Sinulog arnis at Paseo

Cebu - Some of the country’s best stick-fighters will once again converge in the Queen City of the South to strut their wares in the 4th Sinulog Arnis Championships set on January 17 at Paseo – one of Cebu’s hottest entertainment hubs nestled in Panagdait, Mabolo.

World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) executive director Gerald Cañete said the one-day tilt serves as the kick-off leg of a series of qualifying tournament that will determine RP’s representatives to the 11th World Arnis Championships next year in Mexico.

“The other significance of this event is that it’s our first tournament of the year and is held in line with the Sinulog festivities. That is the reason why it is open to the public free of charge,” said Cañete during a press conference the other night at Cocina Ysabella restaurant in Paseo.

Close to 200 arnisadors all over the archipelago are set to compete in the WEKAF-sanctioned event that offers gold medals to the top individual performers.

Doce Pares International Supreme Grandmaster Dionisio “Dionnie” Cañete said there will also be special awards for the overall champion, best fight, and best fighter.

“My wish is for the Cebuanos to support the tournament in order to encourage more players to come out and participate because it’s part of the Sinulog celebration,” said Dionnie Cañete. “It’s also an opportunity for them to be part of the national team,” added the WEKAF president emeritus.

Tacurong of Sultan Kudarat is expected to field in the biggest number of delegation initially pegged at 40.

The rest of the out-of-town entries come from Zamboanga, General Santos City, Davao, Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental towns of Bayawan and Mabinay.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Army will also be sending their brightest eskrimadors.

“We’re really expecting a lot of entries because not all participants are from Cebu but also from Manila and Mindanao,” said Gerald Cañete.

The pre-Sinulog extravaganza is organized by Doce Pares International in partnership with Paseo through John Paul Chiongbian, Arthro of noted businessman-sportsman Jonathan “Atan” L. Guardo, and Brilliant Metal Craft (BMC) of Engr./Dr. Edward Dampur. - THE FREEMAN