1st Negros Indigenous Fighting Arts Expo @ Gaisano Success Part I by James U. Sy Jr.

Some of the arnisadores/arnisadoras who supported the successful 1st Negros Indigenous Fighting Arts Expo held by the The Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. in cooperation with Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS), Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc., and Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), Inc. last April 6, 2013 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). The Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. in cooperation with Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall represented by Advertising Officer Nomer Lobaton, Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) of Founder/Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo, Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. of Founder/President Emeritus Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo "Pope" C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., and President P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao T. Guarra, and Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), Inc. headed by President Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo successfully held the 1st Negros Indigenous Fighting Arts Expo last April 6, 2013 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City. The event was supported by not less than 50 arnisadors representing 17 Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) organizations. A total of 8 groups gave demonstrations on the different aspects of the Negrosanon-Filipino Martial Arts. The Siete Pares Multi System (SPMS) was represented by Founder/Chief Instructor Remer N. Decripito and his student, Aeron Allan M. Pitogo. They showed Solo Baston and Espada y Daga striking, blocking, and disarming. SPMS is not a member of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. but is affiliated with the Bacolod Negros Arnis Federation International Inc. of Grandmaster Hortencio M. Navales. Decripito is the grandson of GM Navales. The combined team of the Baston Sipa Sumbag Dumog Martial Arts Society (Bassdumas) of Founder/Master Ian B. Negrido and the Zion Original Disciples in Arnis and Combat Sports (ZODIACS) Self Defense Society of the Philippines/Red Musang Self Defense Combat Sports of . Grandmaster Romeo G. Banas showed Adino Eznite/Sikaran self defense sequences against stick, knife, double knife, gun, and mugging inside a jeepney. Performers were Master Negrido and Black belts Ron Van Joe F. Banas and Joel Petalcorin Pangamot International, a member of the Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis Afficionados Association (LVAAA) of Headmaster Wilson “Nonong” E. Viñas, demonstrated various empty handed defenses against the knife, knife against knife, and stick against stick. Performers were Founder/Master Stephen Roy S. Dedel, Ken Hester Baja, Nelson Gargar Jr., Larry V. Hernandez, and Phillip M. Rivera. The combined team of Guarra Style Modern Arnis of Founder/Grandmaster Estanislao T. Guarra and Arjuka-Malingin of Founder/Grandmaster Isaac T. Guarra exhibited Solo Baston, Doble Baston, Pangamot-Balos Balos, and Nunchaku. Demonstrators were Anthony Guara, Christian Guarra, Jeraldine Guarra, Jerryl Guarra, Marlon Legario, Clyde Jason Poral, Windy Lou Poral, Gerald Senon, Jimmy Terante, and Jim Tyrone Protacio. Clyde Jason Poral performed the solo nunchaku form. Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. was represented by Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr., Montano Mondia IV, Raphael “Rocky” K. Molina, and Kimberly O. Longno, who showed Conceptual arnis System otso-otso attack and defense, open T block knife disarming, gun disarming, and Original Filipino tapado short stick, and Instructors Lafayette A. Diamante and Ma. Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon, who performed a blindfolded tapi-tapi flow drill. Tribu Hangaway Philippines (THP), Inc. of Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr. was represented by Instructors Jessie Necesito, Jimmy Soquiña, and Slade Matthew Cabiles, Roy C. Flores Jr., Silvester braga, Althea Tornea, and Luis B. Mangonon. Thew group exhibited the Tribu Arnis attack and defense, stick disarming, and Doble Baston. Founder/Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo, Master Joselito O. Guzon, and Spencer Panaongon of the Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) demonstrated the Trece Grabes Piga-Piga System armlocks with the use of sticks, counter for counter, and Espada y Daga. 1st Gen. Inheritor Grandmaster Benfredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, Masters Joeffrey “Jepoy” S. Deriada and James U. Sy Jr., JI Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon, and Phillip Penman of Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association, Inc. demonstrated the basic uno and dos strikes and the advanced direct hitting with control linyada of the long stick fighting art Original Filipino Tapado.

Negros Farmers Weekend Market: The Realization of Vision into Action

Fresh vegetables, bottled products, pastries, and flowers are only some of the items sold at the Negros Farmers Weekend Market at very affordable prices (NFWF photo). I first became aware that there is a Negros Farmers Weekend Market last March 22, 2013 when my friend Lodel Magbanua, a respected Aikido instructor here in Bacolod, invited me to go to the place the following day to discuss a possible lecture and demo in the place. From Talisay, I hurried to the designated venue and got down from the Ceres bus at the NOPPO entrance. No wonder the cops whom I asked were not familiar with the Negros Farmers Weekend Market; I would shortly know from its owner that it was only started a week ago, on March 16, 2013. What caught my attention immediately was that the place was huge, 1.2 ha. in all. Several paces from the entrance going to the center is a series of concrete footpaths leading to the pavilion, a hall dedicated to public education where anyone can talk about important issues such as health, environment and agriculture. Lectures on Saturdays are free to both speaker and the public, and the hall can accommodate 70-100 people. Nearer to the entrance (to the right side) is Zone 5, the area where farmers sell their fresh produce, both organic and natural for those who want to make their pick, at very reasonable prices, prices that can help the public make their money go farther in the current economic slump. For instance, a kilo of tomatoes at SM sells at P40.00 and at Libertad Market, P20.00; at the Negros Farmers Weekend Market, one can get it at P15.00, or a 62.50% and 25% savings respectively. Mangoes normally sell at around P80/kilo but the same can be bought at the Negros Farmers Weekend Market at P65-70/kilo. Ready to eat sweet corn costs P35 at SM but can be bought at P25.00 at the Negros Farmers Weekend Market. I wondered why they can sell it at a low price and then it dawned on me. The only way this would be possible is when the ones selling are the same farmers who grew these products, that is they have a more direct sales channel to the buyers, where no middlemen are involved. My hypothesis proved to be correct when I talked with Mrs. Ruby Cruz, Marketing Director of DC. Cruz Trading Corporation, later that day. Normally what happens is, farmers would sell their produce to middlemen who would make the same available to both institutional buyers and consumers alike. Since middlemen had to sustain their operations, they have to have mark ups. Furthermore, since the rent for the farmers at the Negros Farmers Weekend Market is so low, they are not burdened with a big overhead cost, a saving that is reflected in their pricing. Currently, there are over 50 vendors at the Negros Farmers Weekend Market, selling fresh products such as fruits, meat, vegetables, herbs, milk, fish, seafood, and rice and processed foods such as bottled sardines, artisanal bread and wine, dried squid products. There are also vendors who sell arts and craft, silk, ornamental plants and ready to eat cooked foods, featuring local and international (Spanish, Indian, Japanese, Bolivian) food. A few paces up north of Zone 5 is the Food Area, Zone 3, an open-air dining area where visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee while being one with the environment, as we did during our visit. There are tables and chairs under makeshift net-style shades where visitors wait for their coffee or order bangus, tilapia, and/or other seafood to be grilled, ala Pala-Pala style , or choose from a myriad of local and international cuisine. While enjoying our coffee, we saw former Gov. Lito Coscolluela who heads the Anti-Baha Group. We were told that the honorable statesman had pledged their support to the Negros Farmers Weekend Market by taking care of the solid waste management. The Negros Farmers Weekend Market is a no plastic zone, and does not allow plastic sando bags in the premises. So it is best for the visitor to bring along an eco bag for shopping. The Negros Farmers Weekend Market is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project of the DC. Cruz Trading Corporation, with its beneficiary being the family’s foundation, Herbe Foundation, which has the mission of providing education to indigent children with deep focus on character formation. DC Cruz Trading Corp. is an agriculture firm founded in 1966, with currently 8 branches in the Negros Island: Bacolod, Bago, Bais, Kabankalan, La Carlota, and San Carlos. The Herbe Foundation, named after the Cruz siblings’ now deceased sister, is a charitable institution presided by Ruth Cruz. The Philippine Lumen School, from the Latin “light,” was founded in 2010 to give a values-based type of education, which the Cruz siblings believe is the basis for people to become successful in life. The school currently has 67 students, all indigents and some abandoned by their parents. Tuition, while socialized, is minimal, ranging from free tuition to P350/month, inclusive of meals, snacks, uniforms and books. The Negros Farmers Weekend Market is open only every Saturday, 8:00-6:00 PM. Direct retail consumers and institutional buyers are all welcome, as well as NGOs and special interest groups who are interested to give lectures on special interest topics that will serve to educate the public. Interested parties may contact Mrs. Ruby Tania C. Cruz at 0917-300-3291.

1st Negros Indigenous Fighting Arts Expo @ Gaisano This Sat. by James U. Sy Jr.

The Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. core group pose with (seated from left) Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo of the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. and 1st Generation Inheritor Grandmaster Benfredo M. Lobrido of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association, Inc. CMAS will present the 1st Negros Indigenous Fighting Arts Expo (NIFAE) this coming April 6, 2013, 1:30-5:00 PM, at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). Master Stephen Roy S. Dedel of Pangamot International (left) with Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo of Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) during the 2nd NOBF Arnis Rank Certification Exams on February 24, 2013 at the Sea Breeze Hotel, San Juan St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). The Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. will be presenting the 1st Negros Indigenous Fighting Arts Expo (NIFAE) this coming April 6, 2013, 1:30-5:00 PM, at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City. The event is being held in Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS), Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc., and Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), Inc. Not less than 10 Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) groups are expected to give demonstrations of the various forms of Arnis/Eskrima founded and/or practiced in the province of Negros Occidental. Some of the confirmed groups to perform include Arjuka-Malingin of Grandmaster Isaac T. Guarra, Baston Sipa Sumbag Dumog-Combat-Sports Martial arts Society (BASSDUMAS) of Founder/Master Ian B. Negrido, Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr., Golden Kamagong International of Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez, Guarra Style Modern Arnis of P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao T. Guarra, Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports of Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo, Mandatus Arnis Sikaran of Grandmaster Romeo V. Postrano, Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. of Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoom, Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association, Inc. of 1st Generation Inheritor Grandmaster Benfredo . Lobrido, Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy- Filipino Tang Soo Do Assn., Inc. of Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, Red Musang Self Defense Combat Sports of Grandmaster Romeo G. Banas, and Tribu Hangaway Philippines, Inc. of Master Roy R. Flores. The program will also include the rank awarding ceremony of one grandmaster and four masters under the sanction of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. The awardees are Grandmaster Romeo V. Postrano of MASK, Master Roy R. Flores Sr. of Tribu Hangaway Philippines, Inc., Master Joselito O. Guzon of Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS), Master Ian B. Negrido of Baston Sipa Sumbag Dumog-Combat-Sports Martial arts Society (BASSDUMAS), and Master Stephen Roy S. Dedel of Pangamot International. Each one of the awardees are already graded in their respective organizations.

Russians Train in Trece Grabes Piga-Piga Arnis by James U. Sy Jr.

Russian martial arts experts headed by Instructor Alexander Pisarkin pose with Master Baldwin “Nonoy” Garrucho of Sundangan Baneg International and Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo of the Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) (3rd and 4th from the left respectively) at the conclusion of a training session recently at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon, Bacolod City (Felix A. Guinabo photo). Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo of the Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS), Founder of the Trece Grabes Piga-Piga System of Arnis training the Russian group headed by Instructor Alexander Pisarkin recently at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon, Bacolod City (Felix A. Guinabo photo). Four Russian martial arts experts headed by Alexander Pisarkin trained briefly under the Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo, Founder of the Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS), in his Trece Grabes Piga-Piga System of Arnis at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon, Bacolod City recently. Master Baldwin “Nonoy” Garrucho, Founder of Sundangan Baneg, introduced the Russians to GM Guinabo. GM Guinabo had previous association with Master Garrucho, including when the latter invited him to fight in the no armor, no referee, surrender-policy “World Kali Championships” held by the Pekitit Tirsia in Iloilo on November 17, 2001. GM Guinabo represented Arnis from Negros and was crowned world bantamweight champion. GM Guinabo is a Board Director of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. under Founder Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo “Pope” C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., and P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra. Master Garrucho was a product of the Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis Affecionados Association, learning from the grandmasters and masters of the Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis system before joining the Pekitit Tirsia System and later establishing his own Mantas Daga, then Sundanagan Baneg International, and specializing in knifework. His sophisticated knifework had been adapted into the Pekitit Tirsia. Instructor Pisarkin is the Russian Representative of the Filipino Combat System (FCS) and had also been named one time the Representative of Pekitit Tirsia in Russia by Tuhon Rommel Tortal. He has also trained in Sayoc Kali, Modern Arnis, Algunos Otros Estilos, Abanico Tres Puntos, Jeet kune Do, Dagooc Arnis System, and Nickelstick Balintawak Eskrima The one-session training focused on Espada y Daga, using the Trece Grabes Piga-Piga System methodology. The Guinabo style is characterized by short, direct but snappy and powerful offensive while applying piga-piga on the opponent to hinder his capability to react and counter.

PIMAA Preview Demo for the Innovative Martial Way Summer Camp Held @ DC III by James U. Sy Jr.

The Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. under its Founder/President Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, 8th degree black belt, and Chief Instructor Master Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo Jr., 5th degree black belt, gave a preview martial arts demonstration for the kids and teenagers under Youth President Carmelo Matutino recently at the DC III Clubhouse, RPHS, Brgy. Alijis, Bacolod City for the organization’s upcoming summer camp. Owen and Charlton Jocson performed the different fundamental exercises of the Filipino Chinese Integrated Hand Way (Filipino Tang Soo Do) including the splits, spider walk, handstand, and others. Dr. Raul Fama showcased the group’s Oido de Cinco Henerales style of Arnis, including offense, defense, and pangagaw. Master Elmer Montoyo Jr., Nonoy Gargoles, and Norbert Poliapoy presented self defense sequences against empty hand, knife, and two-man attacks using a synthesis of different martial arts including Filipino Tang Soo Do, Muay Thai, and Grappling. Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. demonstrated holding the cellphone on the street, the basic application of the off guard stance, and a few knife disarming techniques from the Conceptual Arnis System. The Innovative Martial Way Summer camp of the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. starts on March 30, 2013. The summer camp seeks to improve fitness level, flexibility, strength, and balance, burn fat, relieve stress, and learning to defend oneself. Enrollment still going on. Venue at DC III Clubhouse. Contact Master Don-Don at 0917-414-9888. For more details visit www.geocities.com/filtsd.

CMAS Visits Oido Fencing GM by James U. Sy Jr.

Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. with the grandmaster (from left): Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Arnis System, Eirine O. Longno, Founder/Grandmaster Sotero Tario of Oido Fencing, Master Joeffrey S. Deriada, and Montano Mondia IV during a visit to the GM's home in Bago City on March 4, 2013 (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). The Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. visited Grandmaster Sotero Tario, Founder of Oido Fencing, for the 3rd time at his residence in Bago City last March 4, 2013. The group included Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr., Master Joeffrey S. Deriada, Montano Mondia IV, and Eirine O. Longno. The visitors were rought to the GM’s home by his son, Master Sotero Tario Jr. At 81 going 82 this May, GM Tario is one of the old timers of Arnis in Bago City and Negros occidental. He started his studies in the Espada y Daga in his younger days and later through his association and familiarity with other arnisadors, especially those specializing in Oido de Caburata, he developed his own style, which combines Oido with Negrense style fencing. CMAS helped introduce the public to Oido Fencing on April 7, 2007 when they invited GM Tario and his student Master Federico Culango Sr. to demonstrate his art during the 2007 Summer Best of Negros Martial Arts Expo at the Activity Center, SM City Bacolod, Reclamation Area, Bacolod City. GM Tario, who is already recognized as a grandmaster of Arnis in their locality, was formally conferred with the title Founder/Grandmaster of Oido Fencing by both the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. under its President, P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao T. Guarra, and the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), Inc. under its President, Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo during the 2nd Hon. Mayor Ramon D. Torres Arnis Expo & Tournament organized for the Bago City Office of the Mayor and the Bago City Tourism Office by the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. last February 18, 2012 at the Bantayan Park, Bago City as part of the city’s 46th Charter Day Celebration.

Golden Kamagong Opens North Fitness Hub Branch by James Sy Jr.

Golden Kamagong International (from left): Grandmaster Carlo L. Barzo, Guro Maru Macalipsay, Founder/Chairman P/Inspt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez (seated), Guro Boy Begasa, and Grandmaster John Mark L. Barzo at the Golden Kamagong international-North Fitness Hub Branch, 2/F Art District, Lopue's Mandalagan, Brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod City on March 9, 2013 (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). — The Golden Kamagong International (formerly Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association) of Founder/Chairman P/Insp. (Ret.) Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez officially opened its newest branch last March 8, 2013 at the North Fitness Hub, 2/F Art District Bldg., Lopues-Mandalagan, Brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod City. Golden Kamagong International has its headquarters at Prk. Bayanihan, Brgy. Banago, Bacolod city and its main gym at 3/F De La Rama Center, Luzuriaga St., Bacolod City. Assigned instructor for the new branch is Grandmaster John Mark L. Barzo. Arnis is a collective generic term for the various forms of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) scattered all over the 7,100 islands of the Republic of the Philippines. It is the Filipino corruption of the Spanish arnes “harness, armor” and having knowledge of it allows a practitioner to be able to defend himself as if he has an armor. In Cebu it is more commonly known as Eskrima, the Filipino corruption of the Spanish Escrima “fencing.” It is also variously known as Baston, Garrote, and Olisi. Training schedule is 9:00 AM-12:00 NN Friday, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM Saturday, and 9:00 AM-2:00 PM Sunday. Interested parties may contact GM Lopez at 0916-696-3374, GM Barzo at 0947-958-9272, or Ms. Karen at 0910-970-3932.