8th Bakbakan of Eskrimadors @ Gaisano City Booming Success Part II: IFFMAS & Higutay Format by James U. Sy Jr.

Grandmaster Romeo "Roming" Postrano, Founder of the Garote Sikaran Arnis Club, giving a free flow anyo of the solo baston during the highly successful 8th Bakbakan of Eskrimadors “Higutay Duel” last July 29, 2012 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Players receiving their awards from the organizers at the conclusion of the highly successful 8th Bakbakan of Eskrimadors “Higutay Duel” last July 29, 2012 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City. From left: Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., President P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc., April Lyn Caunga, May Jean Pasa, and Coach/SI Randy Alvarado of Bago Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnism and Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo of Guinabo Arnis & Combat Sports (GACS) (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Noel Emmanuel Arendon of Guinabo Arnis & Combat Sports (3rd from left) receiving his award after winning the higutay duel main event of the highly successful 8th Bakbakan of Eskrimadors “Higutay Duel” last July 29, 2012 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City. Also in the picture are (from left) Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., President P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. and Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo of GACS (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). IFFMAS ARNIS RULES COMPETITION. The IFFMAS set of rules was primarily based on an old format of Arnis “play” used by arnisadors of old in certain parts of Negros, Panay, and Cebu. The match is played in a 1.8 m circle and is fought for 3 rounds. In the first round, player A gets inside the circle and defends. Player B, who is outside the circle, attacks. Number of hits is counted. The roles are then reversed in round two. The third round is freestyle ofensa defense where both players can attack and defend. To ensure safety to the players, modern day helmet, body armor, and padded sticks are used. Cargada Pigar KaliSilat Arnis Club of Grandmaster Danilo Cardinal, the team with the most players at 8, was overall champion with 5 wins and 3 losses (two wins against teammates). Guinabo Arnis & Combat Sports (GACS) of Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo (2-0) and Bago Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis of Coach/SI Randy Alvarado (2-1, one win against teammate) were 2nd and 3rd places respectively. Other participating teams were Tribu hangaway Philippines (0-2), Bassdumas of Master Ian Negrido (0-1), Kalido Society of Master Leo C. Uyanib (0-1), and Tanique Arnis and Combat Sports (TACS) of Master Arman Tanique (0-1). Results, according to sequence of matching, were: Apple C. Gonzales of Cargada Pigar, 14, 42 kg., over Cherrie G. Salomon of Cargada Pigar, 14, 43 kg. Joshua G. Tangonan Cargada Pigar, 16, 45 kg., over Leonardo C. Fabio Jr. of Tanique Arnis, 15, 45 kg., 5’3”. Mel Anton E. Murphy of Cargada Pigar, 16, 53 kg., over Christopher B. Pahayahay of Cargada Pigar, 15, 54 kg. Fritz M. Tuala of Cargada Pigar, 15, 42 kg., over Roy Flores Jr. of Tribu Hangaway, 13, 40 kg. Joseph B. Guevarra of Cargada Pigar, 16, 52 kg., over Rexan Slade Saron of Tribu Hangaway, 18, 50 kg. Tom Serapia of Bago Lapu-Lapu, 22, 60 kg., 5’3”. over Alvin Aligarbes of Bassdumas, 21, 62 kg. April Lyn Caunga of Bago Lapu-Lapu, 58 kg. over May Jean Pasa of Bago Lapu-Lapu, 54 kg. Ramie Vedol of Guinabo Arnis, 24, 50 kg., 5’2”, over John Errloh Jaro of Cargada Pigar, 17, 53 kg. HIGUTAY DUEL. The higutay duel is another old format of Arnis “play” used by arnisadors of old in Negros. IFFMAS rules were still in effect, except for the addition of a 3 m. rope with each end tied to the waist of each competitor. The purpose of the rope was to discourage an opponent from running away. Noel Emmanuel Arendon of Guinabo Arnis defeated Bonry Hasan of Kalido Society. Officials were Founder/Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo of Guinabo Arnis & Combat Sports (GACS)/Trece Grabes Piga-Piga System (Event Organizer/Tournament Director), Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (Asst. Organizer/ Asst. Tournament Director/Matchmaker/Emcee/Recorder), Master Maxwell J. Maun of Herada Pigada/Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (Referee), Founder/Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo of Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc./Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), Inc., Grandmaster Romeo “Roming” Postrano of Garote Sikaran Arnis Club, and Master Luciano “Nick” Montoya of Murcia Martial Arts Club (Judges), Founder/Master Leo C. Uyanib of Kalido Society (Timer). Tournament Staff from the Guinabo Arnis & Combat Sports (GACS) were Cristy Guinabo, Master Dionisio Guinabo, Noel Emmanuel Arendon, Rodel Guinabo, Errol John Guanzon, Mary Jane Guanzon, Clarence Kho, Elena Kho, Kenneth Kho, and Ramie Vedol. Other instructors present were Headmaster Wilson “Nonong” E. Viñas of Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis Aficionados Association (LVAAA), Master Jonathan Gubaton of Oido de Caburata Arnis Group (ODCA), Master Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo Jr. of PIMAA-FTSDA, Inc., Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado of Tai Chi Circle of Bacolod (TCCB), and Master Abraham Ganzon Jr. of Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA). Sponsors were Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall through advertising Officer Nomer Lobaton (venue), Distillera de Bago, Inc. (DBI) through Plant Manager Leonardo P. Bico and Gerry Casas of the HR Dept., TX Builders and Grandmaster Mansueto Banay (padded sticks), Rolen Guanzon (sounds), Greg Infante of Sum-ag Basic Print Haus, Founder of DBI Tigers (certificates printing), Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of CMAS, Inc., Founder/President Emeritus Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo “Pope” C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., and President P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra of Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. (armor), and Grandmaster Danilo Cardinal (padded sticks).

8th Bakbakan of Eskrimadors @ Gaisano City Booming Success Part I: The Old Meets the New by James U. Sy Jr.

The Bago Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis Club of Coach/SI Randy Alvarado, representing Bago City College (BCC), at the conclusion of the highly successful 8th Bakbakan of Eskrimadors “Higutay Duel” presented by the Guinabo Arnis & Combat Sports (GACS) of Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo last July 29, 2012 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Founder/Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo (seated) and members of his Guinabo Arnis & Combat Sports (GACS) with Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. at the conclusion of the highly successful 8th Bakbakan of Eskrimadors “Higutay Duel” that they presented last July 29, 2012 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Some of the arnisadors who participated and supported the highly successful 8th Bakbakan of Eskrimadors “Higutay Duel” presented by the Guinabo Arnis & Combat Sports (GACS) of Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo last July 29, 2012 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). The Guinabo Arnis & Combat Sports (GACS) of Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo successfully held the 8th Bakbakan of Eskrimadors “Higutay Duel” last July 29, 2012 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City. Not less than 90 martial artists representing 20 groups from Bacolod, Bago, Murcia, San Enrique, and Talisay gave demonstrations and competed under IFFMAS Arnis rules. GM Guinabo held the event in cooperation with Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall represented by its Advertising officer Nomer Lobaton, Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. of Founder/President Emeritus Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo “Pope” C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., and current President P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), Inc. under its President Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, and Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. Special guest of honor was Grandmaster Casimiro “Chingi” A. Grandeza, “The Father of Karate in Negros,” the first Filipino grandmaster of Korean Tang Soo Do, and the Founder of the White Kimono Club (WKC) and the Philippine Moo Duk Kwan Soo Bahk Do. Arnis, otherwise known as Eskrima, Baston, Yaming, Garrote, and Olisi, is a generic collective term for the wide spectrum of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) that may consist of one or several of the following: short espada/baston (solo or doble), espada/baston and daga, long espada/baston, daga (solo or doble), flexible weapons (caburata, latigo, kadena, tabak toyok, etc.), derivable weapons, pangamut (pang-agaw, trangkada, dumog, sipa sumbag), and esoteric and healing arts. Arnis is a corruption of the Spanish Arnes, which means, “bracelet or chair mail armor.” Thus, someone who knows Arnis has an “armor” that can protect him against violent attacks. Arnis has been declared as the National Martial Art and Sport of the Republic of the Philippines but the public is not aware that the art is categorized into the combative, sportive, and cultural/theaterical. Each one may use similar techniques but they greatly differ in their mindset, focus, approach, and training. The 8th Bakbakan of Eskrimadors “Higutay Duel” made efforts to showcase all three expressions into one event. The demonstrations featured the combative and cultural/theatrical expressions as exhibited by the classical and DepEd practitioners. The tournament featured the sportive expression using IFFMAS Arnis rules. The special main event, the higutay duel, is actually a composite of the modern sportive form and the combative higutay dueling of old arnisadors in Negros. DEMONSTRATIONS. The Kalido Society of Bacolod Christian College (BCC), through the invitation of Grandmaster Danilo Cardinal, made the first demonstration consisting of their likha anyo for DepEd Arnis competition. Their instructor, Master Leo C. Uyanib, showed the striking, blocking, and disarming of their style. Members of the Kalido demo team were Criselle Marie Bulanon, Bonry Hasan, Ace John Hidalgo, Joachim Javellana, Nylre Jel Ortega, Patricia Nicole Uy, Master Leo C. Uyanib, and Karla Rojon Villamor. The Bago Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis of Coach/SI Randy Alvarado, representing Bago City College (BCC) and who had been crowned champion at the Alculympics, also gave their interpretation of the likha anyo for DepEd Arnis competition. Alvarado and Tom Serapia demonstrated a number of Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis self defense techniques combining strikes, disarming, locks, and takedowns. The Cargada Pigar KaliSilat Arnis Club of Arnis Philippines (Arpi) Negros Occidental Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” Cardinal also started their number with individual and synchronized likha anyo for DepEd Arnis competition. GM Cardinal and Master Gualberto Dajao demonstrated their style’s striking, blocking, and disarming maneuvers. Other members of the Cargada Pigar demo team were Christian Arroyo, Jessica Casiñas, Marimar Galon, Jude Guboc, and Jessica Sombero. The combined demo team of Arjuka-Malingin of Grandmaster Isaac T. Guarra and Guarra Style Modern Arnis of P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, represented by the Guarra family children and youngsters, demonstrated paired sinawali, nunchaku freestyle form, and empty hands counter for counter flow. Members of the combined demo team were Daicken Mae B. Guarra, Dayleem T. Baylon, Anne Bernadith G. Caro, Anthony M. Guarra, Exel Rose B. Guarra, Jerald John D. Guarra, Jeraldine D. Guarra, Jerryll M. Guarra, Windy Lou G. Poral, and Jill Tyrone b. Protacio. The Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. was represented by its Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. who demonstrated a combination of the largo and corto applications of the solo baston and espada y daga, using strikes, tutchadas, locks, throws, and kicks as well as empty hand applications against a knife and a punch. Alex Gequillana used otso-otso as both offense and defense against solo baston, doble baston, espada y daga, and daga. The Tanique Arnis and Combat Sports (TACS) was represented by Master Arman Tanique and Master Roberto Lumugdang, who gave a demonstration of classical espada y daga using low stances as well as disarming te4chniques. Host Guinabo Arnis & Combat Sports (GACS) was represented by Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo, Founder of the Trece Grabes Piga-Piga System of Arnis, who, together with Noel Emmanuel Arendon, demonstrated his own system of classical espada y daga which included body displacement, slashes, thrusts, locks and controls. The demo started from a slow pace to a faster beat, building up the rhythm. The Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. featured 9 year old British-Filipino Phillip Penman, who exhibited the basic uno, dos, and bali-bali strikes against the attacks of OFT Master James U. Sy Jr. 1st Generation Inheritor (Tigsubli)/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” Mamar Lobrido showed the higher linyada of the system using direct hitting with the assistance of Master Joeffrey S. Deriada. Rev. Engr. Gaudencio “Gau” B. lingamen Jr. of San Enrique, a Faculty Member of TUP-Visayas (1978-1990), the Founder of Garrote y Lanza, gave a unique demonstration of the dos palos (so-setsu-kon in Japanese, a kind of nunchaku where one side is longer than the other) freestyle twirling and whipping. His demo consisted of three segments: single 29” light metal, double 29” light metal, and double handed grip 52” light metal. Grandmaster Roemo "Roming" Postrano, Founder of the Garote Sikaran Arnis Club, gave a free flow anyo of both the solo baston and the doble baston. His performance also showcased the classical movements of arnis, characdteristic of the Negros systems.

8th Bakbakan of Eskrimadors @ Gaisano City This Sat by James U. Sy Jr.

Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. Officers and Board Directors during the conclusion of the group's monthly meeting last July 8, 2012 at the Sea Breeze Hotel, San Juan St., Bacolod City. From left: Master James U. Sy Jr., Master Gualberto Dajao, Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo, P/Supt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez, Founder/President Emeritus Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo "Pope" C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., current President P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao "Eslao" T. Guarra, Grandmaster Danilo "Danny" Cardinal, Master Abraham "Abe" Ganzon Jr., and Master Roy R. Flores Sr. (Felix A. Guinabo/NOBF photo). The Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) of Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo will be presenting the 8th Bakbakan of Eskrimadors "Higutay Duel" this coming July 29, 2012, 1:30 PM, at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Aranatea St., Bacolod City. There will be segments for exhibitions of different systems/styles of Arnis/Eskrima founded and/or practiced in the province of Negros Occidental. About 15 Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) groups are expected to participate. Among those systems confirmed to be demonstrated include Arjuka, Guarra Style Modern Arnis, Conceptual Arnis, Herada Pigada, Oido de Cinco Henerales, Original Filipino Tapado, and Trece Grabes Piga-Piga System. The other half of the event will be a competition that will be using the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) rules of Arnis competition. Currently, there are several established rules of Arnis competition, each one having their own merits. The WEKAF set of rules, introduced by the Cebuanos, is the pioneering version of sport Arnis which makes use of full body armor and live sticks. This set of rules was adopted by the first national governing body of the sport, the National Arnis Association of the Philippines (NARAPHIL), in the 1970's. During the change of power in 1986, the NARAPHIL was changed by the Arnis Philippines, which soon developed a set of rules which used head and body protectors and padded sticks. Its rules, and later a modification of it, was adapted by the Department of Education (DepEd) for use in interschool competitions. Another set of rules that has come to prominence in later years is the one developed by the IMAFP, also using helmet and body armor and padded sticks but with some differences in rulings with Arnis Philippines. The IFFMAS rules, which will be used in the coming tournament, is actually a revival of an old format of Arnis play used by arnisdadors of old in Negros, Panay, and Negros. The format, now with revisions, is composed of three rounds of 30 seconds each. The first round will see the first player act as the defender and will stay in a circle with a diameter of 1.80 m. The other player, staying outside the circle, will act as attacker; the one inside the circle will show his skill in defending against attacks. The roles are reversed in the second round. In the third round the players are allowed to go offense and defense. A modification of the IFFMAS rules will also be showcased in the higutay match ups. The same set of rules will be adapted but contestants will have a rope tied to their waists to discourage running away. This is another traditional competition format in the old days. Details of the tournaments were taken up during the monthly meeting of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. last July 8, 2012 at the Sea Breeze Hotel, San Juan St., Bacolod City. Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo organized the event in cooperation with Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall represented by Advertising Officer Nomer Lobaton, Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. of Founder/President Emeritus Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo "Pope" C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., and current President P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao "Eslao" T. Guarra, Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), Inc. under its President Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, and Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr.

COS It's All PLAY To Unfold This sat. by: James U. Sy Jr.

The COS It’s All PLAY: The First Encounter will be presented by the SAS Inc. this coming July 28, 2012, Sunday, 4:00PM, at the Terra Dolce Mall, Corner Hilado Ext., 13th St., Bacolod City. The competition will have two categories: youngsters (below 18 years old) and adults (18 years old and above). Contestants for the youngsters category must have their parents' and/or legal guardians' consent. The adults category is further subdivided into individuals and groups. Group cosplayers are required to have a minimum of 4 members and must not exceed 8 members. Cosplayers will be given 1 minute for individuals and 3 minutes for groups exposure to give their best in portraying their chosen character. Criteria for judging are as follows: craftsmanship (40%), accuracy of costumes (30%), stage portrayal (20%), and audience impact (10%). Prizes for the Youngsters category are P 2,500 (grand prize), P 1,500 (1st runner up), and P 1,000 (2nd runner up). For adults category - individual, P 5,000 (grand prize), P 3,000 (1st runner up), and P 1,000 (2nd runner up) and group, P 2,000. A special award, The People's Choice Award (Facebook Like Contest), will also be given (P2,000). Gift certificates will also be given away. Last July 22, 2012, a pictorial was held by SAS Inc. with Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB) sports writer James U. Sy Jr. for registered contestants. Cosplayers who attended include Geanne Blanco (Neru Akita from Vocaloid), 15, of La Consolacion College (LCC)- Bacolod, Earl John Buncio (Naruto), 7, of Josebio Lopez Gonzaga Memorial School (Sagay), Ellyza Julia Diane Buncio, 6, of Josebio L. Gonzaga Memorial School, Jelian Mae Canlas, 14, of Bata National High School, Marvin V. Donasco, 21, of Sagay City (Death the Kid), Cheska Gabriell P. Estores (Barbie Mariposa), 4, of San Enrique Seventh Day Adventist Elementary School, Jeson "Xelextine" Matrimonio, 21, of Victorias City, Camille Jade G. Proximo (Sailor Mars), 8, of Binalbagan Catholic College (BCC), and Angel Faith Yelo (Yuna The Gunner) of Josebio L. Gonzaga Memorial School.

COS It's All PLAY contestant Geanne Blanco (Neru Akita from Vocaloid), 15, of La Consolacion College (LCC)- Bacolod (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Geanne Blanco (Neru Akita from Vocaloid), 15, of La Consolacion College (LCC)- Bacolod doing a front kick (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Earl John Buncio (Naruto), 7, of Josebio Lopez Gonzaga Memorial School (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Ellyza Julia Diane Buncio, 6, of Josebio Lopez Gonzaga Memorial School (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY Jelian Mae Canlas, 14, of Bata National High School (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Marvin V. Donasco, 21, of Sagay City (Death the Kid) (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Cheska Gabriell P. Estores (Barbie Mariposa),4, San Enrique Seventh Day Adventist Elementary School (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Cheska Gabriell P. Estores (Barbie Mariposa),4, San Enrique Seventh Day Adventist Elementary School with giant chess pieces (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Jeson "Xelextine" Matrimonio, 21, of Victorias City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Camille Jade G. Proximo (Sailor Mars), 8, of Binalbagan catholic College (BCC) (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Angel Faith Yelo (Yuna The Gunner) of Josebio L. Gonzaga Memorial School (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Cosplayers who attended the COS It's All PLAY pictorial last July 22, 2012 at the Terra Dolce Mall (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Angel Faith Yelo (Yuna The Gunner) and Marvin V. Donasco (Death the Kid) (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Cheska Gabriell P. Estores (Barbie Mariposa), Ritchie Vargas of SAS Inc., and Camille Jade G. Proximo (Sailor Mars) (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Geanne Blanco (Neru Akita from Vocaloid) with Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB) writer James U. Sy Jr. (CMAS Photo).

Angel Faith Yelo (Yuna The Gunner) with Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB) writer James U. Sy Jr. (CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Camille Jade G. Proximo (Sailor Mars) with Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB) writer James U. Sy Jr. (CMAS Photo).

COS It's All PLAY contestant Cheska Gabriell P. Estores (Barbie Mariposa) with Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB) writer James U. Sy Jr. (CMAS Photo).

Jelian Mae Canlas with Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB) writer James U. Sy Jr. (CMAS Photo).

1st Neg. Occ. Baston Fed. Rank Exams Held

The Examiners for the 1st NOBF Rank Examinations, the three highest ranking grandmasters in the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc., at the Golden Kamagong International (formerly Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association) Main Gym, 3/F De La Rama Center, Luzuriaga St., Bacolod City. From left: current President P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, Founder and President Emeritus Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., and Vice President P/Supt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez (CMAS/NOBF photo).

Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo defending against the attack of NOBF President P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra during the 1st NOBF Rank Examinations at the Golden Kamagong International (formerly Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association) Main Gym, 3/F De La Rama Center, Luzuriaga St., Bacolod City (CMAS/NOBF photo).

Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo defending against the attack of NOBF Vice President P/Supt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez during the 1st NOBF Rank Examinations at the Golden Kamagong International (formerly Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association) Main Gym, 3/F De La Rama Center, Luzuriaga St., Bacolod City (CMAS/NOBF photo).

Master James U. Sy Jr. defending against the attack of NOBF Founder and President Emeritus Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., during the 1st NOBF Rank Examinations at the Golden Kamagong International (formerly Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association) Main Gym, 3/F De La Rama Center, Luzuriaga St., Bacolod City (CMAS/NOBF photo).

Master James U. Sy Jr. defending against the attack of NOBF President P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra during the 1st NOBF Rank Examinations at the Golden Kamagong International (formerly Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association) Main Gym, 3/F De La Rama Center, Luzuriaga St., Bacolod City (CMAS/NOBF photo).

Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. officers - from left: Master James U. Sy Jr., P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, Col. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., P/Supt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez, and Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo - during the 1st NOBF Rank Examinations at the Golden Kamagong International (formerly Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association) Main Gym, 3/F De La Rama Center, Luzuriaga St., Bacolod City (CMAS/NOBF photo). The 1st NOBF Rank Examinations were held by the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. last July 15, 2012, Sunday, at the Golden Kamagong International (formerly Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association) Main Gym, 3/F De La Rama Center, Luzuriaga St., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. The Examiners were the three highest ranking grandmasters of the federation, namely Founder and President Emeritus Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., current President P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, and Vice President P/Insp. (Ret.) Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez. The trio grandmasters have over a hundred years of combined experience in the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) of Arnis/Eskrima/Baston and each one had, in his own way, contributed to the growth and propagation of the native martial traditions in the province of Negros Occidental. GM Jalandoon founded the NOBF in the early years of the 21st Century to bring arnisadors of different systems/styles together in a concentrated effort to propagate and promote the Filipino martial traditions. The Negros Occidental Arnis Association (NOAA, later Negros Occidental Arnis Federation), founded in 1986, was the predecessor of the NOBF. When NOAF faded away, it took several years before the NOBF was established to fill the void left behind by the NOAF. NOBF initially joined as a member organization of the Union of Martial Artist of Negros and Bacolod (UMA-ONEBA), an alliance which was predominantly composed of karatekas, but later operated independently to better focus on Arnis/Eskrima promotion and activities. GM Lopez and GM Guarra served as NOBF Vice Presidents for Bacolod and South Negros Respectively under the leadership of GM Jalandoon. In 2099, GM Jalandoon designated GM Guarra to replace him as NOBF President upon his retirement. GM Guarra’s first pet project was the rank examination for federation members. For one reason or the other, this plan was shelved up until now. The federation previously recognized the ranks/titles that its school head-members were utilizing in principle, and in a few cases certified, and accord to those who do not yet have any. The examinations are simply formalities wherein the Examiners can check if the bearer of the rank/title lives up to the honor. The examinations, however, were voluntary and those who do not wish to take it has the liberty to do so. Examinees were Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo, Founder of the Trese Grabes Piga-Piga System of Arnis and the Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS), and Master James U. Sy Jr., Founder of Conceptual Arnis/Martial Arts System and Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. While they were already certified in their respective arts previously, the candidates were being tested for NOBF rank. Master Roy R. Flores, Founder of Hangaway Arnis and Tribu Hangaway Philippines, was willing to take the exams but could not make it to the exams because he was out of town. The NOBF ranks will be awarded in a formal ceremony which will be announced soon. A second batch of examinations will be given if there are other school head-members that would be interested. The NOBF welcomes interested clubs in Negros Occidental who wish to join its roster. Inquiries may be directed to the Secretary General at 0946-398-2117.