What Lent Really Means By James U. Sy Jr.

Published in the March 31, 2010 issue of the Negros Daily Bulletin p.10 http://www.ndb-online.com/mar3110/negros-events-and-leisure/What-Lent-Really-Means+



Rev. Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite, SSP, (left) with James U. Sy Jr.

It’s Holy Week again. For most of us who work hard to earn a living, it means at least two days of rest. For some, it’s a time to go to Boracay or any of the other beautiful resorts scattered all over the Philippine archipelago. But do we, as Christians who live in the only Catholic nation in Asia, ask ourselves what is the real meaning and essence of the Holy Week? Lent is the best time to ponder on this thought.

For me, th inspiration to reconsider and contemplate came early on last Sunday, March 28, 2010, while I was watching the TV Healing Mass of the River of Living Water Catholic Community broadcasted over at Studio 23. It was my girlfriend who first introduced me to this TV mass, which is especially intended for people who can not leave their homes because of illness or some other disabilities.
The primary celebrant of the TV mass is Iloilo native Rev. Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite of the Society of St. Paul (SSP). There were also times when other priests conducted the mass. Last year, the mass showed the biggest gathering of religious leaders from all over the Philippines, celebrating mass and praying together for the betterment of our society and nation. The River of Living Water Healing Mass is held every Sunday at the SM Chapel, 5th Level of the SM Mega Mall in Mandaluyong City.

The gospel for that particular Sunday, which happened to be Palm Sunday, was John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This fact has always been taught in Religious Studies in school but we seem to forget rather easily.

They showed a very beautiful but sad video clip about The Train Man, a story of a bridge master. A bridge master is one who controls mechanically the bridge rail by which the train passes on. This bridge master has a son, a little boy, who loves to watch trains and the people who travel in it. The people who ride the train were quite varied. There were those who were lonely, selfish, addicted, confused, etc.

One day, the bridge master raised the bridge. His son was nearby fishing when the boy saw that the train was fast approaching. He shouted to his father and started running towards the bridge. In the boy’s haste, he fell down on the lower part of the bridge where both sides of the bridge are connected with the pull of a lever.

The father panicked. The train was already near. He had two choices, to save his son and let all the passengers of the train die or to pull down the lever and save the passengers but crash his son’s small body under the reconnecting bridge in the process. With much hesitation, the father pulled down the lever. He ran to where the body of his son lay lifeless. As the train passed by, its passengers were never aware of the second life given them by the sacrifice of the son’s life.

The short video clip ends with the father crying in great pain, carrying the lifeless body of his little boy. I just couldn’t contain myself and I burst in tears.

The passengers in the train represent all of us sinners. We are indifferent and don’t care so long as we can go on with our own lives. We tend to think only of where we want to go, as much as the passengers look forward towards their destination, and almost all except for one noticing the grieving father.


The boy who was sacrificed by the father symbolized Jesus Christ. He saved us all but we tend to look away and watch at other things, ignoring the sacrifice He made for us to be reborn.

Fr. Sobrejuanite was right when he stressed that Christ’s sacrifice for us should be the center of our Holy Week. In our busy life where we work hard to earn for our family we often neglect this.

Words could just do so much. Nothing compares to watching the clip. The clip was really effective in embedding into the hearts of the viewers the real essence of the Holy Week. It is for us to be grateful to God for saving us all inspite of our sins and imperfection and to always strive to live the way He wanted us to. The first step in doing so is to accept him as one’s personal savior.

I highly encourage everyone to watch the River of Living Water Catholic Community TV Healing Mass every Sunday at Studio 23. God’s word will inspire you and enrich your life.

Brown Grabs Vacant WBA Women’s Super BW Title By: James U. Sy Jr.

WIBA and IFBA world champion Lisa "Bad News" Brown (B: 1971) of Canada bloodied IBA-WBO Champion Filipina-American Ana "The Hurricane" Julaton of Daly City, California, United States to get a 10-round unanimous decision victory (99-92, 99-91 and 100-91) and to grab the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) female super bantamweight title at the Ramble at the Rama XI last March 27, 2010, Saturday, at the Casino Rama, Rama, Ontario, Canada.

Julaton fought valiantly but Brown was more experienced, is a southpaw fighter, and likes to move forward. Brown's KO percentage is not that high at 20.83% but she has boxed a total of 170 rounds. She turned pro with a 26-6 amateur record under her belt,

Brown's record now stands at 17-4-3 5 KO. Julaton is now 6-2-1 1 KO.

Steve Molitor of Canada regained the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior featherweight title by defeating Takalani Ndlovu via unanimous decision. Neven Pajkic defeated Greg Kilesa via unanimous decision to snatch the Canadian heavyweight crown.

St-Pierre Dominates Hardy in UFC 111 By: James U. Sy Jr.

UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre (B: 1981) of Canada successfully defended his crown against Dan Hardy (B: 1982) of England via unanimous decision (50-43, 50-44, and 50-45) in the main event of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 111 on March 27, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey, USA.

GSP prevented Hardy from using his notorious left hook by taking him down early on at the start of the fight and all throughout the fight. He took Hardy down at will and dominated him different submission attempts that include Americana (Figure 4 armlock), arm bars (juji gatame), Kimura (hammer lock), and leglocks. GSP applied a very tight armlock at the end of the 1st round and a Kimura in the 4th round that would have made an average fighter tap. Hardy did not tap even if his arm was stretched to the limit. GSP is now 20-2 8 KO.

GSP, inspite of hi success in the octagon, has always stayed humble, unlike many mixed martial artists who display undesirable attitude or showboating when winning. He always give respect and credit to his opponents.

Georges St-Pierre first studied Kyokushin, a style of Karate founded by the legendary Oyama Masutatsu of Japan, under his father when he was 7 and later under a master of the art. When his Karate sensei died, GSP took up Western Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Western Boxing. He trained at the Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in New York City, earned his brown belt from Renzo Gracie on July 21, 2006 and his black belt from Bruno Fernandes iIn September 2008.

GSP at 16 fought as a pure Kyokushin Karate fighter in his amateur MMA debut against a 25 year old boxer. He threw several low leg kicks before knocking out his opponent with a kick to the head. He KOed Branden Macfadden in the first round of his pro MMA debut. St-Pierre was the Universal Combat Challenge (UCC) champion and successfully defended his crown twice before he made his UFC debut at UFC 46.

St-Pierre trained with Rashad Evans, Nathan Marquardt, Keith Jardine, and Donald Cerrone among others Greg Jackson's Submission Fighting Gaidojutsu school in New Mexico. Currently, he trains in Muay Thai under Phil Nurse at the Wat in New York City.

GSP is now ranked as one of the top pound for pound fighters by multiple MMA sources and as the No. 1 welterweight in the world by multiple MMA publications.

Jonathan “Jon” Parker Fitch (B: 1978) of the USA defeated Jeet Kune Do fighter Ben Saunders via unanimous decision. Fitch was supposed to fight Thiago Alves but two days before the fight Alves was excluded in the fight card because of a brain irregularity that showed up on a pre fight CAT scan. Fitch replaced Jake Ellenberger as the opponent of Saunders.

Fitch might be the next challenger for GSP. He challenged GSP for his UFC welterweight title at UFC 87 but lost. His lost to GSP lost his chance to tie Anderson Silva's UFC record winning streak of 9. Before he fought GSP his winning streak equaled that of 3 time UFC champion Royce Gracie of Brazil.

Undefeated Shane Carwin (B: 1975) of the USA lived up to his reputation of finishing all his opponents in the 1st round by knocking out former UFC heavyweight champion Francisco "Frank" Santos Mir III (B: 1979) at 3:48 of the 1st round, improving his MMA record to 12-0 7 KO and claiming the UFC interim heavyweight championship title. The loss, which left Mir 13-5 2 KO, cost him the opportunity to redeem against UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar who manhandled him at1:48 of the 2nd round of their bout at UFC 100. Carwin was the Ring of Fire heavyweight champion before he signed up with the UFC.

Carwin will next go up against titleholder Brock Lesnar. During the post fight interview inside the octagon, Lesnar told Carwin that what he had was not the real belt and the real is with Lesnar. Carwin’s reply was he can’t agree less that’s why he didn’t to fight Lesnar next.

In other bouts, Matt Riddle over Greg Soto via 3rd round disqualification due to illegal upkick. Jared Hamman over Rodney Wallace via unanimous decision. Rousimar Palhares over Tomasz Drwal via 1st round submission (heel hook). Ricardo Almeida over Matt Brown via 2nd round submission (rear-naked choke). Nate Diaz over Rory Markham via 1st round TKO. Jim Miller over Mark Bocek via unanimous decision. Jon Fitch over Ben Saunders via unanimous decision. Kurt Pellegrino over Fabricio Camoes via 2nd round submission (rear-naked choke).

Yap Fraternity Bacolod Inaugurated By: James U. Sy Jr.

Foudner/Teacher Peter John Lloren Yap Yan-Lin Sifu (center front) leading members of the Tai Chi Circle of Bacolod (TCCB) in performing the Tai Chi Chuan 24 simplified and 37 Chen Man-Ching forms during the 2010 Yap Fraternity Philippines, Inc. National Convention and Inauguration & Induction of the Officers of its Bacolod Chapter last March 31, 2010 at the Planta Hotel, Araneta St., Bacolod City (TCCB photo).

The 2010 Yap Fraternity Philippines, Inc. National Convention and the Inauguration & Induction of the Officers of its Bacolod Chapter was successfully hosted by its local chapter last March 31, 2010, 7:00-10:00 PM, at the Planta Hotel, Araneta St., Bacolod City.

The 2010 Yap Fraternity Philippines, Inc. is a family association organized to bring together long lost members of the Yap clan here in the Philippines. Currently, there are four chapters of the fraternity: the mother chapter in Manila, Cebu Chapter, Iloilo Chapter, and Bacolod Chapter. These chapters meet annually.

The roots of the Yap clan are well documented. What was handed down was a story about the great General Shen (Sim in Fukienese) who was awarded the fiefdom of Yeh in 525 BC. Yeh “The Leaf (Mandarin)" was so named because it was the vegetable capital of the then ruling dynasty. Through the generations, the Yaps had become in part a noble name. General Yap Hui (Yeh Fei), a Philippine-born Chinese but went back to China during the World War, was a prominent hero of the People's Republic.

The surname Yap comes in several renditions in the different Chinese dialects: Ee, Giap (Vietnamese), Ip, Yap (Fukien), Yee, Yeh (Mandarin), and Yip (Cantonese/Macau). Wing Chun Kung Fu Grandmaster Yip (Ip) Man of Hong Kong, the famed teacher of martial arts superstar Bruce Lee, and General Vo Nguyen Giap, the head of the Vietnamese army who defeated the French and Americans and the Defense Minister after unification, are two prominent members of the Yap clan.

Yap Tian Kian of the Yap Fraternity Philippines, Inc.-Iloilo Chapter requested his nephew, Peter John Lloren Yap Yan-Lin (B: 1944), the son of his brother Ramon Yap Tian See, to organize the Bacolod Chapter of the association when the latter went back to Bacolod in the late 1980s. Peter Yap started it as a satellite group for the association in Bacolod, with him, Roger Yap, and John Yip Eng Won as the pioneer members.

The Manila Chapter of the Yap Fraternity Philippines, Inc. encouraged the group to formalize itself as a separate chapter as early as ten years ago. The formalization and inauguration of the Bacolod Chapter finally came to fruition this year.

Inducted officers of the Yap Fraternity Philippines, Inc.-Bacolod Chapter were John Yip Eng Won (President), Johnny Yap, Roger Yap, Eddie Yap, and Henry Sayat (Vice Presidents), Jose Co (Secretary), and Arthur Yap (Treasurer). Chapter Founded Peter Jon L. Yap was named Cam See Tiu (Oversight Committee Chairman). The chapter currently has 20 members. Inducting Officer was Thomas Yap Lai Seng, President of the Yap Fraternity Philippines, Inc.-Manila Chapter.

The Tai Chi Circle of Bacolod (TCCB), the oldest recorded existing Tai Chi Chuan group in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental (founded: 2000), gave a presentation of the Tai Chi Chuan 24 simplified form and 37 Chen Man-Ching form. Only TCCB practices the 37-step form in Bacolod as of now.

The Tai Chi Chuan "Grand Ultimate Fist" demonstration was led by TCCB Foudner/Teacher Peter John Lloren Yap Yan-Lin Sifu. TCCB members who performed were Pepe Chiu, Cathy Friend, Guillermo “Bill” Gomez, Ianna Gomez, Bob Jereza, Pepito Khey, Humberto “Toti” Lim Jr., Albino Pasilan, and Jose Uy Jr.

The Yap Fraternity Philippines, Inc.-Bacolod Chapter has earned its distinction as the 11th Chinese family association in Bacolod. The other Chinese family associations are Ang-King Family Association (Negros Occidental Liok Kui Fraternity), Ho Family Association, Liat San Group, Negros Occ. Che Yong Cua Chua Family Association, Ong Family Association (Tai Guan Tong), Philippine Liong Tek Fraternity Bacolod Chapter (Go Family Association), Philippine Long Se Lee Family Association-Neg. Occ. Chapter, Se Ho Lim Association, Tan Family Association, and Uy Kang Ha Association.

10th Sikaran Festival & 52nd National Sikaran Championships to be Held By: james U. Sy Jr.

The 10th Sikaran Festival and the 52nd National Championship International Tournament will be held by the Philippine Lightning Speed Hampakan Sikaran School of Martial Arts and Boxing Association on March 27 to 28, 2010 at the Heritage Plaza, Baras, Rizal.

8 Aklanon champions of last year’s tournament will defend their titles under the leadership of Western Visayas Sikaran Director PA Captain Wilfredo Nicolas, 4th Degree Black Belt.

The defending Aklanon champions are Jose Doromal (Middleweight), Freddie Jizmundo Jr (Lighweight), Zandro Fred Jizmundo Sr. (Junior Lightweight Black Belt); Jestivo Julian (Welterweight), Jenny Milloroso (Lightweight), Mutya Nallas (Middleweight), Kennedy Patrico (Heavyweight), and Joshua Yamog (Light Heavyweight).

Other Aklanons who will see action in the tournament are Jezreel Barrientos, Philip Colas, Jess Dela Cruz, John Benex Ebesate, Churchill Gumboc, Meljoy De Juan, Leo Loyola, Donald Maayon, Sandro Maayon, John Rey Patricio, Ian Refulgente, Mechelle Taytayon, Ciara Mae Yupano, and Myrelle Zita.

7th CEFIMAC Assembly held By: James U. Sy Jr.

The 7th Centralian Fighters Martial Arts Club (CEFIMAC) Annual Assembly was held last March 13, 2010 at the CNC Industrial Center, Central Negros College (CNC), San Carlos City.

Newly elected officers for SY 2010-2011 were Aldrin despi (President), Jovanie Macwel (VP), Geann Rosalejos (Secretary), Rochelle Tayong (Treasurer), Steven Bolatar (Auditor), Wendell Ramas (PIO), Neil Avila and Richard Amante (Sgt. at Arms), Jeneza Caballero (Muse), and Jean Cadallo, Kenneth Cubero, Charlie Lagdamin, Rhea Padillo, John Paul Pasillo, Meryl Pasinabo, Jestonie Repetillo, and Sheva Sordilla.

Outgoing officers were Joseph Paray (President), Aldren Alforte (VP), and Donnabelle Gadiane (Secretary). Alforte and Gadiane are salutatorian and valedictorian respectively.

Founder/Chief Instructor Diomedes N. Mamugay and Principal Horliva Alipio are Adviser/Club Moderator and Coordinator respectively.

The Centralian Fighters Martial Arts Club (CEFIMAC) was founded by Founder/Chief Instructor Diomedes N. Mamugay on April 3, 2003 at the Central Negros College (CNC), Carmona St., San Carlos City. Through the efforts of the first club president, Jonas Palabrica, CEFIMAC was recognized and fully accredited as a non-academic club and the only martial arts club in Central Negros College by School Director Mario S. Ledesma, School Principal Luis N. Dizon, and College Dean Evelyn Caballero in 2004.

CEFIMAC is affiliated with Combat Taekwondo Club-Main (CTC-Main), Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., and Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) through the San Carlos Jungle Fighters Martial Arts Club (SACA JUFIMAC) of Founder/Chief Instructor Diomedes N. Mamugay.

Tribe W.A.R. VI Set By: James U. Sy Jr.

Tribe W.A.R. (Warriors Art Rumble) VI will be held by the Tribu Hangaway Philippines of Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr., 6th Degree Black Belt, in cooperation with Aksyon Radio and under the sanction of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) under its President Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, 8th Degree Black Belt, this coming April 24, 2010 at the Casino Filipino, Goldenfields Commerical Complex, Bacolod City.

10 Wushu Sanshou and Submission Grappling bouts are scheduled to be fought by fighters from different organizations. Various martial arts demonstrations are also line up.

Participating teams and the fighters who will represent them are yet to be finalized as of press time but expected teams to compete in the Grappling division include host Tribu Hangaway, Affinity of Coach Chester Laquian, and Submission Sports Philippines (SSP)-Bacolod team of Coach Jek-Jek Ferrer. All three teams had proven their mettle in both the Grappling and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) arena with some of there members competing and/or taking wins in provincial, regional, or national level competitions.

Among the other IFFMAS organization members expected to support the event are Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founders/Masters Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado and James U. Sy Jr. , Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSA), inc. of 1st generation Inheritor Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” Mamar Lobrido, Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA) of Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, and Universal defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA) of Founder/Chairman Abraham “Abe” Ganzon.

The last two editions of Tribe W.A.R. were held on October 17, 2009, at the Gaisano Bacolod Supermall and on June 6, 2009 at the Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Activity Center (NOMPAC), both in Bacolod City.

The grapplig division of Tribe W.A.R. has been conceptualized by Master Flores for all those who wants to compete but are tentative in entering competitions involving striking. The set of rules being used is an eclectic blend of established grappling competition rules.

Interested parties may contact Master Flores at 0928-388-5530.

Canlaon Modern Combat TKD Tilt Held By: James U. Sy Jr.

The Modern Combat Taekwondo Club (MCTC) of Founder/Master Lt. Col. (Ret.) Founder/President/Master Epifanio F. Mercado, 6th Degree Black Belt, and Chief Instructor Joerdan Oca, 3rd Degree Black Belt, successfully held the 2nd Modern Combat Taekwondo Tournament last March 13, 2010 at the Canlaon Sports & Cultural Center, Canlaon City, Oriental Negros as part of the annual fiesta celebration of St. Joseph.

Abundio Lagahit Jr., owner of Muscles Smith Fitness gym, was event organizer while CI Joerdan Oca was tournament coordinator.

The Modern Combat Taekwondo Club (MCTC) Team A of CI Joerdan Oca won a 10-5-0 medal tally while Team B had 2-1-0.

The San Carlos Jungle Fighters Martial Arts Club (SACA JUFIMAC)-Main of Founder/Chief Instructor Diomedes N. Mamugay, 3rd Degree Black Belt, took home a 5-11-1 medal haul.

Tournament officials were CI Diomedes N. Mamugay of SACA JUFIMAC (Jury), Michael Aaron Sanchez SACA JUFIMAC (Referee), Fritz Gubaton (Canlaon Sports Chairman), Jack Elmer Marco, Joemarie Oca, Mario Osorio, Michael Pantalita (Judges), Vicente Marte Maquiling (Area Inspector), Fidel Guevarra (Table Official/Emcee), and and Jonathan Lerio (Canlaon Sports committee).

Fight Analysis: Pacquiao-Clottey By: James U. Sy Jr.

The Philippines is once again elated by the victory of Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao of General Santos City, Philippines, who successfully defended his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title against Joshua Clottey of Ghana in front of a crowd of 50,994 last March 14, 2010 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas, USA.

But inspite of this victory fans have mixed emotions about the fight. Nobody doubted that Pacquiao made a stellar showing. He no doubt came to fight. However, not the same can be said of his opponent. Clottey simply covered up and rarely threw punches. The CompuBox showed that Pacquiao landed 246 of 1,231 punches while Clottey connected 108 out of 399 punches. It was obviously a one sided fight.

This disappointed the fans who were used to seeing action packed fights of Pacquiao against some of boxing’s most respected champions such as Marco Antonio Barrera, Óscar Larios, Juan Manuel Márquez, Érik Morales, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, and Miguel Cotto.

Many were surprised on how Clottey performed in the biggest fight of his life. Clottey, a former International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion and African Boxing Union welterweight champion, kept on going forward but engaged Pacquiao only in spurts, thereby making the fight relatively dull.

There were many theories on why Clottey fought the way he did. One was that he had too much respect fear for or Pacquiao. Another is that Clottey just wanted to protect his reputation of not being knocked down by any boxer. Some have speculated that the fight was rigged.

The hypothesis that Clottey had too much respect for the power of Pacquiao has many loopholes. Although Pacquiao convincingly outboxed the Ghanian it was apparent that the Filipino champion didn’t do much damage to Clottey, due in part to the African’s tight defense. Pacquiao did land several beautiful body punches but they didn’t seem to bulge Clottey.

Post fight interviews showed that Pacquiao had a swelling below his right eye while Clottey’s face was clean. Again we can attribute this to his very tight defense. In occasional moments when Clottey hit Pacquiao, he did push him back. Obviously this is due to Clottey’s size advantage over the smaller Filipino champion. Considering this fact, we are left thinking what would have happened if he fought back with all he got, just like what he did when he faced and lost closely to Miguel Cotto.

What if Clottey fought fiercely and got an upset over Pacquiao? Definitely there won’t be a Pacquiao-Mayweather, the biggest mega buck fight everybody is expecting.

From a martial artist’s point of view, I would say going up to welterweight has diminished the relative value of Pacquiao’s natural power when he boxed with bigger guys. Pacquiao had already fought two boxers at welterweight - Oscar de la Hoya and Joshua Clottey - and he beat both of them, but notice that he didn’t get a knockout. We can safely assume that the big boys can absorb Pacquiao’s power shots better than the boxers below their weight division.

This variable of size in a higher division also becomes apparent when you consider that Clottey managed to make Pacquiao’s right eye swell inspite of being passive. Clottey in simply too big.

Going through boxing history, we can remember that Floyd Mayweather Jr. just laughed at the punches of the much smaller but game Juan Manuel Márquez or the much bigger and taller then world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis of Great Britain nullifying the power of the smaller knockout artist David Tua of New Zealand.

In Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), the smaller Royce Gracie of Brazil dominated bigger opponents during the first two editions of the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) but could not continue after fighting and defeating the bigger Kimo Leopoldo in UFC III. In his next outing Gracie managed to submit yet another bigger opponent, wrestler Daniel Severn, but only after more than 15 minutes.

Truth be said here. Although there is truth in the martial proverb that technique can make the difference, it is not the only variable. Size does matter, especially in a sport setting where there are rules and fair play. All other things being equal, the small good man is always fighting at a disadvantage against the bigger man. This is the reason why there are weight divisions in combat sports like Boxing, Wrestling, Kickboxing, Judo, Karate, etc. David did defeat Goliath but with the use of a long range weapon.

After the fight, Pacquiao’s mother, Aling Dionisia, was interviewed over at Aksyon Radio. She expressed her wish for his son to retire after this fight because he had already received enough blessings from the Lord and she can no logner ask for more. As a mother it is understandable that Aling Dionisia is looking after the safety of her son. She knows that as Manny goes higher, the climb becomes harder.

As a nation, we just hope and pray that Manny will be guided by God to make the right deicision as to the next step in his career.

Katipunan Florida 2010 Free Seminar This June

When: June 5-6, 2010, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Where: Boys & Girls Club, 1451 SW 7th Street, Delrey Beach, Florida 33444
Instructors:
GM Bram Franks - CSSD.SC
GM Roberto Torres -Talio System
GM Jerson "Nene" Tortal - Dikiti Tirsia Serrada Arnis de Mano
GM Dan Medina - Pulahan Derobio Eskrima
Gat Puno Abon "Garimot" Baet - Garimot Arnis
Guro Chad Bailey - Cadena de Mano/Sinko Teros Eskrima
Guro MIKE SNOW - Dikiti Tirsia Serrada Arnis de Mano
Guro Vicote Rivera - Inosanto Blendimot System
Contact: Supremo 954-432-4433 - 305-788-4403"

URCC “Reckoning” Set on Mar. 27 by James U. Sy Jr.

The 10-fight card Colt 45 Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) XVI “Reckoning” will be held this coming March 27, 2010 at the A. Venue Events Hall, Makati City.

The main event will have Southeast (SEA) Games Wushu Sanshou champion Eduard Folayang defending the URCC welterweight title against Brazilian Jiu-jitsu exponent and former Korean gymnastics team member Dooje Chung of NEO Fight Korea.

In other bouts, former URCC flyweight champion Richard Lasprilla is making a comeback against newcomer Angelo Estanol of Strike and Shoot. Lasprilla lost his title two years ago to Kevin Belingon of Lakay MMA.

Erwin Focad of Lakay MMA will fight and Hideo Morikawa of Japan. Focad defeated Lando Espinosa of Elorde MMA during URCC XV “Tribal Wars” in November 2009 in Baguio. Meanwhile, Morikawa beat his opponent during his URCC debut at Rogue Magazine’s Black Tie Brawl.

George Lusadan will square off with Joel “Latigo” Taon of Kampilan Yaw Yan. Lusadan is a last minute substitution for Regie “Baby Ama” Amarante of Deftac who pulled out due to a right hand injury. Lusadan defeated Leonard Caliwa of Cavite via rear naked choke during their main event bout at URCC 15.

The event is under the sanction by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) and is sponsored by Tribal Gear and MyPLDT Watchpad as well as VRP Medical Center, SEAIR, Chris Sports, Yoshinoya and Padi’s Point. Media partners are Solar Sports, Solar TV, NU107 and 99.5RT.

BCC Brings Home Alculympics Arnis Medals By: James U. Sy Jr.

Published in the Negros Daily Bulletin March 22, 2010 issue (http://www.ndb-online.com/mar2210s2)

12 students from the Criminology Department of the Bago City College took home a 7-12-8 medal haul from the 2nd Alculympics last February 28 to March 5, 2010 at the University of Makati (UMAK), Makati City.

Bago City College (BCC) had a total harvest of 30 gold medals, 20 of which came from athletics. BCC also dominated Arnis and women’s badminton.

Arnis Trainor and coach was Randy Alvarado with Wilson Alvarado and Johnson Pagdato as Co-Trainor and Assistant Coach respectively. Colegio San Agustin Bacolod (CSA-B) and University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos Professor Ferdinand Emanuel “Bobot” Y. Gayoles, a Master of Yasay Sable, Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis, Oido de Caburata, and Modified Tapado, was the Team Labanan Consultant.

Randy Alvarado has trained under Headmaster "Nonong" E. Viñas, son of the Founder of Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis and the Inheritor of his system.

BCC medalists for the Men’s Full Contact event were Bernard Gonzales (Silver), Dave Guarra (Gold), Mon Klair Novales (Gold), Ramonito Amejado (Gold), Rene Abajeto (Bronze), and Tom Serapia (Gold). Medalists for the Women’s Full Contact were Glorilyn Gelogo (Silver), lariane Crisosto (Bronze), Jam Caliso (Bronze), and May Jean Pasa (Bronze).

Male medalists for the Team Anyo event were Bernard Gonzales, Dave Guarra, and Rene Abajeto (all silver - Solo Baston, all gold - Doble Baston, all silver - Espada y Daga). For females, Jam Caliso, lariane Crisosto, and Lovely Jacildo (all bronze - Doble Baston) and Glorilyn Gelogo, Lariane Crisosto, and May Jean Pasa (all silver - Espada y Daga).

For the Individual Anyo, Mon Klair Novales got a silver in Espada y Daga while May Jean Pasa got bronze in Solo Baston. Frawjen Valdevieso was a member of the Soio Baston team.

The Bago City College (BCC) Arnis TeaM sponsors were Hon. Mayor Ramon Torres, BCC College Administrator Ramona C. Lamo, BCC Coordinator for the 2010 Alculympics Jose Neri de la Cruz, ACE-IS Department Head Deborah Natalia E. Singson, and Students' affairs Office Head Sandra E. Locsin.

Alculympics is a sports league and triennial multi-sport event founded in 2009 and participated in by 31 member schools of the Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU). The inaugural event of the Alculympics was hosted by the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina at the Marikina Sports Center on January 19-23, 2009.

Events for this year include Arnis, athletics, badminton, basketball, cheering, chess, dance sport, Mr. & Ms. ALCULYMPICS, Taekwondo, table tennis, and volleyball. Marcial Angeles was the Arnis Commissioner for the 2010 Alculympics.

Beatingo-Deoca Nuptial Held By: James U. Sy Jr.

Jeffrox B. Beatingo and Segie M. De Oca were wed by Rev. Fr. Rayman Asoy last March 7, 2010 at the Sacred Heart Shrine (Lupit Church), Lizares Ave., Bacolod City.

The groom is the son of Efraim T. Beatingo and Evangeline B. Beatingo. The bride is the daughter of Simplicio S. De Oca and Gilda M. De Oca.

Principal sponsors were Hon. Manuel Frederick O. Ko, Enrique Miravalles, Dante B. Canillo, Peter F. Torrres, Humberto A. Toriano, Nelly Beleño, Dra. Cecilia T. Dulla, Edna B. Centina, Virginia D. Alanes, and Priscilla A. Pomarin.

The bridal entourage also included Efraim B. Beatingo Jr. (Best man), Sylvia S. De Oca (Maid of Honor), Dave Lorenz B. Beatingo, Paul Leonard T. De Oca, and Kris Jay D. Trecho (Groomsmen), Jewel B. Beatingo, Syrah S. De Oca, and Thea Mares D. Yap (Bridesmaids), Leonardo T. De Oca Jr. and Marie Therese B. Toquillo (Candles), Renato B. Sarrosa Jr. and Cristine Joy D. Sarrosa (Cord), Laurence R. Andal and Mary Giselle A. Fegarido (Veil), Dan Raphael D. Pomperada (Ring Bearer), Hanse Andre M. Marina (Coin Bearer), Tacia Lois L. Dignadice, Danielle P. Soriano, and Danielle Marguerite Vidad (Flowers), and Johanna D. Trecho, Medal Mae T. De Oca, and Ma. Veronica Rose T. De Oca (Usherettes).

Reception followed at the Garden Pavillion, Planta Hotel, Araneta St., Bacolod City.

3rd Mayor Yap & BM De La Cruz Wushu Tilt Huge Success By: James U. Sy Jr.

The 3rd Hon. Mayor Beboy Yap Jr. & Hon. BM Nene de la Cruz Wushu Sanshou “Tournament of Negros Champions” was successfully held by the Escalante School of Martial Arts (Thunder Kick Martial Arts Club-Escalante Chapter) under Founder/Chief instructor Jesus “Jess” J. Flores, 3rd Degree Black Belt, with the sponsorship of the Escalante City Government under Hon. Mayor Melecio “Beboy” Yap, Jr. and Board Member 1st District Provincial Board Member Nene de la Cruz as part of the 9th Escalante City Charter Day Celebration last February 27, 2010 at the Escalante City Public Plaza, Escalante City, Negros Occidental.

A total of 15 bouts were fought by fighters representing 6 teams from Escalante, Bacolod, and San Carlos Cities. Overall champion was host Escalante School of Martial Arts (ESMA) under Jesus “Jess” J. Flores with 8 wins and 2 loses. 2nd to 6th places were Old Poblacion under Mr. Glen Saraga (3-1), Buenavista under Mr. Alfredo Ggallego (2-2), Octagon Martial Arts under Founder/Chief Instructor Carmelino “Jun” Rojo Jr. (1-5), Black Falcon Martial Arts Association (BFMAA)-Main under Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante (1-3), and San Carlos City under Carmelino “Jun” Rojo Jr. (0-2).

31 Kg.: Mario Aguhayon of ECSMA over Joery “Jun-Jun” Amante Jr. of BFMAA-Main. 42 Kg.: Jan Abrasado of ECSMA over Billy Rojo of OMA. 48 Kg.: James Mahinay of ECSMA over Virgel Rojo of OMA. Junrie Gali of Buenavista over Jemboy Mayang of BFMAA-Main. Raymond Agabon of ECSMA over James Batadonia of OMA.

52 Kg. Ali Agupasa of ECSMA over Joselito Bianan of BFMAA-Main. Julius P. Dohinog of BFMAA-Main over Milbert Nueva of ECSMA. 56 Kg.: Rodel Garcia of Old Poblacion over Eddie Nuyad of ECSMA. Raymond Lajo of OMA over Roby Billas of Old Poblacion.

60 Kg.: Rene Bogtong of Old Poblacion over Jeariel Aboloc of Buenavista. Orlando Salago of ECSMA over Edison Molina of OMA. Vic Mark Escribano of ECSMA over Ramchur Rontalo of OMA. Ronald Mayordomo of ECSMA over Richard Norve of San Carlos City. Rene Requeron of ECSMA over Eduardo Castro of San Carlos City. 65 Kg.: Rey Villacastin of Old Poblacion over Romeo Ramos of Buenavista.

Resolution No. 98-79 “Requesting the Honorable Congressman Julio A. Ledesma IV of the 1st District of Negros Occidental to file a bill in Congress creating/converting the Municipality of Escalante into a new City of Escalante” was passed by the Sangguniang Bayan of Escalante on July 24, 1998and Cong. Ledesma filed House Bill No. 1514 “An act converting the Municipality of Escalante into a component city to be known as the City of Escalante” six days later.

Although Malacañang imposed a moratorium on the creation of cities in 1999, Congress went ahead with the enactment of House Bill No. 1514. Soon Congress passed the substitute bill, House Bill No. 8882. Meanwhile, Sen. Serge Osmeña III filed a similar bill, Senate Bill No. 1786, in the House of the Senate. Both bills became Republic Act No. 9014, “An act converting the Municipality of Escalante, Province of Negros Occidental into a component city to be known as the City of Escalante” and was signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on February 28, 2001. It was ratified in a plebiscite held on March 31, 2001. This momentous declaration of Escalante as a city happened during the term of Hon. Santiago G. Barcelona, Jr. The 9th Charter Day Celebration of escalante city was held under the leadership of Hon. Mayor Melecio "Beboy" J. Yap, Jr.

The Thunder Kick Martial Arts Club (TKMAC)-Escalante Chapter, renamed to the Escalante School of Martial Arts (ECSMA) during the tournament, pioneered Wushu Sanshou in Escalante City. It has sent players to provincial and national level competitions and produced the first two silver medals in the sport for the City of Escalante during the 2006 National Wushu Nationals in Manila, courtesy of Rene Requeron and Jake Donald Go, who prior to the Manila event took the gold medals in the juniors 60 kg. and 48 kg. categories respectively during the 2006 Negros Island Wushu Sanshou Elimination Championships held on April 20, 2006 at the Fountain Area, Robinson’s Place Bacolod, Mandalagan, Bacolod City.

TKMAC was started by its Chief Instructor Jesus “Jess” Flores as a non-prophet group to encourage out of school youths to go into martial arts in place of being in gangs, drugs, and other unnecessary vices. The club’s main philosophy is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. The group got its biggest break when the honorable mayor of the city started supporting its programs of bringing the sport closer to the youth.

Advisers for the Escalante School of Martial Arts (ECSMA) are (Ret.) Maj. Arthur T. Tupas, INF (PA) and Hon. SP Atty. Santiago Maravillas while Lobster Ponsica is the major sponsor/financier.

Wushu Sanshou, as defined by former National Head Coach Yu Zhi Bo of beijing, China, is not a style of Chinese Martial Art (CMA) but rather a set of rules wherein exponents from different styles of Wushu (a.k.a. Kung Fu) can compete regardless of their stylistic preference for striking or throwing. The globalization of the sport, exponents of Karate, Western Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Grappling, Wrestling, etc. had entered the Wushu leiotai.

ZODIACS-KoC Provincial M.A. Tilt a Success By: James U. Sy Jr.

The Zion Original Disciples in Arnis and Combat Sports (ZODIACS) Self defense Society of the Philippines (SEC Reg. No. CN200725845) of Founder/National President Grandmaster Julius B. Delasan, 9th Degree Red Belt ZODIACS, 7th Degree WSAB (Reg. No. 869) with the generous sponsorship of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 12363 under Grand Knight Nicolas D. Asparen and Deputy Grand Knight Florante H. Magoliño successfully held the 1st Provincial Martial Arts Full Contact Tournament last February 27, 2010 at he La Salle Gymnasium, Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

The tournament was organized through the efforts of Master Romeo G. Banas, 7th Degree Red Belt, WSAB Reg. 1870, Deputy National VP of ZODIACS and Founder of Red Musang Self Defense Combat Sports, and Chief Instructor Ian B. Negrido, 5th Degree Black Belt, Negros Occidental Provincial Director of ZODIACS and Founder of Bassdumas (Baston Sipa Sumbag Dumog Martial Arts Society).

A total of 13 bouts in Kickboxing, Sikaran, Arnis, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) were fought by fighters representing 10 martial arts clubs from Bacolod City, Calatrava, Talisay City, and Victorias City.

Participating and supporting organizations were Bassdumas (Baston Sipa Sumbag Dumog Martial Arts Society) of Founder/Chief Instructor Ian B. Negrido, 5th Degree Black Belt; Black Eagle (Calatrava) of Gaudeoso Enem, 3rd Degree Black Belt; Black Puma Martial Arts Club (Victorias) of Reys Reyzel Hinayan, 3rd Degree Black Belt; Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr., 4th Degree Black Belt FTSD/LVA/PDA; Great Barracuda Martial Arts Club (Bacolod City) of Jurey Belarmino, 4th Degree Black Belt; Musang Sikaran Club (Victorias) of Jeoffrey S. Delmo, 3rd Degree Black Belt; Rainbow Martial Arts (Victorias) of Co-Founder Melchor Garcia, 5th Degree Black Belt; Red Cobra Combat Self defense of Robert Lovedorial, 4th Degree Black Belt; Tribu Hangaway Philippines of Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr., 6th Degree Black Belt Tapondo International Federation, Inc.; Undo-Kan Martial Arts Association (UMAA) of Founder/Master Efraim T. Beatingo Sr., 6th Degree Black Belt; VITAMAF (Victorias) of Joemarie L. Javier; and Wild Bull Supreme Martial Arts Dekiti Tirsia (Victorias) of Gary Intig, 4th Degree Black Belt;

KICKBOXING. Randy Tabanao of WBSMADT Victorias over Danny Dacaldacal of GBMAC. Jolito Garcia of GBMAC over Erwin Valencia of BPMAC. John Mark Sunga of WBSMADT over Vicant Rojo of VITAMAF Victorias. Eduardo Malan of Bassdumas over Joemari Enem of BE. Richard Apurong of Bassdumas over Jun-Jun Bantayo of WBSMADT. Batolina Rene of GBMAC over Arturo Tabanao of BE.

SIKARAN. Riza de los Reyes of VITAMAF over Gertrude Veraeyes. Hazel Magapan of VITAMAF over Rosybeth de la Cruz.

WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE COMPETITION. Winner - Students of the Laura Vicuña Women Development and Training Center, Brgy. Malihao, Victorias City. Champion Alles Florentino of Bassdumas/LVWDTC.

ARNIS. Robert Sumalangcay of Tribu hangaway over Henry Perinal of WBSMADT. Arlene Diacono of Bassdumas over Lina Aguirre of BE.

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS (MMA). Jonald Bantayo of WBSMADT over Jandil Martir of Bassdumas. Romnick Malan of Bassdumas over Jeffrey Semillano of WBSMADT.

Tournament officials were Co-Founder Melchor Garcia of Rainbow Martial Arts (Victorias) and Founder/Chief Instructor Ian B. Negrido of Bassdumas (Referees), Jeoffrey S. Delmo of Musang Sikaran Club (Victorias), Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr. of Tribu Hangaway Philippines, Reys Reyzel Hinayan of Black Puma Martial Arts Club (Victorias), Jonathan D. parcon, 2nd Degree Black Belt, and Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (Judges), Founder/National President Grandmaster Julius B. Delasan of Zion Original Disciples in Arnis and Combat Sports (ZODIACS) Self defense Society of the Philippines and Founder/Master Romeo G. Banas of Red Musang Self Defense Combat Sports (Table Officials), Miss Jujilyn E. Delasan (Timer), and Miss Jenero and Solitario (Round Girls).

Major sponsors were Knights of Columbus Council No. 12363 under Grand Knight Nicolas D. Asparen and Deputy Grand Knight Florante H. Magoliño, Mr. Benito C. Montinola and Hon. Alfredo Marañon. Donors were Hon. Nity Sta. Ana Bartolome, Albee Bantug Benitez, Milco Malcom Marketing, Negros Marketing, Notirnr Amagan, Ronilo “Bogs” Labitoria, Ceasar G. Posecion, Ramel Buenconsejo, Lymson T. Sarcauga, and Roy Sumagaysay.

The Knights of Columbus, the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization. was officially chartered as a fraternal benefit society by the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882 Through the efforts of Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners.

The Knights was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.

There are currently more than 1.8 million members in 14,000 councils, with nearly 200 councils on college campuses. Knights of Columbus Council No. 12363 (Victorias City) has done its part in reaching out to the community in various civic activities, among them medical missions.

The officers and directors of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 12363 (Victorias City) for 2009-2010 are Rev. Fr. Joemarie Bacucang, SDB (Chaplain), Nicolas D. Asparen (Grand Knight), Florante H. Magoliño (Deputy Grand Knight), Fervin Viñarta (Chancellor), Ryan Aguirre (Warden), Jerry Panes (treasurer), Dante M. Rodriguez (Financial Secretary), Jerry Sta. Ana (Recorder), Dominador Pelingon Jr. (Inside Guard), Ernesto Guino-o (Outside Guard), Oeneri Valenciano (Trustee One Year), Emmanuel Japitana (Trustee Two Years), Pedro Padilla (Trustee Three Years), Cyril G. Granada (Lecturer), Joselito Alvarado (Advocate), Enrique Estribo Jr. (Family Director), Manuelito Tolentino (Youth Director), Hernani Sotes Jr. (Council Director), Stephen D. Irisary (Membership Director), Danilo Martinez (Church Director), Florante H. Magoliño (Program Director), and Elizalde Gallego (Pro-Life Couple Director).