2ND PANAY CONCEPTUAL MARTIAL ART SEMINAR
The 2nd Panay Conceptual Martial Arts Seminar “The World of Arnis and Kung Fu Take Two ” was hosted by the Tuburan Study
Center (TSC) last May 10, 2006 at the Tuburan Study Center, 49 Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City.
Resource persons were Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS)-Iloilo Chapter Head Dr. Raymund Antonio A. Maguad and
members Dr. Rey Mollenido and Dr. Eugene “Bong” Alicante Jr. All the guest speakers were from the College of Medicine of the
West Visayas State University (WVSU).
15 students from the St. Catalina International School, St. Joseph High School, and Westbridge School for Boys were in
attendance.
The seminar was the second of its kind to be held at the Tuburan Study Center, the first one being held last February 4, 2006.
The resource persons introduced more historical, cultural, philosophical, and technical aspects of the Negrense Filipino Martial
Arts (FMA) of Original Filipino Tapado, Oido de Caburata, and Yasay Sable and the Chinese Wushu style of long quan (dragon
fist).
TSC was founded in 1991 as a project of the Daguiao Foundation Inc. to help students of Iloilo City to learn current socio-cultural
matters and interesting activities from their peers and professionals. Project coordinator is Roger P. Sarmiento.
CMAS is a non-profit network of professionals-martial artists founded in October 2002 to research, document, systematize,
organize, preserve, and propagate the various warrior traditions of Negrense FMA as well as other Asian and Occidental martial
arts. CMAS-Iloilo was started by Dr. Maguad last June 2005. CMAS-IC is the first group to introduce the aforementioned arts in a
seminar-demo setting in the Panay Island
3RD PANAY CONCEPTUAL MARTIAL ART SEMINAR HELD
The 3rd Panay Conceptual Martial Arts Seminar “Tapado Goes to Iloilo ” was conduced by Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick
Fighting Association (OFTLSFA) President Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido and Philippine Integrated Martial Arts
Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA) Founder/President Master Elmer V. Montoyo at the West Visayas
State University Medical Center (WVSUMC) Doctors’ Quarters and then at the Iloilo Sports Complex, Lapaz, Iloilo City.
The Bago and Bacolod-based instructors conducted the intensive training for the 4 doctor-members of the Conceptual Martial
Arts Society (CMAS), Inc.-Iloilo Chapter: Chapter Head Dr. Raymund Antonio A. Maguad, Dr. Frank Gellada, Dr. Rey Mollenido,
and Dr. Jason Rojas.
It was the 3rd formal training under GM Lobrido for the doctors except for Dr. Maguad who took up tapado several months
earlier. The first 2 trainings were during the 5th and 7th Negros Conceptual Martial Arts Seminar held last April 13, 2006 and May
13, 2006 respectively.
GM Lobrido worked on the doctors’ basics and introduced the salta and torsido lines from tapado’s primary course.
7TH NEGROS CONCEPTUAL MARTIAL ART SEMINAR HELD
The 7th Negros Conceptual Martial Arts Seminar “Intensive Training in Negrense FMA” was jointly held by the Original Filipino
Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., and Philippine Integrated
Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA) for 3 visiting doctor-members of CMAS-Iloilo Chapter last
May 13, 2006 at the PIMAA-FTSDA Gym, Group K Complex, Brgy. Tangub, Bacolod City.
The principal focus of the seminar was the primary course of Original Filipino Tapado which was taught by OFTLSFA President
Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido. GM Lobrido reviewed CMAS-IC Head Dr. Raymund Antonio A. Maguad and
members Dr. Rey Mollenido and Dr. Jason Rojas of the previous materials they had covered in the 5th edition of the NCMAS and
added the other lines for the primary course. Aside from the standard tapado long stick, GM Lobrido also introduced the visiting
doctors to the tapado short stick.
The visiting doctors, who were from the College of Medicine of the West Visayas State University (WVSU), started their training
in tapado under Dr. Maguad sometime last year. The seminar was Dr. Mollenido’s and Dr. Rojas’ second time to formally train
under the guidance of GM Lobrido.
Others who attended the tapado segment of the training were PIMAA-FTSDA Founder/OFTLSFA Secretary Master Elmer V.
Montoyo, PIMAA-FTSDA Asst. Chief Instructor Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo, Tapondo International Federation Inc. (TIFI) Negros
Chief Instructor Roy R. Flores Sensei, CMAS Founders Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado and James U. Sy Jr., and CMAS Business
Manager/Guarra Style Modern Arnis and Self Defense Association (GSMASDA) Secretary Francis Stephen A. Diaz.
The session also marked the start of the formal training of Flores Sensei in the indigenous Bagoueño long stick fighting art of
Original Filipino Tapado, after having his first session last October 8, 2006, also under GM Lobrido. Flores Sensei heads the
largest aikido group in Negros Occidental and perhaps, in the Negros Island. He is also the Oriental Negros Coordinator of the
Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP).
Later in the afternoon, Dr. Mollenido and Dr. Rojas had an introductory course on knife defense with Master Montoyo (Filipino
Tang Soo Do) and Alojado and Sy (Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis System). The seminar ended with Dr. Maguad reviewing CMAS-Main
members the two man sets of long quan (dragon fist).
The first 6 editions of the Negros Conceptual Martial Arts Seminar were Universal Fundamentals (January 28, 2005), Tai Chi
Chuan as Stress Management (June 2005), Introduction to Arnis Basics (July 2, 2005), Reality Based Martial Arts (January 20,
2006), Fundamentals of Tapado (April 14, 2006), and Introduction to Pencak Silat Olahraga Basics (April 24-28, 2006). Each
edition was taught by a different instructor or group of instructors.
1ST BRGY. DOLIS, CALATRAVA KICKBOX A SUCCESS
The 1st Barangay Dolis, Calatrava Invitational Karate Kickboxing Tournament was successfully held by Gaudioso Enim of the
Negros Occidental Federation of Kickboxing Association (NOFEKA) with the sponsorship of Brgy. Capt. Anaclito Belangel and
other Brgy. Dolis officials last May 22, 2006 in Brgy. Dolis, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.
Eight martial arts organizations from Bacolod City, Calatrava, San Carlos City, and Victorias City figured in 13 hard hitting
kickboxing action. 4 other clubs gave officiating support to the event.
San Carlos Jungle Fighters Martial Arts Club (SACA JUFIMAC)/Centralian Fighters Martial Arts Club (CEFIMAC)-CNC Chapter of
Founder/Chief Instructor Diomedes N. Mamugay and the Negrido Defense Club (NEDEC, Victorias City) of Founder/Chief
Instructor Ian Negrido each took 3 wins.
Golden Scorpion (GS, Bacolod) of Founder/Chief Instructor Herminio Lagumbay and Philippine Martial Arts Self Defense
Association (PMSDA, Calatrava) of Founder Bernabe Sarin each took 2 wins while Red Condor Martial Arts Club (RCMAC,
Victorias) of Founder Antonio Moises Sr. and Red Eagle Karate Club (REKC, Victorias) of Founder/Chief Instructor/VP Cesar
Java each got a win.
36 KG. Ronni Caballero of RCMAC over Martian Pampag of REKC.
40 KG. Kim Brian Segura of REKC over Andromal Moises of RCMAC.
42 KG. Arnel Marino of JUFIMAC/CEFIMAC over Antonio Moises Jr. of RCMAC.
45 KG. Richard Claveras of NEDEC over Antonio Almencion Jr. of JUFIMAC/CEFIMAC.
50 KG. Rene F. Ortiz of JUFIMAC/CEFIMAC over Panlaan of PMSDA.
52 KG. Roel Gonzales of GS over Jonathan Torino of PMSDA.
54 KG. Anthony de Asis of NEDEC over Ronald Esperagera of PMSDA.
55 KG. Ronnie Panlaan of PMSDA over Arnel M. Arino of JUFIMAC/CEFIMAC.
56 KG. Giovannie Fermin of PMSDA over Harry Sta. Ana of NEDEC.
60 KG. Johnmar Palabrica of JUFIMAC/CEFIMAC over Danilo de Asis of NEDEC.
OTHER BOUTS. Coronel Alauderes of GS over Jerry Nodnod of JUFIMAC/CEFIMAC. Nilrax de Cape of NEDEC over Reynaldo
Simeon of JUFIMAC/CEFIMAC. Roy Paril and July Chavez fought to a draw.
Referees were Gaudiose Enim of REKC, Fernando Boy Hilay of Tigers Karate Club (San Carlos City), Rodolfo Jermina of Black
Buffalo Martial Arts Club (Victorias), and Ian Negrido of NEDEC. Judges were Inocencio Biboso, Herminio Lagumbay of GS, and
Wilfredo Teleron of White crane Martial Arts (San Carlos City). Also present was the Club 43 NEDEC of Antonio Chavez
(Bacolod City).
3RD NEG. OCC. MUAY SEMINAR TO BE SPONSORED BY JUFIMAC
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Muay Association of the Philippines (M.A.P.) Visayas and Region 7 Head Kru Ike Villaflores of Dumaguete
City
The San Carlos Jungle Fighters Martial Arts Club (SACA JUFIMAC) and Centralian Fighters Martial Arts Club (CEFIMAC) of
Founder/Chief Instructor Diomedes N. Mamugay and the Combat Taekwondo Club-Main (CTC-Main) of Founder/President Ret. Lt.
Col. Epifamio F. Mercado are set to sponsor the 3rd Negros Occidental M.A.P. Muay Boran Instructors Course “The Introduction
of Muay Thai to San Carlos” this coming July 8-9, 2006 at the CTC-Main Gym, San Carlos City.
The seminar will be conducted by Muay Association of the Philippines (M.A.P.) Visayas and Region 7 Head Kru Ike Villaflores of
Dumaguete City. M.A.P.-Negros Occidental Chapter Coordinator James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS)
will also be present.
The Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) is the sole National Sport Association (NSA) for amateur Muay Thai in the
Philippines as recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).
Muay is a Thai word which means “to pull together to form a single group” and refers to Thailand’s national martial art, sport, and
“Science of the 8 limbs” (fists, elbows, legs, and knees). Muay Thai has a colorful history stretching back thousands of years. It
has enjoyed support from the Thai Royal Family since the 12th Century A.D.
Muay Thai, in simple terms, is kickboxing with elbows and knees added in. Clinching (controlling the neck) is allowed as well as
throwing from that position. Judo throws, however, such as shoulder, hip, reaping, and sacrifice throws are not allowed.
Amateur Muay Thai is fought with full protective armor.
Mamugay Sensei is expecting about 5 martial arts organizations to attend the seminar, among them CTC (San Carlos and
Canlaon), SACA JUFIMAC/CEFIMAC (San Carlos), Red Dragon Martial Arts (Calatrava), and Yantaokido (San Carlos).
Meanwhile, the 2006 Milo Muay Thai Summer Clinic in various locations in the Visayas will be concluded with the end of the
summer period. The Dumaguete Muay Association started 3 summer Muay Thai programs in separate venues. The Milo Summer
Clinic, conducted by Walter Zaldiriaga and Fortunato Sechico at the Dumaguete Muay Association HQ, will close the program for
33 participants on May 25, 2006.
Supplemental summer classes taught by Kru Villaflores at the Royal Oaks International School and the Young Men’s Christian
Association (YMCA) will close on May 24 and May 20 with 13 and 27 participants respectively.
The Milo Muay Thai Summer Clinic in Kabankalan City by 2005 Visayas champion Romnick Pabalate and Bacolod City by Philippine
Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA) Asst. Chief Instructor Elmer “Don-Don” P.
Montoyo Jr. will be concluded on May 26 and 31 respectively.
BACOLOD NEGROS ARNIS FED INT'L TO HOLD ARNIS GM FORMS COMPETITION
The Bacolod Negros Arnis Federation International (BNAFI), Inc. of Grandmaster Hortencio M. Navales is set to hold the Arnis
Grandmasters Forms Competition this coming June 25, 2006 at the Bacolod Arts and Youth (BAY) Center, San Juan St., Bacolod
City.
The event is BNAFI’s second this year, the first being the 2006 Arnis Day Grandmasters, Masters, and Seniors National
Invitational Arnis Championships held last March 19, 2006 at the Bacolod City Public Plaza. More than 10 federations,
associations, and academies from Bacolod City, Bago City, Cauayan, Pontevedra, Silay City, and Talisay City supported that
event.
Organizations who saw action and/or supported the Arnis Day event were Arjuka-Malingin of Grandmaster Isaac “Saac” T.
Guarra, Bacolod Oido de Caburata Arnis Society (BAODCAS) represented by Master Jimmy Villo and Ritchie S. Piodena,
Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS) of Founders Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado and James U. Sy Jr., Golden Kamagong Arnis
Kali Escrima Association-Pontevedra of Grandmaster Ricky Tenirife, Guarra Style Modern Arnis and Self Defense Association
(GSMASDA) of Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) of Grandmaster Felix A.
Guinabo, Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF) of Col. Atty. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Negros United Fighting
Arts Academy (NUFAA) of Grandmaster Jose “Joe” Mancesa, Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association
(OFTLSFA) of Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, Oro Arnis Club of Grandmaster Romeo Oro, and Philippine Arnis
(Kali) Escrima Martial Arts Federation International Inc. of Grandmaster Jerson “Nene” Tortal.
WFP-NEG. OCC. & OR. NEG. POISED FOR 2006 WUSHU NAT’LS
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The Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main (BFMAA-Main) and Conceptual Martial arts society during the 2nd
Prk. Bulak Wushu Sanshou Competition in 2005.
The Wushu Federation of the Philippines-Negros Occidental (WFP-Neg. Occ.) under Provincial Coordinator Joery C. Amante of
the Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main (BFMAA-Main) and Wushu Federation of the Philippines-Oriental Negros (WFP-Or.
Neg.) under Provincial Coordinator Roy R. Flores of the Tapondo International Federation Inc. (TIFI)-Negros Chapter are poised to
send in their best players to the upcoming 2006 Philippine National Wushu Championships this coming June 17, 2006 in Manila.
The qualifying tournament for the Manila-bound wushu sanshou artists was the 2006 Negros Island Wushu Sanshou Elimination
Championships held last April 20, 2006 at the Fountain Area, Robinson’s Place Bacolod, Mandalagan, Bacolod City.
The Negros Occidental Team under Amante took home a 3-3-3 medal haul, the best finish in the competition, without counting the
exhibition bouts fought. The Negros Occidental Wushu Sanshou Team was composed of players from the BFMAA-Main of
Amante, Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS) of Founders Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado and James U. Sy Jr., and Escalante
City’s Thunder Kick Martial Arts Club (TKMAC) of Chief Instructor Jess Flores.
Gold medalist from the Negros Occidental Team were Jake Donald Go of TKMAC (juniors 48 kg.), Renie Requiron of TKMAC
(juniors 60 kg.), and Rosendo Trayco III of BFMAA-Main (seniors 48 kg.); silver medalists, Janry Amante of BFMAA-Main (juniors
48 kg.), Jet Lumawag of BFMAA-Main (seniors 52 kg.), and Joebin “JR” M. Rodriguez of CMAS-Porferia (seniors 48 kg.); and
bronze medalists, Julius Dohinog of BFMAA-Main (seniors 48 kg.), Ephraem Manlapao of BFMAA-Main (juniors 48 kg.), and
Andres Villarmia (seniors 56 kg.). Renalyn “Ren-Ren” Jacob of BFMAA-Main went on to fight an exhibition bout.
Meanwhile, the Oriental Negros Team under Flores, composed of wushu sanshou artists from the Lee Gralto Self Defense Club
(LGSDC, san Carlos City), took home a 1-9-0 medal haul. Noel Pancho (52 kg.) was the lone gold medalist for the team. The
silver medalists were Alice Jane Alingasa (48 kg.), Gilbert Alingasa (56 kg.), Ernie Camingao (52 kg.), Noel Labajo (48 kg.),
Flordiline Macapaz (48 kg.), Florepie Macapaz (45 kg.), Chally Patok (52 kg.), Gebunisa Sta. Ana (52 kg.), and Henry Tumarcie
(60 kg.).
Those scheduled to fly to Manila for the nationals are gold medalist Go , Pancho, Requiron, and Trayco, silver medalist Amante,
and bronze medalist Villarmia. Amante climbs up to the juniors 52 kg. category which is vacant. Jacob, who didn’t have an
opponent, automatically qualified in the juniors 56 kg. category. E.J. Fama and Christian Plantinos will be filling up vacant slots in
the team.
Wushu Federation of the Philippines-Negros Occidental and Oriental Negros would like to extend their condolences to the family
of Gilbert Alingasa of Sipaway Island, who passed away just days after getting the silver in the qualifying event at Robinson’s
Place.
BLACK FALCON WUSHU, KICKBOX, BOXING BIG HIT
The Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main (BFMAA-Main) of Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante once more gave an explosive
twist to the annual fiesta of Prk. Bulak with their highly successful conduct of the 8th Prk. Bulak Boxing Showdown, 3rd Prk.
Bulak Wushu Sanshou Competition, and the 1st Prk. Bulak Kickboxing Competition last May 27-28, 2006 at the Prk. Bulak
Basketball Court, Brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod City. 7 teams from Bacolod and Los Angeles competed in the hostilities.
The event was held under the banner of the Intercontinental Federation of Martial Arts schools (IFMAS).
The kickboxing event had six 2-round/2-minute-per-round bouts. The men’s division was fought on May 27, 2006 while the lone
women’s match was contested the following day. BFMAA-Main won 5 of these bouts. Filipinas Kickboxing (FK) of
Founder/Chief Instructor Ricaredo Filipinas got a win.
The wushu sanshou competition had 2 bouts. BFMAA-Main and Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do
Association (PIMAA-FTSDA) of Founder/President Master Elmer V. Montoyo and Asst. Chief Instructor Elmer “Don-Don” P.
Montoyo Jr. had a win each.
The western boxing tournament had 9 2-round/1 ½-minute-per-round bouts. BFMAA-Main topped the competition with 5 wins.
Canaan Boxing Team (CBT) of Coach Ramie Cabanag was 2nd place with 2 wins. Prk. Bulak and Brgy. Granada were 3rd place
with a win each.
KICKBOXING. Danilo Sumbang Jr. of FK over Lemuel Lumawag of BFMAA-Main by points. Nonoy Amante of BFMAA-Main over
Christian Ramhas of FK via 2nd round RSC at 1:10. Joery “Jun-Jun” Amante Jr. of BFMAA-Main over Rynbert Laspuñas of FK by
points. Joenel Vega of BFMAA-Main over Ferdinand Jaralbio of FK via 1st round KO at 0:56. Gino Claver of BFMAA-Main over
Joshua Carmona of FK via 1st round KO at 1:40. Renalyn “Ren-Ren” Jacob of BFMAA-Main over Eva Rose Luto of PIMAA-
FTSDA via unanimous decision.
WUSHU SANSHOU. Steven James Gumban of PIMAA-FTSDA over Joefer Lumawag of BFMAA-Main via unanimous decision.
Janry Amante of BFMAA-Main over Michael Goria of PIMAA-FTSDA by points.
WESTERN BOXING. Oliver Solis of BFMAA-Main over James Cabanag of CBT via RSC. Alvinson Canayon over Jong-Jong
Escamilia of BFMAA-Main via RSC. Stephen Joy Balateria of CBT over Vincent Pehid of BFMAA-Main. Christian Plantinos of
BFMAA-Main over Nishal Nandwani of Round 1 Gym/L.A., USA via 1st round RSC-O at 1:02 (main event). Tata Allien Arciaga of
Prk. Bulak over Alvin Santillan of Prk. Bulak. Beboy Peñas of BFMAA-Main over Johnry Bordo of Prk. Bulak over 2nd round
retirement at 1:52. Rafael Sueño of Granada over Jaymar Canayon of CBT via unanimous decision. Kirby Dahildahil of BFMAA
-Main over May-May Chua of CBT. John Lendl Amante of BFMAA-Main over Christian Joseph Padios of Prk. Bulak (special bout)
(.
DEMONSTRATIONS. The Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. presented a wide array of Negrense warrior traditions
including Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis solo and paired sinawali, solo vs doble baston, and panagang kag pang-agaw sa baston kag
cuchillo; Silaynon espada y daga; Guarra and Togle Style Modern Arnis knife defense; and Yasay Sable free form. The demo
team was composed of Founder James U. Sy Jr. and Instructors Francis Stephen A. Diaz, Lafayette A. Diamante, and Lorema
“Bing” H. Tacsagon.
Officials were Prk. Bulak President and Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP) Negros Occidental Coordinator/President
Joery C. Amante (referee), PIMAA-FTSDA Founder Master Elmer V. Montoyo, CMAS Instructor Francis Stephen A. Diaz, Criston
Oliveros, and Feliciano Pehid (judges), Renalyn “Ren-Ren” Jacob and Julius Dohinog (timer), Former National Wushu trainee Jet
Lumawag and CMAS Founder Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado (tabulator/record keeper), CMAS Founder James U. Sy Jr. (master of
ceremonies), Bebing Peñas and Pastor Romeo Gumban (invocation), and former Prk. President Felix “Berong” Altarap of the St.
Joseph High School Martial Arts Club (inspirational address).
Major sponsors were Hansy Alojado, Berong Altarap, Joery Amante, Bro. Joseph (FSC), Boy Peñas, and San Miguel Corp.;
sponsors, Hon. Zosimo Carreon, Hon. Nap Cordova, Hon. Nikie Cordova, Hon. Mae Cuaycong, Hon. XL de la Rosa, Jessie
Divinagracia, Hon. Ramon Espidido, Nonoy Padillo, Hon. Ramie Samilo, and Ed Tabanao; and acknowledgements, Marissa, Batiles,
Gealon Ent., Dionisio Integ, Bon-Bon Mamaril, Maya & Bade Store, Teresita Oliveros, Nona Papa, Arthur Pulgo, Bebing Talavera,
Dolores Valzado, and Dominga Villaruel.
AMERICANS TO TEACH 1ST NEG. OCC. MMA SEMINAR
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Christian Seifert (left) and Dr. Ronald A. Harris of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
Heavyweight MMA fighter Christian Seifert and Muay Thai Trainor Dr. Ronald A. Harris, both of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA, will
be conducting the 1st Negros Occidental Mixed Martial Arts Seminar “Cage Fighting Fundamentals” this coming June 3, 2006,
1:30-5:30 P.M. at the PIMAA-FTSDA Gym, Group K Complex, Brgy. Tangub, Bacolod City.
The seminar is jointly sponsored by the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA) of President
Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association
(PIMAA-FTSDA) of Founder/President Master Elmer V. Montoyo and Asst. Chief Instructor Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo, and
Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founders Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado and James U. Sy Jr. under the banner of
the Intercontinental Federation of Martial Arts Schools (IFMAS).
Seifert of Gladiator Academy (Louisiana, USA) competes at the regional level in the US and holds an MMA record of 20-6-4. His
forte is Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (since 1996) and Muay Thai (since 2004). He stands 6 feet 2 inches and weighs 225 lbs. Seifert is
currently a doctorate fellow at the Southern University in Louisiana.
Dr. Harris of Russell Jones Fight Club (Louisiana, USA) is a Muay Thai (since 1985) and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (since 1993) trainer.
He is ranked Master by the Chavez Arnis Group and Negros Occidental Arnis Federation (Bacolod City) and Master Instructor by
the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (Bago City).
Dr. Harris also holds black belts in Combat Judo (3rd degree, Doce Pares Club, Cebu), Eskrima (10th degree, Doce Pares),
Kajukenbo (6th degree, Kajukenbo Self Defense Institute, Hawaii), Pekiti Tirsia (Lakan Guro), Shotokan Karate (1st degree,
Vasquez Martial Arts Center, Bacolod), Taekwondo (4th degree, World Taekwondo Federation and Taekwondo Jidokwan,
Korea), and Firearms (National Rifle Association).
Dr. Harris, who started studying martial arts in 1972, is the chair of Public Policy at the Southern University. He is also a writer,
his work having been published in several national level materials in the US.
The seminar will be broken down into 4 1-hour segments: Stand up skills, ground fundamentals, transition from stand up to
groundfighting, and finishing maneuvers. The stand up material would be more of Muay Thai while the takedowns and
submissions are from Western Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
"EXTRA JOSS LAKAS" SHOWN WITH EXPLOSIVE M.A. EXPO
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The logo of Extra Joss.
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Organizers (from left): Finance and GA Officer Armand Sudhiranatha Artawijaya of BT Bentang Toedjoe, Regional
Manager Dwight G. Villanueva of Ace Foods, Inc., and Barney Molina of ABS-CBN.
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Host Ms. Dorothy Joy Luarca of ABS-CBN.
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The Arnis de Mano Associacion de Silay (AMAS). From left: Arnold Hilado, Grandmasters Felipe “Totong” Hilado,
Grandmasters Norman Serfino, Master Herman Siason, Master Eddy Leonor, and Master Tony Lescano.
PLEASE VISIT SOON FOR MORE PICTURES!
Various martial arts demonstrations were given by 7 organizations from Bacolod, bago, Silay,a dn Victorias Cities jumpstarted
and punctuated the highly successful 1st Extra Joss Extra La Cash Part 2 Regional Monthly Draw last May 20, 2006 at the Atrium
Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Brgy. Singcang, Araneta St., Bacolod City.
The show was organized by Barney Molina of ABS-CBN for Extra Joss. Guests were Finance and GA Officer Armand
Sudhiranatha Artawijaya of BT Bentang Toedjoe, Regional Manager Dwight G. Villanueva of Ace Foods, Inc., and Senior
Account Executive Hazel M. Aliniabon of Catalytx. Masters of ceremonies were Dorothy Joy Luarca and Edren Sese.
The martial arts demonstrations, which depicted power, speed, agility, and grace, best describe the “lakas” one gets from
drinking Extra Joss. The first to ,perform was the combined contingent of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting
Association (OFTLSFA), Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA),
Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., and Negros united Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA).
CMAS showcased Lapu-Lapu Viñas arnis paired sinawali, solo vs doble baston, and panagang kag pang-agaw baston kag
cuchillo; Silaynon espada y daga; Wild Judo and Guarra/Togle Style Modern arnis knife disarming; and eclectic daga and oido de
caburata shadow fight. The CMAS delegation included Founders James U. Sy Jr. and Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado and Instructors
Joeffrey S. Deriada, Francis Stephen A. Diaz, Lafayette A. Diamante, and Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon.
PIMAA-FTSDA demonstrated Filipino tang Soo double knife defense using kicks, punches, elbows, knees, throws, and jointlocks.
The PIMAA-FTSDA included Founder/President Master Elmer V. Montoyo, Asst. Chief Instructor Elmer “Don-Don” P, Montoyo Jr.,
and Carag Region Head Ernest Christian “Chen-Chen” Montoyo.
OFTLSFA, led by President Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido and Vice President/Senior Instructor John “Jun-Jun”
Maravilla, exhibited the basic strikes no. 1 and 2 and combinacion, the lastiko and bladed lines of Tapado, and tapado as used
with a short stick.
NUFAA showcased the Indian electric, siquete, whipping, and other techniques of the close quarter style of Alasabate Scienceia
(a.k.a. Recto arnis). The NUFAA delegation included Grandmaster Jose “Joe” Mancesa, Chief Instructor Wilson A. Alvarado,
Randy A. Alvarado, Joemarie de la Torre, and Stevie John Doctora.
The Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (BAE) represented the Japanese pacifist art of Aikido “the way of the harmonious spirit.” Their
demonstration included the various methods neutralizing attacks using kansetsu waza “joint controls” and nage waza “projection
techniques.” The BAE delegation included Founder/Chief Instructor Maxwell “Max” J. Maun, Engr. Frank and Gelkoff Calmerin,
Andy B. Caña, Kim Jake A. Cepeda, Edwin Dueñas, Jappeth S. Juguan, and Joseph S. Sobremisana.
The Arnis de Mano Associacion de Silay (AMAS) showcased the Northern Negrense styles of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) which
included a wide spectrum of skills like classic Silaynon espada y daga, Fencing, and shadow fight form. The AMAS delegation
included Grandmasters Norman Serfino and Felipe “Totong” Hilado, Arnold Hilado, and Masters Herman Siason, Eddy Leonor, and
Tony Lescano.
The Victorias-based Negrido Defense Club (NEDEC) demonstrated combat techniques of sikaran kicking, punching, throwing,
ground grappling, knife defense, and arnis. The NEDEC delegation included Founder/Chief Instructor Ian Negrido, Antonio Chavez
Jr., Nilrax de Cafe, Gary P. Intig, Elpidio Magbanua, and Norly J. Maglinte.
Portions of the demonstrations were featured as a 5 minute segment of Sabado Barkada which aired on May 27, 2006 over at
ABS-CBN.
Winners of the 1st Extra Joss Extra La Cash Part 2 Regional Monthly Draw for the Visayas are Erwin Labiste of Cebu (1st
prize), Carl Erv A. Jomalesa of Bacolod City (2nd prize), and Eric Capuntan of Iloilo (3rd prize).
JUFIMAC TO SPONSOR MUAY THAI SEMINAR
The San Carlos Jungle Fighters Martial Arts Club (SACA JUFIMAC) and Centralian Fighters Martial Arts Club (CEFIMAC) of
Founder/Chief Instructor Diomedes N. Mamugay and the Combat Taekwondo Club-Main (CTC-Main) of Founder/President Ret. Lt.
Col. Epifamio F. Mercado are set to sponsor the 3rd Negros Occidental M.A.P. Muay Boran Instructors Course “The Introduction
of Muay Thai to San Carlos” this coming July 8-9, 2006 at the CTC-Main Gym, San Carlos City.
The seminar will be conducted by Muay Association of the Philippines (M.A.P.) Visayas and Region 7 Head Kru Ike Villaflores of
Dumaguete City. M.A.P.-Negros Occidental Chapter Coordinator James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS)
will also be present.
The Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) is the sole National Sport Association (NSA) for amateur Muay Thai in the
Philippines as recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).
Muay is a Thai word which means “to pull together to form a single group” and refers to Thailand’s national martial art, sport, and
“Science of the 8 limbs” (fists, elbows, legs, and knees). Muay Thai has a colorful history stretching back thousands of years. It
has enjoyed support from the Thai Royal Family since the 12th Century A.D.
Muay Thai, in simple terms, is kickboxing with elbows and knees added in. Clinching (controlling the neck) is allowed as well as
throwing from that position. Judo throws, however, such as shoulder, hip, reaping, and sacrifice throws are not allowed.
Amateur Muay Thai is fought with full protective armor.
Mamugay Sensei is expecting about 5 martial arts organizations to attend the seminar, among them CTC (San Carlos and
Canlaon), SACA JUFIMAC/CEFIMAC (San Carlos), Red Dragon Martial Arts (Calatrava), and Yantaokido (San Carlos).
Meanwhile, the 2006 Milo Muay Thai Summer Clinic in various locations in the Visayas will be concluded with the end of the
summer period. The Dumaguete Muay Association started 3 summer Muay Thai programs in separate venues. The Milo Summer
Clinic, conducted by Walter Zaldiriaga and Fortunato Sechico at the Dumaguete Muay Association HQ, will close the program for
33 participants on May 25, 2006.
Supplemental summer classes taught by Kru Villaflores at the Royal Oaks International School and the Young Men’s Christian
Association (YMCA) will close on May 24 and May 20 with 13 and 27 participants respectively.
The Milo Muay Thai Summer Clinic in Kabankalan City by 2005 Visayas champion Romnick Pabalate and Bacolod City by Philippine
Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA) Asst. Chief Instructor Elmer “Don-Don” P.
Montoyo Jr. will be concluded on May 26 and 31 respectively.
BACOLOD CMG TRAINS IN AIKIDO
In a quest to better equip the 40-men strong Bacolod PNP City Mobile Group (CMG), its Group Director, P/Cinsp. Armando
Tubongbanua, had requested Maxwell “Max” J. Maun Sensei to reorient and train his men in the physical and psychological
techniques of aikido and related arts starting last May 10, 2006.
The CMG is a special “Strike Force” unit of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) which covers a wide scope of specializations
and operations. The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and the Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) are among its
members. CMG elements undergo specialized training specifically designed for combat preparedness. In the highly urbanized
city of Bacolod, they present tactical police visibility to deter criminality and immediately put a stop to it when it occurs. CMG
elements are trained for “quick time” response to police calls (less than 5 minutes).
Maun Sensei is the Founder/Chief Instructor of the Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (BAE), was the former Arnis Philippines
Commissioner for Negros Occidental, and is an exponent in the herada pigada style of arnis. He had previously taught a seminar
for the L’Fisher Hotel Security Force and a crash course for the Casino Filipino Security Personnel.
Aikido is a Japanese pacifist martial art centered on maintaining balance and order by going with the force of an attack and using
said force to neutralize and subdue, not maim or kill, an assailant. Because of the nature of its techniques and philosophy, aikido
works well in the field of criminology where the primary aim is to apprehend and contain a suspect pending investigation and
trial, if at all necessary, of a suspect.
P/Cinsp. Tubongbanua believes training his men in aikido will supplement their previous Police Defensive Tactics (DEFTAC)
learning at the academy. He believes that with the right skills and restraining holds, suspects can be subdued with the least
possible injury to them and with the maximum control by responding police officers.
P/Cinsp. Tubongbanua is sure that the discipline emphasized in the martial arts will help his men become better bringers of peace
and order. P/Cinsp. Tubongbanua himself was into martial arts in his early days, having studied Karate, Judo, and Tang Soo Do.
His last teacher was then Philippine Moo Duk Kwan Inc.-Korea Tang Soo Do Association Chief Instructor Master Elmer V.
Montoyo. . P/Cinsp. Tubongbanua was also crowned as a Kickboxing champion twice.
This move by P/Cinsp. Tubongbanua has the blessing of Bacolod City Police Director Col. Pedro Merced, who himself had
encouraged the program to better equip the Bacolod CMG.
Training is held every Friday and Saturdays at the Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (BAE) Gym. Maun Sensei is working to instill
K.A.S. to the CMG, that is Knowledge, Attitude, and Skills. Knowledge encompasses information pertinent to the execution of the
CMG’s duties as keepers of peace and order.
Attitude refers to how CMG elements bring themselves. They are being trained to respond to the needs of the public and to be
approachable while doing so. Attitude also extends to how they would treat and uphold the rights of suspects while in custody.
The skill part includes in the physiological training of manipulating joints and other weak spots of the human body to render a
suspect immobilized with minimum or no resistance without injuring him. The physical techniques are actually a distillation of the
most practical kansetsu waza “jointlocks” from Aikido, Jujutsu, Arnis, and Police Defensive Tactics.
Maun Sensei is being assisted by Engr. Franklin R. Calmerin, Gelkoff A. Calmerin, Andy B. Caña, Engr. Kim Jake A. Cepeda,
Edwin F. Dueñas, Jappeth S. Juguan, Edwin Layon, and Dr. Orville “Butch” Paez Jr.
Maun Sensei had invited Founder/Chief Instructor Edwin J. Tusil of Fight Club Combat and Streetfighting Center (FC) and
Founder/Head Instructor James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS) to share their specialties during the May
27, 2006 training. Tusil taught takedowns in preparation for handcuffing and chokes for submission while Sy showed Filipino
Martial Arts as applied to police work such as weapon retention, shotgun used against talibong without shooting, pang-agaw,
and arresting techniques.
BACSMA JINS SHINE IN PANAAD, PALARO, & PETRON TKD
Within 17 days time, Bacolod Consolidated Sports Management Association (BACSMA) jins amassed a total of 8 gold, 4 silver,
and 6 bronze medals in 2 national and 1 provincial level taekwondo tournaments.
BACSMA, representing the city of Bacolod, took home a 5-4-4 tally during the 2006 Panaad sa Negros Festival Taekwondo
Championships last April 25, 2006 at the Panaad Park and Stadium, Brgy. Alijis, Bacolod City. BACSMA took the team
championships in the elementary boys category.
BACSMA Panaad gold medalists were Gehru Bedayos of Medel Elementary School (elementary boys), Dustin de Larrazabal of
Negros Occidental High School (secondary boys welterweight), Tedjay Ibañez of Bacolod Christian Educational Center School
(elementary boys), Carl Jason Porras of ETCS-1 (elementary boys), and Myrel Tapang of Sum-ag National High School
(secondary girls flyweight).
BACSMA jins taking the silver were Eugene Bedayos of Negros Occidental High School (secondary boys finweight), Shiela de la
Cruz of Medel Elementary School (elementary girls), Trisha Lim of La Consolcaion College-Main (secondary girls lightweight), and
Hernani Tacorda of Sum-ag National High School (secondary boys bantamweight).
BACSMA Bronze medalists were Roy Dionela of Don Bosco-Victorias (secondary boys featherweight), Richelle Fernandez of
Negros Occidental High School (secondary girls featherweight), Roni Jean Raymundo of ETCS-1 (elementary girls), and
Stephanie Samonte of Negros Occidental High School (secondary6 girls finweight).
Other BACSMA jins who competed in the Panaad hostilities were Mark Antony Acebedo of Banago Elementary School, Jovie
Bedayos of ETCS-1, Allan de Larrazabal of Negros Occidental High School, Roper Iwayan of Mansilingan High School, and
Catherine Samonte of Riverside Medical College.
Official coaches for the Bacolod Panaad Taekwondo Team were BACSMA Head Instructor Joel R. Casiple and Mr. Henry
Burbano.
Meanwhile, BACSMA jins represented the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) and took home a 1-0-3
medal tally in the 2006 Palarong Pambansa last May 7-11, 2006 in Naga, Camarines Sur.
Krystell Joy S. Kuan of Manapla Elementary School, was crowned champion in the 4’6”-4’9” elementary girls category. Kuan
was a gold medalist during the Area 3 Meet (Victorias City), Negros Occidental Provincial Athletic Meet (Bacolod City), and
WVRAA Meet (Roxas City). Kuan trained with BACSMA Head Instructor Joel R. Casiple, the official trainor for the WVRAA
Secondary Boys Taekwondo Team, to prepare for the event.
BACSMA jins John Robert “JR” Burbano of Castleson High School and Tedjay Ibañez of Bacolod Christian Educational Center
School took the bronze in the secondary boys featherweight and 4’6”-4’9” elementary boys category respectively.
Two other BACSMA jins, while fighting under the banner of the University of the East (UE), took the championship titles in their
respective categories during the 2006 Petron New Face of the Year Taekwondo Championships last May 5-6, 2006 at the Ninoy
Aquino Stadium, Manila.
Dustin de Larrazabal ruled the seniors men bantamweight (advance) division by defeating jins from the Philippine Women’s
University, Bulacan State University, and Baguio City in the 3 bouts leading to the championships.
George Bedayos bested jins from Bulacan State University, Region 2, Letran, and Iligan City in 4 bouts to claim the seniors men
finweight (advance) crown.
CEFIMAC-CNC OFFICERS FOR 2006-2007 TOOK
The outgoing officers of the Centralian Fighters Martial Arts Club (CEFIMAC)-CNC for S.Y. 2005-2006 turned over their duties and
responsibilities to the incoming S.Y. 2006-2007 officers recently during the club’s 3rd Annual General Membership Assembly
Meeting at the CNC Social Hall, Central Negros College (CNC), San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.
The outgoing officers were John Carlo Cañete (president), Rogelio Delima Jr. (VP), Freddie Dela Torre (treasurer), and Angielyn
Eslais (auditor). The incoming officers were Ronel S. Solitario (president), Joy Jean A. Osorio (VP), Ronessa B. Ruben
(secretary), Manuel P. Laparan Jr. (treasurer), Rameda Kay P. Cañete (auditor), Hector John Bolonias (PIO), Aigner L. Cabael
and Joemarie S. Esquierdo (sgt. at arms), Hazzelyn Dojeño and Ma. Shiela O. Anceno (muses).
CEFIMAC-CNC members are Alvin B. Agbay, Arniel Bardon, Mark Anthony T. Canoy, Kevin Johnson B. Cantiga, Chiukie Chiu,
Reynalona J. Enad, Marjory Eslais, Rhea Estimar, Rizelle L. Franciloso, Reniel S. Guarin, Queency Love Layon, Junekho D. Mole,
Bengie C. Pancho, Joan Planas, Niño T. Rosales, Shera May C. Siabo, Jhanel B. Tanio, and John Joseph C. Villardo.
Officials who witnessed the turnover were CEFIMAC-CNC Moderator/Adviser and CNC Sports Coordinator/CAT 1 Commandant
Rosani G. Velarde, CEFIMAC-CNC Asst. Adviser and CNC Asst. Sports Coordinator/Asst. CAT 1 Commandant Fernando Solitario,
and CEFIMAC-CNC and San Carlos Jungle Fighters Martial Arts Club (SACA JUFIMAC) Founder/Chief Instructor Diomedes N.
Mamugay.
Through the efforts of the first club president, Jonas Palabrica, CEFIMAC-CNC was recognized and fully accredited as a non-
academic club and the only martial arts club in Central Negros College in 2004 by School Director Mario S. Ledesma, School
Principal Luis N. Dizon, and College Dean Evelyn Caballero. This recognition still stands up to the present.
Jonas Palabrica also spearheaded the hosting of the 1st San Carlos City Kickboxing and Wushu Sanshou Interclub Tournament
under the sanction of the Wushu Federation of the Philippines-Negros Occidental on March 11, 2005 at the San Carlos City
Auditorium. CEFIMAC-CNC, under its second club president John Carlo Cañete, organized the 1st Inter-Schools Kickboxing
Tournament/Wushu Sanshou Showdown on August 26, 2005 at the CNC Social Hall.
2006 BACSMA SUMMER TKD CHALLENGE HELD
The 2006 BACSMA Summer Taekwondo Challenge Matches were held by the Bacolod Consolidated Sports Management
Association (BACSMA) as part of the dance show and summer party “To The Hits” presented by the Danzline Studio last May
28, 2006 at the Bacolod Pavilion, Reclamation Area, Bacolod City. The dance show featured summer dance class students,
dance teachers, and guest dancers.
Jins from 7 schools competed in the taekwondo event. The schools represented were Bacolod City National High School, Don
Bosco Victorias, ETCS-1, Ilolio, :a Consolacion College-Main, Murcia, and Negros Occidental High School.
Gold medalists were:
ELEMENTARY DIVISION. Jovy Bedayos (4’0” under), Christopher Flores (4’0”-4’3”),
Roni Jean Raymundo (4’3”-4’6”), Miguel Lim (4’3”-4’6”), and Jasper Aranda (4’6”-4’9”).
MID JUNIOR DIVISION. Rosetochile Illorin (finweight) and Trisha Lim (lightweight).
SECONDARY DIVISION. Yusif Aguda (finweight), Eugene Bedayos (flyweight), and Roy Vincent Dionela (featherweight).
BEST PLAYERS. Roni Jean Raymundo and Yusif Aguda.
OFFICIALS. BACSMA Head Instructor Joel R. Casiple (project director) and Albert Algarme, Mark Anthony Carmona, Jerry
Estante, Catherine Joy Guotana, Jennylyn Palama, Krismarie Palancos, and Mark Tan (technical officials).
2006 BULIG SA KUBOS STARTED BY BLACK FALCON'S JOERY AMANTE
Newly elected Prk. Bulak President and Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante had
mobilized his yearly project Bulig sa Kubos (Assistance to the Needy) starting last June 2, 2006 at Prk. Bulak, Brgy. Mandalagan,
Bacolod City. As of date, 22 poverty stricken families of the community had received monetary, goods, and school supplies
assistance from the Bulig sa Kubos project.
Donors for the project are Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado of the Center for La Sallian Ministries (CELAM)/Conceptual Martial Arts
Society (CMAS), Bob Bergante of the Office of the Vice President for Administration (VPA), Alma Cabalo, Jean Baptiste Dance
Company (JBDC) headed by Rene Hinojales, Emma Kaw, Alice Lucero, Mariano Montelibano, and Edith Sedonio, all of the
University of St. La Salle (USLS); Analyn Amante, Jessie Divinagracia, Manuel Oliveros, and Erna Talavera, all of Prk. Bulak;
Julius Dohinog, Rommel Regalado, and Andres Villarmia, all of BFMAA-Main; and USLS parent Rhea Marquez.
XANGA, NEWEST MMA GYM, OPENS IN CITY OF SMILES
Team Xanga MMA Gym officially opened its doors to the public last June 7, 2006 at the 2/F SC Centre Bldg. (former location of
ACA Video), B.S. Aquino Drive, Bacolod City.
The Team Xanga MMA Gym is being managed by Martin Chua, a former student of Founder/Chief Instructor Edwin J. Tusil of the
Fight Club Combat and Streetfighting Center. Chua and his buddies bought an intensive line of training equipment for use in the
gym, among them 5 life sized punching bags.
The name Xanga is actually an Ilonggo term which means “to block,” in this case an invitation of would be opponents to the
attacks dished out by members of the gym.
Classes officially opened with the Western Boxing program under former ALA Boxing Gym (Cebu) professional boxer Rogelito
“Nonoy” Plomeda and his assistant former Philippine National Boxing Training Pool member Michael Regalado. Plomeda is a native
of Bago City, the renowned boxing capital of the Philippines. He is ranked No. 7 in the Philippines in the bantamweight division.
He holds a professional record of 8-1 8 KO.
The Kickboxing, Yaw Yan, and Muay Thai program will be handled by Senior Instructor Alan Gako, who is a student of Yaw Yan
Founder/Grandmaster Napoleon Fernandez. He will be assisted by Christopher.
Kickboxing is a synthesis of Western Boxing punches and Asian martial arts kicks, particularly karate, made by the Americans a
popular sport in the later half of the 20th Century. Here in Negros it is often referred to as Sipa Sumbag or Tadyak Suntok.
Yaw Yan is a Filipino style of kickboxing (or footboxing as it’s known in the past) founded by GM Fernandez in 1972 by
combining various styles of Asian martial arts, including arnis. It is a contraction of the Tagalog words Sayaw ng Kamatayan
“Dance of Death.”
Muay Thai or Thai boxing is the Thai style of kickboxing which is often referred as “The Science of the 8 Limbs” as it makes use
of not only the fists and the legs but also the knees and elbows. As the national sport of Thailand, it is backed by thousands of
years of evolution and history. Amateur Muay Thai in the Philippines is governed by the Muay Association of the Philippines
(MAP) under its President, Kru Roberto Valdez.
The grappling program is still on hold until Chua finds a qualified instructor to handle it. A unique characteristic of the gym is that
its clientele can walk in and train at any time convenient to them. Program instructors are full time except for yaw yan where
classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:00-8:00 P.M. Team Xanga MMA Gym opens at 7:00 A.M. and closes at 10:00 P.M.
Founder/Chief Instructor Edwin J. Tusil of the Fight Club Combat and Streetfighting Center and Founder/Head Instructor James U.
Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society graces the opening day of the Team Xanga MMA Gym.
Interested parties may contact Chua at 0917-7102482.
1ST BRGY. AGPINGI, CALTRAVA KICKBOX RULED
The San Carlos Jungle Fighters Martial Arts Club (SACA JUFIMAC) of Founder/Chief Instructor Diomedes N. Mamugay dominated
the 1st Brgy. Agpangi Invitational Kickboxing Tournament last June 17, 2006 Sitio Galangan, Brgy. Agpangi, Calatrava, Negros
Occidental.
The tournament was organized by the Philippine Martial Arts Self Defense Association (PMSDA) of Chief Instructor Bernabe
Sarin in cooperation with Brgy. Capt. Lanny Ramas and brgy. officials as part of the St. Anthony de Padua Fiesta Celebration.
SACA JUFIMAC won 8 of 11 bouts contested. PMSDA got 2 wins and the remaining bout was a draw.
EXHIBITION BOUT. Reniel Rocamora and Elmer Dialo, both of PMSDA (28 kg.).
38 KG. Sonny Boy Abella of SACA JUFIMAC over Julius Belangel of PMSDA.
40 KG. Jovic Marane of SACA JUFIMAC and Felix Clabario of PMSDA fought to a draw.
45 KG. Juanito Refaso Jr. of SACA JUFIMAC over Christopher Ugdamin of PMSDA.
47 KG. Rene Ortiz of SACA JUFIMAC over Romel Siacor of PMSDA.
50 KG. Angelito Abella of SACA JUFIMAC over Ronald Esparagera of PMSDA.
52 KG. Arcey Fajardo of SACA JUFIMAC over Romel Lamutan of PMSDA.
53 KG. Ronnie Panlaan of PMSDA over Bernie Fernandez of PMSDA.
54 KG. Clemenso Endrina of SACA JUFIMAC over Rolando Ombria of PMSDA.
55 KG. Hundchel Talarion of PMSDA over Jerry Nodnod of SACA JUFIMAC.
56 KG. Fabian Manzano of SACA JUFIMAC over Jonathan Torino of PMSDA.
MAIN EVENT. 2005 national wushu sanshou bronze medalist Johnmar P. Palabrica of SACA JUFIMAC, 57 kg., over San Benito
boxing champion Jemrel Apurado of PMSDA, 64 kg., via TKO at 48 seconds in the 1st round
Officials were Founder/Chief Instructor Diomedes N. Mamugay of SACA JUFIMAC (referee), Instructor Nessiday Littao of
Najukaju-a, Chief Instructor Bernabe Sarin of PMSDA, Tai Chi Chuan Instructor Enrique Segovia of Escalante, and Founder/Chief
Instructor Wilfredo Teleron of White Crane Martial Arts Club/San Carlos (judges), Fitz Berjolano (timer), Rodgen Libunao (emcee),
and Teodoro Pardillo (table official).
4TH PANAY CONCEPTUAL M.A. SEMINAR HELD
This article is from the negros daily bulletin.
The 4th Panay Conceptual Martial Arts Seminar “Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis Hand Blade Fundamentals” was conduced by
Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS) Founder James U. Sy Jr. of Bacolod City last June 9, 2006 at the West Visayas State
University Medical Center (WVSUMC) Doctors’ Quarters, Iloilo City.
2 doctor-members of CMAS-Iloilo Chapter, namely Dr. Rey Mollenido and Dr. Jason Rojas, attended the 2-hour session which
covered Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis basic diagonal footwork, the body dynamics of the deflecting technique hand blade, its practical
applications against a punch, kick, stick strike, and knife attack, and its translation to the stick and other similar derivable
weapons. Sy was also supposed to take up its application against grabs but didn’t have enough time.
The doctors, who had previously learned Long Quan (Dragon Fist), Yasay Sable, and Oido de Caburata with CMAS-IC Chapter
head Dr. Raymund Antonio A. Maguad and Original Filipino Tapado under Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association
(OFTLSFA) President Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, found the technique very practical and easy to use even
with minimal maintenance training.
The seminar was the first documented formal introduction of Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis to Iloilo City and the Panay Island. Lapu-
Lapu Viñas Arnis is an indigenous Bacoleño system of corto (close quarter) Filipino Martial Art (FMA) using the solo baston,
daga, and pangamut and specializes in disarming edged and impact weapons. The art was founded by the late Great
Grandmaster Jose “Joe” L. Viñas (1906-1991) in 1932 and is currently headed by his only son Headmaster Wilson “Nonong” E.
Viñas.
Sy and most of the core members of CMAS studied directly under Headmaster “Nonong” Viñas. Sy started his studies at the
Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis Aficionados Association in June 1994. Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis is being taught in 6 of the 8 chapters of
the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS).
DUMAGUETE MUAY TEAM OFF TO MANILA
Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) Visayas and Region 7 Head Kru Ike Xavier Villaflores led the Dumaguete Muay Team
to the Olympic Day Festival last June 23, 2006 in Manila. The play offs will run till June 25, 2006.
3RD (NEGROIS) PROV’L TAPONDO COMPETITION BIG SUCCESS
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Instructors and members of the different chapters of the Tapondo Internatioanl Federation Inc. (TIFI) in Region 6
pose for posterity before the start of the competition.
Negros Island Chief Instructor Roy R. Flores Sr. and the Tapondo International Federation Inc. (TIFI)-Bacolod Chapter in
cooperation with Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Dr. Marc Victor Lopez, Office of Youth and Health Development (OYSD), and
DYRL successfully held and dominated the 3rd (Negros) Regional Tapondo Competition last May 26, 2006 at the Atrium Area,
Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Brgy. Singcang, Araneta St., Bacolod City.
TIFI-Bacolod topped the competition with a total of 9 titles won. TIFI-Iloilo of TIFI Panay Director SPO4 Roberto Celiz was 2nd
place with 6 titles while TIFI-San Carlos of Florencio Yap and Silay of Edrolin Ortigas tied at 3rd place with 2 titles each. Other
participating chapters were Calatrava of Danny Lopez, Escalante City of Rolando Mirasol, Sagay City of Frederick Flores, and
Toboso of Basilio de la Torre.
BREAKFALLING. Gleen Albina of TIFI-Iloilo (long thrust, 7-10 years old), Slade Matthew Cabelis of TIFI-Bacolod (long thrust, 11-
14 years old), Gleen Albina of TIFI-Iloilo (somersault, 7-10 & 11-14 years old), Jake Bugna of TIFI-Bacolod (somersault, 14
above), Rey Balasabas of TIFI-Iloilo (high thrust, 15 above), Dennis Celiz of TIFI-Iloilo (high thrust, black belt).
MULTIPLE ATTACK. Dean Carl Badian of TIFI-Silay (boys 7-10 years old), Juan Ramon Azcona of TIFI-San Carlos (boys 11-14
years old), Ysa Gumarin of TIFI-Iloilo (girls 8-14 years old), Nikki Nuñez of TIFI-Bacolod (girls 14 above), Dr. Mark Lopez of TIFI-
Bacolod (black belt).
SELF DEFENSE. Ramil Morales of TIFI-Bacolod (kicking defense, yellow belt category), Louies Miguel Lopez of TIFI-Silay (knife
defense, blue belt category), Johnny Cañedo of TIFI-San Carlos (stick defense, brown belt category), Alan Mario Facturan of
TIFI-Bacolod (baston exhibition, black belt category).
FORMS. Jared Turbanos of TIFI-Bacolod (bokken, black belt category), Dr. Mark Lopez of TIFI-Bacolod (jo, black belt).
DRAMATIZE GROUP COMPETITION. TIFI-Bacolod.
A guest exhibition was given by the combined contingent of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Philippine Integrated
Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), and Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting
Association (OFTLSFA).
PIMAA-FTSDA Founder/President Master Elmer V. Montoyo narrated the exhibition of the group which included lastiko and bladed
lines of Original Filipino Tapado by Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido; Integration of Muay Thai, Pencak Silat, Wushu,
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and other arts into the Filipino Tang Soo Do base by PIMAA-FTSDA Asst. Chief Instructor Elmer “Don-Don” P.
Montoyo Jr., PIMAA-FTSDA Caraga Region Head Ernest Christian “Chen-Chen” P. Montoyo, and Michael Gurrea; and Lapu-Lapu
Viñas Arnis pang-agaw baston kag cuchillo, Yasay Sable and Guarra Style Saber Foil sparring, Wild Judo knife defense,
Silaynon espada y daga opensa depensa, and daga and oido de caburata free form by CMAS Founder James U. Sy Jr. and
Instructor Francis Stephen A. Diaz.
The tournamnet was Chief Instructor Flores’ 3rd successive hosted competition since 2004. Flores, who was promoted to 5th
degree black belt last December 18, 2005 by the founder, had successfully made TIFI-Negros the largest aikido group in the
Negros Island in terms of number of members with 6 active chapters, mostly in Northern Negros Occidental. As of press time,
TIFI-Negros had produced a total of 19 black belts (Bacolod has the most with 11).
On May 6, 2006, TIFI-Negros took home 5 trophies from the 2nd (Panay) Regional Tapondo Competition organized by TIFI Panay
Director SPO4 Roberto Celiz and TIFI-Iloilo Chapter at SM City Iloilo, Manduriao, Iloilo City.
Tapondo is a Filipino derivative of Japanese aikido founded by Master Ambrosio “Monching” J. Gavileño of Guimaras to suit the
self defense needs of the Filipino populace. Tapondo, which was previously known as combat aikido, is a contraction of the
Tagalog word tapon “throw” and the Ilonggo term pondo “to stop,” in reference to the primary techniques employed in the art.
1ST BACOLOD MILO MUAY CLINIC CONCLUDED
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The graduates of the 1st Bacolod Milo Muay Summer Clinic with PIMAA-FTSDA Founder/President Master Elmer V.
Montoyo and his son Asst. Chief Instructor Elmer "Don-Don" P. Montoyo Jr.
The 1st Bacolod Milo Muay Summer Clinic was concluded by PIMAA-FTSDA Asst. Chief Instructor Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo
Jr. last May 31, 2006 at the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA) Gym,
Group K Complex, Brgy. Tangub, Bacolod City.
12 students graduated from the summer course. They were Remil Gimay, Steven Mark Y. Gumban, Michael “Mic-Mic” E. Gurrea,
Kim Rodence Jamilarin, John Amadeo “Joma” G. Libo-on, Theresa Jane “Princess” G. Libo-on, Eva Rose Luto, Ben Marian “BM” D.
Malayang, Chellie Mae “Chippy” D. Malayang, Paul Gerry H. Peña, Russel H. Peña, and James Rian I. Sabanate.
The Milo Muay Thai Summer Clinic is one of the courses offered in the Milo Summer Sports Clinics (MSSC), a nationwide summer
sports program founded in 1984 and sponsored by energy drink Milo that teaches children the basics of various sports in a fun,
unique and scientific way. The Milo Muay Thai Summer Clinic is a collaboration between Milo and the Muay Association of the
Philippines (MAP) to introduce and make easily available the sport of Muay Boran (Traditional Thai Boxing) to the public, especially
the youth.
The Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) is the sole National Sport Association (NSA) for Amateur Muay Thai in the
Philippines as recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).
Muay is a Thai word which means “to pull together to form a single group” and refers to Thailand’s national martial art, sport, and
“Science of the 8 limbs” (fists, elbows, legs, and knees). Muay Thai has a colorful history stretching back thousands of years. It
has enjoyed support from the Thai Royal Family since the 12th Century A.D.
Muay Thai, in simple terms, is kickboxing with elbows and knees added in. Clinching (controlling the neck) is allowed as well as
throwing from that position. Judo throws, however, such as shoulder, hip, reaping, and sacrifice throws are not allowed.
Amateur Muay Thai is fought with full protective armor.
Montoyo Kyosanim, aside from attending 2 intensive seminars in Muay Thai last June 2005 and February 2006, traveled to the
Dumaguete Muay Association Headquarters, 90-A Dr. E. Miciano Rd., Dumaguete City, Oriental Negros last Holy Week to
intensively train in Muay Thai under the supervision of M.A.P. Visayas and Region 7 Head Ike Xavier Villaflores.
Montoyo Kyosanim is the Assistant Chief Instructor of the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do
Association, the Negros Occidental Coordinator for the Philippine Pencak Silat Association (Philsilat), and a Board Director of the
Muay Association of the Philippines-Neg. Occ., Wushu Federation of the Philippines-Negros Occidental and Original Filipino
Tapado Long stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA).
He holds a 3rd dan black belt in Filipino Tang Soo Do and is graded Junior Instructor with the OFTLSFA. He is a former Moo Duk
Kwan Tang Soo Do full contact and hyung champion in the early 1990s and a VisMin taekwondo champion in the featherweight
champion in 1996.
He once coached the Bacolod Taekwondo Team represented by Sum-ag National High School to a championship in the provincial
level and brought them to the regionals. He, together with his brother Ernest Christian “Chen-Chen” P. Montoyo Kyosanim, also
coached Butuan City’s Sunrise Christian College (SCC) in their first bid in the Butuan City Tertiary Athletic Association (BCTAA)
Taekwondo Championships in 2004.
JIMREX JACA, SIBULAN'S BOXING PRIDE
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AMERICAN RESEARCHERS/MARTIAL ARTISTS VISIT NEGROS
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Dr. Ronald A. Harris and his students Christian Weber Adam Seifert and Thomas Demetrice Eatmon Jr. (3rd to 5th
from left) with Asst. Ms. Ponteras and Balayan Director Teresita Barcoma (5th and 4th from left) at the University of St. La Salle.
Dr. Ronald A. Harris and his students Christian Weber Adam Seifert and Thomas Demetrice Eatmon Jr. visited the Philippines last
May 2006 to conduct research on various matters relating to sustainable development and to forge a Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA) with some domestic universities, colleges, and industrial plants.
Dr. Harris holds a Ph.D. in political economy and has served as chair of the Ph.D. program in Public Policy at the Southern
University in the USA since 1996. Seifert and eatmon are doctoral fellows at the same university. Dr. Harris availed of a study
grant for the trip. The grant award came from the Mondialogo International Engineering Award and the US National Science
Foundation.
The three researchers visited Holcim Cement Plant in Bulacan, Luzon to learn more about cement production; International Rice
Research Institute (IRRI) in UP los Baños; Boracay for energy management; Engr. Belonio at the central Philippine University in
Iloilo City for rice husk/hull; University of the Philippines-Visayas (UP-V) in Miag-ao for coastal zone concerns; Balayan Director
Teresita Barcoma and Graduate School Dean Donna Echaus at the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod; Habitat Housing Project
in Tangub for low cost housing; Victorias Milling Company (VICMICO) in Victorias for bagas and fuel; Kabankalan for low cost
construction materials; and Clodualdo “Budoy” M. Lobrido in Bago City for rice cultivation.
Other subjects they researched include organic agriculture, sustainable agriculture and foresting, environmental concerns,
coastal management, volcanic ash, community empowerment, and alternative energy sources.
Dr. Harris, who is certified in several martial arts including Muay Thai, and Seifert, an active regional level MMA fighter,
punctuated their visit in the Philippines by conducting the 1st Negros Occidental Mixed Martial Arts Seminar “Cage Fighting
Fundamentals” on June 3, 2006 at the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-
FTSDA) Gym, Group K Complex, Brgy. Tangub, Bacolod City.
1ST NEG. OCC. MMA SEMINAR BY AMERICANS BIG HIT
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Dr. Ronald A. Harris (black shirt, center) and Christian Werner Adam Seifert (4th from right) with participants of the
1st Negros Occidental Mixed Martial Arts Seminar “Cage Fighting Fundamentals” after the training last June 3, 2006 at the PIMAA
-FTSDA Gym, Group K Complex, Brgy. Tangub, Bacolod City.
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Dr. Ronald A. Harris (black shirt) demonstrates the neutral clinch with Nelson Armamento as Fight Club Combat and
Streetfighting Center Founder/Chief Instructor Edwin J. Tusil looks on and follows.
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Christian Werner Adam Seifert (top) controls the mobility of Dr. Ronald A. Harris with a side mount.
This article appeared in the Western Visayas Journal June 5-11, 2006 issue.
American regional level heavyweight MMA fighter Christian Werner Adam Seifert of Gladiator Academy and Muay Thai Trainor
Dr. Ronald A. Harris of Russell Jones Fight Club, both of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA, made history when they successfully
conducted the 1st Negros Occidental Mixed Martial Arts Seminar “Cage Fighting Fundamentals” with the sponsorship of the
Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founders James U. Sy Jr. and Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado, Philippine Integrated
Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA) of Founder/President Master Elmer V. Montoyo and
Asst. Chief Instructor Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo Jr., and Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA) of
President/Inheritor Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido under the banner of the Intercontinental Federation of Martial Arts
Schools (IFMAS) last June 3, 2006 at the PIMAA-FTSDA Gym, Group K Complex, Brgy. Tangub, Bacolod City.
The seminar attracted 40 participants and guests (20 were instructors/black belts) representing 6 martial arts organizations from
Bacolod, Bago, Iloilo, and Silay Cities. 4 of the organizations represented were members of the Brotherhood of Mixed Martial
Artists of Bacolod (BOMB), the first MMA alliance in the Visayas (founded December 6, 2003).
The participating organizations were CMAS, Fight Club Combat and Streetfighting Center of Founder/Chief Instructor Edwin J.
Tusil, Negros United Fighting Arts Academy of Grandmaster Jose “Joe” Mancesa, OFTLSFA, PIMAA-FTSDA, and Tapondo
International Federation Inc.-Negros Chapter of Chief Instructor Roy R. Flores Sr.
Seifert holds a record of 20-6-4. He did 6 years of Hapkido and another 2 years with Han Mu Do before taking up Brazilian Jiu-
jitsu (BJJ) under Brazilian Roney Salles, who was a student of BJJ legend Carlson Gracie Sr. He currently holds a purple belt in
BJJ. He started Muay Thai with Dr. Harris in 2004. He stands 6 feet 2 inches and weighs 225 lbs. Seifert is currently a
doctorate fellow at the Southern University in Louisiana.
Dr. Harris has 34 years martial arts experience. He is a and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu trainor and is certified/graded in several other arts
including San Miguel Eskrima (10th degree, Doce Pares), Arnis (master, Negros Occidental Arnis Federation), Ricarte en Cruzada
(master, Chavez Arnis Group), Original Filipino Tapado (master instructor, Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting
Association), Kajukenbo (6th degree), Taekwondo (4th degree, WTF and Jidokwan), Doce Pares Combat Judo (3rd degree),
Shotokan Karate (1st degree, Vasquez Martial Arts Center), Pekiti Tirsia (Lakan Guro), and Firearms (Instructor, National Rifle
Association). Dr. Harris had also trained in Boxe Francaise Savate, Hapkido, Jeet Kune Do, Historical Western Fencing, Modern
Fencing, Nihon Jujutsu, and Western Boxing.
Dr. Harris is the Chair of Public Policy at the Southern University. He is a writer/author, his work having been published in several
national level materials in the US including inside Kung Fu.
The seminar was historic in that it was the first seminar in Bacolod City, Negros Island, Visayas, and the Philippines to be
conducted by an active American MMA fighter, the first one to be conducted by two Americans, and the first to feature both BJJ
and Muay Thai together in one seminar. Although 3 times Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion Royce Gracie of Brazil
conducted a seminar in Manila sometime in 2001, it can be better defined as the first BJJ seminar in the Philippines and the first
such to be conducted by a Brazilian. Later, another Brazilian, BJJ champion Kazeka Muniz, did another BJJ seminar.
The Philippines’ premier propagator of Gracie Jiu-jitsu and the founder of the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC),
Alvin Aguilar, did a seminar in Bacolod and a demonstration in Victorias in October 2003 which focused on BJJ/Grappling. BOMB
held 2 seminars in 2004 in Bacolod but those two were primarily rules orientation for its upcoming tournaments. Early this year,
the Doce Pares held an MMA seminar in Cebu City with Judo Grandmaster Philip Porter of the United States Martial Arts
Association (USMAA) as guest instructor.
Dr. Harris contacted GM Lobrido for the sponsorship of the seminar. GM Lobrido tapped CMAS to organize the seminar due to its
founders’ extensive experience in organizing/sponsoring and conducting seminars. Sy and Alojado, singly or in unison, had
previously organized a total of not less than 15 seminars which covered topics like Aikido, Filipino Martial Arts, Muay Thai, and
Pencak Silat Olahraga. This figure is above the average number of seminars organized/sponsored by an individual or
organization in Negros. Furthermore, Sy had previously taught &/or assisted in 20 seminars/special trainings for students,
women, professionals, CAT cadet officers, barangay tanods, security guards, and the police. Alojado had taught a number
seminars/special trainings most of which were on tai chi chuan.
GM Lobrido tapped PIMAA-FTSDA to be the venue because of its world class facilities and ambiance. The PIMAA-FTSDA Group
K Gym had previously made its mark as “a center of martial arts renaissance in Negros,” playing host to various martial arts
seminars, trainings, examinations, meetings, and special events involving Conceptual Martial Arts, Dumog, Filipino Tang Soo Do,
Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis, Long Quan, Muay Thai, Original Filipino Tapado, and Tai Chi Chuan among others. Master Montoyo,
himself a veteran of martial arts for 44 years, brings in his own expertise into the organizing of the seminar.
The seminar was composed of 4 1-hour segments: Stand up skills, ground fundamentals, transition from stand up to
groundfighting, and finishing maneuvers. The stand up material was primarily Muay Thai with some elements taken from other
stand up arts such as Savate while the clinches/tie ups, takedowns and submissions were from Freestyle Wrestling, Greco
Roman Wrestling, Russian Sambo, and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
Material taught include fundamental stance footwork, punches, elbows, kicks, and knees; stand up clinching, outbalancing,
takedowns and takedown defenses; ground positions including mount, side mount, guard, and half guard; escapes from the
mount, guard, half guard, etc.; and ground submissions including arm bar, Kimura, Americana, face lock, knee bar, and ankle
lock.
FERDINAND EMMANUEL Y. GAYOLES: YASAY SABLE MASTER & NAT’L OUTSTANDING FARMER
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Ferdinand Emmanuel “Bobot” Yasay Gayoles, recipient of the Gawad Saka Award for 2004-2005 and the Parangal
ng Pangulo sa Natatanging Magsasaka ng Tubo 2004-2005 (Presidential Citation for Outstanding Sugarcane Farmer).
This article was reprinetd from the Negros Daily Bulletin June 22 and 23, 2006 issues with the permission of the writer,
James U. Sy Jr.
Ferdinand Emmanuel “Bobot” Y. Gayoles of Bacolod City had been the recipient of two prestigious awards during the Gawad
Saka Para sa Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda awarding ceremony last May 31, 2006 at the Bureao of Soil and Water
Management (BSWM) Convention Hall, Quezon City.
The first recognition was the Gawad Saka Award for 2004-2005 given by the Department of Agriculture symbolized by a trophy.
The other award was the Parangal ng Pangulo sa Natatanging Magsasaka ng Tubo 2004-2005 (Presidential Citation for
Outstanding Sugarcane Farmer) personally awarded by the President of the Republic of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
with a framed citation.
The Gawad Saka Para sa Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda is a nationwide award given to 25 farmers and fishermen in
different categories such as sugarcane, rice, corn, etc. Gayoles is the 3rd Negrense to be given such award and the only one
coming from Region 6 (Western Visayas) at this awarding
Gayoles was previously honored with the Outstanding Sugarcane Farmer Award for Region 6 for 2004-2005 by the Department
of Agriculture Regional Field Unit No. 6 during the 2005 Western Visayas Agri Fair last October 22, 2005 at Robinson’s Place
Iloilo, Iloilo City. The award was documented with a certificate of recognition duly signed by Department of Agriculture Regional
Executive director Jinthra Demetrio.
The national and regional level awards were given after an intensive review of a candidate’s farmland, farming methods,
production output, and a personal interview. Criteria for selection include having the attributes of a model farmer, the use of
scientific methods to produce a good yield, social agenda (assistance to the poor and teaching them good farming methods,
etc.), engaged in organic farming and eco friendly, and sustainable agricultural practices. Gayoles had a produce of 92 tons at
2.2 LKG/ha. To bag the regional and national awards.
Gayoles is the National President of the Outreach Project for the Sugar Industry (OPSI) and will be presiding over the 2006 OPSI
National Convention this coming June 22-23, 2006 at the Grand Regal Hotel, Bacolod City. He is the Farm Manager of the Ma-ao
Mill District Development Committee in Ma-ao, Bago City. He is also a member of AALPI in La Carlota City and the Negros
Consolidated Farmer’s Association.
He is a professional teacher, having taken the licensure examinations last 2004. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
from the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB), took his Educational Supplemental at the West Negros College (WNC),
and currently pursuing his Master of Arts in English at the University of St. Agustin, Iloilo City (offshore program).
Gayoles is also active in the field of martial arts, being one of the Vice Presidents of the Bacolod Taekwondo Association (BTA),
the Secretary of the Bacolod Oido de Caburata Arnis Society (BAODCAS), an Examiner in the Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis
Aficionados Association (LVAAA), and an Adviser to the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS). He is also a member of
Vasquez Modified Martial Arts International (VMMAI) and the Philippine Karate-do Federation (PKF).
Gayoles is graded Master in his family art of Yasay Sable, Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis, and Oido de Caburata Arnis Aguilar Style, a
Senior Instructor in Vasquez Modified Tapado, and a 3rd degree black belt in World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) style
Taekwondo.
2006 KABANKALAN MILO MUAY SUMMER CLINIC CONCLUDED
The 2006 Kabankalan Milo Muay Summer Clinic was officially concluded with a formal ceremony recently at the FBC Audio Visual
Room, Fellowship Baptist College (FBC), Rizal St., Kabankalan City. 24 graduates were presented with their certificate of
completion by FBC President Dr. Anecito D. Villaluz Jr., Ph.D., CPA.
The graduates were A. G. C. Allic, A. J. C. Allic, S. C. Allic, A. R. Apuhan, Virgie Bachita, J. Ray Basiao, Rose Basiao, R. Ryan
Basiao, Z. J. Casuncad, A. E. Colina, Bethea A. Colina, L. S. Diaz, J. Y. Estabas, M. Garcia, Ed Gargantiel, F. A. Grigori, C. L.
Hilario, M. G. Loloy, M. B. Loloy, M. T. Olac, S. V. L. Orana, L. M. Patricio, M. T. Quicho, and M. M. Quicho.
Officials present were Meldridge A. Quiocho, FBC Sports Coordinator and the proponent of the 2006 Kabankalan Milo Muay
Summer Clinic; Henly S. Pahilagao, Accounting Department Chair; Rev. Enrico E. Resano, A.B./Education Department Chair; Pastor
Vince Nemenzo, Music and Religious Coordinator; and Prosperidad P. lorgue, MBA, Student Services Head.
Special guest was Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) Visayas and Region 7 Head Kru Ike Xavier Villaflores of
Dumaguete City.
The graduates gave a Muay Thai exhibition for the officials present. Colleen Valdez, 2006 Voice Recital 1st honors, gave a
special song number.
The 2006 Kabankalan Milo Muay Summer Clinic was started last April 17, 2006 at the FBC PE Room.
Mrs. Quicho, through her nephew 2005 Visayas champion and national bronze medalist Romnick R. Pabalate of Mabinay, started
the Muay Thai program at Fellowship Baptist College, the first such program in Kabankalan City and Southern Negros Occidental
under the sanction of the Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP), the sole recognized National Sport Association (NSA) for
Amateur Muay Thai in the Philippines by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports commission (PSC).
Training is under the banner of Muay Association of the Philippines-Kabankalan City Chapter, which was officially formed on
August 5, 2005. Pabalate handled the classes till the time he traveled to Manila to become a member of the Philippine Muay Team.
Today, MAP-KC is a non-academic club recognized and fully accredited by the Fellowship Baptist College (FBC).
Mrs. Quicho, who holds a BS in Criminology from the Philippine College of Criminology (PCCR) in Manila and a BS Education Major
in Physical Education from the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) in Dumaguete, is herself an athlete, having been a
member of the Philippine Track and Field Team in the past. She was employed with the Diaz College in Tanjay for 7 years as an
athletic Coordinator and PE Teacher.
Mrs. Quicho supported the formation of a Muay Thai club in the school because Muay Thai is an excellent way to develop one’s
body, mind, and spirit. The training improves cardiovascular efficiency, increases flexibility, promotes better muscle tone, and
develops a better well being. The training also equips a practitioner the necessary tools and skills to defend oneself during
dangerous situations.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHALLANE!!!
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July 28, 2006
HAPPY 16TH BIRTHDAY TO SHALLANE MORIL OF SILAY INSTITUTE!!!
FROM YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CLASSMATES AND YOUR KAPAMILYA AT FMA CIRCLE!!!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
THE UNKNOWN & BURIED ROOTS OF MODERN ARNIS By: Maxwell “Max” J. Maun
Maxwell “Max” J. Maun is formerly the Negros Occidental Commissioner for Arnis Philippines, Inc. and is the Founder/Chief Instructor of the Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (BAE). The Bacolod martial arts community recognizes him as a Master of Herada Pigada Arnis. He had studied Aikido, Arnis, Judo/Jujitsu, and Karate.
The history of Arnis/Escrima in the Philippines has posed many controversies, differences, and questions that have remained unresolved until the present times. Incessant bickering, internal strife, and power struggles among practitioners have significantly grown within different styles and even among belonging to the same style because of self serving interests of some practitioners.
I had no intention of adding to this chaos. However, I was compelled to write this article as a response to the piece “Interview with Romy Lisondra” by Datu David Knuttel of Germany which was published in the FMA Digest Vol. 4 No. 4 last 2007. I and the others who know the real story had kept silent for years so not to tarnish, discredit, or destroy the reputation of the late Grandmaster Remegio “Remy” Amador Presas and the Modern Arnis he had left behind as his legacy. But because of the inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the article, I am coming out in the open to straighten the record. A lie mixed with half of the truth and retold several times over will eventually be perceived and accepted as the truth.
This revelation is in no way a disrespect for the interviewer Datu Knuttel, who is only limited by the details given him, and the interviewee Mr. Romy “Bebing” Lisondra[1], who is only limited by second hand information and/or a poor memory.
I am the nephew of the late Philippine Army (PA) Col. Pedro “Pete” P. Doromal Jr. and Philippine Constabulary (PC)[2] Capt. Nelson P. Doromal[3]. They both introduced and guided me in the study of Arnis, Judo, and Jujitsu. With their blessing and encouragement, I learned Aikido in 1978. I have learned from my uncles and their close associates first hand accounts of how Modern Arnis came to be today.
I was an elementary grade pupil at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R)[4] in the 1960s, the same time when Tito[5] Remy Presas was teaching Judo and Karate as PE elective subjects in the university’s college department. My mother’s family and relatives were close friends of the family of Rosemary Pascual, who was the first wife of Tito Remy.
According to Mr. Lisondra,
1. He and his brother Rudy received their black belts in Modern Arnis from GM Presas on December 11, 1964 at the University of San Agustin (USA) in Iloilo City .
2. He received his Lakan Apat (4th Degree Black Belt) in Modern Arnis in 1970.
3. It was sometime in 1968 when Modern Arnis was established by GM Presas.
4. In the middle of 1969 and 1970, GM Presas left for Manila and then hired him to go to Manila and assist in teaching Arnis at the National Amateur Karate Organization (NAKO).
If Modern Arnis was established in 1968 as stated, how could the Lisondra brothers earn rank in that system on December 11, 1964 or 4 years before it was founded?
If Modern Arnis was established in 1968 as stated, a 4th Degree ranking by 1970 would mean that Mr. Lisondra was given at least two degrees each year, which is quite fast and unusual practice for existing martial arts systems at that time.
If Modern Arnis was established in 1968 as stated, why was the name used National Amateur Karate Organization (NAKO) and not Modern Arnis?
Mr. Lisondra also stated that he went back to Bacolod in 1971 while GM Presas stayed in Manila . Why did GM Presas stay in Manila ? Who were the known people associated with GM Presas during that time period? What things transpired from 1969 to the early 1970s in Manila ? On page 52, Mr. Lisondra said that there were two Doromal brothers who joined and studied under GM Presas. Who were these Doromals and what were their backgrounds? Where and with whom were the Doromals associated with? Were the Doromals really students of GM Presas or was it the other way around?
On page 54, Mr. Lisondra said that Col. Pedro P. Doromal Jr., then an ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Course) Corp Commander, a known student leader at West Negros College (WNC)[6], and who had established himself as the best Arnis fighter at that time, challenged Tito Remy Presas, who was said to be only demonstrating his Arnis. He further said that Doromal lost the fight and joined Presas as a student later.
Why would somebody who had a reputation to protect and maintain offer a challenge to someone who is virtually unknown and risk damaging a superior status? Common sense will tell us that any person will try to avoid confrontation and always protect the integrity of a good reputation in an institution where he is regarded as a leader.
Another matter in which Mr. Lisondra had grossly missed is that when he said that the Doromals were practicing Arnis without a system and even made fun of it by calling it Wedo (we do this and we do that). On page 51, Mr. Lisondra admitted that their group was practicing a system of techniques called Corridas that was later renamed to Tapi-Tapi. What then is corridas? How did it become to be called Tapi-Tapi by GM Presas? Who were the original practitioners of Corridas? And most importantly, who were the real originators of Modern Arnis as a system? Who prepared the original manuscipt of the book Modern Arnis? What happened to the original manuscript? These are questions that need clear answers.
To understand and put things in proper perspective and give answers to the several questions, allow me to share a story from the past, which was revealed to me by my uncles and confirmed by many of their associates in the course of my study of Arnis with them.
Let me start in the mid 1960s when I was still an elementary pupil at UNO-R in Bacolod City . Prof. Remegio “Remy” Amador Presas of Hinigaran was employed as college PE instructor at the university, teaching Karate and Judo as PE elective subjects during that time. I would frequent his classes and watch from the sidelines his instructions and sessions. Two of his primary and well known Karate students and junior Instructors at UNO-R were the Sancho twins, Winnie and Willy, with whom I was later closely associated with.
During that period, Prof. Presas was popular and known as a Karate and Judo man, rather than a stickfighting instructor. However, I would see him integrate some stick techniques in some of his instructions as part of their Karate classes. His daughters, Mary Jane and Mary Ann P. Presas, were former classmates of my younger sister in UNO-R during their elementary days.
Just about the same period, I would often get to be with Col. Pedro Doromal Jr. or Tito Pete as we would call him. Tito Pete was by then connected with the Araneta Group of Companies and was the Chief Security Officer of several companies owned by the Progressive Development Corporation (PDC) owned by the Aranetas. He was assigned as the Chief Security Officer of the Bacolod Murcia Milling Co.[7] and Talisay Central Milling Co.
Tito Pete instructed me in Arnis and Judo/Jujitsu. He was later transferred to Manila at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao. At that time, I was also attending high school in Manila and had the chance to further my studies with his brother, the late Capt. Nelson P. Doromal. Those sessions were on and off because of the nature of their work assignments. However, during the middle part of 1970, I again got the opportunity to continue my training with them at Cubao, where they would also meet with their other brothers, namely Tito Douglas, Tito Morad, Tito Remy (Doromal), and Col. Robert “Petemax” Doromal, who at that time was connected with the now defunct Presidential Security Group of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, under Maj. Erwin Ver, son of the late AFP Chief-of-Staff Fabian Ver[8].
One late evening after a tiresome day of training, Tito Pete narrated to me that in the 1950s he studied at West Negros College (WNC).and that he stayed at a rented room in Burgos-Cometa St. , which was a walking distance away from the school. During weekends, Tito Pete would go home to his hometown in Barrio Sicaba, Cadiz City , about 50 KM north of Bacolod City .
Tito Pete came from a very large family, most men of which were skilled in stickfighting techniques handed down to them by their late father, Pedro Doromal Sr. Pedro Doromal Sr. is the first degree cousin of my maternal grandfather. This makes Pedro Doromal Jr. and my mother second degree cousins.
According to Tito Pete, the stickfighting system of the Doromals was a fusion of the Sicabanhon style with the Bayoneta Karada of WWII Army Infantryman Benito Agui, who was a known close-in bodyguard of the late Cong. Armin Gustilo, a politician and sugar planter and close ally of then President Marcos.
The Doromals had a particular training drill called Corridas which consisted of a series of patterned strikes and blocks prominently pressing and close quarter, employing hand checking, weapon grabbing, base hitting, and point thrusting. Tito Pete Doromal Jr. taught their brand of Arnis with some his younger brothers, particularly Nelson and Petemax, who later joined the military service. During that early time, they had a core circle of practitioners and propagators coming from the Parreño Clan, who were their maternal cousins.
The Doromals were very cautious on taking on students and closely guarded their following. They would only accept people whom they believe were trustworthy and had good character.
Also about that time, Tito Remy Presas was starting his martial arts career and was extensively training in Judo and Karate, which was gaining some popularity in those years. He tried to join the group of the Doromals but was rejected by some of the members of the core group because they doubted his motives and loyalty to the group. Tito Remy Presas trailed Tito Pete Doromal Jr., persuading him to accept him but he was told that the group was refusing to take him in.
Out of sheer frustration, Tito Remy Presas challenged Tito Pete Doromal Jr. to an Arnis match. Tito Pete had a reputation to protect as corps commander and as an Arnis instructor of repute. He plainly told Presas that the stakes were not that good for him. But Presas was unrelenting and followed Doromal around ceaselessly offering the challenge. Tito Pete finally accepted the challenge when the pressure became unbearable and Presas had gotten his ire. He, however, set three conditions. First, the match will not be in the view of the public and must be done discreetly. Second, both groups were only to bring with them ten of their followings to witness the encounter. Third, to prevent undue injury, one who gets disarmed or dropped his weapon thrice loses the match.
Presas agreed to the conditions and the match was done late evening in a secluded place inside the school campus. Tito Remy Presas was disarmed by Tito Pete thrice and the bout was over in a jiffy. Tito Pete kept mum about the match to protect his and Presas’ reputation. He thought that the matter was already settled but Presas kept tailing him around asking to be mentored and accepted by the group.
One rainy Friday evening, in his boarding house at Burgos-Cometa St. , Tito Pete heard a loud knock at the door. The downpour was heavy. He was surprised to see Tito Remy Presas dripping wet and heavily intoxicated. Again, Presas started pleading to be accepted by the group to learn Arnis from them. Inorder to avoid making a scene and prevent some people to speculate and get the wrong idea of what was happening, Tito Pete told him that he would ask his brothers and his group to accept him just to silence Tito Remy.
Tito Pete requested Tito Remy to leave and meet them the following day at a designated meeting place. A blood compact with the group ensued to seal their bond and loyalty to each other. Tito Remy Presas finally made it as a student of the core circle of the Doromal Group.
Several years after these events, the Doromals started to work on a manual/manuscript to be used as a standard guide for Arnis instruction for the academe. Tito Nelson Doromal, the primary proponent of the project, drew sketches of the techniques and outlines of instruction for the purpose of presenting it to educational institutions. The manual/manuscript was a joint effort of seven people in which three were from the Doromals, two from the Parreños, another being a priest, and the last one a trusted member of the group. The group would meet frequently to discuss the development and evolvement of the presentation of the said manual/manuscript for Arnis.
At first, the content of the manuscript was coined as “Automatic Stick Fencing” and was not given its final name (today it is better known as Herada Pigada). During the later part of the manual’s development, Tito Remy Presas offered and suggested that it would be best if the book was to be presented in Tagalog, the National Language of the Philippines . This was to put some nationalistic essence on its presentation. His wife, Rosemary Pascual Presas, was a Pilipino[9] subject teacher and he offered for her to translate it to Tagalog. Remy Presas was able to convince the group and was entrusted to borrow the original manuscript to have it translated by his wife.
Unfortunately, the original manuscript never came back to the group. During the early 1970s, Tito Remy Presas stayed in Manila to take up his Master’s Degree in Physical Education at the Philippine Normal University and this was about the same time when he met some influential people who played a vital role in the publication of a book entitled Modern Arnis in 1974, which consisted of about 80% of the original manuscript he had borrowed but did not return. The remainder was based on the teachings of his other teacher, Grandmaster Rodolfo Mongcal of Balintawak Escrima.
There were also other things revealed to me by my uncles which I personally believe should not go public and must be kept and buried inorder not to destroy the legacy of today’s Modern Arnis. It is best kept in secret to preserve the good memories of Col. Pedro “Pete” P. Doromal Jr., Capt. Nelson P. Doromal, and Prof. Remegio “Remy” A. Presas. These three people are no longer with us today. They have worked hard and gave their share and sacrificed much to develop Arnis for the academe and education. It is only a sad thing that there were people left out and were not given due recognition for their contributions.
There are still people alive today who know the story and could vouch for its authenticity. Mr. Julio Euraba and Col. Atty. GM Marcelo “Pope” C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., of Talisay City, Negros Occidental are just two of them. I would rather not mention the names of the other people to respect their privacy. However, I could easily refer anyone who wishes to check with them in private.
I once asked my late uncle Col. Pedro “Pete” Doromal Jr. why did they not do anything to confront Remy Presas, His reply was, “The others did try but it made things worse and widen the rift that people could no longer see each other eye to eye. I told my brothers to let it be and let it go, the ball has started rolling for Modern Arnis. Eventually, it will stop and the accounting will begin sooner or later.”
Let me again say that I am not putting anyone into the bad light. I am merely correcting an error which has continued for decades. Let history be right and truth prevail about modern arnis. Mabuhay ang lahing Filipino! Mabuhay ang Arnis!
-----------------------------------------------
[1] Romy “Bebing” Lisondra and his brother Rudy Lisondra head the National Judo Karate Jujitsu Association (NAJUKAJU-A) based in Bacolod and Iloilo Cities respectively. Romy Lisondra is primarily known as a Karate instructor in the Bacolod martial arts community and is now retired from teaching after losing his sight from diabetes which was aggravated by alcohol intake.
[2] A now defunct section of the Philippine Armed Forces (AFP). Most of its former members and personnel were absorbed by the Philippine National Police (PNP). Others opted to join the regular armed forces, particularly the Philippine Army (PA).
[3] Capt. Nelson P. Doromal had trained several personalities in Arnis such as 1970s movie producer Levi Ignacio, 1970/1980s action star and martial artist Ernie “The Samurai” Ortega, and action star Bernard “Palos” Bonin among others. Capt. Nelson P. Doromal has also been assigned as Camp Commander of Camp Catañeda , Tagaytay and PROVOST Marshal for Region 6 of the now defunct PC Command.
[4] The first university in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.
[5] Tito is a title of respect which roughly translates to “uncle” and used to call biological uncles and non-relatives but older in age. In the Filipino culture, it is bad manners to call somebody older by their first name. Tita is the feminine form of Tito.
[6] Now known as the West Negros University (WNU). It become the third university in Bacolod and Negros Occidental in 2008.
[7] Presently leased by Lopingco of Noah’s Ark.
[8] Also the first President of the National Arnis Association of the Philippines (NARAPHIL), then the Government recognized National Governing Body of Sport Arnis in the Philippines .
[9] Pilipino was the accepted spelling at that time but was later changed to Filipino when letters from the Western alphabet were introduced into the native alpabeto.
The history of Arnis/Escrima in the Philippines has posed many controversies, differences, and questions that have remained unresolved until the present times. Incessant bickering, internal strife, and power struggles among practitioners have significantly grown within different styles and even among belonging to the same style because of self serving interests of some practitioners.
I had no intention of adding to this chaos. However, I was compelled to write this article as a response to the piece “Interview with Romy Lisondra” by Datu David Knuttel of Germany which was published in the FMA Digest Vol. 4 No. 4 last 2007. I and the others who know the real story had kept silent for years so not to tarnish, discredit, or destroy the reputation of the late Grandmaster Remegio “Remy” Amador Presas and the Modern Arnis he had left behind as his legacy. But because of the inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the article, I am coming out in the open to straighten the record. A lie mixed with half of the truth and retold several times over will eventually be perceived and accepted as the truth.
This revelation is in no way a disrespect for the interviewer Datu Knuttel, who is only limited by the details given him, and the interviewee Mr. Romy “Bebing” Lisondra[1], who is only limited by second hand information and/or a poor memory.
I am the nephew of the late Philippine Army (PA) Col. Pedro “Pete” P. Doromal Jr. and Philippine Constabulary (PC)[2] Capt. Nelson P. Doromal[3]. They both introduced and guided me in the study of Arnis, Judo, and Jujitsu. With their blessing and encouragement, I learned Aikido in 1978. I have learned from my uncles and their close associates first hand accounts of how Modern Arnis came to be today.
I was an elementary grade pupil at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R)[4] in the 1960s, the same time when Tito[5] Remy Presas was teaching Judo and Karate as PE elective subjects in the university’s college department. My mother’s family and relatives were close friends of the family of Rosemary Pascual, who was the first wife of Tito Remy.
According to Mr. Lisondra,
1. He and his brother Rudy received their black belts in Modern Arnis from GM Presas on December 11, 1964 at the University of San Agustin (USA) in Iloilo City .
2. He received his Lakan Apat (4th Degree Black Belt) in Modern Arnis in 1970.
3. It was sometime in 1968 when Modern Arnis was established by GM Presas.
4. In the middle of 1969 and 1970, GM Presas left for Manila and then hired him to go to Manila and assist in teaching Arnis at the National Amateur Karate Organization (NAKO).
If Modern Arnis was established in 1968 as stated, how could the Lisondra brothers earn rank in that system on December 11, 1964 or 4 years before it was founded?
If Modern Arnis was established in 1968 as stated, a 4th Degree ranking by 1970 would mean that Mr. Lisondra was given at least two degrees each year, which is quite fast and unusual practice for existing martial arts systems at that time.
If Modern Arnis was established in 1968 as stated, why was the name used National Amateur Karate Organization (NAKO) and not Modern Arnis?
Mr. Lisondra also stated that he went back to Bacolod in 1971 while GM Presas stayed in Manila . Why did GM Presas stay in Manila ? Who were the known people associated with GM Presas during that time period? What things transpired from 1969 to the early 1970s in Manila ? On page 52, Mr. Lisondra said that there were two Doromal brothers who joined and studied under GM Presas. Who were these Doromals and what were their backgrounds? Where and with whom were the Doromals associated with? Were the Doromals really students of GM Presas or was it the other way around?
On page 54, Mr. Lisondra said that Col. Pedro P. Doromal Jr., then an ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Course) Corp Commander, a known student leader at West Negros College (WNC)[6], and who had established himself as the best Arnis fighter at that time, challenged Tito Remy Presas, who was said to be only demonstrating his Arnis. He further said that Doromal lost the fight and joined Presas as a student later.
Why would somebody who had a reputation to protect and maintain offer a challenge to someone who is virtually unknown and risk damaging a superior status? Common sense will tell us that any person will try to avoid confrontation and always protect the integrity of a good reputation in an institution where he is regarded as a leader.
Another matter in which Mr. Lisondra had grossly missed is that when he said that the Doromals were practicing Arnis without a system and even made fun of it by calling it Wedo (we do this and we do that). On page 51, Mr. Lisondra admitted that their group was practicing a system of techniques called Corridas that was later renamed to Tapi-Tapi. What then is corridas? How did it become to be called Tapi-Tapi by GM Presas? Who were the original practitioners of Corridas? And most importantly, who were the real originators of Modern Arnis as a system? Who prepared the original manuscipt of the book Modern Arnis? What happened to the original manuscript? These are questions that need clear answers.
To understand and put things in proper perspective and give answers to the several questions, allow me to share a story from the past, which was revealed to me by my uncles and confirmed by many of their associates in the course of my study of Arnis with them.
Let me start in the mid 1960s when I was still an elementary pupil at UNO-R in Bacolod City . Prof. Remegio “Remy” Amador Presas of Hinigaran was employed as college PE instructor at the university, teaching Karate and Judo as PE elective subjects during that time. I would frequent his classes and watch from the sidelines his instructions and sessions. Two of his primary and well known Karate students and junior Instructors at UNO-R were the Sancho twins, Winnie and Willy, with whom I was later closely associated with.
During that period, Prof. Presas was popular and known as a Karate and Judo man, rather than a stickfighting instructor. However, I would see him integrate some stick techniques in some of his instructions as part of their Karate classes. His daughters, Mary Jane and Mary Ann P. Presas, were former classmates of my younger sister in UNO-R during their elementary days.
Just about the same period, I would often get to be with Col. Pedro Doromal Jr. or Tito Pete as we would call him. Tito Pete was by then connected with the Araneta Group of Companies and was the Chief Security Officer of several companies owned by the Progressive Development Corporation (PDC) owned by the Aranetas. He was assigned as the Chief Security Officer of the Bacolod Murcia Milling Co.[7] and Talisay Central Milling Co.
Tito Pete instructed me in Arnis and Judo/Jujitsu. He was later transferred to Manila at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao. At that time, I was also attending high school in Manila and had the chance to further my studies with his brother, the late Capt. Nelson P. Doromal. Those sessions were on and off because of the nature of their work assignments. However, during the middle part of 1970, I again got the opportunity to continue my training with them at Cubao, where they would also meet with their other brothers, namely Tito Douglas, Tito Morad, Tito Remy (Doromal), and Col. Robert “Petemax” Doromal, who at that time was connected with the now defunct Presidential Security Group of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, under Maj. Erwin Ver, son of the late AFP Chief-of-Staff Fabian Ver[8].
One late evening after a tiresome day of training, Tito Pete narrated to me that in the 1950s he studied at West Negros College (WNC).and that he stayed at a rented room in Burgos-Cometa St. , which was a walking distance away from the school. During weekends, Tito Pete would go home to his hometown in Barrio Sicaba, Cadiz City , about 50 KM north of Bacolod City .
Tito Pete came from a very large family, most men of which were skilled in stickfighting techniques handed down to them by their late father, Pedro Doromal Sr. Pedro Doromal Sr. is the first degree cousin of my maternal grandfather. This makes Pedro Doromal Jr. and my mother second degree cousins.
According to Tito Pete, the stickfighting system of the Doromals was a fusion of the Sicabanhon style with the Bayoneta Karada of WWII Army Infantryman Benito Agui, who was a known close-in bodyguard of the late Cong. Armin Gustilo, a politician and sugar planter and close ally of then President Marcos.
The Doromals had a particular training drill called Corridas which consisted of a series of patterned strikes and blocks prominently pressing and close quarter, employing hand checking, weapon grabbing, base hitting, and point thrusting. Tito Pete Doromal Jr. taught their brand of Arnis with some his younger brothers, particularly Nelson and Petemax, who later joined the military service. During that early time, they had a core circle of practitioners and propagators coming from the Parreño Clan, who were their maternal cousins.
The Doromals were very cautious on taking on students and closely guarded their following. They would only accept people whom they believe were trustworthy and had good character.
Also about that time, Tito Remy Presas was starting his martial arts career and was extensively training in Judo and Karate, which was gaining some popularity in those years. He tried to join the group of the Doromals but was rejected by some of the members of the core group because they doubted his motives and loyalty to the group. Tito Remy Presas trailed Tito Pete Doromal Jr., persuading him to accept him but he was told that the group was refusing to take him in.
Out of sheer frustration, Tito Remy Presas challenged Tito Pete Doromal Jr. to an Arnis match. Tito Pete had a reputation to protect as corps commander and as an Arnis instructor of repute. He plainly told Presas that the stakes were not that good for him. But Presas was unrelenting and followed Doromal around ceaselessly offering the challenge. Tito Pete finally accepted the challenge when the pressure became unbearable and Presas had gotten his ire. He, however, set three conditions. First, the match will not be in the view of the public and must be done discreetly. Second, both groups were only to bring with them ten of their followings to witness the encounter. Third, to prevent undue injury, one who gets disarmed or dropped his weapon thrice loses the match.
Presas agreed to the conditions and the match was done late evening in a secluded place inside the school campus. Tito Remy Presas was disarmed by Tito Pete thrice and the bout was over in a jiffy. Tito Pete kept mum about the match to protect his and Presas’ reputation. He thought that the matter was already settled but Presas kept tailing him around asking to be mentored and accepted by the group.
One rainy Friday evening, in his boarding house at Burgos-Cometa St. , Tito Pete heard a loud knock at the door. The downpour was heavy. He was surprised to see Tito Remy Presas dripping wet and heavily intoxicated. Again, Presas started pleading to be accepted by the group to learn Arnis from them. Inorder to avoid making a scene and prevent some people to speculate and get the wrong idea of what was happening, Tito Pete told him that he would ask his brothers and his group to accept him just to silence Tito Remy.
Tito Pete requested Tito Remy to leave and meet them the following day at a designated meeting place. A blood compact with the group ensued to seal their bond and loyalty to each other. Tito Remy Presas finally made it as a student of the core circle of the Doromal Group.
Several years after these events, the Doromals started to work on a manual/manuscript to be used as a standard guide for Arnis instruction for the academe. Tito Nelson Doromal, the primary proponent of the project, drew sketches of the techniques and outlines of instruction for the purpose of presenting it to educational institutions. The manual/manuscript was a joint effort of seven people in which three were from the Doromals, two from the Parreños, another being a priest, and the last one a trusted member of the group. The group would meet frequently to discuss the development and evolvement of the presentation of the said manual/manuscript for Arnis.
At first, the content of the manuscript was coined as “Automatic Stick Fencing” and was not given its final name (today it is better known as Herada Pigada). During the later part of the manual’s development, Tito Remy Presas offered and suggested that it would be best if the book was to be presented in Tagalog, the National Language of the Philippines . This was to put some nationalistic essence on its presentation. His wife, Rosemary Pascual Presas, was a Pilipino[9] subject teacher and he offered for her to translate it to Tagalog. Remy Presas was able to convince the group and was entrusted to borrow the original manuscript to have it translated by his wife.
Unfortunately, the original manuscript never came back to the group. During the early 1970s, Tito Remy Presas stayed in Manila to take up his Master’s Degree in Physical Education at the Philippine Normal University and this was about the same time when he met some influential people who played a vital role in the publication of a book entitled Modern Arnis in 1974, which consisted of about 80% of the original manuscript he had borrowed but did not return. The remainder was based on the teachings of his other teacher, Grandmaster Rodolfo Mongcal of Balintawak Escrima.
There were also other things revealed to me by my uncles which I personally believe should not go public and must be kept and buried inorder not to destroy the legacy of today’s Modern Arnis. It is best kept in secret to preserve the good memories of Col. Pedro “Pete” P. Doromal Jr., Capt. Nelson P. Doromal, and Prof. Remegio “Remy” A. Presas. These three people are no longer with us today. They have worked hard and gave their share and sacrificed much to develop Arnis for the academe and education. It is only a sad thing that there were people left out and were not given due recognition for their contributions.
There are still people alive today who know the story and could vouch for its authenticity. Mr. Julio Euraba and Col. Atty. GM Marcelo “Pope” C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., of Talisay City, Negros Occidental are just two of them. I would rather not mention the names of the other people to respect their privacy. However, I could easily refer anyone who wishes to check with them in private.
I once asked my late uncle Col. Pedro “Pete” Doromal Jr. why did they not do anything to confront Remy Presas, His reply was, “The others did try but it made things worse and widen the rift that people could no longer see each other eye to eye. I told my brothers to let it be and let it go, the ball has started rolling for Modern Arnis. Eventually, it will stop and the accounting will begin sooner or later.”
Let me again say that I am not putting anyone into the bad light. I am merely correcting an error which has continued for decades. Let history be right and truth prevail about modern arnis. Mabuhay ang lahing Filipino! Mabuhay ang Arnis!
-----------------------------------------------
[1] Romy “Bebing” Lisondra and his brother Rudy Lisondra head the National Judo Karate Jujitsu Association (NAJUKAJU-A) based in Bacolod and Iloilo Cities respectively. Romy Lisondra is primarily known as a Karate instructor in the Bacolod martial arts community and is now retired from teaching after losing his sight from diabetes which was aggravated by alcohol intake.
[2] A now defunct section of the Philippine Armed Forces (AFP). Most of its former members and personnel were absorbed by the Philippine National Police (PNP). Others opted to join the regular armed forces, particularly the Philippine Army (PA).
[3] Capt. Nelson P. Doromal had trained several personalities in Arnis such as 1970s movie producer Levi Ignacio, 1970/1980s action star and martial artist Ernie “The Samurai” Ortega, and action star Bernard “Palos” Bonin among others. Capt. Nelson P. Doromal has also been assigned as Camp Commander of Camp Catañeda , Tagaytay and PROVOST Marshal for Region 6 of the now defunct PC Command.
[4] The first university in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.
[5] Tito is a title of respect which roughly translates to “uncle” and used to call biological uncles and non-relatives but older in age. In the Filipino culture, it is bad manners to call somebody older by their first name. Tita is the feminine form of Tito.
[6] Now known as the West Negros University (WNU). It become the third university in Bacolod and Negros Occidental in 2008.
[7] Presently leased by Lopingco of Noah’s Ark.
[8] Also the first President of the National Arnis Association of the Philippines (NARAPHIL), then the Government recognized National Governing Body of Sport Arnis in the Philippines .
[9] Pilipino was the accepted spelling at that time but was later changed to Filipino when letters from the Western alphabet were introduced into the native alpabeto.
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