URCC Champ to Defend Crown VS Saipanese By: James U. Sy Jr.

Reigning Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) lightweight champion Edward "The Landslide" Folayang of Team Lakai (Baguio City, Philippines), 25, will be defending his crown against Giovanni Sablan of Trench Tech (Saipan) on July 18 in the main event of the Colt 45 URCC 14: Aggression.

Folayang, who is also a 23rd SEA Games Wushu Sanshou champion and the URCC XII Super Fight champion, holds a record of 4-0 while Sablan is 15-4 (Rodriguez 16 May 2009).

After the rise of FilAms Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) sensations light heavyweight Brandon “The Truth” Vera and Philippe “Filipino Assassin” Nover, Folayang burst into the international Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) scene with a 52 seconds TKO of Marianas Elite Jerome Norita of Saipan (then 2-1), 20, in a non-title semi-main event at the Gorilla Warfare MMA “Battle Ready” held recently at the Royal Taga Hall of Saipan World Resort, Saipan. It was his international MMA debut (Blogtopia).

Fighters from the Guam, Mainland, NMI, the Philippines, and Pohnpei. Folayang was the only off-island winner in the event )Rodriguez 31 Mar. 2009).

With the win Folayang is coming nearer to his dream of competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world’s largest MMA promotion owned and operated by the Las Vegas, Nevada-based Zuffa, LLC. If this pushes through he will be the first full-blooded Filipino to fight in the octagon. Talks had been made between the managements of UFC and URCC to have a local version of the tournament in the Philippines, starting with a visit by former UFC champion Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell last August 2008. Folayang intends to compete in the lightweight (154 lbs.) category (Osis).

REFERENCES

Blogtopia. “Pinoy Wins in Saipan MMA Event.” ABS-CBN News. 20 Apr 2009. 30 Apr 2009

Osis, R. “Folayang Eyes UFC Debut in 2009.” Sun Star Baguio. 6 Sep. 2008. 16 Jun 2009

Rodriguez, Nazario Jr. “Pinoy MMA Champ Victorious VS Saipan Bet.” GMANews.TV. 31 Mar. 2009. 16 Jun 2009

Rodriguez, Nazario Jr. “RP's Folayang Stakes URCC Lightweight Belt Against Saipan's Sablan.” GMANews.TV. 16 May 2009. 16 Jun 2009

TRIBE WAR TO EXPLODE THIS SATURDAY By James U. Sy. Jr

Tribe W.A.R. (Warriors’ Art Rumble) IV is set to take center stage this coming June 6, 2009, 1:00-6:00 P,M., at the Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Activity Center, Bacolod City.



The tri-format tournament will be presented by Tribu Hangaway of Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr., 6th Degree Black Belt, in cooperation with the Tapondo International Federation Inc. (TIFI)-Negros and under the sanction of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) led by its President Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, 8th Degree Black Belt.



34 fighters from Bacolod, San Carlos, Talisay, and Victorias Cities will compete in a total of 17 bouts - 7 for Grappling (Tribe WAR rules), Muay Thai (Muay Association of the Philippines rules), and Amateur Western Boxing (Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines rules).



Expected teams to compete in the Grappling division are 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.



For the Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) division, the following organizations are set to rumble - Black Falcon Martial Arts Association (BFMAA-Main) of Chief Instructor/Master Joery C. Amante, Bassdumas Combat Sports (Talisay City) of Founder/Chief Instructor Ian Negrido, Pabalinas MMA of Founder/Chief Instructor Nonoy Pabalinas (Victorias City), and Lee Gralto Self Defense Club (LGSDC) of Founder Lee Gralto (San Carlos City).



The Western Boxing Division will feature Kids’ matches pitting boys 9-11 years old from Bacolod and Talisay.



Kru (Master) Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo, Muay Thai Instructor for Mega Boxing and 5th Degree Black belt in Filipino Tang Soo Do, has been invited for the event. A few years back, he was sponsored by the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) for a special instructors’ training under Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) head kru Ike Xavier S. villaflores in Dumaguete City. Peter Yap Sifu and his tai Chi Circle of Bacolod 9TCCB) is also invited.



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.



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

PRK. BULAK BOXING TILT HELD By: James U. Sy Jr.

The 2009 Prk. Bulak Boxing Competition was successfully held by the Black Falcon Martial Arts Association (BFMAA-Main) headed by Chief Instructor/Master Joery C. Amante under the sanction of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) led by its President Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo last May 17, 2009 at the Prk. Bulak Covered Court, Brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod City.



A total of 11 bouts were fought by boxing enthusiasts from Black Falcon Martial Arts Association (BFMAA-Main),

Handumanan, JSY Boxing Team, Mandalagan Boxing Team, Prk. Bulak, Prk. Canaan, and Prk. Sambag.



PRELIMINARY UNDERCARDS. John Michael Zulueta of Prk. Bulak over Ardin Villahermosa of Prk. Bulak on points. Jade Esmalia of Prk. Bulak over Criston Sevilla of Prk. Bulak on points. Ezekel Cabaniog of Prk. Bulak over Ambok Albio of Prk. Bulak via 3rd round RSC. Joed Gatingao of Prk. Bulak over Mark Padasay of Prk. Bulak on points. Kaye Edemni over Jairus Cambilisa of Prk. Bulak on points. Donald Cajilo of Prk. Sambag over Vince Treyes of Handumanan via 1st round TKO.



SUPPORTING UNDERCARDS. Waren Alvaran of JSY Boxing Team over Vince Ford Requina of JSY Boxing Team on points. Gino Galvez of Mandalagan Boxing Team over Garry Panggarutan of JSY Boxing Team via 2nd round RSC. Stephen Joy Balateria of Prk Canaan and John Mark Amante of Mandalagan Boxing Team fought to a draw.



MAIN EVENTS. Danny Quinanola of JSY Boxing Team over Jomay Yucanan of Prk. Sambag via 1st round TKO. Joery “Jun-Jun” Amante Jr. of Mandalagan Boxing Team over Gerard Panggarutan of JSY Boxing Team via unanimous decision.



Major Sponsors were Founder/Master Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., Janry Amante and Master Joery C. Amante of Black Falcon Martial Arts Association (BFMAA-Main), Dionisio Intig, Hon. Ricardo "Cano" Tan, and former Brgy. Capt. Baby Parreno.



Officials were Master Joery C. Amante (Referee), Kagawad Willy Luberisco of Prk. Bulak, Romulo Canete Jr. of Prk Magnolia, and Climaco Lumanog of Capitol Ext. (Judges), Analyn Amante of Prk. Bulak (Head Judge), Geraldine Calderon, Armando Guancia, Ma. Carmel Lentija, and Girlie Zulueta (Table Officials), SK President Janray Amante of Prk Bulak (Emcee), and Founders/Masters Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado and James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (Documentation).

BM Ko's "Bakbakan" MMA Tilts Huge Success Part I: MMA Goes to E.B. Magalona By: James U. Sy Jr.

The second of two successive historic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) tournaments was successfully sponsored by Hon. 3rd District Board Member Manuel Frederick “Manman” Ko last April 27, 2009 at the E. B. Magalona Public Plaza. It was dubbed “Bakbakan sa E. B. Magalona.”

The competition was the first ever MMA tournament to be held in E.B. Magalona. E.B. Magalona also earned the distinction as the first municipality in Negros Occidental to host an MMA competition in the province. Previous hosts had been cities, including Bacolod, Sagay, San Carlos, Talisay, and Victorias Cities.

Board Member Ko meanwhile is the first lawmaker to sponsor two successive MMA tournaments in Negros Occidental. After watching an MMA event at the Bacolod Casino Filipino, Ko was inspired to bring the sport closer to his constituents in Victorias, Silay, E.B. Magalona, Talisay, and Murcia. For him, it is one way of educating the general public of how an MMA competition is contested and at the same time to encourage the teens to go into sports instead of drugs.

Board Member Ko commissioned Victorias Karate pioneer Master Efraim T. Beatingo Sr. to organize the competition through his Undo-Kan Martial Arts Association (UMAA) in cooperation with 5 Martial Arts organizations from Victorias, Bacolod, and Talisay Cities.

RESULTS. A total of 7 bouts had been fought. Richard Claveras of Victorias Martial Arts (VMA) over Julius Dohinog of Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main (BFMAA-Main). Ferdinand Garcia of of Bassdumas Combat Sports (BCS) over Edmundo Lauresta of VMA. Marlon Deocampo of VMA over Marlon Anthony Cornelio of Bacolod. Randy de Asis of VMA over Rodney Santillan of Bacolod. Nilrax de Café of VMA over Joselito Bianan of BFMAA-Main. Rogelito Plomeda of Bacolod over Danilo de Asis of VMA. Romnick Malam of BCS also won his bout.

Instructors present were Tournament Director Founder/Master Efraim T. Beatingo Sr. of Undo-Kan Martial Arts Association (UMAA), Negros pioneer MMA referee Founder/Chief Instructor Maxwell “Big Max” J. Maun of Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (BAE), Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante of Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main (BFMAA-Main), Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr. of Tribu Hangaway, Founder/Chief Instructor Ian Negrido of Bassdumas Combat Sports (BCS), and Coach Chester Laquian of Affinity.

BM Ko's "Bakbakan" MMA Tilts Huge Success Part I: MMA Goes to Victorias By: James U. Sy Jr.

Two historic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) tournaments were successively sponsored by Hon. 3rd District Board Member Manuel Frederick “Manman” Ko last April 2009 in Victorias City and then in the Municipality of E.B. Magalona.

The back-o-back presentation started off with the “Bakbakan sa Victorias” held last April 24, 2009 at the Skating Ring, Victorias City Public Plaza.

The competition was the first ever MMA tournament to be held in Victorias City.

Fighters from Victorias first entered the Negros MMA scene with their participation in the 2nd Gaisano-BOMB MMA Eliminations and Expo, which was held in 2004 in Bacolod City. The delegation was then under the banner of the now defunct Brotherhood Martial Arts Federation (BMAF).

The MMA craze in Negros started with the first MMA tournament presented by the Brotherhood of Mixed Martial Artists of Bacolod (BOMB) way back in 2004 at the Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall. Since then several tournaments had been held in Bacolod, Sagay, San Carlos, and Talisay Cities by a few promoters.

Board Member Ko commissioned Victorias Karate pioneer Master Efraim T. Beatingo Sr. to organize the competition through his Undo-Kan Martial Arts Association (UMAA) in cooperation with 5 Martial Arts organizations from Victorias, Bacolod, and Talisay Cities.

RESULTS. A total of 7 bouts had been fought. Richard Calaveras of Victorias Martial Arts (VMA) over Alfredo Balalista of Affinity. Daniel Elajos of Affinity over Rolin Castillo of Bassdumas Combat Sports (BCS). Julius Dohinog of Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main (BFMAA-Main) over Edmundo Lauresta of VMA. Romnick Malam of BCS over Jeremiah Gargar. Danilo de Asis of VMA over Randy Juanillo. Nilrax de Café of VMA over Joselito Bianan of BFMAA-Main. Rocky Batolbatol over Marlon Deocampo of VMA.

Instructors present were Tournament Director Founder/Master Efraim T. Beatingo Sr. of Undo-Kan Martial Arts Association (UMAA), Negros pioneer MMA referee Founder/Chief Instructor Maxwell “Big Max” J. Maun of Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (BAE), Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante of Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main (BFMAA-Main), Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr. of Tribu Hangaway, Founder/Chief Instructor Ian Negrido of Bassdumas Combat Sports (BCS), and Coach Chester Laquian of Affinity.

Board Member Ko, who himself is an lover of Martial arts tournaments, believes that since MMA is the new craze in the martial arts nowadays, bringing it to his constituents can better educate them of this new type of tournament format.

Board Member Ko's area of jurisdiction includes Victorias, Silay, E.B. Magalona, Talisay, and Murcia.

2009 Original Filipino Tapado Reunion Part III: OFT Promotions Made By: James U. Sy Jr.

Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” Mamar Lobrido, Una nga Tigsubli (1st Generation Inheritor) of Original Filipino Tapado and current President of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association, Inc., awarded rank promotions to eight tapadistas during the 2009 OFTLSFA Reunion and General Assembly last March 1, 2009 at the Shelton Beach, Brgy. Pta. Taytay, Bacolod City.

Ernest Christian “Chen-Chen” P. Montoyo and Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo were promoted to Junior and Senior Instructors respectively. With the promotion, they earned the distinction as the second siblings in the world to be certified as instructors of Original Filipino Tapado and the first in Bacolod City. The first siblings to be so certified in the world and the first in Bago City were Ludovico (deceased) and Rodolfo Zambales. The Montoyo brothers trained under GM Lobrido and were further reviewed by their father Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, Founder of the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc.

Awarded the Master’s title were Michael “Bong-Bong” Rosquillo of Bago City, Narciso “Hansy“ L. Alojado, Joeffrey S. Deriada, and James U. Sy Jr. of Bacolod City, and Dr. Raymund Antonio A. Maguad of Murcia. All except for Rosquillo are Core Members of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc.

During his lifetime, Founder/ Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar (1938-2005) had only promoted four people to the Master level, among them retired army man Joe Pamilanco, and one Master Instructor (Dr. Ronald A. Harris of the USA). Including the latest promotions, GM Lobrido has awarded a total of 8 Master’s rank; The first batch included Clodualdo “Budoy” Lobrido, Nelson G. Carmona, and Elmer V. Montoyo.

Dr. Maguad became the first certified Master of Original Filipino Tapado in Murcia and the first medical doctor in the world to be so accorded with such honor. Sy earned the distinction of being the first Master of Original Filipino Tapado of Chinese descent.

Old timer Nelson G. Carmona, (B: 1948) of Brgy. Pta. Taytay, a cousin to the late Founder, was honored with the Grandmaster title in Original Filipino Tapado. Carmona started training under the Founder in 1969. Since then he had served as his sparring partner and at times his teaching assistant. He guided several prominent individuals in developing their Tapado skills. He was promoted by GM Mamar to Junior Instructor 19 years later on December 30, 1988 and then to Senior Instructor on December 20, 1998. GM Lobrido awarded him his Mastership on April 23, 2006.

GM Carmona is the fourth certified Grandmaster of Original Filipino Tapado in the world, following GM Mamar, GM Lobrido, and GM Montoyo, the only non-family member to be bestowed such an honor. GM Carmona was instrumental in the establishment of the State Theater Tapado group by facilitating the use of the back part of the theater as the venue for training. GM Carmona is now retired from active employment.

2009 Original Filipino Tapado Reunion Part II: Tapadistas Reassures Support for OFT By: James U. Sy Jr.

Tapadistas who are related to the Mamar and Lobrido Clans of Brgy. Taloc, Bago City reaffirmed their undying support and loyalty to Original Filipino Tapado and its Una nga Tigsubli (1st Generation Inheritor) Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” Mamar Lobrido during the 2009 Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. Reniuon and General Assembly last March 1, 2009 at the Shelton Beach, Brgy. Pta. Taytay, Bacolod City.

(The Old timers (dumaan) with the headmaster GM Bebing Lobrido)
The old timers of Original Filipino Tapado (OFT) took center stage and gave their respective messages to the more than 46 attendees of the gathering. Jenny Mamar, a cousin of GM Lobrido, remembered their late uncle, Founder/Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar (1938-2005), offering him to continue the legacy of his art after his passing. He, however, declined, knowing too well that such an honor would require a lot of responsibilities and expectations. Besides, GM Lobrido was the most experienced of the tapadistas next to the Founder, having been his assistant since his teen years and ultimately the Chief Instructor of his art up to the Founder’s passing. Jenny Mamar, who is a Senior Instructor in Original Filipino Tapado, ended his message with this, “Kami nga pamilya, ginatugyan namon ang pagpalakat kag pagdumala sang Original Filipino Tapado sa kay Bebing (Our family is assigning the management of Original Filipino Tapado to Bebing).”

(Master Jinny Mamar)
Master Joe Pamilanco, another relative to the Mamars and Lobridos and a retired military man, expressed his continued support to the association and GM Lobrido. As a member of the Philippine Constabulary (PC) and the Philippine Army (PA), he had traveled to Luzon where he had pitted his skills in Tapado against the other extant systems there and succeeded each time. Pamilanco is one of only four individuals to be promoted to Master in Original Filipino Tapado by the Founder during his lifetime.
(Master Joe Pamilangko)
Another pioneer exponent of Original Filipino Tapado, Ernesto Jacinto, said that his practice of the art was put on hold because of family life but his support is still with the group. He expressed his joy to see Original Filipino Tapado still flourishing 49 years after its founding and 4 years after the passing of the Founder.

Master Nelson G. Carmona (B: 1948), a cousin to the late Founder, narrated his experiences in Original Filipino Tapado, beginning with the start of his training under GM Mamar in 1969. He went on to become one of his sparring partners and at times assistant. In the early days, when he was still employed with State Theater, Carmona facilitated for the group to be able to practice at the back part of the theater. Later, Edilberto “Bing” leong, proprietor of the Golden Country manokan, offered his place in Libertad for the group’s training venue.

Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” Cardinal of the KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA), one of the special guests of OFTLSFA, Inc., expressed his thanks for being invited to the family affair and for being received with a warm welcome. He related that he too is a teacher of Arnis yet he still appreciates the uniqueness of Original Filipino Tapado. He revealed that GM Lobrido shared with him the basics of the art when the latter went to his home the night before as a gift from one grandmaster to another.

GM Lobrido, on the other hand, announced that he will be teaching a batch of about 20 teenagers in Brgy. Taloc this coming summer and invited old timers to review their techniques and assist in teaching.