Thursday, July 31, 2008

2008 WEKAF Championship

2008 WEKAF Championship
By: Master Sonny Napial and Francis T.B. Serrano

Cebu City, Philippines. Filipino Martial Artist (FMA) from all over the world come to this tiny island, some to see the birthplace of Modern FMA such as the DOCE PARES Headquarters, Magellan’s Cross, and of course the famous statue of Lapu Lapu, the first mandirigma (Filipino warrior) to repel the foreign invaders. But today isn’t about learning more, today is about becoming more. To see if all the countless hours of training, the buckets of sweat and tears, and the sacrifices made by their families was all worth it. The ring is set; the time is now, time to be the champ.

Ayala Center Mall located in the heart of Cebu City, the site of this year’s WEKAF (World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation) Championship. Even though people are cordial you can feel the tension in the air. As each handshake, each hug is nothing more than a façade as they size up each opponent. For the veterans, they know to reveal just enough truth to keep the opponent guessing. While the rookies are in awe as they see the largest collection of Grandmasters and World Champions in one roof. You can see the panic in their eyes, as they look for a familiar face in a sea full strangers.

Having the event at the mall, hundreds if not thousands of on lookers as their curiosity compels them to stop and see what is going on. Unfortunately the local Filipino’s don’t have any idea what they were about to see, which is nothing more than the fast action battle as champions go head to head.

With nearly 30 countries participating, the favorite is Team Philippines. Sports psychologist know that having home court advantage can make the difference as it gives each fighter a sense of pride, and as they welcome teams from other nations in their eyes they convey this single message. “Not in my house.” But they face a very tough competition as Team USA brings the largest contingent of fighters as well as being the country that dominated the gold count from the last tournament.

The matches were intense but often controversy occurred before and after the match, starting with the selections of judges and referees and ending at times with individuals questioning the decisions of the judges. For every match, even though each fighter fought with intensity and heart there is always a winner and a loser and always fans, coaches and competitors who will be disappointed. At several times during the competition, the disappointment was very evident for Team Philippines and their many fans who took the loses to heart.

In the end, WEKAF leadership was always there to ensure the tournament got back on track.
After three and half days of competition the Gold count leader was the United States with over 44 golds as compared to the Philippines 35. But as the event start to calm down, each fighter leaves with fulfillment, disappointment, or wait till next time. As for me I cannot wait for 2010, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico the site for the next WEKAF championship.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Staying IN...


Staying IN…


So I decided to stay in today and reflect on what’s been going on the past few days. A lot of things have changed in so many ways. So here is the recap.

PJ Mansion:

I moved into this place called PJ mansion and my first night was a disaster from the word go. The place was noisy all night long. Even though the place was huge with four closets I am glad I moved to another room. Smaller, especially the closets (damn I sound like Carrie Bradshaw from Sex in the City. Damn if I just didn’t put an exclamation mark on my manhood.) but it’s quieter by like a factor of a million and I get better internet connection on the 6th floor.

But the week I moved out here the drama with the family began.

The Fam:

So for the past one and half months that I’ve been here, I was living with Royd’s house. All the while I thought he and I were good. But he was weaving this tale to his parents about how I treated him. Now I know I am not perfect, and especially since my way of thinking is different from his or anyone here in the Philippines for that matter. But I thought that as long as we communicate our differences then we should be able to work things out. But their lies the problem, they don’t communicate, Mannang Tess and Royd. I talked to them one on one, and in groups, as well as in front of Auntie Sol, and even she concurred that they should just talk to me about their feelings or misgivings about me. Yet they choose to not say anything directly to me and instead talk about me.

FMA:

So Joemar has been awesome, he’s been taking me to see different schools of FMA. Yesterday we went to this place called CAMP CRAME. It is the HQ for the Police, and hey had all these foreigners training different style of FMA. It was fun took a lot of pictures and met interesting people, and saw their styles. I also met some guys from Cacoy Doce Pares, which was cool, especially when they did some ESKRIDO techniques. That was awesome. Met this guy Albert and his instructor GM Bert or Mang Bert, he’s cool. Looking at him you would never guess he is an FMA Grand Master, but he does know what he’s talking about. Their style is more Largo based but he has great footwork. Most largo based system usually do.

Oh I met this one guy who teaches Modern Arnis, forgot his name. Well it was hot at the gym but they told me it was cool in the locker room. I went inside and this guy was there. The basic intrusive questions were asked, like how much I weigh, and how well do I get around. Then he said, “What about sex?” So not the locker room talk, especially with this old man. I didn’t know how to react, I answered honestly and when he asked what I was doing in the Philippines, I said I am here to become a minister. Then he goes, ALLELUIA!!! Didn’t see that one coming huh?

I also have a student as well. Her name is Jonna, she is the Manager of the building I am living in. She is taking 2 classes a week and she seems committed. And she picks up the stuff quickly. We first started with class once a week but she can handle more. I need to advertise myself more; I would get some curious inquiries but no bites yet. I know it will change soon but still. But I do have to find some place to work out. My room is just way too small especially if I get more students. I need to talk to someone at PCU or maybe the other schools around me. That’s it I have to make some new contacts in this building. I am sure they can help.

What’s next….