NUFAA TOPS ARNIS PHILS. TILT By: James U. Sy Jr.

In 3 weeks time, the Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA) under Grandmaster Jose "Joe" Mancesa and President Eliseo T. Yanong Sr., was crowned overall champion for the 3rd time during the 2nd NUFAA-SK Bago City Invitational Arnis Tournament held with the full support of Hon. Mayor Ramon D. Torres and the SK Federation-Bago City under President Eliseo T. Yanong Jr. last May 31, 2008 at the Bago City College (BCC) Campus Grounds, Brgy. Balingasag, Bago City .

Six Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) organizations from Bago and Bacolod Cities converged at the event to give Arnis demonstrations, officiate, and compete in 6 bouts using standard Arnis Philippines, Inc. (ArPi) rules. The tournament was sanctioned by Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Occidental Chapter under Commissioner Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., and supported by member organizations of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF) of President/GM Jalandoon and the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) of President/Master Elmer V. Montoyo.

Demonstrations: Grandmaster Danilo "Danny" Cardinal and his son Danny John Cardinal of KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA) demonstrated Likha Anyo Solo Baston and Tapi-Tapi.

Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo of the Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS), with the help of Grandmaster Romeo "Roming" Postrano of the Sikaran Garrote Arnis Club (SGAC), demonstrated the classical styles of Espada y Daga and the Trese Grabes Piga-Piga System.

The Sikaran Garrote Arnis Club (SGAC) of Grandmaster Romeo "Roming" Postrano and its chapter club, the Garrote Arnis Club (GAC) of Master Roy Postrano performed their Juego Todo style of Arnis through anyo and doble baston.

Host Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA) was led by Grandmaster Jose "Joe" Mancesa in demonstrating Siquete, Aponlada, Valor, Whipping, and Doble Baston. The NUFAA demo team was composed of GM Mancesa, John Melchor Barsibal, Yvonne De La Cruz, Stevie John "Jan-Jan" Doctora, Vina Mancesa, and Pao-Pao Tagum. Noteworthy of the group's demo was the performance of 3-years old Barsibal, a grandson of GM Mancesa. At such an early age, the boy showed potential.

Overall Champion: Bago City 's Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA) of Grandmaster Jose "Joe" Mancesa (4-1). 2nd Place : Garrote Arnis Club (GAC) of Master Roy Postrano (1-2). 2nd Place : KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA) of Grandmaster Danilo "Danny" Cardinal (1-1). 4th Place : Sikaran Garrote Arnis Club (SGAC) of Grandmaster Romeo "Roming" Postrano (0-2).

Results: Yves Birondo of KAA, 53 Kg., over Roy Postrano of GAC, 57 Kg. Rodrigo Claridad Jr. of GAC over Francis Marfil of NUFAA. Edgardo Doctora of NUFAA, 45 Kg., over Allan Pacheco of KAA, 45 Kg. Romulus Ballentes of NUFAA, 52 Kg., over Anthony Magbanua of SGAC, 52 Kg. John Carlo Bagatela of NUFAA, 54 Kg., over Ran-Ran Albana of GAC, 53 Kg. Stevie John Doctora of NUFAA, 60 Kg., over Jeremiah Postrano of SGAC, 61 Kg.

NUFAA, a founding member of IFFMAS and a member of Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Occidental Chapter, was previously crowned overall champion during the 2nd Western Visayas Invitational Sports Arnis Tournament (May 10-11, 2008, Robinson's Place Bacolod, 4-0-1) and the 1st Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Occidental Goodwill Tournament (May 18, 2008, Casino Filipino Hotel-Bacolod, 5-3-0).

Stevie John Doctora of NUFAA took the gold medal in both events; Eduardo Doctora Jr., gold and silver in that order; John Carlo Bagatela, gold and bronze; and Vina Mancesa, gold and silver. Romulus Vallentes took the gold in the ArPi event while Yvonne de la Cruz got the bonze in the WV event.

Officials: Hon. Bago City Mayor Ramon D. Torres (Sponsor), Grandmaster Jose "Joe" Mancesa and President Eliseo T. Yanong Sr. (Tournament Organizers), Brgy. Capt. Vicente Maquiling 9Special Guest), Grandmaster Danilo "Danny" Cardinal of KaliSilat Arnis Association (Head of Officiating Team/Referee), Grandmasters Romeo "Roming" Postrano of the Sikaran Garrote Arnis Club and Felix A. Guinabo of the Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports, Masters Gualberto Dajao and Elizalde Aspan of KAA, and Master Stephen Francis Diaz of Guarra Style Modern Arnis (Judges/Referees), Prof. Wilson A. Alvarado of NUFAA (Emcee), Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society, Inc. (Event Coverage), and Pastor Raymund Legazpi (Invocation).

TAPUNGULAY PRK. BULAK HELD By: James U. Sy Jr.

The 9th San Lorenzo Ruiz Village (SLRV)/Prk. Bulak Martial Arts Competition “Tapungulay sa Prk. Bulak” was successfully held by the Black Falcon Martial Arts Association (BFMAA)-Main of Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante, 4th Degree, under the sanction of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) of master Elmer V. Montoyo, 6th Degree, last May 25, 2008 at the Prk. Bulak Covered Court, Prk. Bulak, brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod City.

Competing teams include BFMAA, Octagon Martial Arts (OMA) of Founder/Chief instructor Carmelino “Jun” Rojo Jr., Prk. Bulak, and Kabankalan.

Results: Nonoy de la Cruz of Prk. Bulak over Alex Santillan of Prk. Bulak. Jade Esmalla of Prk. Bulak over Christon Sevilla of Prk. Bulak. Mark Padasoy of Prk. Bulak over Shane Andre Bandanillo of Prk. Bulak. Ren Ren Inodeo of Prk. Bulak over Wilfredo Chavez of Prk. Bulak. Jun-Jun Amante of BFMAA-Main over Ivan Vega of Prk. Bulak. Toliloy Escora of Prk. Bulak over Alvin Santillan of Prk. Bulak. 46 Kg.: Angelito Chavez of BFMAA-Main over John Rey Penit of OMA.

Main Events: 50 Kg.: Jimboy Mayang of Bantayan, Kabankalan over Shalom Joquino of OMA. 53 Kg.: Janry Amante of BFMAA-Main won over Christopher Molina of OMA. 56 Kg.: Julius Dohinog of BFMAA-Main won over Julius Alipato of OMA.

Amanate, who serves as Prk. Bulak President, holds the San Lorenzo Ruiz Village (SLRV)/Prk. Bulak Martial Arts Competition semi-annually to encourage the youth to channel their energies into more fruitful pursuits and to keep them away from drugs. Over the years Amante had helped less fortunate youths have opportunities for upliftment through the martial arts. He had sent several teens to the Philippine national Wushu Championships in Manila since 1997 and entered some of them to the National Training Pool.

SACRED KI ART OF FIL FOOTFIGHTING TOPS KICKBOX TILT By: James U. Sy Jr.

The Golden Katana Women's Kickboxing Federation (GKWKF) under President/Co-Founder Arthur A. Alvañez successfully held the 1st Bacolod Women's Kickboxing Tournament last May 24, 2008 at the Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Activity Center (NOMPAC), Bacolod City. Bouts were fought for the Women's and Men's Divisions.

Overall Champion: Sacred Ki Art of Filipino Footfighting (SKAFF) of Founder/Master Ricardo P. Filipinas with 9 wins. Other organizations who supported the event were Black Falcon Martial Arts Association (BFMAA)-Main of Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante and Octagon Martial Arts (OMA) of Founder/Master Carmelino "Jun" Rojo Jr.

Declared champions for SKAFF were Jenelyn M. Cordero, Christine Magaro (by default), and Zenna Marie M. Tolero (Women's Division) and Franz Burgos, Puerto Española, Charles Filipinas, James Omale, Froilan Trespeces, and Christopher B. Yanson (by default) (Men's Division). Cordero defeated Ma. Cristina Bianan of BFMAA-Main.

Jenelyn M. Cordero and Puerto Española together with Nico Aguirre, Eric Jim Cadagat, and Dennis Elisan were also crowned champions in another Kickboxing tournament the previous week at Abkasa, Brgy. Mandalagan.

Champions for BFMAA-Main were Reynalyn "Ren-Ren" Jacob and Roselyn Montecino.

Sacred Ki Art of Filipino Footfighting (SKAFF) and Black Falcon Martial Arts Association (BFMAA)-Main are founding member of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), where Master Ricardo P. Filipinas, 6th Degree, and Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante, 4th Degree, serve as Auditor and Board Director respectively. (Acknowledgements to Mr. Filipinas and Amante for providing the info for this news).

FALCONS, WARRIORS BRING HOME NAT'L WUSHU MEDALS By: James U. Sy Jr.

Two member-organizations of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) affiliated with the Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP) took home a 2-0-5 medal harvest at the 2008 Philippine National Wushu Championships recently at the Music Hall, SM, Mall of Asia.

The Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main (BFMAA-Main) of Chief Instructor and WFP-Negros Occidental Coordinator Joery C. Amante snatched 1 gold and 3 bronze medals while Tribu Hangaway (TH) of Founder/Master and WFP-Oriental Negros Coordinator Roy R. Flores Sr. brought in 1 gold and 2 bronze for Bacolod and Negros Occidental.

Reynalyn "Ren-Ren" Jacob of BFMAA-Main, a competitor for the Juniors Women's 56 Kg. category, had to compete in the Seniors bracket for a lack of entries in her class. She dominated Rhoda Mae Doncillo of the Iloilo Tinagan School of Martial Arts, Inc. (ITSMAI)/West Visayas State University (WVSU) in the championship bout before the former won by TKO (Retirement) in the 2nd round.

Jacob was crowned champion of the Women's Juniors 53 Kg. category during the 3rd Iloilo National Wushu Sanshou Championships "Cong. Raul Gonzales Cup" last January 25, 2006 at SM City Iloilo. She took the silver during the 2007 Philippine National Wushu Championships and is the first female fighter to be sent by BFMAA-Main to the Philippine National Wushu Sanshou Training Pool.

2007 LGDC Negros Regional Wushu Sanshou champion Rosendo Trayco III of BFMAA-Main defeated Jerome Wanawan of powerhouse Baguio in an elimination bout in the Seniors Men 52 Kg. category but lost the silver-match.

Trayco's teammate, Kickboxing, Wushu Sanshou, and MMA champion Andres Villarmia, beat Franklin Lorana of the Iloilo Tinagan School of Martial Arts, Inc. (ITSMAI) in the Seniors Men 60 Kg. class but failed to go past the silver-match.

John Mark Bosico of BFMAA-Main took the bronze in the Juniors Men's 52 Kg. category while his teammate Julius Dohinog lost his first bout in the Seniors Men's 48 Kg. class.

2007 LGDC Negros Regional Wushu Sanshou champion Virginia Dacumos of Tribu Hangaway dominated Rubylene Liblib of Baguio and Edna Sobrevega of the Iloilo Tinagan School of Martial Arts, Inc. (ITSMAI) to be crowned champion in the Women's 52 Kg. category.

2007 LGDC Negros Regional Wushu Sanshou silver medallist and Tribe W.A.R. II champion Sheila Asdolo (Women's 48 Kg.) and Jonathan Alingasa (Men's 48 Kg.) of Tribu Hangaway defeated Charmie Rose Mendez and Armado Benito of Baguio respectively but settled for bronze when they lost their nest bout.

JUFIMAC M.A. TILT A SUCCESS By: James U. Sy Jr.

The San Carlos Jungle Fighters Martial Arts Club (SACA JUFIMAC) of Founder/Chief Instructor Diomedes N. Mamugay, a member of the Combat Taekwondo Club (CTC)-Main of Founder/Master Lt. Col. Epefanio F. Mercado Sr. and the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) of Master Elmer V. Montoyo, in cooperation with the sponsorship of Hon. Kagawads Johnny Baran, Gregorio Broce, and Gina Esperancilla and in cooperation with Fatima Village Homeowners Association President Ramil Palabrica, Fatima Village Teachers Association President Renante Chavez, Fatima Village Christian Association President Roque Cosio, Fatima Village Youth and Women's Association, and Alfredo Salvilla successfully held the 6th SACA JUFIMAC Martial Arts Tournament last May 11, 2008 at the Fatima Village, Brgy. Rizal, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

The tournament was held as part of the Our Lady of Fatima Annual Fiesta celebration. As usual with IFFMAS tournaments, the event featured a multi-discipline format of competition. It had bouts for Taekwondo, Western Boxing, Sipa Sumbag (Kickboxing), and Wushu Sanshou.

The event was supported by SACA JUFIMAC-Main, Brgy. Guadalupe, and Pontevedra Chapters, CEFIMAC-CNC Chapter, Ritarians Martial Arts Club (RMAC), Combat Taekwondo Club (CTC)-Main of Founder/Master Lt. Col. Epefanio F. Mercado Sr., Roaring Panthers Self-Defense Society (RPSDS) of Founder/Chief Instructor Ricaredo C. Panunciar, White Crane Martial Arts of Founder/Chief Instructor Wilfredo Teleron, and the various association of Fatima Village.

Taekwondo. Kiddies Boys Category A: Lester John Tacugue of Greenville Elementary School over Charles Eddo Caballes of Cong. Vicente Gustilo Memorial Elementary School. Secondary Girls Finweight: Rosalyn Lopez of CEFIMAC-CNC Chapter over Mary Ann Buhat of Julio Ledesma National High School. Junior Boys: Rafael Lapaz Jr. of Greenville Elementary School/SACA JUFIMAC over Rene Rebido of San Juan Village Phase 3/SACA JUFIMAC. Junior Boys Bantamweight: Erwin Garing of SACA JUFIMAC over Henry Villacampa Jr. of SACA JUFIMAC-Brgy. Guadalupe Chapter. Finweight: Michael Villacampa Jr. of SACA JUFIMAC-Brgy. Guadalupe Chapter over Rollie Tacugue of Villacampa Jr. of SACA JUFIMAC-Main.

Boxing Special Bout: James Patoc of SACA JUFIMAC-Brgy. Guadalupe Chapter over Michael Tanginan of SACA JUFIMAC-Main.

Kickboxing Special Bout 50 Kg.: Rene Ortiz of Greenville Subd./SACA JUFIMAC-Main Over Ruel Panoncillo of Fatima Village Phase 1/SACA JUFIMAC-Main.

Wushu Sanshou Bout 56 Kg: Warren Songahid of Roaring Panther Self Defense Society over Bernardo Pardillo of SACA JUFIMAC.

Officials: Founder Lt. Col. Epefanio F. Mercado Sr. of CTC-Main (Tournament Director), Founder/Chief Instructor Diomedes N. Mamugay of SACA JUFIMAC (Tournament Organizer), Johnmar Palabrica (Referee/Judge), Chief Instructor Ernie Tranilla of CTC-Main and Instructor Joelito Pardillo of White Crane Martial Arts (Judges), Founder/Chief Instructor Wilfredo Teleron of WCMAC (Emcee), Estrelita M. Sabijon of SACA JUFIMAC (Table Official), Tirso Pardillo (Timer), Jose Gregorio Baguioro and Coordinator Reynan Tullaga of SACA JUFIMAC-Pontevedra Chapter (Matching Official).

SACA JUFIMAC was crowned overall champion during the 1st Canlaon City Modern Combat Taekwondo Invitational Inter Club Tournament organized by the Modern Combat Taekwondo Club-Canlaon Chapter of Chief Instructor Joerdan Oca last March 8, 2008 at the Canlaon Cultural Center, Canlaon City, Oriental Negros.

SACA JUFIMAC was the first to introduce Wushu Sanshou in San Carlos City on March 15, 2005 and was instrumental in bringing together instructors from different styles and schools to work together for the propagation of the various arts in a time when the martial arts were in a slump in San Carlos City.

SACA JUFIMAC is also an affiliate of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founders/Masters James U. Sy Jr. and Narciso "Hansy" L. Alojado (Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis section) and the Visayas Full Contact Martial Art Federation (Cebu) of Master Florentino Aligang

NEGROSANONS SHINE IN WV ARNIS TILT By: James U. Sy Jr.

Arnisadors from Bago, Bacolod, and Sagay Cities showed their wares and took home medals for the province during the 2nd Western Visayas Invitational Sports Arnis Tournament held last May 10-11, 2008 at Robinson's Place Bacolod, Brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod City .


The Hon. Mayor Ramon D. Torres-sponsored Bago Team, represented by the Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA) of Grandmaster Jose "Joe" Mancesa, was crowned overall champion with 4 gold and 1 bronze medals.

The Bacolod ( Main ) and Sagay Chapters of Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association (GKAKEA), Inc. of P/SUPT. (Ret.) Grandmaster Ibarra "Baring" E. Lopez got a combined medal tally of 3-3-3. The KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA) of Grandmaster Danilo "Danny" Cardinal and Tribu Hangaway of Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr. had harvests of 2-2-1 and 0-0-2 respectively.

Labanan - Men's 65 Kg.: Stevie John Doctora of NUFAA (Gold), Climaco Lumanog of KAA (Silver), Joicent Dec Alcabaza of ACLC Bacolod (Bronze). Women's 52 Kg.: Vina Mancesa of NUFAA (Gold), Aileen Lamayo of Talisay Arnis Unlimited (Silver), and Irra Jane Lopez of GKAKEA-Bacolod (Bronze). Boys 14 Years Old Below: Edgardo Doctora of NUFAA (Gold), Allan Pacheco of KAA (Silver), Kimbert Parpa of GKAKEA-Sagay (Bronze). Girls 12 Years Old Below: Claire Locsin of KAA (Gold). Seniors Lightweight: John Bagatela of NUFAA (Bronze). Seniors Bantamweight: Yvonne de la Cruz of NUFAA (Bronze).

Other Negros medallists of the Labanan Men's Division: Glenn Cometa of GKAKEA-Sagay (Silver), Kevin Villaluz of GKAKEA (Silver), Carlo Barzo of GKAKEA-Bacolod (Bronze), and King Joseph Cabiles and Van Joseph Segovia of Tribu Hangaway (Bronze). Women's Division: Hailene Joy Sucgang of GKAKEA-Sagay (Gold), Mary Rose Lamoreno of GKAKEA-Bacolod (Silver).

Anyo Boys 14 Years Old below: Allan Pacheco of KAA (Bronze). Girls 17 Years Old Below Below: Claire Locsin of KAA (Gold).

Other Negros medallists of the Anyo Men's Division: Christian Villaluz of GKAKEA (Gold). Women's Division: Mary Rose Lamoreno of GKAKEA-Bacolod (Gold), Hailene Joy Sucgang of GKAKEA-Sagay (Bronze).

GKAKEA and KAA are member organizations of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF) of Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Ph.D.; NUFAA, of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) of Master Elmer V. Montoyo; and TH, of both NOBF and IFFMAS.

Winners qualify to compete in Boracay this July 20-25, 2008. (Acknowledgements goes to GMs Ibarra Lopez, Jose Mancesa, and Danilo Cardinal and Master Roy R. Flores Sr. for providing the info for this news item.)

BRAWL 5 @ THE CASINO By: James U. Sy Jr.

The Bacolod Raw Amateur Warriors’ League (B.R.A.W.L.) 5 “Only the Strong Survive” was successfully held by the Fight Club Combat and Streetfighting Center of Founder/Chief Instructor Edwin J. Tusil last April 26, 2008 at the Casino Filipino Hotel, Goldenfields Commercial Complex, Brgy. Singcang, Bacolod City .

Overall Champion: Fight Club Combat and Streetfighting Center of Founder/Chief Instructor Edwin J. Tusil (4-3). 2nd Place: Punch Out Boxing Gym of Migue Estrella with grappling coaching from Milo Abelido and Chester Laquian of Submission Sports Philippines-Bacolod Team (perfect score of 2-0). 3rd Place : Victorias City under Nilrax de Cafe and Tumbatsu Submissions and Strikes International ( Iloilo City ) of Gilton Solis (1-1 each). 4th Place : Bertar Karate Kan of Founder/Chief Instructor Edilberto “Bert” A. Arcositas (1-0). 5th Place : Murcia Martial Arts Center of Masters Luciano “Nick” and Jonathan Montoya (0-3). 6th Place : Lazy Boy Dojo (0-1).

Results: Richard “Negro” Calaveras of Victorias City over Joner “Cort” Cortez of Murcia Martial Arts Center via TKO at 3:41 of the 1st round. John Silayro of Fight Club over Paul Lester Saul of Tumbatsu-Iloilo via RSC at 3:41 of the 1st round. Mario Gilera of FC over Nilrax de Cape of Victorias City via tap out by guillotine choke at 4:14 of the 1st round.

3 times BRAWL champion Victor Torre of FC over Alonso Articulo of MMAC via TKO at 1:13 of the 1st round. Rocky Batulbatol of Punch Out over Jessie Fuentes of FC via KO at 4:17 of the 1st round. Rolando Jabano of Tumbatsu over BRAWL 2 champion Elijah Sian of FC via tapout by side choke at 2:26 of the 1st round.

2 times BRAWL champion and URCC Cebu II winner Jet Lumawag of FC over Erwin Panuela of MMAC via RSC at 0.14 of the 1st round, the shortest fight of the night. BRAWL IV champion Ace Tupas of Bertar Karate Kan/FC over Filam Richard “Richie Rich” Villaruel of Lazy Boy Dojo ( Miami , Florida , USA ) via tapout by guillotine choke at 3:27 of the 1st round. Glen Ventura of Punch Out over 4 times BRAWL champion Eugene Yunque of FC via RSC at 1:44 of the 1st round.

Officials were Leandro “Lean” V. Torre, Vic Tan, and Stephen Sancho (Promoters),
B.R.A.W.L. and T.R.I.B.E. W.A.R. champion Mohammad El Helo of Tribu Hangaway and Budy Cruz (Referees), Cargeoren T. Lusabia (Timer), Founder/Chief Instructor Maxwell “Big Max” J. Maun of Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts and Henried Jose Lamayo of Atleta Judo Club (Crisis Management Officers), Isagani Bringuela, Aljandro Lacaron, Mark T. Lusabia, Erilu Pasco, Richard Torre, and Ronnie of FC (Ringside Crew), Amity Staff (Medics), Dr. Nilo del Carmen of Musubi Dojo and dra. Ava Joy L. Infante of FC (Event Physicians), and James Infante and Linus Ramos of FC and Punch Out Coaches (Instructors).

Sponsors were Casino Filipino Hotel and Tipsy Bar. B.R.A.W.L. 6 is being mulled for July 2008 at the same venue but the exact date has yet to be fixed. If things work out, a Super Fight will be fought between Grappling Sensation Rameses Aloro of Submission Sports Philippines-Bacolod Team and Gilton Solis of Tumbatsu Submissions and Strikes International.