A Memorial to William " Smokin Joe" Frazier (1944-2011) by James U. Sy Jr.

Olympic and world boxing champion Joseph William " Smokin Joe" Frazier (1944-2011) passed away due to liver cancer on November 7, 2011 at his residence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He was 67.

Frazier was diagnosed with liver cancer in late September 2011 and admitted to hospice care. Weeks before his death, he was said to have lost 50 lbs.

Frazier was born as the youngest of 12 children of Rubin and Dolly Frazier on January 12, 1944 in Laurel Bay, Beaufort, South Carolina, USA. He relocated to Philadelphia during his teens. He took up boxing while working in a slaughterhouse. By the age of 20, Frazier was one of the elite heavyweight prospects in the world.

Frazier won the Middle Atlantic Golden Gloves heavyweight championships in three successive years (1962-1964). He lost to Buster Mathis in the trials but had to replace him due to injury and won the heavyweight gold medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. He was the only American boxer to be crowned champion inspite of an injured left thumb during the finals.He turned pro in 1965 and was crowned the World Boxing Association (WBA) world heavyweight champion after he TKOed Jimmy Ellis in the 5th round in 1970 at the Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, USA. He was then small for a heavyweight, weighing only 206 lbs. Frazier went on to defend his title successfully four times, including one against Muhammad Ali, before losing it to knockout artist George Foreman in 1973.

Frazier, however, was best remembered for his trilogy with Muhammad Ali which took place from 1971 to 1975. Their first battle, dubbed "Fight of the Century” took place on March 8, 1971 at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. Both men were undefeated then. Frazier distinguished himself as the first man to defeat Ali. He floored Ali with a leaping left hook, his trademark punch, in the 15th round and snatched the victory via unanimous decision. The following year, they fought again at the same venue, with Ali winning the brawl via 12-round decision. The highly hyped and epic third meeting, dubbed “The Thrilla in Manila," was held in 1975 in the Philippines where both man completely exhausted and bloodied each other for 14 rounds. Frazier, inspite of his nearly swollen shut eye, wanted to continue but his trainer, Eddie Futch, had the fight stopped. Frazier lost and Ali kept his world title.

Ali and Frazier fought a total of 41 rounds. After the Thrilla in Manila, Frazier fought only two more times. He lost badly in a rematch with Foreman in 1976 and then retired. In 1981, he made an ill-adviced comeback where he drew with the unheralded Jumbo Cummings.

The animosity between Ali and Frazier would continue outside the ring. Ali called him gorilla and mocked him as an Uncle Tom. Frazier was bitter but in their later life, when both boxers were already slowed down by disease, Frazier had forgiven Ali for his transgressions.

After retiring, Frazier made cameo appearances in several Hollywood movies, and two episodes of The Simpsons.

Frazier was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. The International Boxing Research Organization (IBRO) rates Frazier among the ten greatest heavyweights of all time. In 1996, Frazier released his autobiograpy: Smokin' Joe the Autobiography

Frazier had a lifetime pro boxing record of 32-4-1 (27 KO). Frazier won 73% of his fights by KO as against the 60% of Ali and the 84% of Foreman.

In his later years, Frazier would have financial trouble and had to run a gym in Philadelphia. Frazier slowed in his later years and his speech slurred by the toll of punches taken in the ring. He, however, was still active on the autograph circuit in the months before he succumbed to liver cancer.

SOURCES:

“Boxing Legend Joe Frazier Dies.” ESPN Go. 8 Nov 2011, 8 Nov 2011

Cofield, Steve. “Smokin” Joe Frazier Loses His Battle Against Liver Cancer.” Yahoo! Sports. 7 Nov 2011. 8 Nov 2011

“Former Heavyweight Champion Joe Frazier Dies After Losing Cancer Fight.” The Telegraph. 8 Nov 2011, 8 Nov 2011

Gelston, Dan. “Ex-Heavyweight Champ Frazier Still Fighting Cancer.” Yahoo! Sports. 7 Nov 2011. 8 Nov 2011

Gelston, Dan and Tim Dahlberg. “Boxing Great Joe Frazier Dies After Cancer Fight.” Yahoo! Sport. 8 Nov. 2011. 8 Nov. 2011

5 de Noviembre Local History Forum, On the Spot Painting Held by: James U. Sy Jr.

Tarpauline for the Forum on Local History and Culture held by the Negros Occidental Historical Council, Inc. (NOHCI) with the support of the Negros Occidental Provincial Government on November 3, 2011 at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall, Bacolod City in connection with the province’s Cinco de Noviembre celebration (James U. Sy Jr./NDB/WVJ Photo).


Attendees of the Forum on Local History and Culture held by the Negros Occidental Historical Council, Inc. (NOHCI) with the support of the Negros Occidental Provincial Government on November 3, 2011 at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall, Bacolod City in connection with the province’s Cinco de Noviembre celebration (James U. Sy Jr./NDB/WVJ Photo).





Negros Occidental Historical Council, Inc. (NOHCI) Officers who conducted with the support of the Negros Occidental Provincial Government the Forum on Local History and Culture last November 3, 2011 at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall, Bacolod City (top-down): Executive Director Roque P. Hofileña Jr. (Forum Facilitator), Chairman Msgr. Guillermo Gaston, Director/Treasurer Ma. Asuncion Belzunce, and DirectorRolando “Rolly” Espina (Featured Speakersa) (James U. Sy Jr./NDB/WVJ Photo).


Millenne Rose P. Casue of UNO-R, 1st Place Winner of the Negros Occidental Provincial Government-organized On the Spot Painting Contest, with her award and Negros Occidental Historical Council, Inc. (NOHCI) Chairman Msgr. Guillermo Gaston during the Forum on Local History and Culture on November 3, 2011 at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall, Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./NDB/WVJ Photo).

The Negros Occidental Historical Council, Inc. (NOHCI) with the support of the Negros Occidental Provincial Government successfully held the Forum on Local History and Culture on November 3, 2011 at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall, Bacolod City in connection with the province’s Cinco de Noviembre celebration. The forum, which was attended by not less than 91 students and government employees, was an echo of the Local History and Culture Forum (A Mini Dialogue Among Practitioners) conducted by the NOHCI last September 24, 2011 at the Jose Montelibano Hall, Sweet City Captel, Gatuslao St., Bacolod City in line with the council’s 40th (Ruby) Anniversary. However, more focus was given to the significance of the Cinco de Noviembre to the Negrense people in this later forum.

The roster of Featured Speakers were composed of NOHCI Officers, namely Msgr. Guillermo Gaston, Chairman; Ma. Asuncion Belzunce of the Bayanihan Dance Troupe, Director/Treasurer; and long time journalist and Rolando “Rolly” Espina, Director. They were also the Featured Speakers for the previous forum. Forum Facilitator was NOHCI Executive Director Roque P. Hofileña Jr.

All three Guest Speakers elucidated the importance of awareness of local history and culture. Msgr. Gaston emphasized that the Filipino culture is a composite product of the various cultures that came to the islands as traders, migrants, or conquerors. Thus, the Filipino culture is actually a merger of the best of the east and the west. Furthermore, each region has its own native cultures and traditions. Negros, for instance, as voiced by Belzunce, has various expressions of its indigenous dances for different occasions. Dances and songs themselves are some of the mediums by which Filipinos expresses their thoughts and feelings in addition to poems, oral literature, and others. The diversity of these regional cultures is what makes the Filipino culture stand out from other Asian civilizations. Espina, as the other speakers, had pointed out that knowing the past can give each generation awareness and appreciation of their roots and the richness of their heritage.

Msgr. Gaston laments that some students don’t even know the real reason behind the celebration of the Cinco de Noviembre or when it is being celebrated, as is the case with other holidays such as Rizal Fay, people just simply think of the ceremonies involved rather than the message it conveys. The capitulation of the Spaniards to the Bago forces under Gen. Juan Araneta and Talisay forces under Gen. Anaceto Lacson is historically significant since it was a bloodless victory, much like the world famous People Power of 1986. While Tagalog heroes are often celebrated in Philippine history, Filipinos in the provinces, including Negrosanons, must realize that they have their own heroes who also fought for their freedom. Not many knew that while Gen. Aguinaldo established his republic in Luzon, Negros and Panay had their own republics at roughly the same time.

Another aspect of Negrosanon culture that has been discussed was language. Msgr. Gaston pointed out that the Hiligaynon language is very rich and the Ilonggos should know them by heart.

Hofileña called unto the attendees to document their own family histories for the next generation to appreciate and as a reference for them. He cited Msgr. Gaston who annually updates the history of the Gaston Family. He also invited the participants to visit the NOHI Library for their research needs.

The Negros Occidental Historical Council, Inc. (formerly Commission) was created by Resolution No. 33 of the Provincial Board chaired by then Gov. Alfredo L. Montelibano Jr. in 1971 and was formally constituted in 1973. The main goal of the council is to help the province promote history and culture with a focus on local history.

The forum was covered by GMA Network as well as the Negros Daily Bulletin and Western Visayas Journal through James U. Sy Jr.

At about a third of the forum, the awarding ceremony for the winners of the On the Spot Painting Contest was conducted. Winners for the elementary category were Millenne Rose P. Casue of UNO-R (1st Place), Angela Joy H. Musang of UNO-R (2nd Place), Catherine Joy C. Perejon of Cudangdang Elementary School (3rd Place), Gracelia R. Ngangan of Naravis-Paticcii Elementary School (4th Place), and Stephanie J. Lobaton of Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School (5th Place). Winners for the high school category were Katherine S. Pedrera of Mansilingan Agro Industrial High School (1st Place), Napthalie Paulie Betia of Angela Gonzaga National High School (2nd Place), Aira Moralde of Teofilo M. Gensoli Jr. National High School (3rd Place), Ryan Christian Rodero of Luis Hervias National High School (4th Place), and Ramir Aliosa Jr. of Paglaum Village National High School (5th Place).

The following schools were represented in the forum: Angela Gonzaga National High School, Bacolod City National High School, Dr. Antonio A. Lizares Municipal High School, ELNHS, FGNIS, Fr. Murray Gracianan Integrated School, Mandalagan National High School, Mansilingan Agro Industrial High School, Mansilingan High School, Negros Occidental High School (NOHS), PVNHS, St. Joseph-La Salle, Sum-ag High School, Teofilo M. Gensoli Jr. National High School, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), and University of St. La Salle (USLS).

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? by Debra J. Hicks

Please check all that apply. This year for Halloween, I'll probably:

1. Dress the little ones up in costumes and escort them around our neighborhood to collect candy.
2. Check out the local haunted house.
3. Get together with some buddies to watch a scary movie.
4. Dress up in a devil suit and scare the neighborhood kids that knock on the front door.
5. Turn off the porch light and hope nobody finds me eating the three bags of Snickers bars I bought for trick-or-treaters.

Most people see nothing wrong with the activities listed above. They consider Halloween festivities to be a harmless way for their children to have an evening of "fantasy and fun."

But does this standard hold true for Christians? Is dressing up like ghosts, goblins, and witches really "no big deal"? Or is it glorifying and empowering Satan?

If we have truly committed our hearts and our lives to Christ, we will set ourselves apart as people who seek to reflect God's goodness and love to the world. Because we become like the things we behold, the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:8 counsels Christians to think deeply about-and to continually fill our minds with-what is good. A careful, honest look at Halloween reveals little or nothing that is good. Instead, it is a day that points toward Satanism, fear, and gluttony.

"For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?" (2 Corinthians 6:14-15, NIV).

Although the word Halloween means "holy or hallowed evening," history shows that nothing could be further from the truth. Halloween is clearly a relic of pagan times, and it has never reflected true Christian virtues.

The customs connected with Halloween are most commonly traced to a festival celebrated by the Druids-priests of the Celtic tribes that occupied northern and western Europe. This celebration, which dates back several centuries before Christ, began each year on October 31 and was called the festival of Samhain, the lord of death.

As part of their worship of Samhain, the Druid priests built huge bonfires on which both animals and humans were sacrificed. This barbaric practice continued openly for hundreds of years, until Rome conquered Britain and outlawed it.

Years passed, and Rome continued to conquer new territory and increase in power. The people of each conquered nation were forced not only to become Roman citizens, but also to become members of the Roman church. As you can imagine, these new "converts" cared little about Christianity and clung tenaciously to their cherished pagan practices.

So, since the Roman church was unable to get people to abandon their heathen festivals, it decided to "sanctify" some of them. The Druids' celebration in honor of the lord of death thus became All Saints' Day, which was to be observed by all churches. Officially, it was proclaimed a day to honor all the saints who had died, known or unknown. But in practice, it remained what it had always been-a pagan celebration of the "Day of the Dead."

Throughout its history, Halloween has been thought of as the time when supernatural forces prevail. Anton LaVey, author of "The Satanic Bible" and high priest of the Church of Satan, says that Satanists consider Halloween the most important day of the year. He says that on this night, satanic, occult, and witchcraft power are at their highest potency level, and that any witch or occultist who has been having difficulty with a spell or curse can usually achieve success on October 31st because Satan and his powers are at their best that night.

Divination, or fortune telling, is also believed to reach its highest powers on Halloween, as people are eager to learn what might happen to them in the upcoming year. Even today, predictions of leading psychics and astrologers are generally released about the time of Halloween.

Clearly, the rites and symbols of this holiday reveal that it is still a day that glorifies Satan. Look around you. Though October 31 is still a month away, you can probably see evidences that Halloween is approaching. Pictures of ghosts, goblins, witches, skeletons, and devil-faced pumpkins appear on store windows everywhere. Horror movies are promoted on television and in the theaters, and most bookstores give prominent attention to books dealing with death and the occult.

As Christians, we are not to associate with the things of Satan. Christ Himself said, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other" (Matthew 6:24).

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

Since its beginning, the festival of Halloween has played upon people's fears. The Celtic people believed that on the night of October 31, demons, witches, and the spirits of all those who had died within the past year roamed about freely. Most people were afraid to leave their homes on this night. Those who absolutely had to go out wore grotesque masks and terrifying costumes. They reasoned that if they looked horrible enough, the spirits would think they were one of them and would do them no harm!

Fear is a big part of modern Halloween celebrations, as well. Spooky decorations, horror movies, and haunted houses make a very real impression on little children. Is there any wonder so many youth have nightmares or are afraid to be alone in the dark? Satan delights in filling people's minds with thoughts of fear, death, and destruction. It is a tactic he has used for centuries to keep mankind under his control.

God, on the other hand, longs to give His children peace. He doesn't want us to be paralyzed by our fears. In fact, the Bible says that Christ died "that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Hebrews 2:15, NKJV).

"Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31, NKJV).

Several days before their festival began, the Druid priests would go from house to house demanding food or other items they would use in their worship of Samhain, the lord of death. If a villager refused to give them what they wanted, the priest would put a demonic curse on the home. It was no idle threat, either. Someone from that house usually died within the year. It is from this abominable practice that our present-day "trick-or-treat" custom evolved.

While it is true that trick-or-treat is no longer primarily about curses, it is about gluttony. Children go from house to house, filling grocery bags full of candy and then returning home to feast on their great treasure. Often, those who stay at home to hand out the candy consume great amounts of it themselves!

Even this element of Halloween, which in comparison might seem harmless, does nothing to glorify God. The Bible says that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. We should not be polluting that temple with food that clouds our perceptions and draws us away from God.

"Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Ephesians 5:11).

Satan is no doubt jubilant that such a large portion of this "Christian nation" views a holiday in his honor as something that is harmless fun. Could it be that by our carelessness, we are contributing to the extraordinary power Satan seems to have on October 31?

No matter how fun or exciting it may seem, Halloween is no celebration for a Christian. If we truly seek to glorify God, then how can we devote one day of the year to worshipping Satan? We can't.

The Bible says, "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

Conceptual Arnis Fundamentals Taught @ UNO-R

Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. introducing Arnis evasive footwork to participating freshmen PE students during the UNO-R High School Introductory Seminar on Arnis Fundamentals organized and hosted by MAPEH Teacher Mary Grace Villasor-Geolingo, with the full support of the High School Department under Principal Sol P. Abellar, M.A. Ed., and Subject Area Chair - MAPEH Michael Ditchella, last October 14, 2011 at the UNO-R High School Gym, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), Lizares St., Bacolod City (CMAS photo).





Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. training freshmen PE students in the applications of evasive footwork against any angle of attacks during the UNO-R High School Introductory Seminar on Arnis Fundamentals organized and hosted by MAPEH Teacher Mary Grace Villasor-Geolingo, with the full support of the High School Department under Principal Sol P. Abellar, M.A. Ed., and Subject Area Chair - MAPEH Michael Ditchella, last October 14, 2011 at the UNO-R High School Gym, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), Lizares St., Bacolod City (CMAS photo).




Freshmen PE students learning the essential body mechanics of otso-otso (figure 8) pattern during the UNO-R High School Introductory Seminar on Arnis Fundamentals organized and hosted by MAPEH Teacher Mary Grace Villasor-Geolingo, with the full support of the High School Department under Principal Sol P. Abellar, M.A. Ed., and Subject Area Chair - MAPEH Michael Ditchella, last October 14, 2011 at the UNO-R High School Gym, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), Lizares St., Bacolod City (CMAS photo).



Two of the four sections of freshmen PE students who participated in the UNO-R High School Introductory Seminar on Arnis Fundamentals organized and hosted by MAPEH Teacher Mary Grace Villasor-Geolingo (seated), with the full support of the High School Department under Principal Sol P. Abellar, M.A. Ed., and Subject Area Chair - MAPEH Michael Ditchella, and conducted by Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (seated) last October 14, 2011 at the UNO-R High School Gym, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), Lizares St., Bacolod City (CMAS photo).

MAPEH Teacher Mary Grace Villasor-Geolingo, with the full support of the High School Department under Principal Sol P. Abellar, M.A. Ed., and Subject Area Chair - MAPEH Michael Ditchella, organized and hosted the UNO-R High School Introductory Seminar on Arnis Fundamentals last October 14, 2011 at the UNO-R High School Gym, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), Lizares St., Bacolod City for about 184 freshmen students coming from four sections. The seminar, which totaled to 4 hours, was held as part of the department’s Physical Education classes.

Resource Instructor was Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., an Arnis researcher, writer/historian, and teacher, entrepreneur, and formerly a Purchasing Officer at Asian Alcohol Corporation.

The seminar for every class started with a brief history of the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) within the context of documented Philippine history, the etymologies of Arnis and Eskrima and their linguistic significance, and the expression of courtesy and etiquette in Arnis/Eskrima.

During pre-Hispanic times, the primary means of armament in baranganic warfare in the Visayas were swords and knives (i.e. kampilan, baladao, etc.) of different sizes and shapes as well as bangkaw, taming, and pana. With the introduction of the new society, the brandishing of bladed weapons was prohibited and Arnis/Eskrima adepts translated their bladework to the innocent looking sticks. Traditional Filipino weapons work is based on slashing/cutting movements characterized by the kaya/kulob of the hand.

Arnis is a corruption of the word Arnes “harness, trappings, mail armor (Español)” which alludes to the reputed ability of arnisadors to defend themselves as if wearing an armor for protection. Eskrima, the preferred term for the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) in Cebu, is a corruption of the word Esgrima “Fencing (Español),” which implies fighting with swords. There are still extant Negrosanon systems of Arnis which are based on the blade, among them Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis of Bacolod, Yasay Sable of Bago City, Oido de Caburata of Murcia, and Guarra Style of Bago.

Considering the number of students involved and the constraints on time, Sy focused on the most simple yet highly effective fundamental techniques of Arnis as taught in his Conceptual Martial Arts System, a blend of several Negrosanon/Ilonggo systems. The seminar focused heavily on the Paniil sa Walo ka Padulungan “8 Directions Footwork,” which the students learned to blend with and evade any attack with the least possible exertion of force. Before the end of the seminar for each section, students gained an idea on how to use paniil against any type of attack by merely identifying its angle. The seminar was rounded up with the study of the basic otss-otso “figure 8” pattern with the application both as attack and defense with weapons as well as empty handed (pangamut). Sy also showed the use of the caburata and a mineral water bottle, weapons that are unique to Arnis, as well as translating the knowledge of stick work as translated to the nunchaku.

The reception of the students was very positive. Mrs. Geolingo and her superiors hope that the introductory seminar had opened the eyes of the students to the rich martial culture of the Philippines and that they will appreciate what is truly their own and see it in the context of their history as a nation.

Four days earlier Sy also conducted the 1st OLPA Sports Arnis Seminar at the Our Lady of Pillar Academy (OLPA), Brgy. Ma-ao, Bago City which was hosted by English and Filipino teacher Ariane M. Ignacio and attended by 16 students.

PAGCOR Arnis for Health to be Concluded Fri. by James U. Sy Jr.

Some of the PAGCOR employees who participated in the Arnis for Health course, which was organized by MWR Coordinator Mayu Lozada, together with Resource Instructors (seated from left) Bryan Baylon Sensei, Chief Instructor of the Musubi Aikido Dojo Bacolod, Maxwell “Max” J. Maun Sensei, Master of Herada Pigada Arnis and Founder/Chief Instructor of Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (BAE), and Master James U. Sy Jr., Founder of Conceptual Arnis System and the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc.



Mayu Lozada (right) parries the attack of Errol Francisco and prepares to deliver a counterattack during one of the training sessions of the PAGCOR Arnis for Health course at the PAGCOR Amphitheater (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

October 28, 2011 will be the final day of the 30-session Arnis for Health course for the employees of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) which started in the middle of August 2011. The program was organized by Mayu Lozada, MWR Coordinator, as part of PAGCOR’S Wellness and Health Program for all of its employees.

Maxwell “Max” J. Maun, F&B Supervisor, was tapped as the Resource Instructor for the course. Maun is a Master of the Herada Pigada system of Arnis, which he learned from his uncles Maj. Pedro Doromal Jr., Capt. Nelson Doromal, and Robert Doromal; He is also the Founder/Chief Instructor of the Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (BAE) and former Arnis Philippines Negros Occidental Commissioner. Master Maun was assisted by James U. Sy Jr., Founder/Master of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. and the Arnis system that bears the same name, and Bryan Baylon, Chief Instructor of the Musubi Aikido Dojo Bacolod. Sy and Baylon had also studied Aikido under Maun Sensei in the past.

Not less than 20 employees participated in the program. The training was originally done every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday but was later transferred to Monday, Wednesday, and Friday towards the end of the course. Practice was originally held at the PAGCOR Amphitheater but was later transferred to the Pool Side/Weights Gym. PAGCOR provided the sticks used for the training.

Master Maun taught the fundamentals and the corridas and tahi-tahi flow drills of the Herada Pigada System to improve the coordination and reflexes of the employees at the same time giving them an invigorating workout. Training in Arnis, or any legitimate martial art for that matter, benefits the body because of more oxygen flow to the heart and the release of hormones which calms the mind, which results to better performance in the job.

Herada Pigada was evolved by the aforementioned Doromals, along with their three other brothers and their father Pedro Doromal Sr., from the Bayoneta Carada taught to them by USAFFE Army Infantryman Grandmaster Benito Agui of Cadiz City. The style is characterized by the forward pressing movements; hence, the adoption of the corrupted form of the Spanish pegar “press” in its name.

When Master Maun took a leave in September, Master Sy and Baylon Sensei took over the instructions. The duo continued the fundamentals taught by Master Maun and Sy also introduced aspects of his Conceptual Arnis System, which is a composite of several traditional Negrosanon systems of Arnis, among them Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis, Yasay Sable, Oido de Caburata, and Original Filipino Tapado.

PAGCOR officials hope that with the program they had equipped the participants to better care for themselves and to make exercise a good part of their lifestyle for better health and well being.

Hospitality & Tourism Management Reg’l Summit Today by: James U. Sy Jr.

The HTM4-Convention and Events Management, School of Hospitality Management of the La Consolacion College (LCC)-Bacolod will be hosting the Hospitality & Tourism Management Students Regional Summit "A Path to a Progressive Tourism Industry" today, October 21, 2011, 8:00AM- 5:00 PM, at the L'Fisher Hotel, Lacson st., Bacolod City.

Featured speakers for the summit are Mr. Xander Kim Sigua, MPA, the Founder of the League of Tourism Students of the Philippines (LTSP); Dr. Robert Lim Joseph, Consul of the Republic of Latvia; and Mr. Oscar P. Palabyab, Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism, Philippines.

Tickets for the summit are at PhP 700.00 only inclusive of two snacks, one lunch, certificate, and convention kit.

Tribe WAR VIII Explodes in Gaisano City Part II by: James U. Sy Jr.

Franklin Olimpus of Tribu Hangaway Philippines and Dondon Baylon of Strike & Shoot grapple for supremacy as Referee Maxwell "Big Max" Maun looks on at the Tribe WAR (Warriors Art Rumble) VIII last October 8, 2011 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).



Organizers, guests, fighters, and coaches pose for posterity at the conclusion of the Tribe WAR (Warriors Art Rumble) VIII last October 8, 2011 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

REESULTS. Gerald Hans Gonzales of TH, 27, 105 lbs., forced Letmar Bañares of IAMMA, 115 lbs., to tapout at 3.53. It was Gonzales’ third fight. His teammate Franklin Olimpus, 20, 115 lbs., who holds a grappling record of 1-1 before the fight, got a decision win over Dondon Baylon of S&SB, the nephew of SEA Games Judo champion John Baylon. Olimpus got his very first win last year at the Freestyle grappling tournament.

Jason Jocson of TH, 18, 110 lbs., decisioned Jmart Sombingo of SSP-B. Jocson also took a victory during the last installment of Tribe WAR. Debuting Paolo Gonzales of SSP-B, 25, 140 lbs., submitted Robert John Amoloria of IAMMA, 140 lbs., with a Peruvian choke at 4.40.

Herbert Jocson of TH, 22, 120 lbs. won over Mark Mahusay of SSP-B, 130 lbs., via points. It was Jocson’s 2nd win in a grappling competition; his first win was at Tribe WAR VII. Elmer Tortogo of TH, 130 lbs., won against Daryl Garcia of SSP-B via default. Prior to the fight Tortogo had a 1-1 grappling record, the win of which was during the last installment of Tribe WAR.

Multifaceted boxer Nonoy Plomeda of SSP-B, 31, 130 lbs., submitted Jay Cabarobias of IAMMA with a Kimura at 2.22. Plomeda was rated no. 5 in the Philippines as an amateur boxer and compiled a 16-1 pro boxing record. He has a 9-2 MMA record, has won at the Universal reality combat Championships (URCC) last year, and competed at the international event Pacific Extreme Combat.

Altun Yu of SSP-B, 30, 160 lbs., forced a tapout from Dandy Visitacion of S&SB with a scarf hold at 1.40. It was Yu’s 2nd grappling win, the first of which was during tribe WAR IV. Debuting Justin Tolentino of TH, 180 lbs., won over Carlo Christo Alicaya of IAMMA.

In the main event, which was in the openweight class, the larger Jimmy Soquiño of TH, 190 lbs., went toe to toe with Alexander Villa of IAMMA. Inspite of his size disadvantage, Villa gave a well fought fight, squirming out of very tight situations which ordinary fighters might find difficult to get out of. Some spectators described him as being “daw isda, syado kadanlog.” But in the end Soquiño took the win by reaching the maximum 15 points, within 6 minutes. Soquiño did more pinning and offensive.

Officials were Master Roy R. Flores of Tribu Hangaway Philippines (Tournament Director), Maxwell J. Maun Sensei of Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (Referee), Mr. Dan Domingo of Bulacan/Tribu Hangaway Philippines (Judge), Boy Duran of Aksyon Radyo Bacolod (Emcee/Commentator), Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. Conceptual Martial Arts Society (Emcee/Commentator/Recorder), Rommel Villarta of Tribu Hangaway Philippines (Timer), and Personnel fo the City health Office (Medical Team).

Guests were 1st Generation Inheritor Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc., Grandmaster Casimiro “Chingi” Grandeza of White Kimono/Philippine Moo Duk Kwan Inc.-Korean Tang Soo Do Association, Chief Instructor Wendell Billones of Black Dragon Martial Arts, Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” l. Cardinal, Master Elizalde Aspan, Master Gualberto Dajao of Carga Pigar Kalis Silat Arnis Club, 4 times world Wushu Sanshou champion Rene Catalan and 2011 world Muay Thai champion Robin S. Catalan of the Iloilo Alliance Mixed Martial Arts (IAMMA), Founder/Master Abraham “Abe” Ganzon of Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA), URCC fighter Adrian Hillana of Submission Sports Philippines-Bacolod Team (SSP-BT), Henriid Lamayo of ATLETA Judo Club, Russell Mohametano Sensei of Arashi Ryu Aikido, and Angelo Nazario of Strike and Shoot Bacolod (S&SB).

Major sponsors are dyEZ Aksyon Radio-Bacolod, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Shakey’s Pizza, and San Miguel Corporation. Other sponsors are 91.9 Love Radio (Bacolod), 105.5 Easy Rock (Bacolod), 103.7 Radyo Nation (San Carlos), Negros daily bulletin, KOI Herbal Capsule and KOI Liniment Oil, TMG Hollow Blocks (Bacolod), Celcor Builders and Equipments, Inc. (Bacolod), CHY Ventures (Bacolod), New Shirmarros Wine Center, Sr. Supt. Ricardo Dela Paz (City Director Bacolod City Police Office), RMK Car Exchange, and Hon. Mayor Evelio “Bing” R. Leonardia.

Host Tribu Hangaway Philippines is a proud member of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), Inc. under Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo.