‘Unity through diversity’

CEBU, Philippines - Senator Juan Miguel 'Migs' Zubiri has vowed to promote all styles and unite different arnis groups across the archipelago with the creation of the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF), which is now recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) as the official National Sports Association of this indigenous Filipino martial art.

"We believe in unity through diversity. Our organization is open to all styles. We don't assimilate into one style. Ang nindot ani, ang among rules sa organization are good for all the styles. Tanan grupo sa arnis maka-participate, mao nang nindot alang sa tanan," said Zubiri, PEKAF's founding president.

Zubiri was in town to grace the 1st PEKAF Invitational Tournament yesterday at the mountain wing atrium of SM Seaside City.

Over 200 aspiring stick-fighters from Abellana National School, City Central School, CMACI, Momoy Cañete-San Miguel Eskrima, Cacoy Doce Pares, World Eskrido Federation-San Fernando Chapter, Gothong Arnis, Cordero Martial Arts, Exceed Eskrima, Cobaco Martial Arts, KSDB, MCEC and USPF are taking part in the two-day joust that will wind up today.

"Bisan unsa pa imong style, ang importante nagkahiusa tang tanan to promote eskrima-kali-arnis not only nationally but also internationally," added the dashing lawmaker from Bukidnon.

Zubiri expressed that the divisiveness of the past organization must be changed, and that through unity the country's national sport will gain popularity up to the same level it enjoyed in foreign lands.

"What we want to do is to change the system, instead of favoritism," said Zubiri, who lamented the fact that arnis is far more popular in other countries that in its birthplace. "There were times when arnis groups before were disunited, disarranged. Lahi-lahi og grupo but after our first national convention, gi-unite nako ang majority. About 95 percent of all major arnis, kali and eskrima styles are now under one umbrella organization."

"If we are united and remain united in the near future, we will have arnis teams to represent the Philippines in the SEA Games, Asian Games and maybe in the next 10 to 15 years, in the Olympics," he added.

Zubiri is hoping that the inaugural PEKAF tournament in Cebu will pave way for many other tournaments in the Mindanao and Luzon.

"I'm proud that we have our first tournament here in Cebu. Not only that the best organized arnis groups in the country are here but also for the fact that our godfather of arnis, our first national hero Datu Lapu-Lapu is from Cebu," said Zubiri. "This is just the start of the many good things for arnis in the Philippines." said Zubiri.

Aside from being a selection process for Cebu's entries to the Batang Pinoy National Championships this September, the PEKAF tilt also serves as the first leg of a series of qualifying tournaments that will determine PHL's representatives to the 16th PEKAF Championships in Hawaii, United States in July 2018.

In a separate interview, Doce Pares Supreme Grandmaster Dionisio Cañete expressed gladness that they finally have the support of the national government, something they have been longing for quite a long time already.

"Finally, the government recognized us. I told Migs (Sen. Zubiri) that you are the only one who can unite this, not any other person," said SGM Cañete. "The previous NSA has no directors in Visayas and Mindanao, it's not fair. But now, everybody has voice in the national board. We have already four directors in Cebu and two in Mindanao. We have no money before to promote the sport but now with the government's support, we can invite all Asian countries to participate and come to the Philippines." (FREEMAN)