Gathering of Arnisadors Held By: James U. Sy Jr.

Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., Founder of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), called for a Christmas gathering of arnisadors last December 26, 2009 at the Apollo Chinese Restaurant, Cuadra St., Bacolod City.

GM Jalandoon retired as the President of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF) and the Commissioner of Arnis Philippine, Inc. (ArPi) for Bacolod City and Negros Occidental last March 2009 for the reasons of old age and health matters. The venerable master, after several months of absence, missed the group and the Christmas season was the best time for a reunion.

GM Jalandoon is known as a good organizer and supporter of Arnis, who succeeded in bringing together about 12 clubs more or else under the banner of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF). He had tirelessly sponsored Arnis tournaments for the propagation of the art to the next generation. A memorable event he hosted was the 1st Talisay Baston Tournament held on January 30, 2007 at the Talisay Gym, Brgy. 2, Talisay City.

In attendance were P/SUPT. (Ret.) Founder/Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez of the Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association (GKAKEA), representing International Modern Arnis Federation, Philippines (IMAFP)-Bacolod Chapter; P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra of the Guarra Style Modern Arnis and Self Defense Association (GSMASDA), representing Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF); Director/Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” Cardinal and Master Guilberto “Dagul” Dajao of the KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA)-Bacolod, representing Arnis Philippine, Inc. (ArPi)-Bacolod/Negros Occidental Chapter; and Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., representing Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS).

The association heads gave GM Jalandoon updates on their respective endeavors and achievements for the 2nd to 4th quarters of 2009.

After the merienda and before the gathering was officially ended, meetings were scheduled as follows: IMAFP-Bacolod/Neg. Occ. for the first week of every month, ArPi-Bacolod/Neg. Occ. every second week, and NOBF every third week.