A Memorial to Ronilo “Nonoy” Magbanua (1963-2013) by James U. Sy Jr.

Ronilo “Nonoy” Magbanua, a resident of Brgy. Banago, passed away last February 13, 2012 in Bacolod City due to complications from tuberculosis. He was 49. His remains were laid to rest at the Bacolod City Public cemetery on February 23, 2013. Magbanua, who once worked overseas in Saudi Arabia, succeeded Founder Marulyn Canoy as the Chief Instructor of Supreme Modern Combat (SMC) upon the latter’s death. Several months after the Negros Occidental Chapter of the Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP) was successfully reorganized in 2003 by different clubs with Joery Amante of the Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main (BFMAA-Main) as Provincial Coordinator and had it running, Magbanua got involved in Wushu Sanshou and in a highly disputed way, was designated by Arnold Tinagan Sensei of the Iloilo Tinagan Martial Arts Club as Bacolod Coordinator although there was already someone duly appointed, also by Tinagan, to the position a little while back. Magbanua was named representative of Wushu Sanshou in the Union of Martial Arts of Negros Bacolod (UMAONEBA) under the leadership of Atty. Emilio Alimon, one time manager of the Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA). Magbanua sent a number of his students to Manila to compete at the National Wushu Championships as well as in regional and local level tournaments. Among his students were Dennis and Jonally Villacrusis. He also did some officiating at some Wushu Sanshou tournaments. Magbanua was one of the Co-Founders of the Brotherhood of Mixed Martial Artists of Bacolod (BOMB) on December 6, 2003, although he did not support the first ever project of the group, the 1st Gaisano-BOMB Mixed Martial Arts Eliminations and Expo, the first ever MMA tournament in Western Visayas, on February 1, 2004 at the Atrium area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City. Magbanua, who was the sole bread winner for a family of 9, earned his living in front of the Gaisano Department Store until he later transferred across the street, outside the De La Rama Center. He had a rank of 6th degree black belt upon his death.

GM Montoyo Celebrates 67th Birthday By: James U. Sy Jr.

Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo (seated, 5th from left) together with members of his Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. and invited guests at the conclusion of his 67th birthday celebration recently at the Caocao Grill, Burgos St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo). Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, 8th degree black belt Tang Soo Do, celebrated his 67th birthday with a simple get together with members of his Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. and invited guests recently at the Caocao Grill, Burgos St., Bacolod City. The simple celebration also served as the 13th Anniversary celebration of the association. In his speech, GM Montoyo thanked all those who have supported him in his endeavors in the past years and who continue to do so. GM Montoyo, who started martial arts training in 1957, also gave a summary of his personal martial arts history, which ultimately led to the founding of his own art, Filipino Tang Soo Do (Filipino Chinese Integrated Hand Way), and PIMAA-FTSDA, Inc. The program featured some demonstrations of different forms of martial arts. Master Elmer "Don-Don" P. Montoyo, 5th degree black belt Filipino Tang Soo Do, the eldest son of GM Montoyo, led PIMAA-FTSDA members Nonoy Gargoles and Norbert Poliapoy in showcasing a blend of the Filipino Chinese Integrated Hand Way and other Asian martial arts like Muay Thai and Silat. Chester Esmalla also performed a long stick form developed by GM Montoyo. Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, 1st Generation Inheritor of the Original Filipino Tapado system and President of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA) Inc., with the assitance of Master Joeffrey S. Deriada of CMAS, Inc., demonstrated the basic and advanced direct hitting linyada of the long stick fighting art founded by his late uncle Grandmaster Romeo "Nono" C. Mamar. Grandmaster Rodrigo Berdin and Grandmaster Anita Montoya-Berdin of Murcia demonstrated the Oido de Cinco Henerales style of Arnis that they developed over a course of several years. Master James U. Sy Jr., Founder of the Conceptual Arnis System andf President of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., with the assistance of Chester F. Esmalla, showed the universality of movements in the martial arts by performing side by side methods from the Filipino and Japanese martial arts side by side.

T'yuy to Feature Conceptual Arnis This Fri.

T'yuy, the first and only and longest running comedy talk show on local cable TV in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental, will premiere its feature episode on Conceptual Arnis (Martial Arts) System this coming Friday, February 15, 2013, 10:00 PM on OnTV32. Guest will be James U. Sy Jr., Founder/Master of the Conceptual Arnis System and the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. Together with Sy will be Montano Mondia IV, Football Coach of the Bacolod City National High School (BCNHS) and a long time Aikido practitioner at CMAS-USLS/USLS Aikido Club, and Eirine Kimberly O. Longno of AIM Global, a beginner student of Conceptual Arnis. The episode will include both interviews and demonstrations of both empty handed and weapons (short stick, long stick, knife) methods of the indigenous art of Arnis, particularly those bred in the province of Negros Occidental. T'yuy, hosted by Anthony Peter Yulo, is a talk show with a twist. It tackles serious issues but from a relatively comedic perspective to further liven the discussion. February 15 will be the premier of the episode and succeeding replays will be the following week, MWF 10:00-11:00 PM and TTHS 3:00-4:00 PM.

Jewel Bano Beatingo Turns 18 by: James U. Sy Jr.

Debutante Jewel Bano Beatingo of the University of St. Agustin during her 18th birthday celebration last December 22, 2012 at the L’Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Debutante Jewel Bano Beatingo of the University of St. Agustin with her parents, Evangeline Bano-Beatingo and Negros Karate pioneer Efraim T. Beatingo Sr. last December 22, 2012 at the L’Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Jewel Bano Beatingo, the only daughter of Negros Karate pioneer Efraim T. Beatingo Sr. and Evangeline Bano-Beatingo, celebrated her 18th birthday last December 22, 2012 at the L’Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City. Jewel is the fifth and youngest among the Beatingo siblings. Because of this she is well loved by her brothers, who organized and financed the celebration for their little sister. Jewel’s brothers are Jefrox B. Beatingo, 3rd Marine Engineer Overseas, Efraim B. Beatingo Jr., a businessman in Manila, Jose Beatingo III, also 3rd Marine Engineer Overseas, and Dave Lorenz Beatingo, RN. Jewel is a second year commerce student at the University of St. Agustin (USA) in Iloilo City. She had her elementary and high school education at the Jack & Jill Castleton High in Victorias City, where the Beatingo family resides. The 18 treasures were given by Annie Toquillo, Segie Beatingo, Rose Ann Beatingo, Fevie Dignadice, Lovely Ann Pomperada, Christine Joy Sarrosa, Yolanda Bimbao, Veneranda Ortono, Joanne Lumawag, Nelita Miravilles, Zenaida Bermjejo, Elma Silava, Analiza Positos, Anatolia Panizales, Angel Grace Abella, Philip Hechanova, Maricel Longno, and Josefina Dignadice. The 18 roses were given by Jefrox B. Beatingo, Efraim B. Beatingo Jr., Dave Lorenz Beatingo, Joelito Bano, Adonis Lumawag Jr., Ariel Lumawag, Janzen Beatingo, Leroy Beatingo, Kevin Beatingo, Alferne Camalis, Renato Sarrosa, John Rey Seballos, Ivan Duran, Christopher John Dahay, John Nicky Palomo, Joshua Atencion, Dan Raphael Pomperada, and Efraim T. Beatingo Sr. The 18 shops were given by Arnel Lobaton, Krizzia Marie Padre, John Paul mSibog, Carmela Quiatchon, James decena, Aimei Trecho, Icis Mae Juridico, Kevin Jacobo, Jemina Acuyong, Charles de la Cruz, Jerry Marcial, Mary Joy Larce, Cyrene Delos Santos, Jose Carlo Obregon, Josel Bandejas, Deve Llanera, Jomill Castillo, and Vianca Joie Publico. The 18 roses were given by Kristine Toquillo, Syrah de Oca, Lyanne Maria Asparen, Donna Angela Arcosa, Ericka Marie Detoyato, Naena Mae Angeles, Emile Kriska Hojilla, Jecah Mae Siruelo, Venus Vanessa Joy Garganera, Hyza Zabala, Pauline Barcelona, Rolyn Claire Postrado, Joanna Pauline Villalon, Claudine Hilasque, Shenna Linga, Carmela Javelosa, Evelyn Joy Cabalfin, and Tacia Lois Dignadice. Invocation was led by Pastor Ruben Tianchon. Intermission numbers were rendered by Mary joy Larce and Jemina Acuyong, and Michael Arcosa and red David Acuyong respectively.

Pasalamat

PASALAMAT. Rice trader Clodualdo M. Lobrido, his wife Ena Lobrido, and family together with employees and families, and guests before festivities during their annual Pasalamat Christmas Party last December 25, 2012 at the Lobrido Residence in 13.5 KM., Bago City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Philippine Dynamic Arnis Promotions Made for 2012

Grandmaster Rogelio H. Galvarole awarded rank promotions to 31 members of his Philippine Dynamic Arnis system recently in Lapaz, Iloilo City. Promoted to green belt were El John Flores, Sigfloyd Juatas, Larry Muelar, Ryu Christian Muelar, and to brown belt was Steleen Rose Espulgar. Awarded junior black belts were Ace C. Balbastro, Mary Hope C. Balbastro, Janrlyn Bellena, Herman Charito I, Mary Kathlen Dayon, Karen Joy Deporma, Angelique C. Dumlao, Jett Kouis C. Dumlao, Louella Agnes Eribal, Analyn S. Estrilles, G. Lacorita, Bryan Valeco, and Marten Vamilda. Promotions to senior black belt include Jessie Cajelilo, Jaime Camanade, Bryan Cofreros, and Stanly Siman (1st Degree Black Belt), Gorgonio Lopada and Joy Tenorio (3rd Degree Black Belt), Gian Carlo Dimaisip and Eiman Sarte (4th Degree Black Belt), Lucell Larawan (5th Degree Black Belt), Grace P. Soldevilla and James U. Sy Jr. (6th Degree Black Belt), Alexander Villa (7th Degree Red & White Belt), and Rogel A. Tanjuangco (8th Degree Red & White Belt).

Conceptual Arnis Self Protection Workshop a Success

Participants of the Reality-Based Self Protection Workshop get ready for the hands on application of the techniques they have learned recently at the Terra Dolce Mall, Corner Hilado Ext., 13th St., Bacolod City. Featured Instructor was James U. Sy Jr. (first row, right), Founder/Master of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. The seminar was organized by the SAS Inc. Entertainment under Manager Miss Ritchie Vargas and Proprietor Carmelo Basco (SAS photo).

Featured Instructor James U. Sy Jr. (left), Founder/Master of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. explaining the concepts of defending against a knife to Roseville Ledesma and Dr. Stephen L. Galor during the Reality-Based Self Protection Workshop organized by the SAS Inc. Entertainment under Manager Miss Ritchie Vargas and Proprietor Carmelo Basco recently at the Terra Dolce Mall, Corner Hilado Ext., 13th St., Bacolod City (SAS photo).

Featured Instructor James U. Sy Jr. (left), Founder/Master of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. explaining the concepts of defending against a reaching arm while walking on the street to Pete Sindingan during the Reality-Based Self Protection Workshop organized by the SAS Inc. Entertainment under Manager Miss Ritchie Vargas and Proprietor Carmelo Basco recently at the Terra Dolce Mall, Corner Hilado Ext., 13th St., Bacolod City. Matthew Evangelista assisted Sy (SAS photo).

Pete Sindingan executing a basic application of the fundamental stances on Matthew Evangelista of CMAS as Featured Instructor James U. Sy Jr. (left), Founder/Master of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. looks on during the Reality-Based Self Protection Workshop organized by the SAS Inc. Entertainment under Manager Miss Ritchie Vargas and Proprietor Carmelo Basco recently at the Terra Dolce Mall, Corner Hilado Ext., 13th St., Bacolod City (SAS photo). The SAS Inc. Entertainment under Manager Miss Ritchie Vargas in cooperation with Conceptual Martial arts Society (CMAS), Inc. successfully held the Reality-Based Self Protection Workshop recently at the Terra Dolce Mall, Corner Hilado Ext., 13th St., Bacolod City. Featured Instructor was James U. Sy Jr., businessman, researcher/writer, and Founder/Master of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. Sy brought into the seminar his 26 years combined experience in the martial arts since 1986. The seminar proper started off with pre-conflict preparation for the streets. Concepts covered include protective body placement on the street, a non-threatening yet defensively feasible body position, and the right mindset. The actual physical techniques taught were limited to a very few yet simple and highly efficient non-age, non-gender specific maneuvers. Among those taught were the fundamental panindog (stances) for balance, paniil (footwork) for mobility, three simple empty hand strikes directed to high success rate vital points, the center thrust with the blade/stick, and the respective applications of aforementioned methods. Normally, it takes several months for a practitioner in a martial arts gym to gain skills to confidently defend himself on the streets. The seminar was aimed for the participants to get something they can really use immediately in defending themselves, inspite of the shorter allotted time for the seminar. The material has been so designed especially for professionals who don’t have much time to devote on regular martial arts training. Those who attended the seminar include Cole Justin and Cyril Jay Chan, Chu Hsim-Jung, Elaine Maru DaGuia, Dr. Stephen L. Galor, Roseville Ledesma, and Pete Sindingan. Ritchie Vargas is expecting to organize a second installment of the workshop. Interested parties may contact he at 0939-624-8689.