USLS Masscom Health Lecture @ Murcia Big Success By: James U. Sy Jr.

The specially prepared tarpulin custom made by the University of St. La Salle (USLS) Mass Communications students of the Mass Media and Society class for the event.


At least 22 mothers, aged 19 to 84 years old, were in attendance during the lecture.




The University of St. La Salle (USLS) Mass Communications students of the Mass Media and Society class giving a skit depicting the dangers of unsanitary street foods.


Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. Founder Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado of the Center for La Sallian Ministries (CELAM), University of St. La Salle (USLS) demonstrating a Tai Chi breathing exercise to strengthen the lungs.


Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. Founder James U. Sy Jr. of Asian Alcohol Corporation explains how to attain and maintain health by striking a balance between the opposing yet complimentary forces of yin and yang.


Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. Chapter Head Lafayette A. Diamante, RN, of the Murcia LGU Municipal Health Center giving a basic view of A(H1N1) and ways on how to keep safe against it.


Resource speaker Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado (right) receiving a certificate of appreciation from organizers (L-R) Mark Christopher Dueñas, Prof. Allen del Carmen, and Honelie M. Daquipil.


Resource speaker James U. Sy Jr. (right) receiving a certificate of appreciation from organizers (L-R) Mark Christopher Dueñas, Prof. Allen del Carmen, and Honelie M. Daquipil.


Resource speaker Lafayette A. Diamante (right) receiving a certificate of appreciation from organizers (L-R) Mark Christopher Dueñas, Prof. Allen del Carmen, and Honelie M. Daquipil.


Organizers (L-R) Mark Christopher Dueñas, Prof. Allen del Carmen, Honelie M. Daquipil, and Angelo Yanson.


Mass Media and Society class Coordinator Honelie M. Daquipil thanking the officials, guest speakers, fellow students, and the attendees of the lecture.




The University of St. La Salle (USLS) Mass Communications students of the Mass Media and Society class with Prof. Allen del Carmen

The University of St. La Salle (USLS) Mass Communications students of the Mass Media and Society class of Prof. Allen del Carmen in cooperation with the Brgy. Damsite Council under Hon. Punong Brgy. Rolando Berondo Gumawa and Ailyn Nepomuceno of the Brgy. Damsite Day Care Center successfully held the information and education campaign entitled Maayo nga Ihibalo ni Nanay, Kaayong Lawas ni Toto kag Inday (Mom’s Knowledge, the Children’s Health) last October 4, 2009, Sunday, 10:15 A.M.-12:00 NN, at the Brgy. Damsite Day Care Center, Brgy. Damsite, Municipality of Murcia, Negros Occidental.

Honelie M. Daquipil, the Coordinator of the Mass Media and Society class and a resident of Brgy. Damsite, was instrumental in organizing the event by coordinating with the Murcia LGU Municipal Health Center under Hon. Mayor Sonny Coscolluela and Dr. Raymund Antonio A. Maguad for the sourcing of the guest speakers.

28 AB Mass Comm students worked together to make the event a success. At least 22 mothers, with aged 19 to 84 years old, were in attendance.

The three guest speakers, who represented various professions, were core members of the Bacolod-based Conceptual Martial arts Society (CMAS), Inc. They were Lafayette A. Diamante, RN, of the Murcia LGU Municipal Health Center; Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado of the Center for La Sallian Ministries (CELAM), University of St. La Salle (USLS); and James U. Sy Jr. of Asian Alcohol Corporation.

The outreach activity, which was one of the requisites for the completion of the course under Prof. Del Carmen, was aimed to educate the mothers of the barangay on proper hygiene and disease prevention and promote health consciousness as well as encourage social responsibility among the students.

The USLS students gave out leaflets entitled Ngaa Kinahanglan Naton Mghugas Sang Aton Kamot, presented a mini skit depicting the dangers of unsanitary street foods, and a powerpoint presentation on kinaaung lawas.

Diamante, the son of Judge Napoleon S. Diamante and former banker Arlene A. Diamante, gave the attendees a basic view of A(H1N1) and ways on how to keep safe against it. He demonstrated the proper way of washing the hands as practiced in the medical profession. Diamante also touched on various health concerns of the residents.

Sy, Co-Founder of the Conceptual Martial Arts (CMAS), Inc., presented the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of total health and wellness (physical, mental, and spiritual) and related it to the Chinese concept of preserving health by striking a balance in the interplay of the yin and yang. He emphasized that health comes from moderation in everything, hygienic and healthy lifestyle, proper diet, sufficient sleep, and enough medical knowledge.
Alojado, Co-Founder of the Conceptual Martial Arts (CMAS), Inc., discussed environmental sanitation , pointing out the appropriate relative distance between the drinking water source and wells, comfort rooms, washing streams, etc. and the necessity of hygiene in all aspects of life. He also demonstrated some stretching and breathing exercises from Tai Chi Chuan for better health.

USLS AB Mass Comm students present were Jessa Marie t. Alunan, Seth Salvador F. Aquillos, joery Aristoque, Charmaine Marie B. Bernaldez, Honelie M. Daquipil, Jenereb H. Destacamento, Mark Christopher Dueñas, Mary Ellen Joy C. Esguerra, Kimberly Grace B. Fernandez, Lorren Christi I. Ferrer, Alyssa grace P. Gelorgo, Marielle C. Hechanova, Jason Clyde John V. Jaoriel, Justine Jane Jomento, Diane Rochelle P. juntado, Rocky E. Lape, Lorenz Elmtherson Libo-on, Joel C. Masadia Jr., John Paul Militante, Camille Jade D. Nayon, Francine Marie G. Pacificador, Ma. Eda Ashley M. Peñas, Dora Erika Pueda, Karen Raganas, Stella Mari M. de los Reyes, Eugene Nicolas Saño, Anna Loreto G. Saril, Harvey R. Tee.

The Brgy. Damsite residents who attended the lecture were Myrna Batallones, Rosalie Batallones, Terry Batallones, Meziel Cabataña, Berlyn Clauso, Genalyn Domingo, Verna Ellot, Felicitas Flores, Marissa Flores, Melinda Flores, Josselle Anne Hawod, Eliza Macomiso, Merigan Melchor, Shyrel Nieves, Remybeth A. Resaban, May Ann Sagos, Letecia A. Saylo, Crisanta Yanson, Herbacia Yanson, and Jennifer Yanson.

Eskrima Workshop Held to Conclude UP Cebu PE Classes By: James U. Sy Jr.

The Filipino Martial Arts Eskrima workshop was successfully conducted by Dan Ritchell Guba and Cesario Perez through the efforts of the Physical Education Department of the University of the Philippines Visayas Cebu College last September 26, 2009 at the Arts and Sciences lobby, UP Visayas Cebu College, Cebu as the culminating activity of all the PE 2 Arnis classes of Lovelyn Hontiveros and Junius Bryan Palermo.

The workshop instructors gave demonstrations before starting the seminar. Perez was a gold medal in last year's Arnis competition at the Ayala Center Cebu.

The workshop covered Arnis footwork, striking, and blocking techniques. The participants were awarded certificates after the seminar. An Arnis team is expected to be formed in the UP Cebu campus by next semester.

BASSDUMAS Conducts Promo Exams By: James U. Sy Jr.

Hon. Councilor Renel Garcia making his inspirational message.


Conclusion of one of the bouts.


Master Romeo G. Banas (left) receiving his certificate of appreciation from Hon. Councilor Renel Garcia (center) and Founder/Chief Instructor Ian B. Negrido.


Hon. Councilor Renel Garcia (left) receiving his certificate of appreciation from Master Romeo G. Banas (center) and Founder/Chief Instructor Ian B. Negrido.


Group picture of the Bassdumas (Baston Sipa Sumbag Dumog Martial Arts Society)

The Talisay City-based Bassdumas (Baston Sipa Sumbag Dumog Martial Arts Society) of Founder/Chief Instructor Ian B. Negrido with the generous sponsorship of Hon. Mayor Dr. Eric M. Saratan and under the sanction of the Victorias City-based Red Musang Self Defense Combat Sports of Master Romeo G. Banas successfully held its rank promotional examination last September 27, 2009 at the Talisay City Sports and Cultural Center, Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

Representing Hon. Mayor Saratan was Hon. Councilor Renel Garcia who gave the inspirational speech for the event. Garcia reminded the youth that the purpose of their training was to develop self confidence, discipline, righteousness, and the ability to protect one self and loved ones as a last resort. He congratulated the examinees for their dedication to the arts and wished them luck on their hands-on examination.

A total of 9 Kickboxing-style armored sparring bouts were held to put to the test the techniques that the students have learned in their training. Protective gears worn include chest protectors and gloves.

Master Romeo G. Banas of Red Musang Self Defense Combat Sports, 7th Degree Red Belt, was Chief Examiner. Judges for the bouts were Founder/Chief Instructor Ian B. of Negrido of Bassdumas Combat Sports, 5th Degree Black Belt; Talisay City Boxing Trainor Jandell E. Martir of Bassdumas Combat Sports, 2nd Degree Black Belt; another student of Negrido; and guest, Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., 4th Degree FTSD/PDA/LVA.

RESULTS. Jeho Tibaba of Talisay over Jason Celestial of Bacolod. Rodnik Kasuncad of Katilingban, Talisay over Ariel Canapit of Zone 12-A. Elbert Cablara of Katilingban, Talisay over Jaylor Legaspi of Bacolod. Emilio Lazona of Katilingban, Talisay over Jonel Tilad of Hinigaran. John Vicente Tirthdas over Edwin Atunducan of Katilingban, Talisay. Roldan Arangko of Katilingban, Talisay over Jomel Bacalso of Sagay. Lolibert Cabatuan of Brgy. Zone 12-A over Rowel Tilad of Hinoba-an. Jun-Jun Lozarito of Katilingban, Talisay over Joseph Garcia of Bacolod. Jerold Cablara of Katilingban, Talisay over Jovenier Montemayo of Hinoba-an.

Those promoted were Edwin Atunducan, Roldan Arangko, Jomel Bacalso, Lolibert Cabatuan, Ariel Canapit, Elbert Cablara, Jerold Cablara, Jason Celestial, Joseph Garcia, Rodnik Kasuncad, Emilio Lazona, Jaylor Legaspi, Jun-Jun Lozarito, Dennis James Miralles, Dyle francis Miralles, Jovenier Montemayor, Christian Negrido, Jonifer Ramos, Mars Rosendo, Mommy Ruiz, Eduardo Silinap, Gerald Tibaba, Jeho Tibaba, Jonel Tilad, Rowel Tilad, and Ronnie Villahermosa (Green Belt), John Vicente Tirthdas (Black Belt), and Engr. Edgar Beduyas and Jandell E. Martir (2nd Degree Black Belt).

Negrido, who is a student of Master Banas, was very grateful to Mayor Saratan for his generous support to the event, “This means much to us because through the martial arts we are able to guide the students to the path of personal development and away from vices such as alcoholism, smoking, drugs, gambling, etc.” Negrido is the Provincial Training Director for

Master Banas is a student of Grandmaster Julius B. Delasan, 9th Degree Red Belt, Founder of Zion Original Disciples in Arnis and Combat Sports (ZODIACS) Philippines (SEC Reg. No. CN200725845). Master Banas is the Founder of the Victorias City-based Red Musang Self Defense Combat Sports.

GM Delasan learned Adino Eznite from Grandmaster Dionision Valencia way back in 1957 in UP Los Baños. His training mates were Col. Meliton Geronimo, Julius B. Delasan, and Capt. Emma Henry. Adino Eznite is an eclectic form of martial arts which combines the best aspects of several established systems such as Karate, Judo, Jujitsu, Arnis, etc.

Master Banas serves as Deputy National Vice President and Region 6 Training Director of ZODIACS Philippines. Master Banas was originally from Zamboanga del Norte but immigrated to Negros in 1987 where he started teaching in 1990. By 1993, he already had 5,000 students all over Negros.

Last July 12, 2009, Bassdumas (Baston Sipa Sumbag Dumog Martial Arts Society) Combat Sports held its graduation ceremonies for 12 Brgy. Public Safety Officers (Brgy. Tanod) of Brgy. Alicante who satisfactorily completed the Advanced Training in Survival: Defensive Tactics Against Bladed and Impact Weapons and Handcuffing Procedures in Accosting and Arresting at the Public Plaza, Brgy. Alicante, Municipality of E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental.

Happy Birthday to Mary Ann M. Abriola!!!

To Mrs. Mary Ann M. Abriola who will be celebrating her 50th birthday this coming July 27, 2009, we want to wish you a very happy birthday! Wishing you Godf's infinite grace and blessings this year and always. May you continue to have happiness in life and peace of mind and heart.

From Your Daughter Jennifer June Abriola, Your family, and the websmasters of Visayan Filipino Martial Arts Blog

Pacquiao Beats MMA Stars for ESPY Award By: James U. Sy Jr.

Filipino Boxing champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao was voted “Fighter of the Year” during the 2009 ESPY (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) Awards last July 15, 2009, besting UFC champions Lyoto Machida (Karate) and Anderson Silva (Muay Thai) and fellow boxer Sugar Shane Mosley.

Pacquiao of the Philippines (B: 1978) had odds of -300 to capture the award. His sensational 2nd round KO of Richard “Ricky” John Hatton of Great Britain (B: 1978) and his 8th round stoppage of Oscar “The Golden Boy” De La Hoya of the USA (B: 1973) snatched the award for him.

2 time IBF and IBO light welterweight champion Hatton is formerly the WBA welterweight and WBU/WBA light welterweight champion as well as the former WBC/WBA/WBO intercontinental light welterweight and Ring Magazine junior welterweight champion.

Barcelona Olympic gold medalist de la Hoya has a more impressive record, having captured 10 world titles in six different weight classes.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, is the first Filipino and Asian boxer to win five world titles in five different weight divisions; he was a former world champion in the lightweight (WBC), super featherweight (WBC), super bantamweight (IBF), and flyweight (WBC) divisions and is currently the IBO and Ring Magazine light welterweight champion. He has also held the Ring Magazine crowns for featherweight, super featherweight, and light welterweight divisions. Pacquiao is rated by Ring Magazine as the No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world. He is also the first boxer to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes.

Both Machida and Silva gave sensational performances during the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) 100 to be nominated for the “Fighter of the Year.”

The nomination of Machida and Silva, however, is the first time that more than one Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters were nominated for the award. In 2008, UFC champion Georges St. Pierre (Karate) was the first ever MMA fighter to be nominated for the award.

The ESPY Awards is a yearly sports awards event organized by cable TV network ESPN. Winners are chosen exclusively through online fan voting.

Tai Chi Chuan Presented at St. Scho’s By: James U. Sy Jr.

Narciso "Hansy" L. Alojado of the Center for La Sallian Ministries (CELAM), University of St. La Salle (USLS) was invited by Grade School Physical Education (PE) Coordinator Mary Grace Villasor-Geolingo as a resource person in an introductory workshop on Tai Chi Chuan for the opening of the Nutrition Month Celebration last July 20, 2008 at the St. Scholastica’s Academy (SSA) Gymnasium, Eroreco, Bacolod City.

About 80 grade 5 students representing 2 sections joined the short workshop. Officials heading the affair were Grade School Principal Sr. Catalina Dery, OSB, Academic Coordinator Bernandita Porras, and Science Coordinator Regina Joy Lamentac.

Geolingo, the proponent of the activity, points out that health has three aspects: the physical, mental, and spiritual. Nutrition and physical exercise fall under the physical aspect. Because of Tai Chi Chuan’s low-impact, non-injurious nature it is a welcome addition to the search for optimum health.

Tai Chi Chuan (alternate Romanization: Tai Ji Quan) “Grand Ultimate Fist” is a thousands year old Chinese internal martial art that seeks balance and harmony within one’s body and the environment. It is characterized by slow, graceful movements with an emphasis on natural breathing and self healing. Medical studies, including those performed in Beijing, China, show that Tai Chi can alleviate and at times overcome a number of ailments such as tension and stress, diabetes, asthma, etc. It has also been show to cleanse the body of toxins and strengthens the immune system of the body.

Alojado, Co-Founder of the martial arts research and documentation group Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., taught the Yang Style 8 postures form. There are several versions of the Tai Chi form among them the 10, 24, 37, 42, 108, etc. but Alojado decided to focus on the 8 postures because of the limited time slot and so that the students will have a concentrated introduction to the art.

Alojado first showed the individual postures and performed them slowly so the students may catch up. He showed how the form imitates nature and get energy from it. Finally, he synthesize the 8 postures into one continuous form.

The 8 postures are beginning (fold the blanket), repulse monkey (roll the arms), brush knee twist step, part the horses mane, wave hands like clouds, stand on one leg, separate foot, grasp the sparrow's tail, and conclusion.

Alojado is also the instructor for the Arnis class at the DMA Conservatory, which is run by Geolingo for the providing opportunities that enhance creativity, aesthetic and critical thinking skills, self-discipline, leadership, teamwork and an appreciation for diversity in its students through the various cultural arts. Geolingo herself teaches the Hip Hop and Dance Aero classes while fellow St. Scholastican Therese Manaloto teaches the Voice Lessons.

The Bacolod campus of St. Scholastica's Academy (SSA) was established in 1958. St. Scholastica was the twin sister of St. Benedict. Today the school has an enrollment of 1,517.

Rapid Journal Donated to Univrsity of St. La Salle Library Part I: The Turnover by: James U. Sy Jr.

USLS Alumni James U. Sy Jr. (left) turning over the Rapid Journal donations to USLS College Librarian Henie S. Gonzales with Library Assistant for Acquisition Vivian Capanas and Narciso "Hansy" L. Alojado of the Center for La Sallian Ministriesa (CELAM) as witnesses.

The University of St. La Salle (USLS) College Library, now known as the Alfredo M. Montelibano, AFSC Library, under University Librarian Henie S. Gonzales received a donation of 40 issues of the Rapid Journal, the longest running and at present, the one and only martial arts resource in the Philippines, from its Editor/Publisher Daniel O. Go of Binondo through USLS alumni James U. Sy Jr. and Center for La Sallian Ministries’ Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado last July 21, 2009 at the 1st Floor of the USLS College Library, USLS, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City. Witnessing the turnover was Vivian Capanas, Library Assistant for Acquisition, and Mrs. Gonzales’ son.

Rapid is an acronym for Research and Propagation for Internal Development. It was originally the name of a section of the Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP) which was organized by Go to systematize the study of Chinese Martial Arts (CMA), most especially the internal health art of Tai Chi Chuan, as well as research, document , propagate, and legitimize the arts and improve its teaching methods.

When the Rapid Group separated from WFP in 1996, Mr. Go, a 2 time Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Tai Chi Chuan gold medalist, started the publication of Rapid Journal, originally exclusive to Chinese Martial Arts (CMA) but later extended to cover Filipino, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Western, and other forms of martial arts (see www.rapidjournal.com).

What made Rapid Journal different from the standard martial arts magazine in the market, such as the more popular Black Belt and Inside Kung Fu, is that its articles are well researched, scholastic, and with great depth. Subjects cover the historical, cultural, linguistic, sociological, anthropological, ethnological, hoplological, economic, and political factors that have influenced the development and evolution of the various martial arts from different countries.

The public have a distorted view of the real meaning and essence of the martial arts because its practice in early modern society was mostly associated with gangsters and troublemakers. Although the media and the film industry had helped to popularize the arts, most of these exposures were centered on the fighting aspects of the martial arts and in the certain cases, exaggerated and/or distortied representation. Thus, Rapid Journal seeks to educate the public of the cultural and wellness benefit of the martial arts as well as the foundation philosophies and principles from which they were founded upon.

Many of the contributing writers for Rapid Journal have academic backgrounds which show in their works. Some professionals from the University of the Philippines (UP), University of St. La Salle (USLS), Southwestern University (Cebu) had written for the journal.

The donated materials were composed of Vol. 1 No. 1 up to Vol. 11 No. 3. Sy and Alojado, the Co-Founders of the martial arts research and documentation group Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), inc., hope that with the donation to the USLS College Library, Negros students, particularly those from the university, will have access to academically researched and documented works on the martial arts.

Previously donations were also made by Go thru Sy to the West Visayas State University (WVSU) and University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UP-V), two prominent scholastic institutions in Panay. In Negros, the University of St. La Salle was the primary pick as recipient because of its place as the city’s and province’s leading educational institution.

The University of St. La Salle (USLS) was founded as the La Salle College in 1952. The library was originally located at the ground floor of the Science Laboratory Bldg. The library’s present location was built and occupied in April 1983. At present, the library collection includes 87,281 books and 70,861 volumes of bound periodicals, pamphlets, and monographs, one of the most extensive in the province.

USLS is also a pioneer in new library technology in the province of Negros. In 1993, the library adopted the application of automation in the circulation area and the use of CDS-ISIS for its periodical index. The following year it adopted the use of CD-ROM and microfiche and in February 1995, the use of the internet.

A second set of Rapid Journal donations for Negros is planned for the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R). The date has yet to be set but it will be before the year ends. Arrangements are being made for the transport of the journals from Manila to Bacolod and the subsequent communication with university officials.

The donated Rapid Journal will be available to researchers after the uUniversity Library finished cataloging and filing them in their assigned section.