Eduardo L. Quibral Jr.
Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF) presented the National Battle of Champions was held last February 25-26, 2023 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, City of Manila.
Athletes, coaches, and representatives from the NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao together with the Philippine National Arnis Team took part in the program (PNAT) in the competition. Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, the current President of PEKAF, addressed the competitors and officials with inspirational speech. He emphasizes that gold medal winners would have the opportunity to represent our country and compete in Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2023.
Each athlete demonstrated their talent and skills in both traditional and non-traditional Anyo events. All spectators could feel the athletes and audience’s high level of excitement. The padded stick and livestick event are very competitive, while championship event was truly amazing.
Athletes from the Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, NCR, and Philippine National Arnis Team (PNAT) demonstrated their passion for Arnis. Winning the match and to claim the title in Battle of the Champion as well as to represent the Philippine Arnis Team is their goal. The Luzon team includes two members of Cabuyao City Arnis Team. July O. Arroyo earned two bronze medals in the Anyo non-traditional single Spada and Live Stick Competition. A bronze medal in the full-contact live stick competition went to Andrea B. Galang as well. Both athletes display self-determination and tenacity in their pursuit of victory.
On the first day of the competition, the Anyo event began and July O. Arroyo earned a bronze medal. PNAT athletes Don Lee Aliga and Crisamuel Delfin snatched gold and silver medals. While on the second day, the live stick and padded competitions were held. In the semifinal match between Ms. Leslie Avila of Mindanao against Ms. Andrea B. Galang. The judge’s ruling was in the favor for Mindanao delegation via small margin. Ms. Andrea Galang of Cabuyao City, Laguna received the bronze medal.
July O. Arroyo also competed in the 56 kg to 60 kg weight category in the live stick competition. He was faced against Mark Talledo of the Philippine National Team; the decision was unanimously in favor of the PNAT representative due to his skills and experience. Arroyo won the bronze medal.
The continues support of DepEd Cabuyao, academe sector, sports philanthropist and local government unit to the athletes and the creation of scientific sports developmental program in the grassroots level manage by sports council is highly requested.
(By: Eduardo L. Quibral Jr.//SocMob#4/2023)
