JKA memories

I witnessed the demonstration conducted by the Japan Karate Association (JKA) last Sunday at the Active Zone inside Ayala Center Cebu and could not help but feel a bit nostalgic.

While I have devoted more than half of my life to judo, my first formal training in martial arts was under JKA back in high school.

The main reason why I picked JKA is the fact that our neighbor, Shihan Oscar 'Oca' Obsioma, was one of the instructors. After several sessions at the Saint Alphonsus Seminary gym, I transferred to the Guadalupe Chapter that practiced at the Crystal Compound under Shihan Vic Luna.

I met Shihan Vic last Sunday as well as other members of the JKA, who came in full force for the demonstration.

I guess the main reason why I did not pursue my training was that I went there on my own and wasn't in the company of friends, which was also the reason why I pursued judo training relentlessly with my buddies in college.

Last Sunday's demonstration showed how far the JKA has gone from when it started back in the late 1960s when Shihan Masanori Takahashi introduced it to Cebu.

Aside from the children, who are often encouraged by adults to take up martial arts, is found it very interesting to see the parents, who are also serious students of karatedo.

It was a family affair last Sunday as even the grandparents were also there to watch the demonstration and give their all-out support.

What intrigued me though was seeing the daddies on the sidelines taking photos while their wives took part in the demonstration.

You have to be more careful now guys.

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The Pagcor-Mactan Branch Manager's Cup Golf Tournament last Saturday at the Mactan Island Golf Club was a huge success.

The organizers originally estimated a little over a hundred to join, but there were over 200, who actually took part.

Eric Livelo, the BM of Pagcor-Mactan, told me before the awarding that it was the third time that such a tournament was held, but the two previous ones were organized by previous BMs.

He said that with the success of the event last Saturday, he is inclined to hold the event again.

More than getting a chance to play golf, the participants of the tournament also had a chance to support the Lapu-Lapu and Cordova chapter of the Philippine National Red Cross, which was the event's beneficiary.

My only disappointment last Saturday was that I again missed the island green of hole number 15. As a consolation, none from my flight hit it including my mistah Dante Desuasido, who aced that hole a couple of years ago.

The MIGC course seems to be evolving each time I get to visit. Retired General Rodante Joya, who was there before I teed off last Saturday, told me that there were new things to discover as I haven't visited in months.

It was true and one of the things that I also discovered is that I can make use of my driver and not only have it in my bag as an accessory hehehe…

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Milestones: Belated birthday greetings to those who celebrated last Monday like Bernadette 'BJ' Jingco, former Provincial Board Member Weng Gakit, golfer Anthony Bejar, and my former student and now a teacher herself Laiza Grace 'Ace' Cavales.

The same goes to my classmate Raquel Duterte, who celebrated yesterday along with Aimee 'Mickoy' Antolihao and two guys who are now based in Australia coach Graeme MacKinnon and Lagmar Lavistre.

Today's greetings go to my very good friend Michael Go and to Fr. Ernesto Javier, S.J.

More power to all of you!