Aikido Pioneer/Master Conducts Seminar in Bacolod

Ernesto “Ernie” T. Talag Sensei, 6th Dan Aikido Yuishinkai, Founder/Chief Instructor of Ki Association international (KI-AI), throws seminar host Lodel Magbanua Sensei, 1st Dan KI-AI, using kokyu nage during the Yuishinkai Aikido Seminar & Belting Advancement last September 8, 2012 at the 3/F High School Bldg., St. John’s Institute (Hua Ming), Hilado St., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Ernesto “Ernie” T. Talag Sensei, 6th Dan Aikido Yuishinkai, Founder/Chief Instructor of Ki Association international (KI-AI), and seminar host Lodel Magbanua Sensei, 1st Dan KI-AI, pose with participants of the Yuishinkai Aikido Seminar & Belting Advancement last September 8, 2012 at the 3/F High School Bldg., St. John’s Institute (Hua Ming), Hilado St., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo). Ernesto “Ernie” Tallada Talag Sensei, 6th Dan Aikido Yuishinkai, conducted the Yuishinkai Aikido Seminar & Belting Advancement through the invitation of Bacolod Aikido Yuishinkai (BAY) of Lodel Magbanua Sensei, 1st Dan KI-AI, last September 8, 2012 at the 3/F High School Bldg., St. John’s Institute (Hua Ming), Hilado St., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. A total of 19 aikidokas representing four groups in Bacolod City were in attendance. Talag Sensei is one of the Philippines’ pioneers of Aikido, having started his training in the art in 1963 under Benjamin Galarpe, who is named by many as “The Father of Aikido in the Philippines” and the Founder of the Manila Aikido Club (MAC), the country’s first Aikido club. In 1965, Tohei, Koichi Sensei (1920-2011), then the Chief Instructor of the Aikikai Hombu (headquarters) in Japan, 10th Dan (by 1969), visited the Philippines. Talag Sensei eventually came under the direct supervision of Tohei Sensei. Tohei Sensei resigned from the Aikikai, and started his own organization, the Ki no Kenkyukai (Ki Society), and system, Shinshintoitsu Aikido, in September 1971. Talag Sensei corresponded with Tohei Sensei and expressed his intention to be part of his new organization. In 1977, Maruyama, Koretoshi Sensei (B: 1936), a uchideshi “inner disciple” of Aikido Founder Ueshiba, Morihei (1883-1969) and then the World Chief Instructor of the new organization, tested and evaluated a number of Filipino Aikido instructors to chose from them the sole authorized representative and Chief Instructor of the Ki Society in the Philippines. Talag Sensei served in that capacity from that time on until he resigned from the organization in 1998 due to administrative reasons and founded his independent organization, Ki Association international (KI-AI). In the first half of 2007, Talag Sensei was invited to join the Aikido Yuishinkai International (AYI), an organization founded by Maruyama Sensei in 1996, and his KI-AI was consequently affiliated with AYI. After serving as Chief Instructor of Ki no Kenkyukai for 21 years, Talag Sensei held the rank of 2nd Dan. Thus, Maruyama Sensei awarded Talag Sensei his 6th Dan in Aikido, which is more reflective of his more than four decades of Aikido experience in training and teaching (time in grade). The seminar held by Talag Sensei was historic in that it was the third time that a master-level Aikido instructor conducted an OPEN seminar in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental. The first one was R. Jun Batobalani Shihan, 6th Dan Aikikai, who visited on October 20-21, 2001 with the sponsorship of Danagayan Singkaw-Ryu Aikidokan of this writer, Hansy Alojado, and Victorio Perez Sensei, and Fukakusa, Motohiro Shihan of Thailand, 7th Dan Aikikai, in March 2005 through the Kyokan Dojo of Stella and Noel Fuentes Senseis. Talag Sensei, however, was the first to introduce the Yuishinkai system via the seminar circuit. The seed from which the seminar sprouted was freelance artist and comedian Anthony Peter Yulo, who urged Magbanua Sensei to bring Talag Sensei to Bacolod for a workshop. Since Manila is the center of Aikido activity, aikidokas from Bacolod would have to spend thousands of pesos for fare and accommodations to attend seminars in the NCR by visiting Aikido masters. Magbanua Sensei, who used to train under Rene F. Cornel Sensei (1951-2005) in Bacolod, started his studies with Talag Sensei in Manila in 1991, while managing NGO’s; Cornel Sensei was once Talag Sensei’s representative in Bacolod. Magbanua Sensei, who had been a long time 1st Dan under Talag Sensei, has a small group in Bacolod, the latest revival of which was last September 2011. Most of the attendees of the seminar were from this group. Talag Sensei focused on the foundation of the Yuishinkai system which is the harnessing of ki “energy/life force” through relaxing the body during movements. This foundation is then applied to the basic kokyu nage “breath throw,” kokyu dosa, and a few other techniques. A consummate teacher, Talag Sensei initially made participants do the movement before explaining the biomechanics behind them, thereby facilitating better comprehension. The afternoon session also included some jo “short stick” techniques. Those who attended the seminar were Lodel Magbanua Sensei, David Cruz, Riza Ledona, Joseph Magbanua, Christopher Ramos, Jeanne Ramos, Reanna Ramos, Garrick Sajo, Jonathan Talbot, Jeremy Viendo, Anthony Peter Yulo, and Dowie Yulo of Bacolod Aikido Yuishinkai (BAY), James U. Sy Jr. Sensei of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., Roy R. Flores Sr. Sensei and Jimmy Soquiña Sensei of Tribu Hangaway Philippines (THP), and Noel “Nonong” Fuentes Sensei, Kenneth Lee. O. Materum, Joseph Gupo, and John Solo Moncada of Kyokan Dojo.

Seban, Vivero Tops COS It's All PLAY by: James U. Sy Jr.

Various pictures of the cosplayers during the COS It’s All PLAY: The First Encounter, presented by the SAS Inc., last August 28, 2012 at the Terra Dolce Mall, Corner Hilado Ext., 13th St., Bacolod City (SAS Inc. photo).

France Adrian T. Seban (as Aang of The Last Airbender) was the grand prize winner in the youngsters category of the COS It’s All PLAY: The First Encounter, presented by the SAS Inc., last August 28, 2012 at the Terra Dolce Mall, Corner Hilado Ext., 13th St., Bacolod City (SAS Inc. photo).

Steven Vivero (as Sesshoumaru) was the grand prize winner in the adults category of the COS It’s All PLAY: The First Encounter, presented by the SAS Inc., last August 28, 2012 at the Terra Dolce Mall, Corner Hilado Ext., 13th St., Bacolod City (SAS Inc. photo).

Kaori Jean Suzuki (as Katsura Kotonoha of School Days) was 1st runner up in the youngsters category of the COS It’s All PLAY: The First Encounter, presented by the SAS Inc., last August 28, 2012 at the Terra Dolce Mall, Corner Hilado Ext., 13th St., Bacolod City (SAS Inc. photo).

Edward Amparado (as Medicine Seller) was 1st runner up in the adults category of the COS It’s All PLAY: The First Encounter, presented by the SAS Inc., last August 28, 2012 at the Terra Dolce Mall, Corner Hilado Ext., 13th St., Bacolod City (SAS Inc. photo).

Angel Faith L. Yelo (as Yuna the Gunner) was 2nd runner up in the youngsters category of the COS It’s All PLAY: The First Encounter, presented by the SAS Inc., last August 28, 2012 at the Terra Dolce Mall, Corner Hilado Ext., 13th St., Bacolod City (SAS Inc. photo).

Marvin V. Donasco (as Death the Kid of Soul Eater) was 2nd runner up in the adults category of the COS It’s All PLAY: The First Encounter, presented by the SAS Inc., last August 28, 2012 at the Terra Dolce Mall, Corner Hilado Ext., 13th St., Bacolod City (SAS Inc. photo).

Ge-anne Blanco (as Neru Akita) was Gymyxx Choice Award for being the best in portrayal according to Gmyxx Glamour Photo Studio during the COS It’s All PLAY: The First Encounter, presented by the SAS Inc., last August 28, 2012 at the Terra Dolce Mall, Corner Hilado Ext., 13th St., Bacolod City (SAS Inc. photo).

Jievan Joy B. Gallo was Sun Cellular's Choice Award for having the most number of votes during the COS It’s All PLAY: The First Encounter, presented by the SAS Inc., last August 28, 2012 at the Terra Dolce Mall, Corner Hilado Ext., 13th St., Bacolod City (SAS Inc. photo). France Adrian T. Seban (as Aang of The Last Airbender) and Steven Vivero (as Sesshoumaru) were the grand prize winners in the youngsters and adults categories of the COS It’s All PLAY: The First Encounter, presented by the SAS Inc. August 28, 2012 at the Terra Dolce Mall, Corner Hilado Ext., 13th St., Bacolod City. Kaori Jean Suzuki (as Katsura Kotonoha of School Days) and Angel Faith L. Yelo (as Yuna the Gunner) were 1st and 2nd runner ups respectively in the youngsters category. Edward Amparado (as Medicine Seller) and Marvin V. Donasco (as Death the Kid of Soul Eater) were 1st and 2nd runner ups respectively in the adults category. Ge-anne Blanco (as Neru Akita) was given the Gymyxx Choice Award for being the best in portrayal according to Gmyxx Glamour Photo Studio. Jievan Joy B. Gallo snatched the Sun Cellular's Choice Award for having the most number of votes during the event.

Tribe WAR X @ Gaisano City Mulled by James U. Sy Jr.

Sandra Bartolome and Mel Rose Aguilar of Tribu Hangaway Philippines were the Round Girls of the event's last installment, Tribe W.A.R. IX last April 28, 2012 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

The Provincial Health Office, Health Emergency and Disaster Management Team was the medical Team of the event's last installment, Tribe W.A.R. IX last April 28, 2012 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). The Tribe W.A.R. (Warriors’ Arts Rumble) X has been officially booked by the Tribu Hangaway Philippines (THP) of Master Roy R. Flores Sr. at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City this coming October 14, 2012, Sunday, 1:00-6:00 P.M. Aksyon Radyo Bacolod Philippines is expected to be the partner of THP again in the event, as in the previous installments of the tournament. Tribe W.A.R. X will feature about ten bouts, both in the Muay Thai and grappling division. Invitted teams to compete in the Muay Thai division are fighters from Muay Association (MAP)-Iloilo Chapter; in the grappling division, Affinity, Deftac Bacolod Fight Club, and Submission Sports Philippines-Bacolod team (SSP-BT). SSP-BT of Adrian Gellana was crowned champion of the grappling division in Tribe W.A.R. IX with a 3-0 win streak.

A Memorial to Ma. Losie Honteviros Prologo (1940-2012) by: James U. Sy Jr.

This file photo shows Ma. Losie “Nene” Honteviros-Prologo (1940-2012) with members of the Shinsei Aikido Society (SAS) during the celebration of the birthday of her late husband Bacolod Judo and Aikido pioneer Engr. Patricio P. Prologo (1936-2010) on August 15, 2010 at the Prologo Residence, Bangga Riles, Prk. Maanyag 2, Brgy. Alijis, Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

This file photo shows Ma. Losie “Nene” Honteviros-Prologo (1940-2012) and his husband Engr. Patricio P. Prologo (1936-2010) with pioneer members of the Shinsei Aikido Society (SAS) during the group's visit to the Prologo Residence on May 23, 2010 (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS Photo). Ma. Losie “Nene” Honteviros-Prologo succumbed to a long standing illness last August 19, 2012, 8:19, 2012 at the Bacolod Our Lady of Mercy Specialist Hospital, Eroreco, Brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod City. She was 72. In September 2011, Honteviros-Prologo was rushed to the hospital because her kidneys collapsed due to severe arthritis and gout. On November 20, 2011, she relocated from their residence in Bangga Riles, Prk. Maanyag 2, Brgy. Alijis, Bacolod City to Camarines Sur, Bicol where she lived with her children Ma. Sophie Prologo and 1st Lt. Naomi Prologo-Braza. She stayed in Bicol up to July 14, 2012 when she went back to Bacolod City. After two weeks from her arrival to Bacolod, she was confined to the Our Lady of Mercy for a week because her kidneys no longer produce erectropoetin. Blood transfusions were done and she recovered but went down with pneumonia. She was later an outpatient to the hospital and three days later she was again rushed to the hospital. Ma. Losie Honteviros was born to Leontina Cielo Pantilano and Tito “Titong” Honteviros on July 22, 1940as the eldest among eight siblings in Bacolod City. Losie is the first cousin of journalist Jose Gregorio Hontiveros of the Philippine Free Press and a second cousin of 2010 Philippine Elections senatorial candidate Rizza Hontiveros. Honteviros spent her high school years at the Philippine Normal College (now Philippine Normal University) in Cebu. When she got back to Bacolod, she continued her studies at the West Negros College (now West Negros University), where she earned her BS Law. She, however, did not practice law. She served as Manager in her father’s security agency, the Negros Veterans Security Agency, Inc. (NVSAI), from 1972 to 1979. Honteviros married her neighbor Engr. Patricio “Pat” Pan Prologo (1936-2010), a Mr. Bacolod in 1957 and a pioneer instructor of Judo and Aikido in Bacolod City, on June 30, 1962. The couple five children: Ma. Sophie Prologo, formerly employed with the Civil Registrar’s Office; Patricio H. Prologo Jr., cock breeder; Staff Sgt. Gunji H. Prologo, Philippine Army (PA); Ma. Kristine Prologo-Formelleza, medical/legal transcriptionist; and 1st Lt. Naomi Prologo-Braza, Philippine Army (PA). When her husband was employed by AG&P in Kuwait as a pipefitter foreman from 1978-1979 and by the state-owned national oil company Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) as a machinist from 1980 to 1984, Honteviros-Prologo raised their children as best as a mother can, with proper guidance, love, and care. Ma. Losie “Nene” Honteviros-Prologo is remembered by her children as a loving mother, strict but righteous, very protective, a good provider and generous, and very religious. She enjoyed cooking and sewing. She sew the gi “uniform (Nihonggo)” of the pioneer members of her husband’s Shinsei Aikido Society (SAS). The remains of Ma. Losie “Nene” Honteviros-Prologo was laid to rest at the Rolling Hills Memorial Park in Bacolod City last September 28, 2012.

The “Sweet” Fists of the Philippines’ Newest Boxing Prospect: 1 On 1 With Genesis Azucal Servania by: James U. Sy Jr.

Newly crowned World Boxing Council (WBC) international silver super bantamweight and World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific super bantamweight champion Genesis Azucal Cervania of Bacolod City pose for the Negros Daily Bulletin (James U. Sy Jr./NDB photo).

Newly crowned World Boxing Council (WBC) international silver super bantamweight and World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific super bantamweight champion Genesis Azucal Cervania of Bacolod City with Negros Daily Bulletin writer James U. Sy Jr. (James U. Sy Jr./NDB photo).

Newly crowned World Boxing Council (WBC) international silver super bantamweight and World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific super bantamweight champion Genesis Azucal Cervania of Bacolod City with Coach Gil Jamili (left) and national referee Cesar Gamboa (James U. Sy Jr./NDB photo). It is unknown to many but Visayans are some of the best warriors that the Philippines had ever produced. Prof. William Henry Scott, who wrote many historical works on Philippine history and culture based on his personal study of primary source materials, had described pre-Hispanic Visayans as fierce warriors, constantly engaging in interbaranganic warfare, locally known as panggubat and pangayaw, as compared to the Tagalogs who were more “business like” (this is not to say that the 16th Century Tagalogs were not warriors, only that their priority was trade). This truism extends even to modern times. Arnis/Eskrima, the indigenous Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), is predominantly taught and propagated by ethnic Visayan grandmasters and masters in both the Philippines and abroad. One has just to see the books of Inosanto, Sulite, Wiley, Godhania, Galang, and Nepangue and Macachor, among others to realize this. Even in the field of other martial arts, Visayans have also excelled. Monsour del Rosario of Bacolod, 8 times Philippine national lightweight taekwondo champion (1982-1989), was once rated No. 2 in Asia and 3rd in the world (if my memory serves me right). Other Visayans who gave honor to the country include 8 times SEA Games Judo champion John Baylon of Binalbagan, world Wushu Sanshou champions Rene Catalan of Sta. Barabara, world Muay Thai champion Robin Catalan of Sta. Barabara, Bacolod-born World Professional Muay Thai Federation (WPMTF) super middleweight champion Vince Patrick Esteban Casa Soberano, World Kickboxing Federation (WKBF) K-1 Muay Thai super welterweight champion Steve Sur Grandeza of Davao, and SEA Games Tai Chi champion Stella Unson of Bacolod among others. Boxing, one of the four big B’s of Philippine sports, has produced the most number of Filipino world champions and has contributed 5 of the first 9 Olympic medals taken home by Filipino athletes in the Olympics Games starting with the Philippines’ participation in 1924; The Philippines’ two Olympic silver medals came from boxing. Philippine boxing is virtually a who’s who of Visayan champions. The most recognizable to today’s generation is Congressman Emmanuel “Manny/Pacman” Pacquiao of General Santos, the first ever 8 weight division world champion, but the glorious days of Visayan boxing champions extend way back the time of Pancho Villa (born: Francisco Guilledo) (1901-1925) of Ilog, Negros Occidental, who went on to become the first world boxing champion from Asia in the early 1920’s, and Gabriel "Flash" Elorde (1935-1985) of Bogo, Cebu, named by the World Boxing Council (WBC) as the greatest world junior lightweight champion in its history, the longest reigning champion of the division (7 year reign), and the first Asian inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Other Visayan world boxing champions include Rolando Bohol (B: 1965) of Murcia, Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, Jr. (B: 1982) of Talibon, Bohol, Joma Gamboa of Bacolod, Eric Jamili of Silay, Sonny Boy Jaro (B: 1982) of Silay City, Little Dado (born: Eleuterio Zapanta) (1916–1965) of La Carlota City, Rodel Bryan Generalao Mayol (B: 1981) of Mandaue City, Cebu, Donnie “Ahas” Nietes of Murcia, Dodie Boy and Gerónimo “Gerry” Peñalosa of San Carlos City, Small Montana (born: Benjamin Gan) (1913-1976) of La Carlota City, Malcolm Alindajao Tuñacao (B: 1978) of Mandaue City, and Benjamin Villaflor (B: 1952) of Negros Occidental among others. Visayan amateur champions include Olympic Games bronze and silver medalists Roel and Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco of Bago City, Asian Games champions Reynaldo Galido of Bago City and Joan Tipon of Talisay City, negros Occidental, and Asian women’s champions Mitchell Martinez of Pulupandan among others. The above enumerated champions are in no way a complete list, they are just too many to name within a limited space (I will be doing a more comprehensive article in the near future). As this goes to press, many more Filipino boxers are making their way to the ladder of success. This writer had the fortune to personally meet and was granted a one on one interview with one of the newest and most promising boxing prospects from the Philippines today, Genesis Azucal Servania, during the Alaxan FR Unveiling of the Court of Inspiration last August 26, 2012 at Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City, Negros Occidental. He was in town to visit his family and will be back to Cebu by August 29. Genesis Azucal Cervania was born on August 25, 1991 to Rosilona and Antonio Cervania as the fifth among seven siblings in Bacolod City. Cervania came from a poor family. By 15, he started to box under the tutelage of Gil Jamili of the Jamili Boxing Club (Brgy. Taloc, Bago City). Before, he and three other siblings were into boxing but now only he and his brother Roland continue training. His parents supported him and he joined local tournaments as an amateur. He no longer remembers his exact amateur record but it was more than 20 bouts. Five years later, he relocated to Cebu where he was introduced by a friend, who was an ALA fighter, to Antonio L. Aldeguer, the big boss of the famed ALA Boxing Gym. Thus began his pro boxing career. He is now promoted by ALA Promotions, managed by Aldeguer, and trained by Editor Villamor. At the ALA Gym, Cervania got to work out and practice with A.J. “Bazooka” Banal, Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista, Michael Domingo, Orient Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) flyweight champion Rocky Fuentes, RP super featherweight champion and former OPBF super bantamweight champion Jimrex “The Executioner” Jaca (Born: Jemuel Divino) of Sibulan, World Boxing Organization (WBO) world no. 1 flyweight contender Milan “Metodico” Melindo, and 2 division world champ Donnie “Ahas” Nietes of Murcia among others. Cervania has currently a perfect record of 19-0- (9 KO). When asked what are his strengths as a boxer, he said his focus and speed although he revealed that he is currently working on his power. He has a 47.39% KO percentage. Cervania is an orthodox fighter who can easily adapt to an orthodox or southpaw opponent. His biggest exploits, like Pacquaio, were against Mexicans: Gerson Guerrero, Marcos Cardenas, Genaro “Poblanito” Garcia, and Jorge Pazos. Cervania passed his first major test in the person of veteran Gerson Guerrero, who had previously fought champions Daniel Ponce De Leon and Christian Mijares. He gave then undefeated Marcos Cardenas his first loss; Cardenas had knocked down 9 of his 12 previous opponents within 4 rounds. Cervania caught former 3 time world title challenger Genaro “Poblanito” Garcia with a well placed uppercut to the chin and followed it up with a flurry of punches, sending the Mexican to the canvass. Garcia stood back up but wasn’t able to reverse the table on Cervania. Cervania defeated Garcia via 12th round TKO and won the vacant WBC international silver super bantamweight crown on June 2, 2012 in Manila. Garcia had previously fought world champions Hozumi Hasegawa, Tokashi Nishioka, Luis Alberto Perez, and Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr. and defeated hall of fame bound Rafael Marquez. Cervania’s lastest career win was against Jorge Pazos, 20-3 (13 KO) before the fight, during Pinoy Pride XV: Philippines vs Mexico, The Rematch by ALA Promotions and ABS CBN Sports last August 18, 2012 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel Casino, Cebu. He dropped the Mexican thrice and beat him via unanimous decision in 12 rounds and snatched the WBO Asia Pacific super bantamweight crown. When asked who is/are his favorite boxer(s), Cervania, who stands 5' 6½, answered without hesitation: Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire, another Filipino boxer who is a multiple division world champion. Both boxers have inspired him to work harder to attain his goal of becoming world champion in the next five years or less. Cervania had been told that his next fight will be in October but this may be moved as there are plans for him to travel to the US to train there. Cervania’s advice to aspiring boxers is to have discipline focus, and dedication. Parents’ support is also very important. With the Filipinos’ love of boxing, Cervania can be sure that the nation will be with him as he reaches for his dream to become among the great world champions from the Pearl of the Orient Seas.

Alaxan FR, PBA Legends Unveil Court of Inspiration in Brgy. Taloc, Bago By James U. Sy, Jr.

The crowd that witnessed the Unveiling of the Alaxan FR "Court of Inspiration" last August 26, 2012 at Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Newly crowned World Boxing Council (WBC) international silver super bantamweight and World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific super bantamweight champion Genesis Azucal Cervania of Bacolod City being interviewed by the emcee during the Unveiling of the "Court of Inspiration" last August 26, 2012 at Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

PBA legends from left): Jerry Codinera, Ronnie Magsanoc, and Benjie Paras during the presscon of the Unveiling of the "Court of Inspiration" last August 26, 2012 at Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

PBA legends (seated from left): Jerry Codinera, Benjie Paras, and Ronnie Magsanoc during the presscon of the Unveiling of the "Court of Inspiration" last August 26, 2012 at Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City. At the back of Paras is Prk. Langka President Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, the 1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster of Original Filipino Tapado (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Negros Daily Bulletin writer James U. Sy Jr. with PBA legend Benjie Paras Unveiling of the Alaxan FR "Court of Inspiration" last August 26, 2012 at Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City (James U. Sy Jr./NDB photo).

A Close up of the "Court of Inspiration" jointly constructed by UNILAB's Alaxan FR and the volunteer-residents of Brgy. Taloc, Bago City (Geiser Maclang/UNILAB Alaxan FR photo).

The Court of Inspiration land mark before cement was added and the handprints left by the PBA legends (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) legend Benjie Paras leaving his hand print in the Court of Inspiration's land mark during the official Unveiling of the "Court of Inspiration" last August 26, 2012 at Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

The handprints of the PBA legends immortalized in cement (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Brgy. Taloc officials and Prk. presidents gave a plaque of appreciation to UNILAB Alaxan FR officials for their generous help in setting up a Court of Inspiration in their local (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

UNILAB officials with the PBA legends after the official Unveiling of the "Court of Inspiration" last August 26, 2012 at Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

UNILAB officials, PBA legends, and Brgy. Taloc and Prk. Langka officials pose for posterity during the Unveiling of the "Court of Inspiration" last August 26, 2012 at Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

UNILAB officials, PBA legends, Brgy. Taloc and Prk. Langka officials, and local players pose for posterity during the Unveiling of the "Court of Inspiration" last August 26, 2012 at Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo)

Alaxan FR volunteers after the Unveiling of the "Court of Inspiration" last August 26, 2012 at Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

The Blue Mentors of Bago City College (BCC) after their performance during the Unveiling of the "Court of Inspiration" last August 26, 2012 at Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

The first 3-on-3 game between a mixed team of the PBA legends and the local players during the Unveiling of the "Court of Inspiration" last August 26, 2012 at Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). Alaxan FR, together with three PBA legends and purok and barangay officials, made history when it unveiled its 4th "Court of Inspiration" in the country last August 26, 2012 at Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City, Negros Occidental. The unveiling was originally scheduled for August 18, 2012 but had to be moved due to some unforeseen circumstances. The Court of Inspiration is a project of a series of construction of basketball courts undertaken by United Laboratories Inc. (UNILAB), the maker of Alaxan FR, in different pre-qualified area-recipients around the country. In a short interview with this writer, Justin Tung, UNILAB Alaxan Brand Manager, revealed that the first three Courts of Inspiration had previously been constructed in Butuan, Dumaguete, and Iloilo. Within the year, six more Courts of Inspiration are planned to be constructed and unveiled, among them in Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Tacloban, Zamboanga, and Saranggani, the province where 8 weight division world champion and Alaxan FR icon Emmanuel “Manny/Pacman” Pacquiao serves as a congressman. The Court of Inspiration is a reflection of Alaxan FR’s motto “Aray natin, galing natin.” Its advocacy is to change the negative perception of body pain. The slogan means that pain is a byproduct of industriousness and hard work in turn results to the attainment of a goal and thus, progress. Pain, therefore, should be treated as a badge of honor and pride rather than something negative. The same can be said of volunteer-residents of Brgy. Taloc, under the leadership of Brgy. Taloc Captain Delia Teovisio and Prk. Langka President Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, who devoted hours and hours of volunteer work for the completion of the basketball court, dubbed the “Court of Inspiration,” adjacent to the purok chapel. The volunteer-residents finished the court using a bayanihan system. The Court of Inspiration at Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc also has the added feature of Legend Markers, motivational messages put in different places all over the court to inspire people to push themselves to greatness. The Court of Inspiration is close to the heart of Filipinos because the number one sport in the country is basketball (boxing is only second). An article once commented that there are more basketball courts in the Philippines than schools, with courts, whether makeshift or real, in even the smallest of communities. When UNILAB officials first visited Prk. Langka in Brgy. Taloc, the sun was already setting yet they still saw some teens playing basketball albeit without a real basketball court. Thus, the construction of the Court of Inspiration in their locale means so much, not only to the youth, but also to the residents as a whole. The program officially started at about 10:00 A.M. Intermission numbers were rendered, including song and dance numbers. Martial arts demonstrations were also given by the Taloc-based Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. and Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. British-Filipino Phillip Penman, 10, performed the Original Filipino Tapado basic uno, dos, and bali-bali strikes against the attacks of Master James U. Sy Jr. Prk. Langka President Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, the 1st Generation Inheritor (Tigsubli)/Grandmaster of Original Filipino Tapado, together with Master Joeffrey S. Deriada, demonstrated the advanced direct hitting linyada of the long stick fighting art indigenous to Brgy. Taloc founded by his late uncle Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar. Sy also showed a solo stick anyo and Conceptual Arnis knife disarming with Deriada.

also graced the event and was introduced to the public and later joined the PBA legends in a presscon. An amateur boxing bout was given by the Jamili Boxing Club under Coach Gil Jamili with Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) and Games and Amusement Board (GAB) national amateur and pro referee Cesar Gamhoa. Much later in the program, the Blue Mentors of Bago City College (BCC) gave a composite medley playground dance number. The official unveiling started with the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) legends Ronnie Magsanoc, Benjie Paras, and Jerry Codinera giving inspirational speeches. The styles of delivery among the legends differed, with Magsanoc being more serious and Paras eliciting laughter from the crowd, but they all emphasized the fact that they too started from scratch. Paras recalled that inspite of the floods, they had to go to school and wear their soaking wet shoes the following day. They had to work hard to maintain their scholarship and they had to work persistently to improve their game. And everything paid off. They’re giving the messages to inspire the youth to dream and to reach that dream through hard work. Kagawad Popoy, in behalf of Brgy. Capt. Teovisio, accepted the new Court of Inspiration from UNILAB officials Alaxan FR Brand Manager Justin Tung, Alaxan FR Product Directress Kristine Martinez, and Product Area Manager Noel Delgado, and company, together with their marketing communications partner Geiser Maclang. In gratitude, Brgy. Taloc officials and purok presidents presented a plaque of appreciation to UNILAB Alaxan FR. Part of the program was the filling up of cement of a land marker where the PBA legends left their hand prints. The highlight of the event was a friendly 3-on-3 game between a mixed team of the PBA legends and the local players.

Aikido & Arnis Orientation Held @ CSA-B by James U. Sy Jr.

CSA-B ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) officers and cadets pose with Guest Instructors and Officials at the conclusion of the Aikido & Arnis Orientation last August 18, 2012 at the 4/F Business Education Building (BED) Bldg., Colegio de San Agustin-Bacolod (CSA-B), B.S. Aquino Drive, Bacolod City. Stead from left: Gelkoff A. Calmerin Sensei, James U. Sy Jr. Sensei, Maxwell “Max” J. Maun Sensei, Mr. Kurt M. Guimela, and two other ROTC Officials (.Maxwell Maun photo). 50 freshmen ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) officers and cadets attended the Aikido & Arnis Orientation last August 18, 2012 at the 4/F Business Education Building (BED) Bldg., Colegio de San Agustin-Bacolod (CSA-B), B.S. Aquino Drive, Bacolod City. Mr. Kurt M. Guimela, ROTC Coordinator and IT Coordinator, invited Maxwell “Max” J. Maun Sensei, Founder/Chief Instructor of Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (BAE) and Master of Herada Pigada Arnis, to conduct the orientation/exhibition. Helping Maun Sensei in the orientation were James U. Sy Jr. Sensei, Founder/Chief Instructor of Ryu Aikidokan and Founder/Master of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., and Gelkoff A. Calmerin Sensei, Branch Instructor at BAE-Lacson. The orientation was held with blessing of NSTP Director Ms. Ma. Theresa Tingson. Maun Sensei opened the orientation with a lecture on the nature, history, and philosophy of the martial arts, with a focus on Japanese Aikido. He made distinctions between the combative, sportive, and cultural expressions of the martial arts. Then he proceeded to demonstrate, with Calmerin Sensei, some joint locking and throwing techniques used in Aikido such as ikkyo, nikyo, kokyu nage, and kote gaeshi. The student cadets were then given a hands on try at ukemi “receiving through the body, commonly translated as breakfalling (Nihonggo)” on the mat. In the later part of the orientation, Maun Sensei introduced the student cadets to the indigenous Negrosanon martial tradition via Herada Pigada Arnis, an art taught to him by his uncles, the army officers Doromal Brothers, which in part originally came from the Bayoneta Carada of WWII Infantryman Grandmaster Benito Agui of Sicaba, Cadiz. He showed his integration of Aikido, Arnis, and Karate into one art. The demonstration consisted of solo baston, doble baston, disarming, and koridas uno. Maun Sensei is one of the pioneering teachers of Aikido in Bacolod City, having taught since the last 1980’s. He traces his lineage to Lydio Copino Sensei of the Philippine Aikido and Sports Association Inc. (PASAI). Sy introduced his Conceptual Arnis (Martial Arts) System, which is a new system composed of older traditions from Negros with influences from other arts. The focus of his demonstration was reality based self defense against grabs, punches, gun, and rape, as well as derivable weapons, anti-disarming, empty hands-weapons overlaying, empty hands application of sinawali, and integration of different martial arts. Sy studied under at least 30 teachers of the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), mostly from Negros Occidental, and is certified to teach by some of them. He studied Aikido under 5 teachers, among them Maun Sensei, and is ranked 1st Dan in the art, and is also ranked in other Asian martial arts. Sy is also a martial arts researcher, historian, and writer. Calmerin Sensei talked about the higher philosophical ideals of Aikido of not fighting and using the art as part of one’s life. He elucidated the higher principles of harmony in life. Calmerin studied Aikido under Maun Sensei and Noel “Nonong” Fuentes Sensei.