ORIGINAL TAPADO REUNION Part I: The Gathering By: James U. Sy Jr.

Not less than 40 members of the Mamar and Lobrido Clans, association officers and members, old and new masters, instructors, and practitioners of the art, and special guests from Bacolod, Bago, Cadiz, Hinigaran, and Iloilo converged at the Lobrido Residence, Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City last February 24, 2008 for the 2008 Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. General Reunion.

The Reunion, the third to be held under the leadership of Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, was officially started with a pilgrimage to the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Brgy. Pta. Taytay, Bacolod City , where the late Founder of Original Filipino Tapado, Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar, was laid to rest. The group offered flowers and prayers for the deceased.

The late Founder/Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar founded the indigenous long stick fighting art Original Filipino Tapado in 1960 in Brgy. Taloc, Bago City after studying Lagas, Oido, Layaw, and Sinamak from 4 grandmasters.

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

Lunch followed at the Lobrido Residence. The reunion proper began with a prayer by Pastor Romeo N. Gumban. Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, the late Founder’s nephew and the 1st Generation Inheritor of his long stick fighting art, welcomed and thanked all who were in attendance for continuously supporting and upholding the tradition and ideals of Original Filipino Tapado.

The art of Original Filipino Tapado was founded way before its official governing body, the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. (SEC registration No. CN200530787), was established in 1984, when the art was taught to the public. Prior to that, Original Filipino Tapado was only practiced among family members of the Mamar and Lobrido Clans.

“Bebing” Lobrido (B: 1950) was among those very first to study the art directly from the Founder, in 1960, when he was just 10 years old. From then on he became the assistant of his uncle and ultimately, the Chief Instructor of all Tapado practitioners, second only to GM Mamar. He had fought a number of challenge matches in defense of the reputation of Original Filipino Tapado in place of his uncle. GM Lobrido has a total of 48 years of experience in Original Filipino Tapado. Many renowned martial artists, both in Arnis and empty handed arts, can trace their OFT knowledge from GM Lobrido.

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

OFTLSFA, Inc. Secretary General James U. Sy Jr. gave the body a review of the group’s activities and achievements during the past year. It was noted that Original Filipino Tapado was presented in Bacolod , Bago, Himamaylan, Iloilo , Sagay, and San Carlos , among others and 7 promotions to Senior Instructor were made by GM Lobrido for members from Bacolod , Bago, Iloilo , and Murcia . Other developments were also reported to the body.

During the Word from the GM, GM Lobrido reported to the body that his daughter, Rubie, met up with Jojo Apelyedo, a balikbayan from Chicago, USA last February 3. Apelyedo informed Rubie that rumor in their place had it that Tapado is already dead because the Founder is already dead. Rubie invited Apelyedo to talk with his dad. Inspite of the body laughing at the revelation, GM lobrido enjoined everybody to not be affected by sucvh rumors and just continue the legacy the Founder left. He assured the body that with him around Original Filipino Tapado will never be dead. The body affirmed their support for the art’s 1st Generation Inheritor.

The body unanimously agreed to retain the same set of officers as elected in 2007. Those serving for another term are GM Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido (President), John “Jun-Jun” Maravilla (VP), James U. Sy Jr. (Secretary General), Alfredo M. Lobrido (Asst. Secretary), Michael Rosquillo (Treasurer), Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado (Auditor), Dr. Raymund Antoinio A. Maguad (Business Manager), Master Joe A. Pamilangco and Wilson M. Cejas (PIO), and Master Nelson G. Carmona, Joeffrey S. Deriada, Lafayette A. Diamante, Pastor Romeo N. Gumban, Master Clodualdo “Budoy” M. Lobrido, Jevenio T. Magbanua, Hernando T. Mamar, Jinny Mamar, Romeo “Tokong” Mamnar Jr., Rodolfo P. Mayordomo, Master Elmer V. Montoyo, Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo, Ronie P. Ngalongalay, Rolito A. Ruelan, Erodgie O. Sepe, Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon, and Rodolfo N. Zambales.

GM Lobrido is the 4th president of OFTLSFAI, having served since 2005 up to the present. GM Mamar, was the 3rd president, serving from 1989 to 2005.