Bungkag Lalaw for Original Filipino Tapado Founder Held By: James U. Sy Jr.

Newly promoted tapadistas. Front seated (master promotions), from left: Edilberto Pamilangco (proxy for his brother, Jose Pamilangco), Clodualdo “Budoy” Lobrido, Nelson G. Carmona, and Elmer V. Montoyo. 2nd row standing (senior instructor promotions), from left: Rolito A. Ruelan, John “Jun-Jun” Maravilla, Jinny J. Mamar, Wilson Cejas, and Rufino Fernandez.



Nelson G. Carmona (left) receiving his promotion to master in Original Filipino Tapado from May Mamar-Oquindo, the daughter of the late founder, as Grandmaster Benefredo "Bebing" M. Lobrido, President of the Original filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), looks on.



Some of those who attended the Bungkaw Lalaw of the late Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar.

The Bungkag Lalaw (Ceremonial End of Mourning) of the late founder of Original Filipino Tapado, Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar, was well attended by around 70 members of the Mamar and Lobrido Clans and tapadistas last April 23, 2006 at the Mamar Residence, Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City.

The program started with an invocation by Pastor Romeo Gumban, National Anthem by Robie Lobrido, and opening remarks by the late GM’s daughter May Mamar-Oquindo.

Then family members and close friends spoke of their memories of the late master. Among those who spoke were Nelson G. Carmona, Joe Conado, Alfredo “Fred” M. Lobrido (in lieu of Romeo “Tokong” Mamar Jr.), Clodualdo “Budoy” Lobrido, Ed Magbanua, Patrocinio C. Mamar, and Bong Rosquillo.

GM ‘Nono” Mamar founded the indigenous Bagoueño long stick fighting art Original Filipino Tapado in 1960 as an innovation of his previous studies of other styles of arnis such as lagas (now called oido), sinamak, and backhand. He proved the effectiveness of his new fighting art by putting it to the ultimate test - no protection full contact duels.

OFTLSFA Auditor and Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS) Founder Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado gave thanks and recognized the efforts of the old timers in keeping the art alive for the next generation. Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” Mamar Lobrido. President of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), presented the new set of officers and the association’s S.E.C. registration certificate to all those in attendance.

Past Secretary Ed Magbanua officially turned over the association records to President GM Lobrido and current Secretary Elmer V. Montoyo.

The first batch of rank promotions under the leadership of GM Lobrido was also awarded. Oquindo assisted GM Lobrido in giving out the certificates. Those promoted to master in Original Filipino Tapado were Nelson G. Carmona, Clodualdo “Budoy” Lobrido, and Filipino Tang Soo Do Founder Elmer V. Montoyo. Jose “Joe” Pamilangco, who was one of four to be promoted by the late founder to the rank of master in 1986, was also given a certificate confirming his rank.

Those promoted to senior instructor were Wilson Cejas, Rufino Fernandez, Jinny J. Mamar, Romeo “Tokong” Mamar Jr., John “Jun-Jun” Maravilla, and Rolito A. Ruelan.

Master of Ceremonies was Elmer V. Montoyo. The event was covered and documented by CMAS Founder James U. Sy Jr. Others who were in attendance were Karate Master Ric Barraca, Grandmaster Dominador “Doming” D. Ferrer, Past President Ben Lopez, Al contra cargada arnis Founder Dominador “Jun-Jun” Villaluna, etc.