8th Bakbakan of Eskrimadors @ Gaisano City This Sat by James U. Sy Jr.

Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. Officers and Board Directors during the conclusion of the group's monthly meeting last July 8, 2012 at the Sea Breeze Hotel, San Juan St., Bacolod City. From left: Master James U. Sy Jr., Master Gualberto Dajao, Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo, P/Supt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez, Founder/President Emeritus Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo "Pope" C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., current President P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao "Eslao" T. Guarra, Grandmaster Danilo "Danny" Cardinal, Master Abraham "Abe" Ganzon Jr., and Master Roy R. Flores Sr. (Felix A. Guinabo/NOBF photo). The Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) of Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo will be presenting the 8th Bakbakan of Eskrimadors "Higutay Duel" this coming July 29, 2012, 1:30 PM, at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Aranatea St., Bacolod City. There will be segments for exhibitions of different systems/styles of Arnis/Eskrima founded and/or practiced in the province of Negros Occidental. About 15 Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) groups are expected to participate. Among those systems confirmed to be demonstrated include Arjuka, Guarra Style Modern Arnis, Conceptual Arnis, Herada Pigada, Oido de Cinco Henerales, Original Filipino Tapado, and Trece Grabes Piga-Piga System. The other half of the event will be a competition that will be using the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) rules of Arnis competition. Currently, there are several established rules of Arnis competition, each one having their own merits. The WEKAF set of rules, introduced by the Cebuanos, is the pioneering version of sport Arnis which makes use of full body armor and live sticks. This set of rules was adopted by the first national governing body of the sport, the National Arnis Association of the Philippines (NARAPHIL), in the 1970's. During the change of power in 1986, the NARAPHIL was changed by the Arnis Philippines, which soon developed a set of rules which used head and body protectors and padded sticks. Its rules, and later a modification of it, was adapted by the Department of Education (DepEd) for use in interschool competitions. Another set of rules that has come to prominence in later years is the one developed by the IMAFP, also using helmet and body armor and padded sticks but with some differences in rulings with Arnis Philippines. The IFFMAS rules, which will be used in the coming tournament, is actually a revival of an old format of Arnis play used by arnisdadors of old in Negros, Panay, and Negros. The format, now with revisions, is composed of three rounds of 30 seconds each. The first round will see the first player act as the defender and will stay in a circle with a diameter of 1.80 m. The other player, staying outside the circle, will act as attacker; the one inside the circle will show his skill in defending against attacks. The roles are reversed in the second round. In the third round the players are allowed to go offense and defense. A modification of the IFFMAS rules will also be showcased in the higutay match ups. The same set of rules will be adapted but contestants will have a rope tied to their waists to discourage running away. This is another traditional competition format in the old days. Details of the tournaments were taken up during the monthly meeting of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. last July 8, 2012 at the Sea Breeze Hotel, San Juan St., Bacolod City. Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo organized the event in cooperation with Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall represented by Advertising Officer Nomer Lobaton, Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. of Founder/President Emeritus Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo "Pope" C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., and current President P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao "Eslao" T. Guarra, Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), Inc. under its President Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, and Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr.

COS It's All PLAY To Unfold This sat. by: James U. Sy Jr.

The COS It’s All PLAY: The First Encounter will be presented by the SAS Inc. this coming July 28, 2012, Sunday, 4:00PM, at the Terra Dolce Mall, Corner Hilado Ext., 13th St., Bacolod City. The competition will have two categories: youngsters (below 18 years old) and adults (18 years old and above). Contestants for the youngsters category must have their parents' and/or legal guardians' consent. The adults category is further subdivided into individuals and groups. Group cosplayers are required to have a minimum of 4 members and must not exceed 8 members. Cosplayers will be given 1 minute for individuals and 3 minutes for groups exposure to give their best in portraying their chosen character. Criteria for judging are as follows: craftsmanship (40%), accuracy of costumes (30%), stage portrayal (20%), and audience impact (10%). Prizes for the Youngsters category are P 2,500 (grand prize), P 1,500 (1st runner up), and P 1,000 (2nd runner up). For adults category - individual, P 5,000 (grand prize), P 3,000 (1st runner up), and P 1,000 (2nd runner up) and group, P 2,000. A special award, The People's Choice Award (Facebook Like Contest), will also be given (P2,000). Gift certificates will also be given away. Last July 22, 2012, a pictorial was held by SAS Inc. with Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB) sports writer James U. Sy Jr. for registered contestants. Cosplayers who attended include Geanne Blanco (Neru Akita from Vocaloid), 15, of La Consolacion College (LCC)- Bacolod, Earl John Buncio (Naruto), 7, of Josebio Lopez Gonzaga Memorial School (Sagay), Ellyza Julia Diane Buncio, 6, of Josebio L. Gonzaga Memorial School, Jelian Mae Canlas, 14, of Bata National High School, Marvin V. Donasco, 21, of Sagay City (Death the Kid), Cheska Gabriell P. Estores (Barbie Mariposa), 4, of San Enrique Seventh Day Adventist Elementary School, Jeson "Xelextine" Matrimonio, 21, of Victorias City, Camille Jade G. Proximo (Sailor Mars), 8, of Binalbagan Catholic College (BCC), and Angel Faith Yelo (Yuna The Gunner) of Josebio L. Gonzaga Memorial School.

COS It's All PLAY contestant Geanne Blanco (Neru Akita from Vocaloid), 15, of La Consolacion College (LCC)- Bacolod (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Geanne Blanco (Neru Akita from Vocaloid), 15, of La Consolacion College (LCC)- Bacolod doing a front kick (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Earl John Buncio (Naruto), 7, of Josebio Lopez Gonzaga Memorial School (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Ellyza Julia Diane Buncio, 6, of Josebio Lopez Gonzaga Memorial School (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY Jelian Mae Canlas, 14, of Bata National High School (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Marvin V. Donasco, 21, of Sagay City (Death the Kid) (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Cheska Gabriell P. Estores (Barbie Mariposa),4, San Enrique Seventh Day Adventist Elementary School (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Cheska Gabriell P. Estores (Barbie Mariposa),4, San Enrique Seventh Day Adventist Elementary School with giant chess pieces (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Jeson "Xelextine" Matrimonio, 21, of Victorias City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Camille Jade G. Proximo (Sailor Mars), 8, of Binalbagan catholic College (BCC) (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Angel Faith Yelo (Yuna The Gunner) of Josebio L. Gonzaga Memorial School (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Cosplayers who attended the COS It's All PLAY pictorial last July 22, 2012 at the Terra Dolce Mall (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Angel Faith Yelo (Yuna The Gunner) and Marvin V. Donasco (Death the Kid) (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Cheska Gabriell P. Estores (Barbie Mariposa), Ritchie Vargas of SAS Inc., and Camille Jade G. Proximo (Sailor Mars) (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Geanne Blanco (Neru Akita from Vocaloid) with Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB) writer James U. Sy Jr. (CMAS Photo).

Angel Faith Yelo (Yuna The Gunner) with Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB) writer James U. Sy Jr. (CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Camille Jade G. Proximo (Sailor Mars) with Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB) writer James U. Sy Jr. (CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Cheska Gabriell P. Estores (Barbie Mariposa) with Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB) writer James U. Sy Jr. (CMAS Photo).

Jelian Mae Canlas with Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB) writer James U. Sy Jr. (CMAS Photo).

1st Neg. Occ. Baston Fed. Rank Exams Held

The Examiners for the 1st NOBF Rank Examinations, the three highest ranking grandmasters in the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc., at the Golden Kamagong International (formerly Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association) Main Gym, 3/F De La Rama Center, Luzuriaga St., Bacolod City. From left: current President P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, Founder and President Emeritus Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., and Vice President P/Supt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez (CMAS/NOBF photo).

Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo defending against the attack of NOBF President P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra during the 1st NOBF Rank Examinations at the Golden Kamagong International (formerly Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association) Main Gym, 3/F De La Rama Center, Luzuriaga St., Bacolod City (CMAS/NOBF photo).

Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo defending against the attack of NOBF Vice President P/Supt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez during the 1st NOBF Rank Examinations at the Golden Kamagong International (formerly Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association) Main Gym, 3/F De La Rama Center, Luzuriaga St., Bacolod City (CMAS/NOBF photo).

Master James U. Sy Jr. defending against the attack of NOBF Founder and President Emeritus Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., during the 1st NOBF Rank Examinations at the Golden Kamagong International (formerly Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association) Main Gym, 3/F De La Rama Center, Luzuriaga St., Bacolod City (CMAS/NOBF photo).

Master James U. Sy Jr. defending against the attack of NOBF President P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra during the 1st NOBF Rank Examinations at the Golden Kamagong International (formerly Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association) Main Gym, 3/F De La Rama Center, Luzuriaga St., Bacolod City (CMAS/NOBF photo).

Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. officers - from left: Master James U. Sy Jr., P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, Col. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., P/Supt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez, and Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo - during the 1st NOBF Rank Examinations at the Golden Kamagong International (formerly Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association) Main Gym, 3/F De La Rama Center, Luzuriaga St., Bacolod City (CMAS/NOBF photo). The 1st NOBF Rank Examinations were held by the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. last July 15, 2012, Sunday, at the Golden Kamagong International (formerly Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association) Main Gym, 3/F De La Rama Center, Luzuriaga St., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. The Examiners were the three highest ranking grandmasters of the federation, namely Founder and President Emeritus Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., current President P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, and Vice President P/Insp. (Ret.) Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez. The trio grandmasters have over a hundred years of combined experience in the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) of Arnis/Eskrima/Baston and each one had, in his own way, contributed to the growth and propagation of the native martial traditions in the province of Negros Occidental. GM Jalandoon founded the NOBF in the early years of the 21st Century to bring arnisadors of different systems/styles together in a concentrated effort to propagate and promote the Filipino martial traditions. The Negros Occidental Arnis Association (NOAA, later Negros Occidental Arnis Federation), founded in 1986, was the predecessor of the NOBF. When NOAF faded away, it took several years before the NOBF was established to fill the void left behind by the NOAF. NOBF initially joined as a member organization of the Union of Martial Artist of Negros and Bacolod (UMA-ONEBA), an alliance which was predominantly composed of karatekas, but later operated independently to better focus on Arnis/Eskrima promotion and activities. GM Lopez and GM Guarra served as NOBF Vice Presidents for Bacolod and South Negros Respectively under the leadership of GM Jalandoon. In 2099, GM Jalandoon designated GM Guarra to replace him as NOBF President upon his retirement. GM Guarra’s first pet project was the rank examination for federation members. For one reason or the other, this plan was shelved up until now. The federation previously recognized the ranks/titles that its school head-members were utilizing in principle, and in a few cases certified, and accord to those who do not yet have any. The examinations are simply formalities wherein the Examiners can check if the bearer of the rank/title lives up to the honor. The examinations, however, were voluntary and those who do not wish to take it has the liberty to do so. Examinees were Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo, Founder of the Trese Grabes Piga-Piga System of Arnis and the Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS), and Master James U. Sy Jr., Founder of Conceptual Arnis/Martial Arts System and Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. While they were already certified in their respective arts previously, the candidates were being tested for NOBF rank. Master Roy R. Flores, Founder of Hangaway Arnis and Tribu Hangaway Philippines, was willing to take the exams but could not make it to the exams because he was out of town. The NOBF ranks will be awarded in a formal ceremony which will be announced soon. A second batch of examinations will be given if there are other school head-members that would be interested. The NOBF welcomes interested clubs in Negros Occidental who wish to join its roster. Inquiries may be directed to the Secretary General at 0946-398-2117.

Tribu Aikido Rank Promotions Held by: James U. Sy Jr.

Newly promoted colored belts in Tribu Aikido pose with (kneeling from left) Instructor Rexan Slade Saron, Master Roy R. Flores Sr., and Instructor Jimmy Soquiña after the awarding ceremonies of the Tribu Hangaway Philippines Rank Promotions last May 27, 2012 at the Villa Servandos Sapphire Resort, Airport Subd., Bacolod City (Tribu Hangaway Philippines photo). 24 students were promoted to their next ranks in Tribu Aikido by Master Roy R. Flores Sr., 6th Degree Black Belt, under the sanction of the Tribu Hangaway Philippines last May 27, 2012 at the Villa Servandos Sapphire Resort, Airport Subd., Bacolod City. Those promoted from White to Green Belt were Clark Bernasol, Melanie Deriada, Hans |Greziella Gonzales, Laurence Bryce Molbog, Matthan Joseph Molbog, Juniel Pareñas, Ma. Vachel Anna Ramos, Gepzern Mitch Rodriguez, Stephanie Sagal, Jsminpsul Sapalo, Mykah Tacsagon, and Joice “Honey” Villacin; from Green to Purple Belt, Reycyl Inmasino, Rez Jereos, Jason Lorella, Michael Mangubat, Justin Molbog, Stephen John Sapalo, and Mark Anthony Siabo; from Purple to Yellow Belt, Ralph Joel Melgar Bayot; from Yellow to Blue Belt, Paolo Sy and Althea May Tornea; and from Blue to Brown Belt, Roy C. Flores Jr. and Ken Paolo Gilo. The examinations for the promoted aikidokas were conducted the day before, May 26, 2012, at the Tribu Hangaway Philippines General Headquarters, 3rd Floor Golden Heritage Building, San Juan st., Bacolod City. A week before the examinations, members of the Tribu Hangaway Philippines competed in the 3rd Tribu Aikido Competition & Exhibtion at the atrium area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City. Tribu Hangaway Philippines is a proud member of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), Inc. and the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc.

Mothering: The Oldest, Youngest, and Most Prolific Mothers in the World by James U. Sy Jr.

This article is already a bit late for Mother’s Day but it’s better late than never. Traditionally, women were generally accepted to be able to bear a child up to their 30’s. However, with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment, it has now become possible to artificially impregnate a woman twice that age and some more. Over the years, a number of women had been given the distinction as the world's oldest mother. However, records like this get broken now and then. The latest holder of this record is Rajo Devi Lohan gave birth via caesarean section to her only child, daughter Naveen, to farmer Balla in India in November 2008 at the age of 70. Another Indian woman, Omkari Panwar, also gave birth to twins - a boy and girl - via caesarean section at the age of 70. While Panwar was also dubbed as the world's oldest mother in news reports, this claim is debatable since she has no birth certificate; she uses the date of India's independence (1947) to gauge her age. She remembers being nine when the British left India. Yet another Indian woman, Bhateri Devi (B: May 21, 1944), is dubbed as the world's oldest mother of triplets when she gave birth via caesarean to two boys and a girl on May 29, 2010 in India at the age of 66. The distinction as the world's oldest mother was previously held by former shop worker Maria del Carmen Bousada de Lara of Spain, who she gave birth to twin boys (Christian and Pau) on December 29, 2006 at the age of 66. Another woman given the distinction as the world's oldest mother in other news reports was Romanian Adriana Iliescu who gave birth to a daughter, Eliza, at age 66 in January 2005. She however, is 130 days younger than Bousada. Meanwhile, businesswoman Elizabeth Adeney of Suffolk is the oldest mother in Great Britain at age 66. The previous record holder was psychiatrist Dr. Patricia Rashbrook who had a son at age 62. The common denominator for all these seven elderly mothers is that they went through IVF treatment. Both Lohan and Devi had fertility treatment at the National Fertility Centre in Haryana. Bousada travelled to the US for fertility treatment at the Pacific Fertility Clinic in Los Angeles; Adeney travelled to Ukraine; and Rashbrook travelled to Russia in 2006. Lohan spent £2,000; Panwar, 350,000 rupees (£4,375 or $9,000); and Bousada (£30,000). There were outbursts and criticisms for these treatments since letting these elderly women go into the procedure placed them at great risks due to their advanced ages. These concerns are not without basis. After the cesarean birth, Lohan’s womb ruptured and she suffered severe internal bleeding. She later had to have another operation to remove a large ovarian cyst. 18 months later she was dying. Bousada was diagnosed with cancer after giving birth. Less than three years later she died although the exact cause of death has not been confirmed by the hospital. It has been observed that IVF treatment tends to result to multiple births, as was the case for Lohan, Devi, Panwar, and Bousada. Panwar’s twins were born a month premature and only weighed 2 lbs. each. Statistics show that the chance of a woman having twins is increased after the age of 35; about 1 in 27 women will give birth to twins after this age. After 50 the chances of having twins is 1 in 9. Bousada had to lie about her age since the American clinic had set the maximum age for single women undergoing the procedure at 55. Adeney and Rashbrook had to go overseas since most clinics in Great Britain will not treat women above the age of 50 although there is no official age limit. So what drove these women to take the risk? Generally, the need to become and the feeling of being mothers. In the case of Omkari Panwar and her husband retired farmer Charan Singh Panwar, 75 (2008), to have a son and heir. The couple has two grown up daughters and five grandchildren but they wanted a male. The other extreme of mothering is at an early age. A 10 year old Colombian girl from the town of Manaure, Colombia, who is a member of the indigenous tribe Wayuu, gave birth to a baby girl via caesarean section in April 2012 in Colombia. Giving birth at an early age is part of the Wayuu tribe culture. The girl, however, does not hold the record for the youngest mother in the world. The world's youngest mother is Lina Medina of Peru, who gave birth to a baby boy just two weeks after her 5th birthday in 1933. The delivery was via caesarean section since her pelvis was too small. She has not named the father and it is unclear whether or not she knows herself. On a related note, the world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910. The largest number of children born to one woman is 69 babies. A Russian peasant woman gave birth to 16 sets of twins, 7 sets of triplets and 4 sets of quadruplets for the period 1725-1765. Another woman gave birth to twins 56 days apart (and in different years) in Sydney, Australia (December 17, 1952 and February 10, 953).

Tribe WAR IX A Success by James U. Sy Jr.

The Tribe W.A.R. IX was successfully held by the Tribu Hangaway Philippines of Master Roy R. Flores Sr. in cooperation with Aksyon Radyo Bacolod Philippines and Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall last April 28, 2012 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City. DEMONSTRATIONS. The Society for the Advancement of Karate-do Sports International Karate Daigaku (SAK-IKD) under Philippine Karate federation (PKF) Bacolod Director Edilberto A. Arcositas Sensei gave a series of kata demonstrations that included Heian Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan, and Godan, Sochin, Bassai Dai, etc. as well as ippon kumite “one step sparring” and bunkai “application.” Leading the demo team was Rochelle Dullan, member of the Philippine National Training Pool. The Tribu Hangaway Philippines Aikido Kids demo team was led by Jared Turbanos, 2nd Degree Black Belt, in performing Combat Aikido breakfalling techniques, club, knife, kicking, women’s, and multiple attackers defense, jointlocks and throws. The parents gave all out support to all the kids who performed. Grandmaster Rodrigo Berdin and Master Luciano “Nick” Montoya of Murcia gave a demonstration of Oido de Cinco Henerales which included the defenses and counterattacks for the 5 strikes, the use of the Ekis Y reverse stick grip against various attacks, and an assortment of disarming techniques. Henny Gerochi, an honor student from St. Scholastica’s Academy, and Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. represented Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. with a demonstration of the otso-otso against all and any attacks and a grabbing defense technique. MUAY THAI DIVISION. Overall champion was Iloilo Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts of Rene Catalan with a 3-1 win streak, followed by host Tribu Hangaway Philippines (THP) of Master Roy R. Flores Sr. (2-4) and Deftac Bacolod Fight Club (DBFC) of Edwin J. Tusil (2-2). Michael Rama of THP over Emmanuel Santoyo of Iloilo via points. Charlyn Seulo of Iloilo over Althea Tornea of THP via points. Jomar Galasa of Iloilo over Rexsan Slade Saron of THP via RSC-OC. Gileo Chan of DBFC over Franklin Olimpos of THP via points. Brian Mendanillo of DBFC over Logien Eduardo of THP via unanimous decision. Johnwel Catalan of THP, 180 lbs., over Marvin Marquez of DBFC, 205 lbs. Michael Catalan of Iloilo over Neptali Taric of DBFC via TKO at 0.16 of the 3rd round. GRAPPLING DIVISION. Overall champion was Submission Sports Philippines-Bacolod Team (SSP-BT) of Adrian Gellana with a 3-0 win streak, followed by the Deftac Bacolod Fight Club (DBFC) of Edwin J. Tusil (2-1) and host Tribu Hangaway Philippines (THP) (0-2). Renz Cristan of DBFC over Jed Mariano of THP via points. Charles Lizares of SSP-BT over Jerry de la Cruz of THP via default. Ming Gorgin of SSP-BT over Jules Ciles of DBFC via submission at 3.11 with a key lock. Mark Peronce of SSP-BT over Francis Lamata of DBFC via submission at 1.44 with a triangle choke. Officials were Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr. of Tribu Hangaway Philippines (Tournament Director/Referee - Muay Thai), Aksyon Eric Magbanua of Aksyon Radyo Bacolod Philippines (Media Partner), Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (Master of Ceremonies/Record Keeper/Documentation), Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) Iloilo Director Ronnie Catalan (Head Jury), Muay Thai champion Robin Catalan of Iloilo Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts (Referee - Muay Thai), Muhamad El Helou of Bacolod City Judo Club (Referee - Grappling), Michelle Abancio, Annabelle Santos, and Lucia Tornea of THP (Judges), Lyle Perje of THP (Timekeeper), Chester Laquian (Coach), Dr. Ernel Tomimbang, Dr. Eduardo Galon, Liza Caberoy, Eliza sabordo, Ravesa Deocampo, Nicole Vasquez, Celedonio Balaran, and Janis Javelosa of the Provincial health Office, Health Emergency and Disaster Management Team (Medical Team), Mel Rose Aguilar and Sandra bartolome of THP (Round Girls), and Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, Masters Elmer P. Montoyo and Earnest Christian P. Montoyo, and Kyosanim Hieroteo “Didoy” Villarosa of Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. and Prof. Joenel Campomanes of USLS Karate-do (Guests). Sponsors were Aksyon Radyo Bacolod Philippines, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, and 1 on 1 Boxing Gym.

BACIWA Impostors & other Scams Part IV by Han Shrng

It’s unfortunate that snatching and pickpocketing have become rampant and common in the City of Smile. While we the public expect to be protected by the police, we could not leave everything to them because they may not be within proximity when a crime happens. The public must be by themselves vigilant. Take note that the normal way by which a person would text uses a very loose grip, otherwise pressing would be difficult. This is the basis for a fast snatch. One way to minimize, if not eliminate, this weakness is to hold your phone with both hands. Elders would often tell us better not to text all together in public, especially in crowded places. Personally when I text I’d rather lean against a wall so I only have to look over at a 180 degrees angle as opposed to an open space where you have to secure the 360 degrees around you. The speed by which snatchers move, however, must not be underestimated. They move fast. They have to. The key here then is whenever we’re in public we don’t give any person an opportunity to get the better of us. I’ve seen some teens hanging their cellphones on their necks with a strap. I find it so inviting for snatchers and gives them easier access to your belonging. Ideally, cellphones must be hidden from view. Women riding a jeep must put their shoulder bags in front and on their laps, rather than on their side where it is more accessible to pickpockets. When you get on a jeepney, always look at the faces of all the other passengers. This may come in handy later when police will ask you to identify a suspect(s). Pickpockets normally operate with a partner or partners, and more often than not, they are armed with knives. It pays to see where the hands of the persons to your sides are. I would personally feel uneasy if I don’t see at least one of his hands. A usual method of pickpockets is to cover one arm (logically the arm farther from you) with an empty or nearly empty backpack, newspaper, folder, or any similar cover. From below he will manipulate his arm, either opening your bag or slashing it with a blade. I have personally experienced this when a middle aged man tried to insert his hand on my left front pocket. I punched him twice and he threatened to knife me. That’s an entirely different story but suffice to say luckily I wasn’t hurt. I have personally encountered pickpockets/snatchers at least three times, two of them with physical interaction. It has come to my attention that when you catch these criminals red handed, they will tend to pawala, as if nothing happened, and would look out the window. Once they have a chance, they will get off the vehicle. If the jeepeney has a lot of space but someone keeps on pushing himself to you, just get ready. Some drivers know these pickpockets and some have been kind enough to ask them to get off or issue warnings to the passengers and still some just keep quite for fear that they will be stabbed. There are also times when you will witness a pickpocket incident unfolding before you. There is no one-fits-all advice what to do. It will all depend on the situation. As I have said these men will surely be armed with knives and you have to calculate whatever move you do. You wouldn’t want to end up on the hospital, or worse in the morgue. Some have successfully helped others from being picked but some have been unlucky when the pickpockets turned on them. A friend of mine, who successfully help foil an attempted pickpocket, made signals to the would be woman victim and later went down the jeep with her, just before the crime was consummated, making it appear that he was with her. While on foot, I would suggest that you walk against traffic. Why? News have told us that there are motorcycle riding men who would snatch belongings and speed away. If you go against the traffic, you can see all vehicles coming at you, including motorcycles. When you see a suspicious looking motorcycle approaching, you can immediately change your path. Let’s face it, a motorcycle will be faster so we need to see it even before it is in front of us so we can react accordingly. And put your should bag on the side away from the road, so it is farther from a snatcher on a motorcycle (just be careful against snatchers on foot, though). Normally, these motorcycle-riding snatchers operate in twos and more often than not they would be wearing helmets to appear normal and hide their identities. We can go on and on but considering space limitations I have just given you an overview on this menace to society. I will leave the rest to your imagination.