TAPONDO PROMOTIONS MADE By: James U. Sy Jr.

Six members of Tapondo International Federation Inc. (TIFI)-Negros Chapter took part in a mass examination conducted by Negros Chief Instructor Roy R. Flores Sr., 6th Degree, last May 31, 2008 at the TIFI-Negros Gen. HQ, 2F Golden Heritage Bldg., San Juan St., Bacolod City.

Those who took the exams and passed were Almar Mariano of Toboso (2nd degree), Dodgie Flores, Joseph Ong, and Jussell Torres of Bacolod (Brown Belt), Ariel Guanzon of Escalante (Blue Belt), and Ana Erika Gumban of Bacolod (Green Belt). The examinations were conducted under the sanction of Tapondo International Federation Inc. (TIFI) under Tapondo Founder Master Ambrosio “Monching” Gavileño

Mass examinations had been conducted periodically since a year after TIFI-Bacolod was organized by Chief Instructor Flores in 2001. The first mass examination was conducted by the founder himself, who traveled from Manila to Bacolod . Today, TIFI is the largest Aikido group in Negros Occidental and the one with the most black belts (not less than 28). It has chapters in Bacolod , Calatrava, Escalante, Sagay, Silay, Talisay, Toboso, and San Carlos .

To continuously heighten the students’ skills, TIFI-Bacolod had held the 5th Negros Regional Tapondo Invitational Competition last May 25, 2008 at the Food Court Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall , Araneta St. , Bacolod City which was participated in by various chapter in Western Visayas .

Tapondo International Federation Inc. (TIFI)-Negros Chapter is a member of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF) of Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., and Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) of President Master Elmer V. Montoyo.

GM GUARRA TURNS 75 By: James U. Sy Jr.

P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” Terante Guarra, one of the few remaining active old time Eskrimadors in Negros Occidental, celebrated his 75th birthday together with his family and friends last May 19, 2008 at the Guarra Residence in Lag-asan, Bago City . About 200 well wishers came and participated in the festivities, which was held in time with the annual Lag-asan fiesta.
(Master Joel Casiple in conversation with the birthday celebrant, GM Eslao Guarra during IFFMAS induction ceremony)
Among his guests were Arnisadors from Central Negros including Grandmasters Isaac “Saac” T. Guarra of Arjuka-Malingin, Atty. Col. Marcelo D. Jalandoon of Negros Occidental Baston Federation, Judge Demosthenes Magallanes, Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido of Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association Inc., Danilo “Danny” Cardinal of KaliSilat Arnis Association, Jose “Joe” Mancesa of Negros United Fighting Arts (NUFAA), and Felix A. Guinabo of Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports, etc.

Eslao Guarra was born to Grandmaster Cornelio “Kune” Toledo Guarra and Luisa T. Terante on May 19, 1933 in Bago City . He was the 7th of 13 siblings composed of 7 boys and 6 girls. All the Guarra children were trained in their father’s and his group’s fighting arts locally known as Herada Redoble or Espada y Daga. The young Eslao started his training in the 12 methodos of Espada y Daga from his father as well as his 7 friends.

The young Guarra went on to study under different professors of Arnis, 20 of them in all. Among his teachers were Grandmasters Guillermo “Guimo” Yasay, Alfredo “Pedong” Yasay, and Constantino Arca (Ofensa Defensa/Yasay Sable), Claro Alvarez (Saber), Esmael “Maing” Alvarez (Saber), Senyong, Reynaldo Cabinta of Bukidnon (Disarming), Homero Sian (Fencing), Anong Abellana (Judo), Casimiro “Chingi” A. Grandeza (Karate), Juan Recomura, Jose Garganera, Sulpecio Fernea (Herada Batangueña), Tatang Balat of Pampanga, etc.

On February 20, 1956, Guarra, then 22, started his 32 years service in the Bago City Integrated National Police (INP). Guarra had served as a training staff of the Bago City Police Station, having trained auxiliary police in all barangays of Bago City . Within his illustrious career he had received many awards and commendations.

Master Guarra had served as Security Officer and ROTC Tactical Officer at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R). He started teaching Arnis publicly in around 1970. He retired as a multi-decorated police sergeant on May 19, 1998 and by that time had already taught arnis to more than 10,000 barangay tanods, police officers, security guards, and civilians.

GM Guarra emphasizes in his school that Arnis is not meant to bully fellow human beings and to boast but must serve as a tool of personal defense of life and honor. He also warns students of drinking while training and indulging in prohibited drugs.

GM Guarra is currently the Founder/Grandmaster/President of the Guarra Style Modern Arnis (formerly the the Gen. Juan A. Araneta School of Arnis), Vice President-South Negros for Negros Occidental Baston Federation of President Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo D. Jalandoon, Ph.D., of Talisay City, Vice President-Internal Affairs for the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) under President Master Elmer V. Montoyo of Bacolod City, Consultant for the International Modern Arnis Federation Philippines (IMAFP)-Bacolod Chapter, and Board Director for Arnis Philippines (ArPi)-Bacolod/Negros Occidental Chapter.

GM Guarra’s personal history and style was first put to writing by Rev. Fr. Jerson Balitor, then Parish Priest of Ma-ao, Bago City , himself a researcher and accomplished expert of the martial arts. GM Guarra was first introduced extensively to the general public by Negros’ premier martial arts historian/writer James U. Sy Jr., Founder of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., through his various works starting with the 3-part series “The Best Arnisadors of Negros: GM Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra” which was published on the May 16-22, 2004 issue of Negros Weekly and culminating with the international feature “Guarra Style Modern Arnis: Modern Style Rooted in Tradition” published in the Vol. 10 No. 4 issue (2006) of the Rapid Journal, the one and only and longest running martial arts publication in the Philippines.

VERA LOSES BY CONTROVERSIAL DECISION By: James U. Sy Jr.

Fil-Am Brandon “The Truth” Vera expereicnced a setback in his rising Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) career when he lost by a controversial decision against Fabricio Werdum of Brazil during the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 85: Bedlam last June 8, 2008 at the O2 Arena, London, England.

Vera, the son of a Filipino father and an Italian mother, dominated the reigning world Jiu-jitsu champion with strikes during the stand up before the fight went to the ground and Werdum secured the mounted position and started pummeling Vera with ground and pound punches. The 30 year old Vera was covering up against the punches with his forearms when the referee stepped in and stopped the fight at about 20 seconds before the end of the 1st round. Vera had Werdum early on with his strikes. Vera was shocked and the crowd booed the decision.

The Referee has the discretion to stop the fight if he sees a fighter not being able to defend himself intelligently and/or is in danger of being injured. But the video showed Vera maintaining his composure and absorbing the blows with his forearms. Vera was telling the referee he was OK but it seemed that the referee misinterpreted it. Vera wanted a rematch with the Brazilian.

Vera, who wore the Philippine national colors in his shorts, entered the arena to the sound of the Filipino-inspired song Bebot written and sung by Fil-Am Apl-d-App of Black Eye Peas. He was featured at Sports Unlimited last June 9, 2008.

In an awaited fight of the night, the young and aggressive Thiago Alves of Brazil bloodied defeated 2 times UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes of the USA . A flying knee signaled the start of the end for Hughes in the 2nd round. Hughes, who is known for submitting 3 times UFC champion Royce Gracie of Brazil , fell to 43-7. Alves improved to 21-4.

JACOB BRINGS HOME NAT’L BOXING SILVER By: James U. Sy Jr.

Barely a month after being crowned as champion of the Senior Women’s Sanshou 56 Kg. category at the recently concluded 2008 Philippine National Wushu Championships, Reynalyn “Ren-Ren” C. Jacob of the Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main (BFMAA-Main) took home a silver medal at the PLDT-Smart National Open Youth and Women's Amateur Boxing Championships last May 3-10, 2008 at Robinson's Place Iloilo, Iloilo City.

Jacob, who was in her first outing for a national level Boxing event, gave her best in the championship bout but had to bow out to Twinkle Mae J. Guarde of Cotabato and settled for the silver.

After the bout, Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) Coach and Olympic bronze medalist Roel Velasco of Bago City approached Jacob and invited her to join the Philippine Team and offered a scholarship for her.

Jacob started Sipa Sumbag and Wushu Sanshou under Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante of the Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main (BFMAA-Main), who is also the Negros Occidental Coordinator for the Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP), on September 26, 2006 in Bacolod City . Since then she had fought in Bacolod , Bago, Hinigaran, Iloilo City , Manila , San Carlos , and Victorias .

Jacob took the silver during the 2007 Philippine National Wushu Championships and won the championship title during the 2008 edition of the event by demolishing Rhoda Mae Doncillo of the Iloilo Tinagan School of Martial Arts, Inc. (ITSMAI) via 2nd round TKO.

She 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 by dominating 2005 National Wushu Sanshou bronze medallist Marianne Jaromahum of the Iloilo Tinagan School of Martial Arts, Inc. (ITSMAI) via 2nd round RSC. She also won the gold at the 2006 Negros Island Wushu Sanshou Eliminations. She was the first female fighter to be sent by BFMAA-Main to the Philippine National Wushu Sanshou Training Pool in Manila .

Jacob is a proud member of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) through the Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main (BFMAA-Main).

Jacob was born on March 14, 1992 and is the eldest and the only girl of 3 siblings by Dante P. Jacob and Melody Consejo-Jacob.

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).