Noy Cacoy's latest book

Arnis Supreme Grandmaster Ciriaco ‘Noy Cacoy’ Cañete launched his book Eskrima-Arnis Techniques at the Cebu Parklane International Hotel last Tuesday.

I’ve known Noy Cacoy for a long time and have learned much from him on and off the mats and both inside and outside the dojo. Last Tuesday, I once again learned some more from the man, who is now running 90 years old (that’s this August), but is still very much active in propagating the indigenous Filipino martial art all over the world.

He spoke of perfection before he officially launched the book. But Noy Cacoy, though practicing arnis for almost 83 years, says that he is still working hard to reach such. Believe it or not, he still practices at least three times a week despite what he has already achieved as a practitioner of the martial art.

What does this teach us? One, it teaches us humility since Noy Cacoy hasn’t allowed all accolades and achievements to stop him from honing his skills. It also teaches us dedication and perseverance for obvious reasons.

More importantly, it teaches us discipline.

The book is Noy Cacoy’s fourth since he published his first one in 1988, the Doce Pares Basic Eskrima.

What urged him to write the succeeding books? It is no other than his quest to improve and become better at what he is doing.

Those who would like to buy the book can visit the headquarters of Cacoy Doce Pares Eskrima World Federation along C. Padilla St.

When I was actively competing in judo, Noy Cacoy never hesitated to give me pointers on my techniques even after bouts against his players.

He was also responsible for getting me into the United States Martial Arts Association as a life member along with my buddy Atty. Vicente Fernandez II, the president of the Cebu Chapter of the Philippine Amateur Judo Association.

Noy Cacoy has definitely touched many lives not only here at home, but also in many other countries around the world.

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Manny Pacquiao did it again. While his hero status has remained unquestioned Pacquiao obviously tried to get a better deal when in fact he was still bound by law to another contract.

This is about his deal with Solar Sports and GMA-7 and his decision to sign a deal with ABS-CBN because of the consideration that the network has a higher rating in the area where he plans to seek the congressional seat in 2010.

At the rate Pacquiao is going, he is digging a hole that would someday be too deep for him to get out of.

What I think is worse is that it seems that some people around him are also helping dig that hole for the sporting hero.

Pacquiao is already a legend no matter what happens to fight against Hatton or his plans to seek public office once again. The best that the people around him can do for him is to give him the right counsel.

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MILESTONES: I’d like to congratulate my little sweetheart – my daughter Nina Andrea, who will graduate from kindergarten tomorrow from St. Cecilia’s College in Minglanilla.

Advanced birthday greetings go to my cousin Harlie Kenn A. Quiñones, who turns a year older tomorrow.

Happy birthday to my golf, buddy and partner, Wellington G. Lim, who turns a year older today. More power! –THE FREEMAN