2009 Original Filipino Tapado Reunion Part I: A Time For Brotherhood By: James U. Sy Jr.

The Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. successfully held the 2009 OFTLSAI Reniuon and General Assembly last March 1, 2009 at the Shelton Beach, Brgy. Pta. taytay, Bacolod City.

More than 46 members of the Mamar and Lobrido Clans and association members together with invited guest instructors from the Martial Arts community were in attendance to rekindle memories and camaraderie.

It was the fourth reunion of the association to be held under the presidency of Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” Mamar Lobrido, the nephew and Una nga Tigsubli (1st Generation Inheritor) of the late Founder/Grandmaster Romeo "Nono" C. Mamar (1938-2005).

The reunion also marked the 25th Year Anniversary of OFTLSFA, Inc., having been founded as the first and official governing body for Original Filipino Tapado in 1984 in Bago City. Original Filipino Tapado (founded 1960), on the other hand is now on its 49th year.

The gathering was more of a family affair with everybody interacting with each other. The serenity of the beach provided an atmosphere where the attendees could relax, chat, and update each other of new developments in the "family."
Those in attendance were Narciso "Hansy" L. Alojado, Jake Bugna, Warlito Caniamo, Master Nelson Carmona, Joeffrey S. Deriada, Lafayette "Laf" A. Diamante, Rufino Fernandez, Joy Gallos, Pastor Romeo N. Gumban, Maica Jacinto, Master Clodualdo "Budoy" Lobrido, Cory Lobrido, Ernesto Jacinto, GM Benefredo "Bebing" M. Lobrido, Robie P. Lobrido, Rosenda P. Lobrido, Kyle Ray B. Maguad, Dr. Raymund Antonio A. Maguad, Dra. Saja marie B. Maguad, Hernando Mamar, Jinny Mamar, GM Elmer V. Montoyo, Elmer "Don-Don" P. Montoyo, Ronnie Ngalongalay, Eduardo Octavio, Glicerio Paloma, Master Joe Pamilangco, Cesar Perez Jr., Dependo Perez, Eliseo Perez Jr., Roleto Ruilan, James U. sy Jr., Phoebus "Junby" Teruel, Hieroteo "Didoy" Villarosa,
Rodolfo Zambales, and others who had not signed in the attendance sheet.

Special guests from other Martial arts schools include Master Joery C. amante of Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main (BFMAA-Main), Grandmaster Danilo "Danny" Cardinal, Master Elizalde Aspan, Danny John Cardinal, and Danver Cardinal of the KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA), Founder/Chairman Abraham Ganzon Jr. and his student of Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA), and Grandmaster Jose "Joe" Mancesa and his student of Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA).

Nover, Another Filipino UFC Star in the Making By: James U. Sy Jr.

After light heavyweight Brandon “The Truth” Vera, another Filipino is in the making of an Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) sensation. His name is Philippe “Filipino Assassin” Nover, the son of a Filipina.

The Brooklyn, New York-raised Nover, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, made a good showing in the reality TV show The Ultimate Fighter 8 last December 2008 where he overpowered Joe Duarte, Dave Kaplan and George Roop within two rounds in the lightweight finals. Mexican Efrain Escudero, however, took the finals victory in three rounds via decision. Nover’s record stood at 6-1-1.

Nover, 5’9”, gave up a high-paying job as a registered nurse at the Coney Island Hospital in New York to pursue a career in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). He briefly fought in the Ring of Champions before going into the UFC. He had also trained in Muay Thai, K

SUSPECT IN SLAY OF M.A.P. PRESIDENT FALLS By: James U. Sy Jr.

Former National Muay Thai Team member and Philippine army (PA) Private 1st Class serviceman Sonny Somales was charged for murder before the Pasig city Prosecutor’s Office by the Valdez family and Pasig City investigator PO2 Gino Dancal last February 24, 2009 for the slaying of Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) President Roberto Valdez.

Somales shot Valdez in the left arm and armpit last February 21, 2009 at the Philippine Sports arena,ULTRA, Pasig City. Valdez was brought to the Medical City but was declared Dead on Arrival (DOA). He was 40.

Somales surrendered to the police after the Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered a national manhunt for him. He is now detained at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

According to witnesses, the two were having an argument at the basement gym of the open bleacher area near the track oval of the Philippine sports arena at about 10:20 A.M. Four empty .45 caliber cartridges were recovered from the crime scene.

It was reported that three days before the incident, Valdez told Somales to stop courting and harrassing Kristina custodio, a 2005 gold medalist member of the Philippine National Muay Thai Team. The parents of Custodio reportedly asked Valdez to tell Somales to keep away from their daughter.

Somales was a member of the team until 2007 when he was said to have been removed from the roster because of attitude problems, according to Grace, the wife of the victim. Somales is also reportedly absent without official leave from the AFP.

Valdez, as President of the National Sport Association for Muay Thai in the Philipines, was instrumental in reviving the sport in the country and having it included in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games when the Philippines took the championship. Kru Valdez was the fight coach of M.A.P. Chairman Robin Padilla, Judy Ann Santos, Dingdong Dantes and Angel Locsin.

Baguio Centennial Arnis Cup a Success By James U. Sy Jr.

The 1st Baguio Centennial Arnis Cup was successfully held last February 14, 2009 at the Malcolm Square, Baguio City. 13 Arnis clubs from Baguio and Benguet particpated in the tournament.

The National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT) took home a 5-5-4 medal haul to be declared overall champion of the tournament. 2nd to 5th places were Sphinx YMCA(5-4-3), AMA Arnis Club (2-2-1), Salaknib Martial Arts System (2-1-3), and Tuba National High School-Annex (2-1-2).

NOVICE COLLGE MEN FEATHERWEIGHT. Elmer Batani of DCCP Arnis Club (Gold), William Gorio of Sphinx YMCA (Silver), Jezel Chummac of NIIT (Bronze).

NOVICE COLLEGE MEN OPENWEIGHT. Alvin Dangatan of NIIT (Gold), Allan John Dacay of NIIT (Silver), Alvin Abalos of PCNHS-Magsaysay Annex (Bronze).

NOVICE COLLEGE WOMEN OPNEWEIGHT. Lystra Wangwang of Salaknib (Gold), Mary Ann Alfredo of NIIT (Silver), Sheryl Anacioco of NIIT (Bronze).

NOVICE COLLEGE WOMEN BANTAMWEIGHT. Deverlyn Vicente of NIIT (Gold), Nevia Bolas of NIIT (Silver), Dale Sudicalan from Salaknib (Bronze).

NOVICE HIGH SCHOOL MEN OPENWEIGHT. Mark Juniele Muli (Gold), Adrin dela Cruz (Silver), Greg Fermin (Bronze).

NOVICE HIGH SCHOOL WOMEN BANTAMWEIGHT. Dovie Bondoc (Gold), Jodyln Lando (Silver), Maryknoll Kesaed (Bronze).

NOVICE HIGH SCHOOL WOMEN PINWEIGHT. Hanna Gammon (Gold), Charlotte Velarde (Silver), Samantha de Castro (Bronze).

NOVICE HIGH SCHOOL WOMEN OPENWEIGHT. Therry Rose Ladip (Gold), Dean Louis Lipio (Silver).

EXPERIENCED COLLEGE MEN FEATHERWEIGHT. Troy Pablo of NIIT (Gold), Mustafa Mustafa of AMA Arnis Club (Silver).

EXPERIENCED COLLEGE MEN OPENWEIGHT. Duncan Ap-apid of Sphinx YMCA (Gold), Don Annaway of NIIT (Silver), Jimsen Malute of NIIT (Bronze).

EXPERIENCED COLLEGE WOMEN FEATHERWEIGHT. Apple Gay Calaoa of Salaknib (Gold), Sigrid Lacwasan of Salaknib (Silver), Crystal Jade Macli-ing of AMA (Bronze).

EXPERIENCED COLLEGE WOMEN BANTAMWEIGHT. Christine Quezon of AMA Arnis Club (Gold), Helen Palangeo of NIIT (Silver), Louisa Pedralvez of Salaknib (Bronze).

EXPERIENCED COLLEGE WOMEN OPEN WEIGHT. Norma Palog of NIIT (Gold), Jefriel Biano of AMA (Silver), Lanilyn Gasigas of NIIT (Bornze).

EXPERIENCED HIGH SCHOOL MEN BANTAMWEIGHT. Eduardo Duran (Gold), Marvin dela Cruz (Silver), Jade Finoliar (Bronze).

EXPERIENCED HIGH SCHOOL MEN OPENWEIGHT. Hernan Galiling (Gold).

EXPERIENCED HIGH SCHOOL WOMEN PINWEIGHT. Jonelle Federico (Gold), Jesalin Cabanban (Silver), Jewrybeth Daus (Bronze).

Cacoy Doce Pares World Eskrima Tilt This April By: James U. Sy Jr.

The Cacoy Doce Pares World federation (CDPWF) will be hosting the Cacoy Doce Pares Eskrima World Tournament this coming April 24-26, 2009, in Cebu, the center of Eskrima in the Visayas.

There are expected competitors from the USA, Australia, Europe, and host Philippines.

Eskrima is the Filipinized rendition of the Spanish Esgrima “Fencing.” It is the preferred term for the Filipino Martial arts (FMA) in Cebu, Oriental Negros, Siquijor, Leyte, Samar, and certain parts of Mindanao.

CDPWF is headed by Grandmaster Ciriaco “Cacoy” C. Cañete of Cebu City, 12th Degree WHFSC, Founder of Eskrido. GM Cañete is the only remaining surviving original member of the Doce Pares society which was founded by some of the best eskrimadors in Cebu in 1932.

ORIGINAL FILIPINO TAPADO REUNION RESCHED MAR. 1 By: James U. Sy Jr.

The Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. has officially moved the 2009 OFTLSFAI General Reunion from February 15, 2008 to March 1, 2008 but still at the same venue, Hilton Beach, Brgy. Pta. Taytay , Bacolod City.



Heading the celebration will be the late Founder’s nephew, 1st Generation Inheritor Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido with the support of the Mamar and Lobrido Clans, association officers and old and new masters, instructors, and practitioners of the art. It will be the 4th OFTLSFAI Reunion to be held under GM. Lobrido’s presidency.



This year’s event will mark the association’s 25th Year Anniversary, having been founded as the first and official governing body for Original Filipino Tapado, in 1984 in Bago City.



Original Filipino Tapado is the indigenous long stick fighting art founded by the late Founder/Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar in 1960 in Brgy. Taloc, Bago City after studying the Negrene arts of Lagas, Oido, Layaw, and Sinamak from 4 renowned grandmasters. Tapado differs from other native or eclectic Negrense long stick fighting arts in that it only uses two kinds of strikes, albeit each one having its own hierarchical linyada from within characterizing dalum “depth” of technique. It is a single ended, stick-based, two handed grip art.



Tapado derives from the Hiligaynon term Tapat, which in turn comes from Tapos “Finish, End.” Contracting Tapat with the suffix do, one gets a descriptive term for the degree or gravity of being finished or put to an end. Thus, Tapado is an art designed to finish a conflict the soonest, 3 strikes maximum ideally.



GM Lobrido is the 4th president of OFTLSFAI, having served since 2005 up to the present. His uncle, GM Mamar, was the 3rd president, serving from 1989 to 2005.



The most important achievement of the association under the leadership of GM Lobrido was the registration of the association with the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) last December 16, 2005 (SEC Registration No. CN200530787).



OFTLSFA is a proud member of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS).



Members and friends are welcome. Contact Robie Lobrido at 0928-600-2476 or Alojado at 0928-719-5141.

ARNIS WORKSHOP HELD IN LUPON By: James U. Sy Jr.

Arnis Grandmaster Roland Dantes conducted the Defensive Tactics Seminar/Workshop for Law Enforcement Officers during the 88th Araw Ng Barangay Poblacion last February 17-18, 2009 in the municipality of Lupon, Davao Oriental.



The seminar was a refresher course to the Barangay Peace and Security Officers (BPSO) under Brgy. Police Commander Antonio dela Cruz Jr.



GM Dantes was invited by the major sponsor of the event, international restaurateur Mercedes dela Cruz-Barner. Dela Cruz-Barner believes that the coming of GM Dantes will revive the people’s interest for the original Filipino Martial Art of Arnis.



The event was well supported by Mayor Domingo Lim and the members of the Barangay Peace and Order Council headed by Kagawad Alan Balingit.



GM Roland Dantes, now based in Australia, is the first prominent figure to have displayed Arnis in Philippine cinema. Among his movies was The Pacific Connection (1974) where he played the Filipino named Ben who faced a Japanese Samurai during the Spanish Era. Another of his movies was Arnis: The Sticks of Death (1984). GM Dantes teaches Modern Arnis and once reigned as a 5 times Mr. Philippines.