Baguio to stage martial arts invitational

MANILA, Philippines - The Jun Labo Invitational Martial Arts Cup, also billed as the first NOFP (National Oriental Sports Foundation) University Challenge 2009, will be held Sept. 19 at the La Trinidad Municipal gym in Baguio with seven schools participating.

The tournament, organized by Events Professionals, is the first project of the tie-up between the NOFP, the country’s representative to the World Oriental Federation (WOF), and the Jun Labo Sports Foundation (JLSF). It aims to provide a new martial arts sport program for the youth of Baguio City and other Cordillera provinces.

Tess Cecille Asuncion, NOFP president and Jun Labo, JLSF president, made the announcement during the conclusion of a series of meetings between the two sports groups.

Benguet State University heads a stellar cast that includes St. Louis University, University of Baguio, Eastern Luzon Colleges, La Trinidad National High School, Tublay School of Home Economics and Industry and the Pines National High School-Dominican Mirador High School Annex.

Events on tap are the full-contact American kickboxing (pro and amateur), MMA submission grappling (pro), Oriental O-Sport (striking and Greco-Roman wrestling styles) and amateur boxing (juniors).Notes: Nonito Donaire, the WBA Interim world super-flyweight champion, yesterday remained confined at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Muntinlupa a day after he was brought in due to high fever. Initial blood tests showed signs of dengue. The boxer himself texted The STAR last night, saying that while “signs of dengue platelets have dropped, his temperature (at 40 degrees Thursday evening) is going up and down.” The reigning world champion said he’s still on IV (intravenous) and will remain confined at the hospital for another day. “Thanks for all your prayers but this fight is not over yet,” said Donaire, just weeks after he defeated Panama’s Rafael Concepcion in Las Vegas.