japan and Korea among others sent their scholars to study in China, most especially during the Tang Dynasty. These scholars studied the different sciences and arts perfected by the Chinese, among them medicine, mathematics, philosophy, calligraphy, and martial arts. Testament to this is the use of the Japanese and the Koreans of the Chinese ideographs, locally known as kanji and hanja in Japan and Korea respectively. The cultural influences of China are also seen in Burma, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam among others.

The Chinese Martial Arts (CMA), more commonly referred to as Kung Fu “Skill, Hard Work (Mandarin 功夫 , Pinyin: Gōngfu)” or more properly, Wushu “Martial Art (Mandarin 武術),” were developed by the different sectors of Chinese society to protect life, property, and freedom. All throughout China there are hundreds, if not thousands, of styles of Kung Fu. One of these styles is Wing Chun.

Wing Chun Kuen (詠春拳“Sing Praise Spring/Spring Chant Fist” or 永春拳 “Eternal/Forever Springtime Fist”) is a style of Kung Fu founded by the nun Ng Mui (五枚大師 Wǔ Méi), one of the Five Elders who escaped when the Shaolin Temple was burned down by the Ching Dynasty. Since Ng Mui was a woman she had to rely on technique rather than brute strength. Her Kung Fu was inspired by the movements of the snake and crane fighting each other, which she had observed. She taught the art to her student, Yim Wing-Chun (嚴詠春 Pinyin: Yán Yǒng Chūn / Jyutping: Jim Wing-Ceon), from whom the then nameless art got its name from.

Ng Yung-Wa Sifu is a 12th Generation exponent of Wing Chun. He studied under Nils Sifu and then Dick Wachtberger Sifu, a student of Wang Kiu Sifu, who was in turn a student of Wing Chun 9th Generation Grandmaster Ip Man of Hong Kong. GM Ip Man is best known as the teacher of the legendary martial arts star Bruce Lee Siu-Long (1941-1973).

Ng Sifu has a total of 12 years experience, both studying and teaching, Wing Chun Kung Fu. He started assisting in instructing on his third year and became a Full instructor on his sixth year. Ng Sifu had a third teacher he could not name because he was made to promise not to.

Ng Sifu explained the code of ethics (9 Rules of Conduct) of Wing Chun and how to apply them, the origins of Wing Chun Kuen and its characteristics that make it unique from other systems of Kung Fu. He demonstrated several self defense techniques using regulated force as well as the hand speed which made the art popular.

Ng Sifu, who arrived in Bacolod on September 15, 2010, had previously introduced Wing Chun Kuen at the Yuan Thong Temple, demonstrated it to criminology students at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), and taught the first seminar on Wing Chun Kuen in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental on January 16, 2010 at the Avenue Gym (“An Introduction to Wing Chun Basics”).

For more info, please contact song4springtime@gmail.com or sophiahecate@gmail.com.

Ip Man Line Wing Chun Kung Fu Taught in Seminar Part II: The History of the Art by: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-01-27T00:18:00.000-08:00

Ng Yung-Wa Sifu demonstrating the double/triple techniques concept of Wing Chun Kuen on Carlos F. Trunio II of the UNO-R Martial Arts Society during the “An Introduction to Wing Chun Basics” seminar last January 16, 2010 at the Avenue Gym, 2nd Floor La Salle Courtyard, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

People outside the martial arts community would normally show a blank face when they hear the name Wing Chun. This is not surprising considering the existence of hundreds, if not thousands, of styles of Chinese Martial Arts (CMA) in China, more commonly referred to as Kung Fu “Skill, Hard Work (Mandarin 功夫 , Pinyin: Gōngfu)” or more properly, Wushu “Martial Art (Mandarin 武術).”

Without a doubt Hong Kong-native and world martial arts superstar Bruce Lee Siu-Long (1941-1973) is the most popular exponent of Wing Chun as Steven Seagal is to Aikido and the Gracie Clan to Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. But where did Lee’s superb fighting skills came from? This news feature will tell you just that.

China was ruled by the Manchus during the Ching/Qing Dynasty (1644-1910). The Manchus, who then comprise only 10% of China’s population, was seen by the Han Chinese as abusive foreigners who conquered their country. As such, many insurgencies were committed by rebels bent on restoring the Ming Dynasty. Many of these rebels would seek refuge in the famed Fujian Shaolin Temple and many studied or enhanced their Kung Fu skills in the Buddhist temple.

The masters of different styles at the temple decided to come up with a new system of Kung Fu. The existing systems of Kung Fu at that time although very powerful, took about 15-20 years to master. That was not fast enough to train rebels. So the elders started developing a very straight forward style that can be learned in a relatively shorter time yet be as effective, if not better, that the existing styles.

However, even before this new style can be completed, Ching forces burned down the Shaolin Temple. Chinese tradition tells us that among those who escaped were the Five Elders, one of whom was the nun Ng Mui (五枚大師 Wǔ Méi), the Founder of Wing Chun Kuen.

Ng Mui completed the new style of Kung Fu which was being synthesized by the Shaolin grandmasters and taught it to her disciple, Yim Wing-Chun (嚴詠春 Pinyin: Yán Yǒng Chūn / Jyutping: Jim Wing-Ceon “Sing Praise Spring/Spring Chant”), who was being forced to marrying a local warlord. Ng Mui advised Wing Chun to tell the warlord to give her a year so she can break up with her fiancé Leung Bac-Chou (Leung Bok-Chau / Leung Lan-Kwai) who lived in a different province. Travelling at that time was by horse and takes a great deal of time, especially between provinces. During the allotted time period Ng Mui trained Wing Chun in the new system.

When the moment of truth came, Wing Chun announced that she will only marry the local warlord if he can beat her in a martial arts bout. She defeated the bully and went on to marry her fiancé Leung Bac-Chou to whom she taught the art. At least one source says that it was her husband who named the then nameless art Wing Chun.

Wing Chun is represented by two similar sets of Chinese ideographs: The first one 詠春 means “Sing Praise Spring/Spring Chant” and the second永春 means “Eternal/Forever Springtime.” The alternative characters 永春 “Eternal Spring” are also associated with some other southern Chinese Martial Arts (CMA), including Jee Shim Weng Chun (Yong Chun) and White Crane Weng Chun (Yong Chun).

The Wing Chun lineage according to Grandmaster Ip Man is: Ng Mui (Founder/1st Generation), Yim Wing-Chun (2nd Generation), Leung Bok-Chau (3rd Generation), Leung Lan-Kwai (4th Generation), Wong Wah-Bo (5th Generation), Leung Yee-Tai (6th Generation), Leung Jan (7th Generation), Leung Bik and Chan Wah-Shun (8th Generation), and Yip Kai-Man (a.k.a. Ip Man) (葉問) (1893-1972) (9th Generation).

Ip Man was the first one to teach Wing Chun publicly based on a school structure and thus, many present day Wing Chun practitioners can trace their roots back to him. However, there are several branches of Wing Chun, depending on where a certain tradition stemmed out from. Other Wing Chun branches that are not related to the Ip Man lineage include Yiu Kai branch, Jiu Wan branch, Gulao / Koo Lo Village branch, Pan Nam branch, Yuen Kay-San branch, Vinh Xuan (Vietnamese Wing Chun), Cho Family branch, Hung Fa Yi/Hung Suen Wing Chun Kuen, Pao Fa Lien branch, and Fut Sao “Buddha Hand” branch among others.

Furthermore GM Ip had many students who spread Wing Chun all over the world, some of whom, or their students, or student’s student, founded their own interpretations or offshoots of Wing Chun. Among them are Lun Gai, Gwok Fu, Leung Sheung (梁相), Lok Yiu (駱耀), Chu Shong-Tin (徐尚田), Wong Shun Leung (黃淳樑), Wang Kiu (王喬), Yip Bo Ching (葉步青), William Cheung (Founder of Traditional Wing Chun), world martial arts superstar Bruce Lee Siu-Long (1941-1973) (Founder of Jeet Kune Do), Kang Sin Sin (Kong San San), Hawkins Cheung, Lo Man Kam, Wong Long, Wong Chok, Law Bing, Lee Shing, Ho Kam-Ming, Moy Yat, Duncan Leung, Derek Fung (馮平波 Fung Ping Bor), Chris Chan (陳成 Chan Shing), Victor Kan (Ving Tchun), Stanley Chan, Chow Sze Chuen, Tam Lai, His sons Ip Ching and Ip Chun, Lee Che Kong, and Leung Ting (梁挺) (Founder of Wing Tsun).

Today, Wing Chun is practiced in more than 64 countries and is the world's most popular system of Southern Kung Fu. Wing Chun joins Hung Gar and Choy Lee Fut as "The Three Great Martial Art Schools of South China."

Ng Yung-Wa Sifu, the Resource Instructor for the “An Introduction to Wing Chun Basics” seminar last January 16, 2010 in Bacolod City, was a student of Dick Wachtberger Sifu, who in turn was a student of Wang Kiu Sifu, one of the students of Wing Chun Grandmaster Ip Man of Hong Kong. Ng Sifu will be travelling to Taiwan this coming February 1 but he plans to go back three months after, to set up a Wing Chun school in Bacolod.

For more info, please contact 0927-987-1304.

Ip Man Line Wing Chun Kung Fu Taught in Seminar Part I: The Bacolod Seminar By: James U. Sy Jr.

2011-01-17T01:09:00.000-08:00

Ng Yung-Wa Sifu (seated) with participants of the “An Introduction to Wing Chun Basics” seminar last January 16, 2010 at the Avenue Gym, 2nd Floor La Salle Courtyard, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City.

In another milestone in Negros martial arts history, Avenue Gym hosted the first ever Wing Chun Kuen (咏春拳) in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, and perhaps, the Negros Island, dubbed as “An Introduction to Wing Chun Basics” last January 16, 2010 at the 2nd Floor La Salle Courtyard, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City. Nine participants representing three martial arts groups were in attendance.

Resource Instructor was Ng Yung-Wa Sifu, who descended from the Ip Man line of Wing Chun. Grandmaster Ip Man (1893-1972) was the teacher of the legendary Bruce Lee Siu-Long (1941-1973), who popularized Chinese Kung Fu in his movies.

Ng was born in Hong Kong and later resided in the Netherlands. He started martial arts training in Muay Thai in 1994 and continued to do so for two years. At 20 years of age, he started his studies of Wing Chun Kuen with Nils Sifu and then Dick Wachtbeger Sifu, a student of Wang Kiu Sifu, who was in turn a student of Wing Chun Grandmaster Ip Man of Hong Kong. Ng started assisting with the conduct of classes after three years. In his sixth year, he was already an Instructor at the school. Ng Sifu had a third teacher he could not name because he was made to promise not to. Ng Sifu has a total of 11 years experience, both studying and teaching, Wing Chun Kung Fu.

Ng Sifu travelled to Bacolod City on September 15, 2010 to study higher meditation techniques at the Humanistic Academy of Life and Arts at the Yuan Thong Temple, 2876 Burgos St., 6th Rd., Bacolod City. About a week after entry into the program, Ng Sifu introduced Wing Chun Kuen at the temple. Previously, Ven. Yung Ko had introduced the Tai Chi Fan to members of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) at the temple.

Later in 2010, Ng Sifu was invited by DEFTAC Instructor and Yasay Sable Master Ferdinand Emmanuel Y. Gayoles to demonstrate Wing Chun Kuen to his criminology class at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), Lizares St., Bacolod City.

Ng Sifu was the first one to publicly teach Wing Chun Kuen in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental. While there are individuals who know Wing Chun in Bacolod, they have chosen to remain anonymous and/or keep their art a secret or as a family heirloom. Bacolod had other visitors who had knowledge of Wing Chun, like Dr. Ned R. Nepangue of Cebu, but they have not taught publicly, and if they did, only to select individuals.

The seminar began with an overview of the Wing Chun system, starting with the burning of the Shaolin Temple by the Manchus, the escape of the Five Ancestors, and the subsequent founding, establishment, and propagation of Wing Chun Kuen “Forever Springtime Fist (Cantonese)” in China, Hong Kong, and the world (read the art’s history in Part II).

Ng Sifu then explained the principles that make Wing Chun different from other styles of martial arts. The six forms that were traditionally taught in Wing Chun were also enumerated.

During the seminar proper, Ng Sifu taught the fundamentals including yee jee kim yung ma, vertical straight punch, chain punch, uppercut, hook punch, pak sao, lop sao, bong sao, and basic chi sao. The afternoon session focused on Siu Nim Tao “Small Idea,” the first form in Wing Chun which teaches the basic techniques and structure of the art.

Jeremy John Dy, an alumni of St. John’s Institute (SJI) who had studied Kimdo Taekwondo before, was enthusiastic about learning Wing Chun from an actual teacher. “I did self study of Wing Chun and I know it is effective. Now that I’ve experienced it first hand, my conviction just became stronger. Ng Sifu’s punch may not look that powerful but if you’re at the receiving end of one it feels like being struck in front and having an exit wound at the back. There’s no magic about it, only science behind every move,” Dy commented.

Those who attended the seminar were Senior Officials Erwin A. Camara and Lisa Anna M. Gayoles of the Bacolod Taekwondo Association (BTA), Alan Yanmar M. Azuelo, Gerald June Daclan, and Carlos F. Trunio II of the UNO-R Martial Arts Society, and Founder James U. Sy Jr., Jeremy John Dy, Montano F. Mondia IV, Rommel Panal of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. Also present was Chris Marie Dumasis.

Arnis Seminar for St. Paul’s Hospital Med. Profs. Set by: James U. Sy Jr.

2010-11-07T03:14:00.000-08:00

The Fundamentals of Conceptual Arnis Seminar will be presented by Professional Medical Representative Elaine Louise Edulag of Getz Pharma (Phils.), Inc. to at least 20 medical professionals of St. Paul’s Hospital at the request of Dra. Minda Marie S. Cabrera, Head of the Rehabilitation Department, on November 8-9, 2010, 5:30 PM, at the St. Clement’s Gymnasium, Lapaz, Iloilo City.

Edulag. Who represents Celcoxx 100, 200, and 400mg “The Fastest Strike,” had invited Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Bacolod-based Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. as the seminar’s Resource Instructor. Getz Pharma previously tapped Sy as the Primary Resource Instructor for its Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) in Action last July 31, 2010 at the Golden Salakot Hall, Hotel Del Rio, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City which was held as part of the company’s Family Day for 45 doctors and their families. Sy was also a member of the team who taught the FMA ICOX Seminar for Bacolod last September 2010 at the Palmas del Mar Conference Resort Hotel, 37 JR Torres, Bacolod City.

Participants will be composed of interns, nurses, and other medical professionals. The seminar will cover Arnis courtesy, preliminary lecture, warm up and cool down, body facing, fighting stance and body fencing, paniil (footwork), the universal slashing and thrusting patterns, practical application of techniques with and without weapons, and open forum.

The purpose of the seminar is to introduce medical professionals to the cultural legacy of our forefathers and instill in them an appreciation of the effectivity of the indigenous Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) of Arnis as a means of protecting oneself and one’s loves ones. The seminar will focus on the martial and cultural aspects of Arnis.

The Celcoxx Team of getz Pharma are Product Manager Marie Yumul-Aranas, Regional Sales Manager Iris Gesta, District Sales Manager J. Angelo H. Lee, and PMR Elaine Louise Edulag.

Hon. Mayor Ramon Torres Arnis Expo This Cinco de Nov. by: James U. Sy Jr.

2010-11-03T04:15:00.000-07:00

Hon. Bago City Mayor Ramon D. Torres, one of the few chief executives in the Province of Negros Occidental to generously support the propagation and promotion of the indigenous Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), will present another milestone in the province’s history of Arnis with the 1st Hon. Ramon D. Torres Arnis Expo which will be held this coming November 5, 2010, 2:00 PM, at the Bantayan, Bago City (at the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines Gym if it rains) as part of the city’s Cinco de Novembre celebration.

The event is being organized by the Guarra Style Modern Arnis (GSMA) of P/Sgt. (Ret.) Founder/Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra and Arjuka-Malingin of Founder/Grandmaster Isaac “Saac T. Guarra with the support of the Bago City Government under Hon. Mayor Ramon D. Torres and the Bago City Sports Office of Mr. Ignacio Denila in cooperation with the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. of Founder Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo “Pope” C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., and the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founders/Masters James U. Sy Jr. and Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado.

The event was conceptualized by the organizers after the successful presentation of the 1st GSMASDA-Arjuka-CMAS Arnis Expo by GSMA, Arjuka-Malingin, and CMAS last August 1, 2010 at the Gaisano Bacolod Supermall, Bacolod City.

The event is a competition using the demonstration format. Each participating group will give a presentation of their particular system of Arnis within 3-5 minutes. Contestants will be scored based on execution (30%), stage presence (30%), substance (30%), and uniform (10%). There will be a Grandmasters, Masters & Instructors, and Students categories.

The demonstration format was chosen to showcase the combative and cultural aspects of the native Negrense systems of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), which are not often highlighted in regular labanan (sparring) competitions of sportive Arnis.

16 different Arnis organizations from Bago, Bacolod, Cauayan, and Talisay are expected to grace the event. Invitations had been sent to Iloilo but the invited group may not make it.

Invited groups include Arjuka-Malingin of Founder/Grandmaster Isaac “Saac T. Guarra, Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founders/Masters James U. Sy Jr. and Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado, Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association (GKAKEA), Inc. of P/CInsp. (Ret.) Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez, Guarra Style Modern Arnis (GSMA) of P/Sgt. (Ret.) Founder/Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) of Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo, Herada Pigada Arnis of Master Maxwell “Max” J. Maun, KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA) of Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” L. Cardinal and Master Guilberto C. Dajao, Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. of Founder Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo “Pope” C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., Oido de Caburata Arnis Group (ODCA) of Grandmaster Abraham T. Gubaton and Chief Instructor/Grandmaster Sabas T. Gubaton, Oido Fencing of Grandmaster Sotero Tario and Pastor Romeo N. Gumban, Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. of 1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” Mamar Lobrido, Oro Arnis Club (Cauayan) of Grandmaster Romeo Oro, Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association of Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, Tanique Arnis and Combat Club of Grandmaster Arman Tanique, Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA) of Founder/Chief Instructor Abraham “Abe” Ganzon Jr., and Yasay Sable of 3rd generation Headmaster and 4th Generation Chief Instructor/Master Ferdinand Emmanuel “Bobot” Y. Gayoles.

The 1st Hon. Ramon D. Torres Arnis Expo is open for the public for free.

Velasquez Dethrones Lesnar as UFC Heavyweight Champion

2010-10-25T04:26:00.001-07:00

Cain Ramirez Velasquez (above) and Brock Lesnar

Undefeated Mexican-American Cain Ramirez Velasquez (B: 1982) of the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) defeated reigning heavyweight champion and former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar Brock Lesnar via TKO at 4:01 of round 1 with punches during the main event of the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) 121 last October 23, 2010 at the Honda Center in Anaheim , California, USA.

Velasquez earned the distinction as the first MMA fighter of Mexican ethnicity to be crowned as the UFRC heavyweight champion.

Lesnar started the fight aggresively and successfully took down Velasquez twice in the first two minutes but the challenger immediately sprang back up. A two-punch combination from Velasquez sent Lesnar tumbling across the octagon, attempting to regain hisfooting along the way. Velasquez chased him up to the fence, where he rained down blows on Lesnar.

Herb Dean stopped the fight at 4.01 as Lesnar was no longer intelligentlydefending himself.

Velasquez rose to 7-0 (UFC record) while Lesnar fell to 5-2. Velasquez entered the octogaon with a record of outlanding his last five opponents by a tally of 481 to 63. He currently holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu under Dave Camarillo.

Velasquez was a 2 time All-American collegiate wrestler from Arizona State, a Junior College National Champ at Iowa Central Community College, and a 2 time 5A state champion in Arizona, Compiling a record of 110-10 for Kofa High School (Yuma, Arizona).

Velasquez made his MMA debut at Strikeforce: Tank vs. Buentello on October 7, 2006 were he TKOed Jesse Fujarczyk in the first round. He made his octagon debut in UFC 83 where he defeated Brad Morris in the first round with strikes.

His other victories in the UFC were against Jake O'Brien (UFC Fight Night 14, 1st round TKO), Denis Stojnić (UFC Fight Night 17, 2nd round TKO), Cheick Kongo (UFC 99, unanimous decision), Ben Rothwell (UFC 104, 2nd round TKO), and former Pride heavyweight champion and former UFC interim heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (UFC 110, 1st round KO).

Rosario Sala-Sy (1923-2010) Passes Away by: James U. Sy Jr.

2010-10-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

Businesswoman Rosario Sala-Sy passed away last October 8, 2010 due to a long standing illness which included Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia among others. She was 87.

Rosario Sala-Sy was born as the third of five children of Vicente Tampos and Ramona Sala on August 20, 1923 in Bogo, Cebu.

Rosario Sala-Sy had six children, namely Emma Sala-Chua, Carmencita Sy-Taocta, Anecita Sy-Yu, James Sy, Georgette Sala-Trecho, and Alexander Sala.

In 1990, 9 years after her husband passed away, Rosario Sala-Sy was petitioned by her daughter Anecita Yu to the US, where she was to spend her retirement years. She went back to Bacolod once, in 1998.

Rosario Sala is survived by her children and her grandchildren. Her remains will be at the Rolling Hills Memorial (new building) starting on October 22, 2010, 4:00 P.M.. The internment mass will be on October 24, 2010, 1:30 P.M., at the Queen of Peace Parish (Hua Ming) and burial will follow at Greenhills Chinese Cemetery.

Happy 18th Birthday Kimberly Ann Trecho!

2010-10-18T23:55:00.000-07:00

Debutant Kimberly Ann Trecho, daughter of Lemuel and Georgette Trecho, pose beside her cake during her Masskara-themed 18th birthday celebration last October 18, 2010 at L'Fisher Hotel, Lacson St., Bacolod City.

Boxing, Kickbox Tilts in San Carlos Slated by James U. Sy Jr.

2010-10-18T02:37:00.001-07:00

The Local Government Unit of San Carlos City through its Sports Office under City Sports Officer Francisco “Bobot” Vendiola will be presenting the Invitational Amateur Boxing Tournament this coming October 27, 2010, 1:00 P.M., at the San Carlos City Auditorium as part of the city’s annual fiesta celebration scheduled for November 3-5, 2010.

15 amateur Boxing bouts are scheduled to be fought.

To be inserted within the tournament is the 1st San Carlos City Ringtop Full Contact Kickboxing Showdown, to be presented by the San Carlos Jungle Fighters Martial Arts Club (SACA JUFIMAC) of Founder/Chief Instructor Deomedes N. Mamugay, 3rd Degree Black Belt. The three Kickboxing bouts will be inserted after every 5 bouts of the amateur Boxing event.

The Kickboxing bouts will pit San Carlos City fighters represented by Mamumgay’s SACA JUFIMAC against kickboxers of the Red Dragon Martial Arts Club (RDMAC) under Assigned trainor Dominador Tingson III.

Navales Masskara Arnis Held by James U. Sy Jr.

2010-10-18T02:32:00.000-07:00

Capt. Teodorico “Teddy” P. Delicana, Grandmaster Hortencio M. Navales, Grandmaster John M. Necesito, P/Sgt. (Ret.) Founder/Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra of Guarra Style Modern Arnis, and Mario Guardiano during the start of the Bacolod Negros Arnis Federation International (BNAFI), Inc. Arnis Competition last October 16, 2010 at the Bacolod Arts, Youth, and Sports (BAYS) Center, San Juan St., Bacolod City as part of the 31st Masskara Festival celebration of the City of Smiles.

The Bacolod Negros Arnis Federation International (BNAFI), Inc. of Grandmaster Hortencio M. Navales with the support of the Bacolod City Government under Hon. Mayor Evelio “Bing” R. Leonardia held an Arnis Competition last October 16, 2010 at the Bacolod Arts, Youth, and Sports (BAYS) Center, San Juan St., Bacolod City as part of the 31st Masskara Festival celebration of the City of Smiles.

Guests present were Judge Grandmaster Demosthenes L. Magallanes, Grandmaster John M. Necesito, P/Sgt. (Ret.) Founder/Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra of Guarra Style Modern Arnis, Capt. Teodorico “Teddy” P. Delicana, former national Kickboxing champion Grandmaster Hernani “Django” Rodrigazo, Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., and Atty. Roland Zamora. Each of the guests gave a message to the participants.

The event started off with demonstrations for students, Masters, and grandmasters and progressed into WEKAF style sparring competition, which the Navales group had adopted for the last 3 decades.

The Domingo Lacson National High School and Bacolod City National High School Arnis teams under Master Renier Decripito and Master Julius Acot composed the majority of the participants. The groups’ performances include several solo forms, two-man paired forms, synchronized forms, and self defense techniques. A number of the performers did jumps and acrobatics in their forms.

Masters Kane and Prince Navales, sons of GM Navales, demonstrated solo baston, doble baston, and disarming using espada y daga-derived methods.

Using a bahi yaming, Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. performed la cadena or the chaining combination of the different slashes and thrusts he had learned from his Arnis teachers. He also did a solo form of the Original Filipino Tapado long stick and the nunchaku.

Siblings Clyde and Windy Lou G. Poral of Brgy. Lag-asan, Bago City represented their grandfather’s Guarra Style Modern Arnis with a solo baston vs doble baston routine. Windy also performed modernist disarms with P/Sgt. (Ret.) Founder/Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra feeding the strikes and doble baston vs tuwang-tuwang with Master Sy. GM Guarra was the only grandmaster who performed a demo in the event.

Senior Instructor Joselito Guzon and Noel Emmanuel Arendon of Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) represented their teacher Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo, performing the signature moves of the Trese Grabes Piga-Piga System in the demo and later competing in the sparring division.

Tribe W.A.R. VII Grappling @ Gaisano Huge Success by James U. Sy Jr.

2010-10-18T02:26:00.000-07:00

Founder/Master Ricardo P. Filipinas, 6th Degree Black Belt, leads Sacred Ki Art of Filipino Foot Fighting (SKAFF) members Elias Tejares, 2nd Degree Black Belt, and Mike Tambasen, Black Belt, in performing their Karate forms during the Tribe W.A.R. (Warrior’s Art Rumble) VII last October 14, 2010 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City as part of the 31st Masskara Festival celebration.

Host Tribu Hangaway Philippines was overall champion of the Tribe W.A.R. (Warrior’s Art Rumble) VII eld last October 14, 2010 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City as part of the 31st Masskara Festival celebration.

In their latest tandem, Tribu Hangaway Philippines of Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr., Aksyon Radio 684 Khz under Station Manager JJ Deocampo, and Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall represented by Advertising Officer Nomer Q. Lobaton successfully held the Tribe W.A.R. (Warrior’s Art Rumble) VII last October 14, 2010, 3:00-5:30 PM, at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City as part of the 31st Masskara Festival celebration. The crowd was estimated at not less than 300.

13 martial arts organizations from Bacolod and Bago Cities gave demonstrations and competed in the longest running Submission Grappling tournament in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.

DEMONSTRATIONS. The demonstration by the Sacred Ki Art of Filipino Foot Fighting (SKAFF) started off with Karate kata (forms) performances by Lance Yuseros and Junica Kate C. Desamporado, 5 and 9 year old respectively, both white belt. Some more forms as well as street defense applications were performed by Founder/Master Ricardo P. Filipinas, 6th Degree Black Belt, with Elias Tejares, 2nd Degree Black Belt, and Mike Tambasen, Black Belt. Master Filipinas also demonstrated how to break wood in his unprotected shin.

The KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA) of Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” L. Cardinal showed different likha anyo (creative forms) with ethnic music that the group has been performing at Arnis Philippines-sanctioned tournaments.

Founder/Chief Instructor Maxwell “Max” J. Maun of the Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (BAE) was assisted by Chester F. Esmalla of Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc./Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. in demonstrating the basic kansetsu (locking) and nage waza (throwing techniques) of Japanese Aikido.

Founder/Chief Instructor Abraham “Abe” Ganzon Jr. of the Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA), with the help of two assistants, performed a few of the Arnis methodos taught by Grandmaster Jose Mancesa of the Negros United Fighting arts Academy (NUFAA), who was present during the pexhibition.

Filton O. Bernadas, John Rey C. Montes, and Ceasar Ian G. Poral, all grandchildren of P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, demonstrated Guarra Style Modern Arnis and Arjuka doble baston vs doble baston, solo baston vs doble baston, pangamot vs solo baston, and pangamot vs pangamot. Windy Lou G. Poral performed doble baston vs tuwang-tuwang and knife disarming with Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc.

The Musubi Dojo of Founder Dr. Nilo del Carmen Sensei was represented by Chief Instructor Rosyl Mohametano Sensei and three students. The group demonstrated the Aikido defenses against striking and grabbing attacks with the use of immobilization and projection techniques.

Master James U. Sy Jr. of CMAS and Chester F. Esmalla of PIMAA-FTSDA performed two techniques each for Grandmaster Elmer Montoyo’s empty handed Filipino Tang Soo Do and the staff techniques of Nishio, Shoji Shihan’s Aiki jo, Negros Style Binugsay, and Grandmaster Honorio Togle’s Madras. It was the first ever public demonstration of the last two arts in Bacolod and Negros Occidental. Sy also did a live-blade la cadena or the chaining combination of the different slashes and thrusts he had learned from at least 10 of his Arnis teachers.

Representing 1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” Mamar Lobrido of Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc., Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon, with Master Joeffrey S. Deriada as attacker, demonstrated the basic Original Filipino Tapado long stick strikes against short stick attacks. Tacsagon is the first female certified Instructor of Original Filipino Tapado in the world.

Members of the Tribu Hangaway Philippines started their demonstration with a Combat Aikido children’s application against two attackers. Then Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr. and Combat Aikido Black Belt/MMA fighter Alan Mario Facturan performed knife vs knife using the circular movements and footwork of Aikido.

A total of 9 Submission Grappling bouts were fought. Overall champion was host Tribu Hangaway Philippines of Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr. with a 4-4 win-loss streak. 2nd to 4th Places are Affinity Bacolod of Chester Laquian (2-1), Submission Sports Philippines-Bacolod Team of Jek-Jek Ferrer and Adrian Gillana (1-1), and Team Fusion of (TF) of Mohamad El Helou (1-2).

RESULTS. Jason Jocson of THP over Gerald Gonzales of THP. Herbet Jocson of THP over Carl Ravina of TF. Elmer Tortogo of THP over Daryl Garcia of SSP-BT. Patrick Escobar of Affinity over Jerry de la Cruz of THP. Dennis Alunan of SSP-BT forced a tapout from Franklin Olimpus of THP at 4.23 with an armbar, one of only two submissions in the event

Ariel Guanzon of THP over Karl Barrero of Affinity. Ming Guergen of Affinity was decalred winner by default against Reymond Besa of TF. The bout between Alan Mario Facturan of THP and Mark Peronce of SSP-BT was cancelled. Jimmy Soquiña of THP and Jay-R Perez of SSP-BT fought the most exciting and most applauded bout with the fight finally ruled a draw even after an extension time for sudden death. Mohamad El Helou of TF forced a tapout from Joval Medina of THP at 4.06 with an armbar.

Officials were Founder/Chief Instructor Maxwell “Max” J. Maun of the Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (Referee), Master Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo and Chester F. Esmalla of Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (Judges), Jackie Honor and Jacky Lapag (Timer and Recorder), Jun Alojado Capulot of Aksyon Radio (Emcee), Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (Emcee/Special Message), and Peter Yap Sifu, Guillermo “Bill” Gomez, and “Boy” Gargalicano (Guests).

Sponsors were DYEZ Aksyon Radio Bacolod, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, San Miguel Beer, Kopiko Brown Coffee, Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB), KOI Herbal Capsule & Liniment Oil, Color Ads, Coca Cola, MF Computer Solutions, Sr. Supt. Celestino Guara, Kagawad Noel Libo-on of brgy. Pahanocoy, Celcor Builders & Equipments, Inc., CHY Ventures, TMG Hollow Blocks, and Mr. & mrs. Stephen and Family.

Conceptual Arnis Seminar Held for Bayawan Eskrimadors by James U. Sy Jr.

2010-10-18T02:25:00.001-07:00

5 Magtutudlo (Instructors) and 13 players of the Bayawanihan Martial Arts Club (BMAC) attended the “Fundamental Concepts of Combative Arnis/Eskrima Seminar” last October 3, 2010 at the Universal Care Center of Excellence, Locsin St., Bacolod City.

Resource Instructor was Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc.

The Hon. Mayor Atty. Rene G. Gaudiel and Hon. Vice Mayor Esmael Pimpo Martinez-sponsored Bayawanihan Martial Arts Club (BMAC) represented Oriental Negros during the 2nd UDTA-Mayor Evelio “Bing” R. Leonardia Arnis Cup 2010 last October 2, 2010 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod, Araneta St., Bacolod City. The Bayawan Arnis Team won 2 gold, 4 silver, and 4 bronze medals.

Bayawanihan Martial Arts Club (BMAC) was hosted and accommodated by tournament promoter T/Sgt. Abraham G. Ganzon Jr., Founder/Chief Instructor of Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA) and Chairman of Universal Care Center of Excellence.

It was during the tournament when the Magtutudlo of the Bayawanihan Martial Arts Club (BMAC) met Sy. The succeeding exchange of ideas led to BMAC Founder/Chief Adviser Edilberto “Jun” B. Euraoba inviting Sy to share his concepts to the group. In the spirit of brotherhood among eskrimadors, the seminar was set a day after the tournament, for a 2-hour slot.

Sy started off with a short backgrounder on how the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) is actually an amalgation of the various cultures that traded with and invaded the Philippines from pre-Hispanic times to the 20th Century.

The seminar proper began with Sy giving an analysis of the stance and the base of support, optimum reach and minimal distancing as they relate to the fighting stance, using the tip of the weapon as a pointer, and the difference between the blade and the stick body mechanics. From the on guard position, he taught 14 applications of the center thrust covering solo baston contra solo baston, pangamot contra solo baston, and pangamot contra pangamot. Sy also taught the use of the banda banda as a defense and counter offense to any kind of slashing and thrusting attack.

In the later part of the seminar, Sy taught two Dumog counters to a Judo throw and gave two Brazilian Jiu-jitsu ground techniques. As a whole, he showed the participants the relationship of the blade to the stick, weapons to empty hands, striking to grappling. He ended the seminar by encouraging the students to be proud of our own indigenous martial art, to continue their studies of Eskrima to keep alive the martial culture and legacy of our forefathers, and to always respect and honor one’s teacher(s) no matter how good one becomes in Eskrima.

The Instructors of the Bayawanihan Martial Arts Club (BMAC) helped out in demonstrating the techniques. BMAC officials present were Founder/Chief Adviser Edilberto B. Euraoba, Chief Instructor Arwin W. Aban, Magtutudlo Arnulfo N. Lape, Magtutudlo Arthur G. Lomoljo Jr., and Magtutudlo Jonathan P. Tumlad.

Arnis Phils.-BaNeg Officers Inducted by James U. Sy Jr.

2010-10-18T02:24:00.000-07:00

Arnis Philippines Capiz Commissioner Grandmaster Carlito Ondillo, 10th Degree LSAI, of Roxas City (left most) inducting Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Occidental Chapter officers, namely BaNeg Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo L. Cardinal (President), Grandmaster Jose “Joe” Mancesa (Vice President), Master Abraham G. Ganzon Jr. (Secretary), and Master James U. Sy Jr. (PIO) (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

The new set of officers of Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Occidental Chapter for the year 2010 was inducted during the 2nd UDTA-Mayor Evelio “Bing” R. Leonardia Arnis Cup 2010 last October 2, 2010, Saturday, at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod, Araneta St., Bacolod City.

Inducting Officer was Grandmaster Carlito Ondillo of Roxas City, 10th Degree LSAI, Arnis Philippines Capiz Commissioner and Lightning Scientific Arnis International (LSAI)-Capiz Chapter Head.

Inducted to office were Arnis Philippines Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” L. Cardinal of the KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA)-Bacolod (President), Grandmaster Jose "Joe" B. Mancesa of the Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (Vice President), Founder/Chief Instructor Abraham "Abe" G. Ganzon Jr., MBA, of Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (Secretary), and Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (PIO).

Officers not present during the induction were Voltaire Daypal of UDTA (Treasurer) and Master Sheila M. Duran of Golden Kamagong (Auditor).

Ma-ao Oido Arnis Players Shine in Bago Div. Meet by James U. Sy Jr.

2010-10-18T02:20:00.002-07:00

Three Arnis players of the District IV Arnis Team used Oido de Caburata techniques to win and be declared champions in their respective categories during the Bago City Division Athletic Meet, Elementary Level last September 30, 2010 in Bago City, Negros Occidental.

The gold medalists were Juan Miguel Alisaje, Christile Joy Landero, and Vanessa Torrecarrion. Others who fought for the team were Carlos Miguel Alisaje, Kim Angela Calpa, Karlos Enrique Duyo, Daphy Andrea Escara, Arvin Josh Gonzaga, Raymark Magallon, Kaye Grace Sanchez, and Christian Angelo Saquian.

All the players of the District IV Arnis Team under the leadership of District IV Supervisor Rutchillo Ducay were sourced from the Ma-ao Elementary School Arnis Team under Principal Meriam C. Banas and Sports Coordinator Janet Gubaton, after they were declared winner at the District Meet when no other teams fielded entries.

Trainors for the players were Grandmasters Abraham and Sabas T. Gubaton of the Ma-ao based Oido de Caburata Arnis Group (ODCA). The children’s intensive training lasted for about a month, starting in August 2010.

The Ma-ao medalists will join the winners from Bago to represent the city in the upcoming Area Meet. But meanwhile, the kids will continue their training in Oido de Caburata Arnis, a system of Arnis which traces its roots to the late Founder/Grandmaster Antonio “Toñing” Tolosa. GM Gubaton’s Oido was polished by his uncle, GM Tolosa.

Neg. Occ. Baston Fed. SEC Reg. to be Renewed by: James U. Sy Jr.

2010-10-18T02:20:00.001-07:00

The Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) registration of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF) will be renewed by its current set of officers.

The move has been spearheaded by its Founder Col. Atty. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., after the very successful staging of the 1st GSMASDA-Arjuka-CMAS Arnis Expo held recently as the inaugural event of the federation under the presidency of P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra of Bago City.

Officials to be included in the renewal are P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra of Guarra Style Modern Arnis (President), P/Insp. Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez of Golden Kamagong (Vice President), Founder/Chief Instructor Abraham "Abe" G. Ganzon Jr. of Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (Secretary), Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” L. Cardinal of the KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA)-Bacolod (Treasurer), Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (PIO),
Master Roy R. Flores Sr. of Tribu Hangaway Philippines (Auditor),
Grandmaster Isaac “Saac” T. Guarra of Arjuka-Malingin, Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo of Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS), Grandmaster Alejandro “Alex” Doza of Golden Kamagong, Master Joeffrey S. Deriada of Conceptual Martial Arts Society, and Master Guilberto Dajao of KaliSilat Arnis Association (Board of Directors.

The federation is currently sourcing funds for the renewal.

Bassdumas Promotions Held by James U. Sy Jr.

2010-10-18T02:16:00.000-07:00

Students, Instructors, Officals,nd Guests during the latest Bassdumas Belting Promotion at Canetown Subd., Victorias City (ames U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Ian B. Negrido, 5th Degree Black Belt, Founder/Chief Instructor of Bassdumas (Baston Sipa Sumbag Dumog Martial Arts Society) with the support of Master Romeo G. Banas, 7th Degree Red Belt, Founder of Red Musang Self Defense Combat Sports, Knights of Columbus Council No. 12363 under Grand Knight Nicolas D. Asparen and Deputy Grand Knight Florante H. Magoliño, and Canetwon Barangay Officials successfully held an exposition and belting promotion for 16 students of Bassdumas recently at Canetown Subd., Victorias City.

The demonstrations included forms, sparring, and self defense techniques.

Promoted were Rolin Castillano, Melecio Manuel D. Mentor, Jonie Ramos, and Maribeth Solatario (Black Belt), Christian B. Negrido (Brown Belt), and Herbert Anciano, Noke Anciano, Josemaria O. Belandres, Shuji Mar Nil Caesar R. Cagadas, Danilo Delosantor Jr., Johnmark Gido, Mario Gido Jr., Abigail B. Negrido, Dave Chester Negrido, Rayboy Peloquero, and Christian Sabran (Yellow Belt).

Receiving special awards were Melecio Manuel D. Mentor (Best Fighter and Best in Bladed Weapon Disarming), Maribeth Solatario (Female Best Fighter), and Josemaria O. Belandres, Shuji Mar Nil Caesar R. Cagadas, and Rayboy Peloquero (Little Best Fighters).

Guests were Master Melchor Garcia of Rainbow Martial Arts, Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., Brgy. Kagawad Henry Laguna, Day Care Teacher Rose Cagadas, and Mrs. Mentor.

Iloilo and Capiz Shine in 2nd UDTA-Mayor Bing Arnis Cup by: James U. Sy Jr.

2010-10-12T00:37:00.001-07:00

Master Bonnie Celendro (seated) and the Iloilo City Arnis Team (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Grandmaster Carlito Ondillo, 10th Degree LSAI, (seated) and members of the Arnis Philippines-Capiz Chapter, Capiz Arnis Federation, and Lightning Scientific Arnis International-Dumarao Chapter (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Grandmaster Romeo Oro Jr. (seated) and the Cauayan Arnis Team (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

The Iloilo Arnis Team under Arnis Philippines Commissioner Master Bonnie A. Celendro and the Capiz Arnis Team under Arnis Philippines Commissioner Grandmaster Carlito Ondillo, 10th Degree LSAI, were declared 1st and 2nd Runner Up respectively in the 2nd UDTA-Mayor Evelio “Bing” R. Leonardia Arnis Cup 2010 last October 2, 2010, Saturday, at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod, Araneta St., Bacolod City.

The Iloilo Arnis Team, which was supported by Hon. Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Hon. Vice Mayor Joe Espinosa III, tallied 3 gold and 2 bronze medals. Getting the gold for Iloilo City were Glory Joy Bartonico (56-61 Kg.), Iresh Crezel De Leon (44-48 Kg.), and Ferbie Ann Ramos (40-44 kgs Kg.). Meanwhile, Jessica Rbobles 48-52 Kg.) and Jesk Marie Caluste (37-40 Kg.) took the bronze.

The Capiz Arnis Team, which was supported by Hon. Gov. Victor E. Tanco, took home a 2 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze medal haul. The Capiz Arnis Team was composed of the Arnis Philippines-Capiz Chapter, Capiz Arnis Federation, and Lightning Scientific Anis International-Dumarao Chapter, all under the technical guidance of GM Ondillo.

Noel Hapdos and Rolando Boral were crowned champions in the extra lightweight and half middleweight categories respectively. Joemarie Alegre and Johnmar Baldisino took the silver in the extra lightweight and bantamweight categories respectively. Jepone Mahinay snatched the group’s lone bronze, in the lightweight category.

Meanwhile, lightweight John Mark Maquiling gave Cauayan its lone medal, a silver, in the event. Cauayan was represented by the self-supporting Oro Arnis Club Cauayan of Grandmaster Romeo Oro Jr. Other Cauayan arnisadors who saw action in the tournament were Davey Gabatino (half middleweight), Jazfher Lipo-on (half lightweight), Junsel Marande (featherweight), Dimetrio Obado (extra lightweight), and Ray Ian Rivera (bantamweight).

Jason Jocson (below 50 kg.) and Jussel Torres (70 kg.) snatched two bronze medals for the Bacolod-based Tribu Hangaway Philippines of Master Roy R. Flores.

The event was organized by the Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA) OF Founder/Chief Instructor Abraham G. Ganzon Jr. in cooperation with the Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Occidental Chapter under Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” L. Cardinal.

Alrehs Carrie “Uni” V. Ganzon, the promoter’s 6 year old daughter, gave a demonstration of the basic strikes and blocks of Arnis during the preliminary ceremonies.

Gracing the event were Janette Aristorenas and Jungie Fernandez, VP-Finance and VP-Marketing respectively of the Universal Care Center of Excellenece. Emcee was Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (Details provided by above mentioned teams).

Bayawan City Excels in Bacolod Arnis Tilt by: James U. Sy Jr.

2010-10-12T00:34:00.001-07:00

The Bayawanihan Martial Arts represented Oriental Negros during the 2nd UDTA-Mayor Evelio “Bing” R. Leonardia Arnis Cup 2010 last October 2-3, 2010 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod, Araneta St., Bacolod City. Seated from left: Magtutudlo Arnulfo N. Lape, Chief Instructor Arwin W. Aban, Founder/Chief Adviser Edilberto B. Euraoba, Magtutudlo Jonathan P. Tumlad, and Magtutudlo Arthur G. Lomoljo Jr. (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

The 13-player, 5-coach Bayawan Arnis Team, under the generous support of city officials headed by Hon. Mayor Atty. Rene G. Gaudiel, represented Oriental Negros during the inter-regional 2nd UDTA-Mayor Evelio “Bing” R. Leonardia Arnis Cup 2010 and showed great potential after they won 2 gold, 4 silver, and 4 bronze medals last October 2, 2010, Saturday, at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod, Araneta St., Bacolod City.

Crowned champions in their categories were Allona Mae Maravillas (52-56 Kg.) and Jesmine Panaligan (48-52 Kg.). Snatching the silver were Arwin Aban (71-78 Kg.), Shiela Mendez (44-48 Kg.), Jannie Mae Milano (41 Kg. below), and Clara Olido (40-44 Kg.). Taking the bronze were Leah Acabo (56-61 Kg.), Edcel Baro (51-55 Kg.), Lito Tolentino (60-65 Kg.), and Jonathan P. Tumlad (60-71 Kg.).

The Bayawanihan Martial Arts Club (BMAC) was lead by their coaches Chief Instructor Arwin W. Aban, Founder/Chief Adviser Edilberto B. Euraoba II, Magtutudlo Arnulfo N. Lape, Magtutudlo Arthur G. Lomoljo Jr., and Magtutudlo Jonathan P. Tumlad. Club officials who wasn’t able to travel with the team Bacolod include Magtutudlo Dexter Dingcong, Magtutudlo Jiffrey Torrigue, and Consultant Insp. Bernardo C. Del Mar, BFP/EMT.

The campaign of the Bayawan Arnis Team in Bacolod was under the full support of city officials under the leadership of Hon. Mayor Atty. Rene G. Gaudiel and Hon. Vice Mayor Esmael Pimpo Martinez. Other officials who supported the team were the SB Members, City Admin Officer Atty. Rori James Lawrence Miraflor, Sport Coordinator Mc Arthur Douglas Tijing, Asst. Coordinator James Lunweg Egoncillo, and City Admin Clerk Jennifer Estandarte Tayco.

The Bayawanihan Martial Arts Club (BMAC) was founded about three years ago as a group where the youth of Bayawan City can go and learn confidence, discipline, and respect through the local martial art of Eskrima or Arnis.

Tribe W.A.R VII Reset to Oct. 14 by: James U. Sy Jr.

2010-10-11T03:44:00.002-07:00

Tribe W.A.R. (Warrior’s Art Rumble) VII has officially been rescheduled from October 15, 2010 to October 14, 2010, 2:00 PM, at the Atrium Area, Gaisano Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City.

The Submission Grappling tournament is being organized by Tribu Hangaway Philippines (THP) of Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr. in cooperation with Aksyon Radio under Station Manager JJ Deocampo.

A total of 9 bouts will be fought by grapplers from host Tribu Hangaway Philippines, Affinity of Chester Laquian, Submission Sports Philippines-Bacolod Team (SSP-BT) of Adrian Ledesma, and Team Fusion (TF) of Mohammed El Hello.

Pairing is as follows: Gerald of TH vs Jason Jocson of TH (100 lbs.), Niko Jocson of TH vs Ravina Earl of TF (120 lbs.), Jerry de la Cruz of THvs Carl Erik Delgado of SSP-BT (190 lbs.), Jimmy Soquiño of TH vs Jay-R Perez of SSP-BT, Franklin of TH vs Dennis Alunan of SSP-BT 9110 lbs.), Ariel Guanzon of TH vs Patrick Escobar of Affinity (135 lbs.), Elmer Tatogo of TH vs Daryl Garcia of SSP-BT (135 lbs.), Raymund Besa of TF vs Ming Guirgen of Affinity (155 lbs.), and Joval of TH vs Mohamad El Helou of TF (190 lbs.)

Various martial arts demonstrations will also be given by ally organizations of the promoter.

The standard Tribe W.A.R. Submission Grappling rules will be used, which has also been used in the previous editions of the competition. Maun Sensei will be the Chief Referee. Tribe W.A.R. is the longest running Submission Grappling tournament in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental. Tribe W.A.R. VI was successfully held last April 24, 2010 at the Casino Filipino Amphitheater, Goldenfields Commercial Complex, Bacolod City.

Golden Kamagong Arnis Tilt mulled by: James U. Sy Jr.

2010-10-11T03:44:00.001-07:00

The Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association (GKAKEA), Inc. headed by Founder/Chairman/Grandmaster P/Insp. (Ret.) Ibarra E. Lopez (3rd from left) will be hosting the Arnis Invitational Tournament and Festival this coming November 21, 2010, Sunday, at the New City Mall, Dela Rama Bldg., Luzuriaga St. Bacolod City (GKAKEA photo).

The Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association (GKAKEA), Inc. of Founder/Chairman/Grandmaster P/Insp. (Ret.) Ibarra E. Lopez in cooperation with the International Modern Arnis Federation Philippines (IMAFP), Inc.-Negros Occidental Chapter and the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF) under its President P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra will be presenting the Arnis Invitational Tournament and Festival this coming November 21, 2010, Sunday, at the New City Mall, Dela Rama Bldg., Luzuriaga St. (in front of Gaisnao Bacolod-Main), Bacolod City.

The Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association (GKAKEA), Inc. was founded by GM Lopez in 1980. GM Lopez is currently the President of IMAFP-Negros Occidental Chapter and the Vice President of NOBF. He was the Chief Arnis Instructor of the Bacolod Police Station Training Academy (Bacolod City), Metro Police District Training Academy and Bacolod City Police Office Training Academy, Bacolod City Tanod Brigades, and Navales Arnis Club (NAC).

Invitations had already been distributed to the different Arnis associations and clubs in Bacolod City and nearby areas. Interested parties may contact GM Lopez at 0916-696-3374.

Arnisador Appointed PA H2H Combat Instructor by: James U. Sy Jr

2010-10-06T03:23:00.000-07:00

Officials of the 605th, 6RCDG (6th Regional Community Defense Group), ARESCOM (Army Reserve Command) during the change of command program on September 28, 2010 at the Pana-ad Park Covered Court with BGen. Joel P. Ibanez as Guest of Honor (UDTA photo).

Technical Sgt. Abraham G. Ganzon Jr. demonstrating a hammerlock to members of the 605th, 6RCDG, ARESCOM Military Group during their initial Hand to Hand Combat/Arnis training last September 26, 2010 at the Pana-ad Park, Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City (UDTA photo).

Technical Sgt. Abraham G. Ganzon Jr. demonstrating a hammerlock to members of the 605th, 6RCDG, ARESCOM Military Group during their initial Hand to Hand Combat/Arnis training last September 26, 2010 at the Pana-ad Park, Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City (UDTA photo).

Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Occidental Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” L. Cardinal teaching the basics of Arnis (UDTA photo).

Company Commander Capt. Hernan Maglupay of the 605th, 6RCDG, ARESCOM awarding a Certificate of Recognition to Technical Sgt. Abraham G. Ganzon Jr., for his services as the group’s Hand Combat/Arnis training, last September 28, 2010 at the Pana-ad Park, Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City (UDTA photo).

Company Commander Capt. Hernan Maglupay of the 605th, 6RCDG, ARESCOM awarding a Certificate of Recognition to Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Occidental Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” L. Cardinal, who served as a Guest Instructor of the group’s Hand Combat/Arnis training, last September 28, 2010 at the Pana-ad Park, Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City (UDTA photo).

Company Commander Capt. Hernan Maglupay of the 605th, 6RCDG, ARESCOM awarding a Certificate of Recognition to Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA) Assistant Instructor Julna D. Jabat, who served as a Guest Instructor of the group’s Hand Combat/Arnis training, last September 28, 2010 at the Pana-ad Park, Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City (UDTA photo).

Company Commander Capt. Hernan Maglupay and Lt. Antonio Sapala Jr. (Batalion S3) of the 605th, 6RCDG (6th Regional Community Defense Group), ARESCOM (Army Reserve Command) Military Group recently appointed Technical Sgt. Abraham G. Ganzon Jr., Founder/Chairman of the Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA), as their Hand to Hand Combat Instructor and Asst. Coach for Riffle and Pistol Competition.

The first H2H Combat and Arnis training session conducted by TSg Ganzon was last September 26, 2010 at the H605th (NOC), CDC, 6RCDG, ARESCOM Head Quarters, Pana-ad Park, Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

The initial training was in cooperation with Arnis Philippines (Arpi)-Bacolod/Negros Chapter.
Arpi Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” L. Cardinal and UDTA Assistant Instructor Julna D. Jabat were Guest Instructors.

TSg Ganzon taught disarming and arresting techniques while GM cardinal taught the fundamentals of Arnis. The training will be ongoing and will be held every last Sunday of the month. TSg Ganzon plans to invite different Guest Arnis Instructors every time to give the group a background of the specialization of each guest.

TSg Ganzon, GM Cardinal, and AI Julna D. Jabat given certificates of appreciation by Company Commander Capt. Hernan Maglupay during the change of command program on September 28, 2010 at the Pana-ad Park Covered Court with BGen. Joel P. Ibanez as Guest of Honor.

Ganzon is enlisted in the reserve Force, Philippine army (PA) with Reserve Rank TSg (E6) and is assigned to 61st Infantry Division (SRES) PA. Ganzon studied shortly in Karate under Bong-Bong Acot Sensei, Kimdo under Founder/Chief Instructor Joy T. Divinagracia, and Aikido under Chief Instructor Rosyl “Russell” A. Mohametano and Founder Dr. Nilo del Carmen Sensei.

Ganzon later organized the Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA) and formally launched it in July 2008 during the 1st Negros Fighting Arts Exposition at Robinson’s Place Bacolod. He then studied under Grandmaster Hortencio M. Navales (Espada y Daga), Grandmaster Danilo L. Cardinal (KaliSilat Arnis), Master James U. Sy Jr. (Conceptual Martial arts), Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo (Chi Kung), and Grandmaster Jose “Joe” Mancesa (Mancesa Arnis). He was promoted to master by GM Navales and to Lakan Isa by GM Cardinal. Also in 2008, he traveled to Singapore to attend the Commando Krav Maga Instructors Course by Founder Moni Azhik and became the first Bacoleño to be certified as an Instructor (Levels 1 & 2) of the art.

IFFMAS Instructors to Run for Brgy. Office by: James U. Sy Jr.

2010-10-06T03:14:00.000-07:00

At least three instructors who are members of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), Inc. are running for Kagawad for the scheduled Barangay Elections this October 25, 2010.

Joery C. Amante, currently President of Prk. Bulak, is running for Kagawad in Brgy. Mandalagan. Amante’s semi-annual project Bulig sa Kubod (Assistance to the Needy) has benefited indigent residents of Prk. Bulak and nearby areas every school opening and Christmas in the last several years. Amante is the Chief Instructor of the Black Falcon Martial Arts Association (BFMAA)-Main.

Elmer V. Montoyo, who run in the last Barangay Elections, is running for Kagawad in Brgy.Mansilingan. Montoyo had undertaken several religious and sports programs for the youth in his capacity as a Christian preacher and as Board Director of the YMCA-Negros Occidental Chapter. Montoyo is the Founder/Grandmaster of the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc.

Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, currently President of Prk. Langka, is running for Kagawad in Brgy. Taloc, Bago City. Lobrido had undertaken several sports and other programs for the youth of his area over the years, mostly in cooperation with his brother clodualdo “Budoy” Lobrido and their cousin Kagawad Romeo “Tokong” Mamar Jr. Lobrido is the 1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc.

P/Sgt. (Ret.) Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, who had previously served as Prk. President and kagawad, decided not to run for public office this elections. Guarra is the Founder/ Grandmaster of Guarra Style Modern Arnis.

The Best of Negros & Panay Rumble in the 2nd UDTA-Mayor Bing Arnis Cup by James U. Sy Jr.

2010-10-02T00:35:00.000-07:00

Members of the KaliSilat Arnis Association of Grandmaster Danilo L. Cardinal (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Master Jay de Leon of California, USA (seated) with the La Carlota City Arnis Team (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Grandmaster Jose “Joe” Mancesa and Raffy Yanong (seated) with members of the Hon. Mayor Ramon D. Torres Arnis Team and Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Karen B. Libres (left) and Mhel Jhean G. Diosana of Bago City showing their Arnis skills (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Arnis Philippines Capiz Commissioner Grandmaster Carlito Ondillo, 10th Degree LSAI, of Roxas City (left most) inducting Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Occidental Chapter officers, namely BaNeg Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo L. Cardinal (President), Grandmaster Jose “Joe” Mancesa (Vice President), Master Abraham G. Ganzon Jr. (Secretary), and Master James U. Sy Jr. (PIO) (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Navales Arnis Tilt Set This Masskara by: James U. Sy Jr.

2010-09-20T02:36:00.001-07:00

The Bacolod Negros Arnis Federation International, (BNAFI), Inc. of Grandmaster Hortencio “Horten” M. Navales will be presenting the Grandmasters Arnis Open Forms Competition this coming October 16, 2010 at the Bacolod Arts, Youth, and Sports (BAYS), Center, San Juan St., Bacolod City.

The tournament will have a Sparring Division and the Forms Division. According to GM Navales, grandmasters affiliated with his organization will see action in the open forms event.

P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, Founder of Guarra Style Modern Arnis and President of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), have expressed his support to the event of GM Navales.

GM Navales is the most prolific promoter of Arnis tournaments in Bacolod and Negros Occidental. He started organizing competitions since the early 1980s, producing at least two events in a year, namely the Arnis Day every March and his Masskara Arnis showdowns.

From its humble beginnings as the Navales Arnis Clinic, GM Navales’ group was known by various names at different times: Navales Arnis Club, Navales Arnis Kali Eskrima Group (NAKEG), and today, Bacolod Negros Arnis Federation International, (BNAFI), Inc.

Many arnisadors in Bacolod and Negros Occidental who had made names for themselves had been affiliated at one time or another with the master, to name a few: GM Frank Abalajon of Abalajon Classical Arnis, GM Felix A. Guinabo of Guinabo Arnis Combat Sports (GACS), GM Ibarra E. Lopez (Golden Kamagong), GM Romeo Oro of Oro Arnis Club (Cauayan), GM Romeo Postrano (Sikaran Garote Arnis Society (SGAS), the late GM Bernandino Tanique of Tanique Arnis and Combat Club (TACC), Master Dominador “Jun-Jun” L. Villaluna of Black Mamba Arnis, etc.

Tribe W.A.R VII Oct. 15 by: James U. Sy Jr.

2010-09-20T02:35:00.000-07:00

Tribu Hangaway Philippines of Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr. in cooperation with Aksyon Radio will be presenting Tribe W.A.R. (Warrior’s Art Rumble) VII this coming October 15, 2010, 1:00-6:00 PM, at the Atrium Area, Gaisano Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City.

The number of bouts has yet to be confirmed as of press time but all of them will be in the Submission Grappling Division. Expected to field entries in the tournament are host Affinity of Chester Laquian, Submission Sports Philippines-Bacolod Team of Adrian Ledesma, Team Fusion of Mohammed El Hello, and Tribu Hangaway Philippines.

Allied organizations expected to give demonstrations include Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts of Founder/Chief Instructor Maxwell “Max” J. Maun, Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founders/Masters James U. Sy Jr. and Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado, Guarra Style Modern Arnis of P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA) of Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” L. Cardinal, Oido de Caburata Arnis Group (ODCA)-Ma-ao Elementary School Chapter under the supervision of Sports Coordinator/Teacher II Janet Gubaton and Grandmasters Abraham and Sabas T. Gubaton, Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA0, Inc. of 1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” Mamar Lobrido, Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. of Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, Sacred Ki Art of Filipino Foot Fighting (SKAFF) of Founder/Master Ricardo P. Filipinas, and Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA) of Founder/Chairman Abraham “Abe” Ganzon Jr. Additional groups may confirm participation in the days leading to the competition.

The standard Tribe W.A.R. Submission Grappling rules will be used, which has also been used in the previous editions of the competition. Maun Sensei will be the Chief Referee.

Tribe W.A.R. is the longest running Submission Grappling tournament in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental. Tribe W.A.R. VI was successfully held last April 24, 2010 at the Casino Filipino Amphitheater, Goldenfields Commercial Complex, Bacolod City.

Getz Pharma Arnis Seminar in Bacolod

2010-09-17T01:11:00.000-07:00

Getz Pharma ICOX Arnis in Action Sched For Bacolod by: James U. Sy Jr.

2010-09-02T03:51:00.000-07:00

Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. explaining the finer points of an Arnis technique to a doctor during the ICOX FMA in Action at Hotel del Rio, Iloilo City recently (Getz Pharma photo).

Getz Pharma (Phils.), Inc. will hold the ICOX Filipino Martial Art (FMA) seminar in Action for Bacolod and Negros Occidental doctors and their families this coming September 5, 2010, 10:00 A.M., at the Palmas del Mar Conference Resort Hotel, 37 JR Torres, Bacolod City.

Hosts will be Professional Medical representatives Leizl Araneta-Abalo and Christine S. Pabalinas under the supervision of Regional Sales Manager Iris Gesta.

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. Previously Getz Pharma (Phils.), Inc. had organized events for other sports and the ICOX Arnis seminar is a pioneering concept in the field.

Resource Instructors previously tapped for the workshop include University of the Philippines-Diliman anthropology Professor Master Felipe “Bot” P. Jocano Jr. of Lightning Scientific Arnis International (LSAI)-Sangkil Karasak (Manila), Doce Pares (Cebu), and Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr., Master Joeffrey S. Deriada, and Senior Instructor Dr. Rey Mollenido of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (Iloilo).

Resource Instructors for the Bacolod event will be Master Ferdinand Emmanuel Y. Gayoles of Yasay Sable and Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. Master Gayoles will be assisted by his daughter Irene Anne “Aya” Gayoles, RN, and University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) Criminology students Aber Yamar M. Azuelo, Gerald June Daclan, and Carlos Trunio II.

The number of doctors to attend is still being confirmed as of press time but the Iloilo event had attracted not less than 45 doctors and members of their families.

The activity will be opened with a film showing about Getz Pharma (Phils.), Inc. and the concept behind the ICOX Arnis seminar and its role in propagating Filipino martial tradition and its benefits.

The seminar proper will be opened with a lecture on the historical and cultural foundation of the Filipino Martial Art (FMA) of Arnis/Eskrima followed by demonstrations of its various techniques and the hands on section where doctors will be taught a limited number of techniques which they can use right after the workshop.

The Resource Instructors are expected to showcase Oido de Caburata Aguilar Style, Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis, and Conceptual Arnis.

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

2010-08-30T03:49:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-08-30T03:30:00.000-07:00

“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.”

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

2010-08-29T03:53:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2010-08-27T04:08:00.000-07:00

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).