BEST OF FMA THUNDERING SUCCESS PART 1 SHINING MOMENT OF NEGRENSE FMA By: James U. Sy Jr.

In yet another golden moment in the continuing Martial Arts Renaissance in Negros, The Best of Filipino Martial Arts Exposition was successfully presented to the public by the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. of Master Elmer V. Montoyo in cooperation with the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Negros Occidental, Inc. of President Ernesto Pama Jr. and the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) last October 6, 2007 at the Negros Occidental Multi Purpose Activity Center (NOMPAC), Aguinaldo St., Bacolod City as part of the 2007 Masskara Festival Celebration.

17 martial arts organizations from Bacolod , Bago, Escalante, Iloilo , Murcia , and Victorias were in attendance to support the event, give demonstrations, officiate, and compete in the 4-format divisions each one representing a different form of martial art.

The tournament was historic in that it was the first multi-style/format martial arts tournament to be fought at the NOMPAC. Divisions contested include Filipino Tang Soo Do, Sipa Sumbag, Arnis de Mano, and Original Filipino Tapado (demonstration sport format).

Special Asst. for Special Concerns of the Governor’s Office and Former Board Member Hon. Atty. Ike Barredo represented Gov. Joseph G. Marañon as the program’s Special Guest Speaker. Special guests were Hon. Mayor Esteban “Sonny” H. Coscolluela of Murcia and YMCA Negros Occidental 1st VP Mr. Fidel B. Garbanzos. Councilor Hon. Jopcelle Batapa-Sigue and Silver Masskara Festival Organization, Inc. Festival Director Mr. Eli Francis J. Tajanlangit were the other guests who could not make it to the event.

The Best of Filipino Martial Arts Exposition is the long overdue sequel to the highly successful 1st Mayor’s Cup “The Best of Martial Arts” Exposition last December 2004 held in Brgy. Sum-ag. This tournament was held with the support and blessings of the Provincial Government under Gov. Marañon. Master Montoyo and fellow Headmasters gave a courtesy call to the governor last September 24, 2007 at the Governor’s Office.

Master Montoyo, who also serves a YMCA Business Manager, conceptualized the tournament to help educate the public of the inherent benefits of martial arts training to the physical, mental, and sspiritual development of individual citizens and to assist the YMCA in conbstructing a semi-permanent structure where the youth can engage in sportive and cultural activities.

DEMONSTRATIONS. Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo and 2006 NOBF-GKAKEA Bacolod Negros Arnis Showdown champion Joselito Guzon of Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) demonstrated the trademark classical Espada y Daga style of Trese Grabes Piga-Piga System which was founded by GM Guinabo based on the teachings of the late Grandmaster Bernandino Tanique of the Tanique Arnis and Combat Club (TACC).

Founder/Grandmaster Rogelio H. Galvarole led his Lightning Scientific Arnis International-Philippine Dynamic Arnis (LSAI-PDA), an affiliate of the Lightning Scientific Arnis International-Capiz Chapter of Arnis Commissioner Grandmaster Carlito Ondillo, in giving various Likha Anyo (Creative Forms)

demonstrations from the Panaynon style of Galvarole Style Dynamic Arnis which he founded. Others in the demo team were Arnis medallists Noe Baldevarona, Nerma Destacamento, Kenneth Gabriel, and Alfonso Lahaylahay.

The Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. was led by 1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido in demonstrating the basic strokes and advanced direct hitting techniques of the indigenous Bagoueño long stickfighting art founded by his late uncle Founder/Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar in 1960 in Brgy. Taloc. Assisting GM Lobrido were OFT Senior Instructors James U. Sy Jr. and Joefrrey S. Deriada and Member Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon.

Murcia Martial Arts Center (MMAC) of Master “Nick” Montoya demonstrated the classical empty handed forms of Sip Soo and Naihanchin III as well as an assortment of kicks, Tang Soo Do self defense techniques and knifefighting.

Master Ritchie S. Piodena and Joeffrey S. Deriada of the Bacolod Oido de Caburata Arnis Society (BAODCAS) under Grand Patriarch Grandmaster Jose D. Aguilar demonstrated the indigenous Murciahanon stickfighting art Oido de Caburata founded by the late Founder/Grandmaster Antonio “Toñing” Tolosa in 1936/1937 in Brgy. Minoyan.

Riverside Nursing student Glenn Logroño represented the Kalantiaw Defense Society (KDS) of his late Grand Uncle Founder/Grandmaster Dominador “Doming” D. Ferrer with a presentation of Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis Ferrer Style disarming techniques. He was assisted by KDS Master James U. Sy Jr.

Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. and LVA Instructors Lafayette A. Diamante and Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. demonstrated the basic pang-igo (striking), panagang (deflections/blocks), pang-agaw (disarming), and gapungko nga defensa (seated defense) of the indigenous Bacoleño art of Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis founded by late Founder/Grandmaster Jose “Joe” L. Viñas in 1932.

The Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. of Founder/Master Elmer V. Montoyo was led by his sons and heirs-apparent Masters Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo Jr. and Ernest Christian P. Montoyo in a a showcase of a basic FTSD Wushu form, FTSD Combat Karate one on one and multiple attackers self defense, knife neutralization, and Ryuhai form with actual breaking of bricks and boards.

FILIPINO TANG SOO DO. “The Filipino Way of the Chinese Hand” Filipino Tang Soo Do is a Filipinized adoption of Korean Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan founded by Master Elmer V. Montoyo, 6th dan UFAF, by modifying the art to suit the culture, psyche, temperament, morphology, and hoplology of the Filipino people by synthesizing Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and other Southeast Asian martial traditions. Filipino Tang Soo Do reflects the Filipino culture which is actually an amalgation of various civilizations (i.e. Malay, Indonesian, Chinese, Indian, Spanish, American, etc.)

Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. of Master Elmer V. Montoyo was champion in the Filipino Tang Soo Do Division with 4-1 win-loss streak followed by the Murcia Martial Arts Center (MMAC) of Master “Nick” Montoya with a 3-2 mark. The NOHS Screamring Eagles and Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main (BFMAA-Main) Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante tied at 3rd place with a 0-2 mark.

BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL. Joner Cortez of MMAC over Ken Donque of NOHSSE by unanimous decision (Flyweight Bout#1).

MEN’S COLLEGE. 2003 Mayor’s Cup Murcia Taekwondo silver medallist Jan Michael Vincent Montoya of MMAC over 2007 Brgy. Taloc Kickboxing silver medallist Michael Judes of PIMAA-FTSDA (Bantamweight Bout#4). Reynold Baylon of PIMAA-FTSDA over Ryan Mitoda of BFMAA-Main (Flyweight Bout#7).

Remello Tayactac of MMAC over 2 times BRAWL MMA champion Janry Amante of BFMAA-Main (Flyweight Bout#11). Tayactac hit Amante with a picture perfect turning side kick. Kevin James Roberts of PIMAA-FTSDA over Tommey Cortes of MMAC (Featherweight Bout#13). Roberts knocked down Cortez with a frontal kick.

2004 Bacolod Mayor’s Cup Pencak Silat silver medallist Chester Esmalla of PIMAA-FTSDA over Larry Benedicto of MMAC (Lightweight Bout#15) and another victory against Roper Iwayan NOHSSE (Lightweight Bout#21). Esmalla was the only competitor to have fought in two fights in the FTSD Division.

SIPA SUMBAG (KICKBOXING). Sipa Sumbag is the Ilonggos’ synthesis of Karate and Western Boxing, having been evolved continuously since the 1970s by different Karate and Kickboxing groups and prominent pioneers, champions and promoters.

Murcia Martial Arts Center (MMAC) of Master “Nick” Montoya was champion in the Sipa Sumbag Division with a perfect 6 win streak followed by the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. of Master Elmer V. Montoyo with a similar perfect 2 win streak. Black Falcon Martial Arts Association- Main (BFMAA-Main) of Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante (1-6), Tribu Hangaway (TH) of Master/Founder Roy R. Flores Sr. (1-3), and Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA) of Grandmaster Jose “Joe” Mancesa (0-1) were 3rd to 5th places respectively.

BOYS HIGH SCHOOL. Joner Cortez of MMAC over 2007 SLRV Kickboxing champion Jay R Simpron of BFMAA-Main (Flyweight Bout#12). Cortez knocked down Simpron two times. Joveril Gomeza of MMAC over Edgardo Doctora of NUFAA via disqualification by foul (Flyweight Bout#14). Doctora was pressing the action when an accidental low blow dropped Gomeza.

MEN’S COLLEGE. 2007 Prk. Bulak Kickboxing champion Reynold Baylon of PIMAA-FTSDA over 2007 SLRV Kickboxing silver medallist Iron Homer Castaño of TH via unanimous decision (Flyweight Bout#3). 2007 Tribe W.A.R. Wushu Sanshou silver medallist Ryan Mitoda of BFMAA-Main over Jayniel Ossorio of TH (Flyweight Bout#16). Jeffrey Mañale of MMAC over 2005 Dancalan Kickboxing champion Julius Dohinog of BFMAA-Main (Flyweight Bout#17). 2007 Prk. Bulak Kickboxing champion Michael “Mic-Mic” Gurrea of PIMAA-FTSDA over 2007 LGDC Regional Wushu sanshou silver medallist Kent Esleyer of TH (Bantamweight Bout#18).

2003 Mayor’s Cup Taekwondo silver medallist Jan Michael Vincent Montoya of MMAC over 2007 Tribe W.A.R. Wushu Sanshou champion Joselito Bianan of BFMAA-Main (Bantamweight Bout#19). Articulo Alon of MMAC over 2003 BOMB MMA champion Andres Villarmia of BFMAA-Main (Bout#20). Villarmia was given a standing 8 count.

WOMEN’S. Sheila Asdolo of TH and Cristina Bianan of BFMAA-Main, both 2007 LGDC Regional Wushu Sanshou silver medallists, met for a rematch in the lone bout for the Women’s Kickboxing category (Bout#10). Asdolo and Bianan fought each other at the 7th Prk. Bulak/SLRV Consolidated Martial Arts Showdown last May 27, 2007. Asdolo had knocked down Bianan and defeated her for the second time.

CHILDREN’S. Edmar Ccortez of MMAC over 2004 Bacolod Mayor’s Cup Wushu Sanshou champion Joery “Jun-Jun” Amante Jr. of BFMAA-Main (Bout#6).

ARNIS DE MANO. “Harness of the Hand” Generic term for all Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), whether Eskrima (armed) or Pangamut (empty handed), as recognized by the Philippine Government. There are not less than 150 existing (i.e. not extinct) styles of Arnis recorded and definitely more that doesn’t have a specific style name scattered all over the archepilago. Arnis/Eskrima figured prominently in the warrior traditions of the Philippines in in the Filipinos’ fight for freedom and survival.

IFFMAS RULES - SOLO BASTON. Lightning Scientific Arnis International-Philippine Dynamic Arnis (LSAI-PDA) of Founder/Grandmaster Rogelio H. Galvarole was champion in the Arnis de Mano Division with a 2-1 win-loss streak. Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA) of Founder/Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA) and Tribu Hangaway (TH) of Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr. tied at 2nd place with a 1-1 mark each. Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) of Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo was 3rd place with 0-1.

2007 Philippine Olympic Festival (POF) Arnis forms champion Alfonso Lahayhay of LSAI-PDA over Yvonny de la Cruz of NUFAA (45-51 kg. Bout#2). 2007 Western Visayas Sport Arnis silver medallist Rodrigo Cuambot of TH over 2006 NOBF-GKAKEA Bacolod Negros Arnis Showdown champion Joselito Guzon of GACS (54-55 kg. Bout#5).

2007 Brgy. Taloc Arnis silver medallist Stevie John Doctora of NUFAA over Kenneth Gabriel of LSAI-PDA (58-68 kg. Bout#8). Philippine Olympic Festival (POF) Arnis silver medallist Noe Valdevarona of LSAI-PDA over 2007 Western Visayas Sport Arnis silver medallist Jake Bugna of TH (Openweight Bout#9).

PDA RULES - DOBLE BASTON (Exhibition Bout Male VS Female, Controlled Contact). 2007 Philippine Olympic Festival (POF) full Contact Half middleweight champion Nerma Destacamento of LSAI-PDA over 2007 POF Arnis forms champion Alfonso Lahayhay of LSAI-PDA.

TAPADO. The Tapado Long Stick Division was converted into a demonstration sport when the Kalupaan Tapado Association (KATA), inc. of Grandmaster Welbor “Kickok” Presno failed to arrive to the tournament. 1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido led members of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. in demonstrating the basic strokes and advanced direct hitting techniques of the indigenous Bagoueño long stickfighting art founded by his late uncle Founder/Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar in 1960 in Brgy. Taloc.

PROMOTIONS. Founder/Master Elmer V. Montoyo, 6th dan black belt, under the sanction of the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA) awarded rank promotions in Filipino Tang Soo Do to his students during the formal ceremonies of tournament.

Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo Kyosanim, Mater Elmer’s eldest son, was awarded his 5th dan black belt (Master). Master Don-Don had served/serves as Asst. Chief Instructor and Chief Instructor and VP-Internal Affairs of PIMAA-FTSDA. He was a prolific tournament competitor in his younger days in both Tang Soo Do and Taekwondo.

Ernest Christian “Chen-Chen” P. Montoyo Kyosanim, Mater Elmer’s second son, was awarded his 4th dan black belt (Master). Master Chen-Chen had serves as Board Director and Asst. Spiritual Adviser of PIMAA-FTSDA and formerly its Head Instructor for the CARAGA Region.

Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. Founders Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado and James U. Sy Jr., students of Master Elmer, were awarded honorary degrees, 4th dan black belts (Masters), for their contributions to the PIMAA-FTSDA. They serve as Secretary General and Asst. Secretary respectively to the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) to which Master Elmer is President to.

Gilbert U. Go, a long time student of Master Elmer, was awarded his 1st dan black belt. Go represented and won medals for PIMAA-FTSDA during the 1st Gov. Tupaz Vis-Min Pencak Silat Tournament (gold and bronze) and the 1st Mayor’s Cup Tournament (Gold for Pencak Silat and Filipino Tang Soo Do).

Meanwhile, Grandmaster Rogelio H. Galvarole, Founder/President of the Lightning Scientific Arnis International-Philippine Dynamic Arnis (LSAI-PDA), honored Tournament Director Master Elmer V. Montoyo as “Best Promoter of the Year 2007 in Negros” for a professionally run tournament. GM Galvarole also extended the same award to Master Sy for helping out Master Montoyo.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE TOURNAMENT. Officials were Master Elmer V. Montoyo of Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (Tournament Director/Chief Jury), Master Jose V. Montoyo of PIMAA-FTSDA (Head Referee-Pangamut), Founder/Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” Cardinal of KaliSilat Arnis Association (Head Referee-Hinganiban), Grandmaster Rogelio H. Galvarole of Lightning Scientific Arnis International-Philippine Dynamic Arnis and Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido of Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (Referees-Exhibition Bout), Gerry De Castro, Timujin Jumlani, Jimmy T. Lee, and Architect Edwin Solas of PIMAA-FTSDA, Founder/Chief Instructor Edwin J. Tusil of Fight Club, and GM Lobrido of OFTLSFA (Judges-Pangamut), Master Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado of conceptual Martial Arts, Master Nelson Carmona of OTFLSFA, and Master Luciano Montoya of Murcia Martial Arts center (Judges-Hinganiban), George arca, Joeniel Campomanes Sensei of USLS Karate-do, and Pastor Romeo N. Gumban of PIMAA-FTSDA (Judges- Pangamut and Hinganiban), Master James U. Sy Jr. of CMAS (emcee/Record Keeper), Pierre Angelo Montoyo, Steven Mark Gumban, Peter James Gumban of PIMAA-FTSDA (Timers), Dr. Raymund Antonio A. Maguad and Dra. Saja Marie B. Maguad of CMAS (Tournament Physicians), and Hon. Judge Remegio Rojo and Atty. John Mark Tamayo of PIMAA-FTSDA (Legal).

Tournament Staff were YMCA Gen, sec. Elizabeth B. Balingan (Awards), Murcia Martial Arts Center members (Security), Gilbert U. Go (Souvenier), Master Ernest Christian “Chen-Chen” P. Montoyo, Manuel G. Lansar of YMCA, and Church of Christ Young People members (Gym Arrangements), Theresa Libo-on, Catherine J. Montoyo, Michelle and Miriam Paglomutan, and Beverly Alson (Refreshments), Jane, Jeanny, and Joanne Moran (Ushereettes), and Angelo Yulo, and crestita Montoyo (Gate).

Major sponsors were EZ Shirts of Glenn Dexter Yee, Starlaser of Jimmy T. Lee Kyosanim, and Hanz George G. Lopez Vito. Minor sponsors were Rexona Men Power, GMYXX Digital Photo Studio, El Sol Press of Architect Edwin S. Solas, PD 888 Distributors, Inc. (Colgate-Palmolive), Robinson’s Place Bacolod for the medals, Philippine National Red Cross-Bacolod/Negros Chapter, Xpress Com (The Official Coverage Team), Hon. Councilor Joceelle Batapa-Sigue, Mang Inasal, Water Glow, CM Lobrido Rice Wholesaler and Retailer, and Panorama Mktg., Inc.

Donors were Zotub Internet Café, Son-Mar Cycle Parts, Mazelle L. Infante, Vinzon, Timbrevilla, and Libo-on Families, Country Feed Supply, Ortega Tailoring and Dress Shop, Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado of CMAS, Roger Chua, Mary Saleve L. Pe of RCBC, PO1 Wilmar Villaruz, and Pepsi.

Master Al Concepcion, a Saraviahanon who is now based in the USA , also graced the event. He had student under various Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) professors, among them the late Grandmasters Angel Cabales (Cabales Serrada Escrima), GM John Lacoste (Kuntao/Silat/Escrima), and Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar, Grandmasters Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido (Original Filipino Tapado), and Abraham and Sabas Gubaton (Oido de Caburata).

Mastre Efraim T. Beatingo of Undokan Martial Arts Association (UMAA) and Founder/Chief Instructor Jess “Jesus” Flores of thunder Kicks Martial Arts Club-Escalante Chapter (TKMAC-EC) were also present to support the event.

FC FIGHTERS COMPETE AT URCC CEBU QUALIFIER by James U. Sy, Jr.

16 fighters from Manila, Cebu, Bacolod, and Dumagauete saw action in 8 Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) matches at the Universal Reality Combat Championships (URCC) Cebu Qualifier last September 1, 2007 at the at the Royal Concourse Hall, Cebu City.

Each bout consists of 2 10-minute rounds with a 2 minuntes break in between. In the event of a tie, an additional 1 5-minutes round was to be fought.

Bacolod City was represented by two fighters from Fight Club Combat and Streetfighting Center (FC) of Founder/Chief Instructor Edwin J. Tusil, both of whom are fighting for the first time as professionals.

4 times Bacolod Raw Amateur Warrior's League (BRAWL) champion Eugene Yungque of Fight Club went up against a kickfighter from Yaw Yan Ardigma Martial Arts Federation-Cebu of Master Ekin in bout no. 2. Both fighters had a good exchange in the stand up as well as in the groundwork. Yunque snatched the victory with an armbar. It was a first armbar win for Yunque who usually uses kicks to dominate his opponents. He is well known for his one-roundhouse kick KO during the BRAWL 1. Yunque upped his MMA record to 5-0.

BRAWL 2 champion Elija Sian of Fight Club, in bout no. 5, caught his taller wrestler opponent with a right straight to the head, sending him back to the ropes. Sian battled for position on the ground, sensing that he had hurt his opponent. He took the guard position until he caught his arm extended and quickly applied the arm bar, his trademark finishing move. But arm bar wasn’t tight enough to submit the opponent. The Cebu fighter lifted Sian and slammed him to the canvas twice until he broke loose.

Pro boxer and URCC fighter Dennis Salazar of DEFTAC Manila taping the hands of Elija Sian before his bout during the Universal Reality Combat Championships (URCC) Cebu Qualifier last September 1, 2007 at the Royal Concourse Hall, Cebu City. EDWIN TUSIL/CMAS PHOTO
The Cebu wrestler controlled Sian on the floor until he managed to mount him. The Cebu fighter pounded Sian like hell until a punch connected to Sian 's chin prompting the referee to stop the fight. The Cebu fighter wins by TKO.

Event organizers have told Tusil that his two wards have shown heart and commendable skills that they have qualified in a URCC national tournament in Manila .

2 times LGDC Regional Wushu Sanshou champion (2006-2007), BRAWL 4 champion (2007), and Philippine Olympic Festival (POF) Judo champion Muhamad El Helou of Tribu Hangaway, managed by Founder/Chief Instructor Roy R. Flores Sr., was also scheduled to fight in said event but his scheduled opponent from Cebu backed out at the last minute due to a training injury. El Helou, however, was told that he would fight in a Dumaguete event. Details are yet yet available as of presstime.

Meanwhile, Fight Club Bacolod Raw Amateur Warrior's League (BRAWL) 5 is currently in the works and is expected to explode anytime this last quarter of 2007.

DUMAGUETE 2-2-2 IN POF MUAY THAI by James U. Sy, Jr.

6 Muay Thai boxers from the Dumaguete Muay Association brought home a 2-2-2 medal haul for the city at the conclusion of the 2nd Philippine Olympic Festival (POF)-Visayas Regional Qualifying Tournament held last September 12 to 16 in Iloilo City.

Junjun Sinco, 18, and Dexter Melon, 16, were crowned champions for the Seniors 45-48 kg. and Juniors 54-57 kg. categories respectively.

Cris Abriel Lingcong, 16, and Krisna Limbaga, 18, took the silver medals in the Juniors 51-54 kg. and Women’s 45-48 kg. divisions respectively.

John Rey Bendijo and Romnick Carbellido got the bronze medals in the Juniors 42-45 kg. and Seniors 48-51 events.

With these achievements, Dumaguete City Mayor Agustin Perdices promised to grant college scholarships to Melon, Sinco, Lingcong and Carbellido, who are out-of-school youths, at the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU).

The Dumaguete Muay Thai Team was trained by Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) Visayas Head and Junob National High School Civil Technology teacher Kru Ike Xavier S. Villaflores and coached by Dumaguete Muay Association President and Dumaguete City High School teacher Bernabe Bustillo.

The young Muay Thai boxers had to train 3 hours everyday and do roadwork to increase and maintain endurance. Their hard work paid off. Gold medallists Sinco and Melon as well as silver medallists Limbaga will again see action in the 2nd Philippine Olympic Festival (POF) national competition scheduled this November 2007.

The Dumaguete Muay Association sent Romnick Pabalate to join the Philippine National Muay Team last Year. Pabalate was crowned champion in the 45-48 kg. category during the 2005 Visayas Amateur Muay Thai Championships organized by the Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) in cooperation with the Larena LGU last April 28-29, 2005 in Larena, Siquijor.

Two young Muay Thai boxers of the Dumaguete Muay Association were crowned champions in their respective divisions during the 1st Philippine Olympic Festival Philippine Muay Thai League last June 24, 2006 at SM Manila, Manila.

MT. KANLAON LIONS SERIES OF CIVIC ACTIVITIES HELD by James U. Sy, Jr.

The Mt. Kanlaon Lions International District 301-B under President Silvino “Ben” Maguad did a series of community service projects last August 24-25, 2007 in the Municipality of Murcia , Negros Occidental.

On August 24, 2007, a feeding program, tree planting, and garbage distribtution were held at the Murcia East Elemetary School . Supporting the Friday event were Lions President Silvino Maguad, Ed Chua, Fred Desquitado, Nelson Duyungan, Rudy Maligmat, Marlyn Rios, Idelfonsa Guerrero, Alice Ong, Marites Maligmat, and Celia Ferrer, and Leos Ralph Guimera, Girlie Gabayoyo, DJ Gandionco Jr., and Genevieve Cordova.

On August 25, 2007, a medical mission was given to the residents of Brgy Minoyan in Murcia , Negros Occidental. The medical mission consisted of medical conultation, distribution of eyeglasses, blood typing and diabetes detection, free medicines, and deworming.

The medical mission was composed of Lions President Silvino “Ben” Maguad, Ed Chua, Bing Zayco, Nelson Duyungan, Fred Desquitado, Marlyn Rios, Mila Ong, and Alice Ong, Leos Girlie Gabayoyo, Genevieve Cordova, and DJ Gandionco Jr., Nurses James Allen U. Sy, Christine U. Sy, Mary may P. Chiu, and Mark E. Santiago, and Dr. Raymund Antonio A. Maguad (Murcia Medical Health Officer) and Dr. Francis Sayson (Obstetrician).

The medical mission was the second to be conducted by the Mt. Kanlaon Lions International District 301-B under the administration of President Maguad. The first one was held last July 21, 2007 at the VM Santiago Cock Farm, Brgy Sta Cruz, Murcia , Negros Occidental.

Lions International was started by Chicago businessman Melvin Jones on June 7, 1917 in Chicago , Illinois , USA which had the concept of extending local business clubs into community service for the betterment of their communities and the world. Lions work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world. Lions International was started in the Philippines in 1949. Lions Clubs International has grown to include 1.3 million men and women in approximately 45,000 clubs located in 200 countries and geographic areas.

SUMUGATS, PAMAYBAY WIN IN BTA TKD TILT by James U. Sy, Jr.

Phikoma Cadiz City Taekwondo Association medalists of during the 1st BTA Inter Club Taekwondo Invitational Tournament last September 16, 2007, 10:00 A.M., at the 2F Robinson’s Place Bacolod, Brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod City (from left): Fredzir D. Sumugat (silver), Jun Mar Pamaybay (gold), and Frenzet Meliz D. Sumugat (silver). FLORA MAE SUMUGAT/CMAS PHOTO
Siblings Frenzet Meliz D. Sumugat, 9, and Fredzir D. Sumugat, 7, and Jun Mar Pamaybay, 12, won medals in their respective categories during the 1st BTA Inter Club Taekwondo Invitational Tournament organized by the Bacolod Taekowndo Association (BTA) headed by Ricarte “Ric” Relon last September 16, 2007, 10:00 A.M., at the 2F Robinson’s Place Bacolod, Brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod City .

Fredzir D. Sumugat beat Mark Niel Mican of Silay City in the Elementary category but bowed to Lorenzo Salazar of Stingers TKD Club in his second fight and settle for the silver medal.

His elder sister, Frenzet Meliz D. Sumugat defeated Natasha Mantiling of Stingers TKD Club ( Bacolod City ) but fell short against Cristine de la Cruz of Manapla in her next bout. She took the silver medal in her category.

Junior Black Belt Jun Mar Pamaybay dominated Emmanuel Paelanga of the Bacolod TKD Club to snatch the gold in his category.

Frenzet Meliz D. Sumugat and Fredzir D. Sumugat are grades 4 and 2 pupils respectively at the Cadiz West 2 Elementary School. Their parents are Tapondo Black Belt Fred Sumugat and Flora Mae D. Sumugat of Cadiz City . The Sumugat little kickers began their Taekwondo training at the Phicoma Cadiz City Taekwondo Association, Inc. under Coaches Dexter Chavez Rodolfo Langoquit last July 22, 2006.

The event was the 12th tournament outing for Frenzet Meliz, garnering a total of 7 gold and 5 silver medals while Fredzir is now in his 6th tournament with a 1-4-1 medal harvest.

Pamaybay is a student of Dr. Vicente F. Gustilo Memorial National High School in Cadiz City . Since his entry into the Taekwondo tournament circuit, he had amassed a total of ten gold medals won in a row. Pamaybay is under the care of her grandmother, Linda Pamaybay, with the boy’s parents working in Manila .

The Phicoma Cadiz City Taekwondo Association, Inc. fielded 29 players in the event.