Tournament report: 10th Arnis Pasindo

Sometimes I shake my head and doubt that organizing a tournament is worth the effort because it’s crazy hard! But since Master Cris has the vision to bring Arnis in the Philippines to greater heights (like being included in the Asian games), his passion is rubbing off on all of us in his group.

On August 24, 2014, Sunday, at the Amphitheater of the Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City, Philipines, 142 athletes from fifteen teams competed in three events (Anyo, Combat Demonstration, and Full Contact Sparring). Supporters and also a lot of park-goers watched from morning to evening and that made us happy because that meant more people were exposed to Arnis.

Here are some photos so you can share in our joy 🙂

PRE-TOURNAMENT

The tournament was scheduled to start at 8:30AM but as early as 7AM, eager athletes started to arrive.

The earliest team was ARKADO ANTIPOLO. Their Barangay supported them by lending them two vehicles to bring them to the tournament.

KAMAO members are from three popular private schools: Ateneo, Claret, and St. Paul’s. They’re the team which bagged the overall title in the first International Thang-ta Championship in Chongju, Korea in 2013. Read article here.

Students from Concepcion Integrated High School. Some of them also won medals but what struck me most about this group is their courtesy and gratefulness. They smiled, greeted people, and said “thank you” many times. Look at those pleasant faces 🙂

Arnis Pasindo Kids.  11-year old Mark, 4th from left, eventually won the full sparring category in his age group.A sentimental photo of our old reliable public address system. We hope to upgrade soon.

Only a few of the officials are veterans, many are beginners. That’s not a problem, according to Master Cris. “Beginners can be trained. What’s important is that they agree with our goal of having clean and clear tournaments.”

The table committee, headed by the very-pregnant but still agile Dayang Rowena Nacario.

The OPENING CEREMONY was short and simple: National anthem, opening prayer, message from master Cris, oaths of sportsmanship.

ANYO COMPETITION  I admit that in previous tournaments, there were moments when I got a bit sleepy during the Anyo competition. But not anymore. In this 10th tournament, each team was allowed only two competitors per event so of course, they sent their best. It was really educational to watch because non-FMA moves were not allowed (e.g. wushu jumps, taekwondo kicks, majorette throws, etc.). It was just Arnis. Pure and terrific.

COMBAT DEMONSTRATION. This was an event introduced in this 10th tournament. The goal was to show the real-life applicability of Arnis moves. Only KAMAO fielded competitors but their demonstrations were so impressive that I heard several other athletes say that they’ll train to compete next tournament. Good!

The FULL CONTACT SPARRING COMPETITION was as usual, the crowd favorite.

We had policemen from Pulis Arnis Akademya and future sailors from the Asian Institute of Maritime studies.

We also had Koreans and they played hard. In the end, though they did not get any medal, they said they were happy to have competed. Such a courteous group.  

GRANDMASTERS AND MASTERS

One other benefit of tournaments is the opportunity to get together and talk.

From left: Master Cris Pasindo, GM Jerry dela Cruz, Master Richard Gialogo, Sr. Master Romeo Santos

 

From left, Master Richard Gialogo, GM Mario Taliedo, GM Samuel Bambit Dulay, Gm Jerry dela Cruz, GM Rodel Dagooc, GM Vic Sanchez

 

From left, Master Cris Pasindo. Master Ryan Gialogo, GM Jerry dela Cruz, Gm Vic Sanchez

CHAMPIONSHIPS

The crowd stayed to watch the heart-stopping finales.

The games finally ended at 7 PM.

AWARDING CEREMONY

First, the grandmasters gave inspirational talks.

Then the announcement of individual winners and then finally, the overall winners:

THIRD PLACE: KAMAO. Coaches Ryan Gialogo and Aloy Diaz.

SECOND PLACE: Pulis Arnis Akademya (PARAK). Coach Ruel Gatbonton

FIRST PLACE: Paclibar Bicol Kali. Coaches Raniel Lorenzo and Jonel dela Cruz

There, 10th tournament, done! It was a great day, playing a great game, and we all look forward to the next one.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Arnis!

Thank you for taking time to read The Deadly Dance.