Thursday, November 20, 2008

talok practice



Video clips of our (OFT) core group practice session with headmaster GM Bebing Lobrido at his rice farm. It is located at purok langka, bgy. taloc, bago city. negros occidental.



Aside from the long stick that we used during practice, there is also a short stick which is being used during exhibition and demonstration. it is based on the long stick accroding to the headmaster GM Bebing Lobrido.



new linyadas were being practiced during our visit to the headmasters' residence.




Aside from treating us to the smell of burning coffee sticks due to its impact during practice, lunch was also served to us, as part of our relaxation in between practice.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Facts about OFT by Ka69er

Pilgrim, who wrote the crtitic "Bad Write Up or Simply Incompetent Writting" could have been referring to himself when writing the title of his piece. He copied from our blog, without our express permission, the article "Appropriation of Original Filipino Tapado" by Ka69er and pasted it on his blog "FMA Circle of Negros Island" but with the WRONG TITLE derived from a write up by a different author, "Original Tapado Inheritor/Headmaster Turns 58" by: James U. Sy Jr. That indeed is Incompetent Writing, as least for Pilgrim.

Pilgrim claimed to have the facts. But let's dissect his concerns point by point.

1. He stressed that GM Vasquez was a direct student of the Founder. Of course, this is not disputed. It is a fact. However, to say that he didn't had sessions with the trusted relatives of GM Mamar is another thing. We wish to invite Pilgrim to go to Taloc and go ask the old timers and he will get the real facts. We presume that Pilgrim haven't gone to Taloc and had not talked with the locals who know the ins and outs of Tapado. If Pilgrim doesn't go to Taloc, it would just show how he had closed his mind to the facts.

2. If Pilgrim was talking about the authorization that appeared in the book Fundamentals of Tapado, the authorization stated that GM Vasquez was given the authority "to spread Tapado around the world." It didn't state anything about inheriting the art. But then we know GM Vasquez has his own path, that is to develop and further evolve his Modified Tapado. It has been said before that Original and Modified are different. In fact you stressed the same thing, emphasizing the modifications.

3. Pilgrim seems to be thinking that the Original Filipino Tapado founded by GM Mamar and now taught by his nephew GM Lobrido are two different arts. We can not understand where Pilgrim got this idea or why he thinks this way. Right from the early days, the Founder called his system Original Filipino Tapado and was continued to be so called because his nephew propagates it as the Founder had founded, developed, and taught it.

(the banner at the background of the Picture reads Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Ass'n Member Naraphil, Ilaya Taloc, Bago City Negros Occidental)

(the same banner at the background while GM Nono and Master Chief Instructor Bebing Lobrido is demonstrating the art to Ron Harris)

(The same banner is seen in this picture at the background wherein GM Nono Mamar was explaining to Mr. Ron Harris the details of becoming a member)
If Pilgrim is not aware, the Tapado group under the late Founder was called Original Filipino Tapado Long Stickfighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc., founded in 1984, and yes, Pilgrim was correct, only registered with the SEC in 2005. But being registered only in 2005 doesn't mean that the association or the art Original Filipino Tapado did not exist prior to that. By his own admission, Pilgrim said that Gm Mamar founded his system in 1960.

We might have just misunderstood Pilgrim's point but his writting seems to suggest that he is confused with his facts.

4. Pilgrim emphasized that GM Vasquez made modifications to the Original Filipino Tapado of GM Mamar and called it Modified Tapado. That in itself is not contested. It is an accepted fact. GM Vasquez is a man of skill, ability, and integrity. It is his own contribution to the martial arts community. Nobody is taking away credit from a great man. In fact, GM Mamar promoted him to Master in Original Filipino Tapado in 1986 when he had become an expert in the art.

However, please do understand this Pilgrim. GM Lobrido, the only designated Chief Instructor of GM Mamar's art when the Founder was still alive, still has the right to continue the legacy of his late uncle, after having been designated as his official successor recognized by the Mamar and Lobrido Clans as well as the Tapado community. No one can get that right from GM Lobrido.

(in this authority to teach given to Mr. Ron Harris, the Letterhead reads Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Ass'n and the chief instructor was GM Bebing Lobrido)
5. As with regards GM Mamar giving his blessings to the publication of GM Vasquez' Fundamentals of Tapado, it is not disputed. It is a fact, a fact which have not be questioned in the write up you had copied from our blog and pasted in your blog without our express permission.

6. BTW Pilgrim, Fundamentals of Tapado was published in 2005, after the founder died, as opposed to what you have written that it was in 2003. We would surmise it was simply a slip of memory on your part or simply incompetent writting.

7. Pilgrim was correct when he said that GM Vasquez was the president of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA). In fact, he was the first. His successors were Benito Lopez Jr., GM Mamar, and GM Lobrido, the current president.

8.. Which brings us to the next point. GM Vasquez was the president while the Chief Instructor was GM Lobrido, even way back when the association was not yet in existence or when Tapado was not yet taught in Bacolod. Administrative and technical positions are not the same Pilgrim.

9. Original Filipino Tapado is not questioning the existence of Modified Tapado. Why then do you question the existence of Original Filipino Tapado, Pilgrim?

All the stated facts in Ka69ers' can be easily be backed by testimonies and deocuments and records kept by the association. What was published were not mere friction but grounded in reality. If you have problems with it, you are always welcome to give proof that will invalidate the facts stated in the article in question.

(list of active members at the time when the association is very active)

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

MONTOYO PROMOTED TO ORIGINAL TAPADO GM By: James U. Sy Jr.

Master Elmer V. Montoyo, Founder/President of the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc., was promoted to Grandmaster in Original Filipino Tapado by the 1st Generation Inheritor (Tig-subli) Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido last June 28, 2008 at the Lobrido Rsidence, Prk. Langka, Bgry. Taloc, Bago City .

The promotion was awarded in a simple ceremony during GM Lobrido’s 58th birthday celebration, which was attended by the Mamar and Lobrido Clans, relatives, friends, and members of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc.

The celebration also marked GM Lobrido’s 48th year of studying and teaching Original Filipino Tapado, an indigenous long stick fighting art founded by his late uncle Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar in 1960 in Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City after studying Lagas, Oido, Layaw, and Sinamak from 4 different Arnis grandmasters.

The name Tapado derives from the Hiligaynon term Tapat, which in turn comes from Tapos “finish, end.” Contracting Tapat with the Hiligaynon suffix do, one gets a descriptive term for the degree or gravity of being finished or put to an end. Thus, Tapado is an art designed to finish a conflict the soonest.

GM Montoyo has a total of 51 years combined martial arts experience, starting off with Western Boxing under the late Coach Col. Porferio “Peryong” Arcobellas in 1957 at the Bacolod City Diamond Gloves. Montoyo started learning Shotokan Karate in 1960 at the famed White Kimono Karate Club under Levi Sembrano (3rd Class Brown Belt), then Jerry Gonzales (1st Class Brown Belt), followed by George A. Gargalicano Sensei (2nd Dan Black Belt), and finally Master Casimiro “Chingi” A. Grandeza, Founder/Chief Instructor of the White Kimono Karate-do Club, in 1963.

Montoyo was promoted to honorary Black Belt and 1st Dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate in 1964 and 1966 respectively by Master Grandeza, the latter being under the sanction of the Visayas Budokyokai and the certification signed by All Japan Karate Federation (AJKF) Chief Instructor Koichi Kondo Sensei, AJKF President Kainosuke Watanabe Sensei, and WKKC Chief Instructor Casimiro A. Grandeza Sensei.

He earned his 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Dan Black Belts in Tang Soo Do from GM Grandeza in 1969, 1972, and 1994 respectively under the sanction of the Philippine Moo Duk Kwan Inc. Korea Tang Soo Do Association (PMDKI-KTSDA). He was awarded his 6th da Dan Black Belt by Master Eric Breuer, 7th Dan Black Belt, under the sanction of Universal Martial Arts (USA).

He learned Kung Fu Karate Chinese Atado under Grandmaster Leong Fu, Hung Gar Kung Fu under Grandmaster Yao Hing Pui of Hong Kong, and Tai Chi Chuan under International Master Lee Fong Jong (Li Jun Feng), former National Wushu Coach of the People’s Republic of China .

Montoyo started his studies of Original Filipino Tapado under its Founder the late GM Mamar and his nephew Chief Instructor Master Lobrido in 1986 in Taloc, Bago City . He was awarded his Senior instructorship on December 20, 1998, his mastership on April 23, 2006, and his grandmastership on June 28, 2008, a total of 22 years continued practice and loyalty to Original Filipino Tapado. GM Montoyo earned the distinction as the first and only to be promoted to grandmaster in Original Filipino Tapado outside the Mamar and Lobrido Clans. Previously, the highest rank awarded in the art was master, which was bestowed to only 7 people.

GM Montoyo is also the President of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), Philippine Representative of Rossi Kuntao International, Board Director of the OFTLSFA, Inc., Chairman of the Muay Thai Association of the Philippines-Negros Occidental Chapter, and Consultant of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc.

He previously served as Chief Instructor and National Forms Consultant of PMDKI-KTSDA, Negros Occidental Coordinator of the Philippine Pencak Silat Association (Philsilat)-Negros Occidental Chapter, and VP-Central Negros of the Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP) -Negros Occidental Chapter.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

ORIGINAL TAPADO INHERITOR/HEADMASTER TURNS 58 By: James U. Sy Jr.

Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, the 1st Generation Inheritor (Tig-subli) of Original Filipino Tapado, celebrated his 58th birthday last June 28, 2008 in conjunction with the 2nd birthday of his first grandson, Vince Russell Lobrido (June 26, 2008), at the Lobrido Rsidence, Prk. Langka, Bgry. Taloc, Bago City.

The Mamar and Lobrido Clans, relatives, friends, and members of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. attended the celebration.

The celebration also marked GM Lobrido’s 48th year of studying and teaching Original Filipino Tapado, an indigenous long stick fighting art founded by his late uncle Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar in 1960 in Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City after studying Lagas, Oido, Layaw, and Sinamak from 4 different Arnis grandmasters. Tapado derives from the Hiligaynon term Tapat, which in turn comes from Tapos “finish, end.” Contracting Tapat with the suffix do, one gets a descriptive term for the degree or gravity of being finished or put to an end. Thus, Tapado is an art designed to finish a conflict the soonest.

Lobrido was among those very first to study the art directly from the Founder, in 1960, when he was just 10. By his early teens, he was assisting his uncle in teaching students. During those times, Arnis professors had to prove their worth by personal combat and Original Filipino Tapado was not exempted. GM Mamar braved many challengers, highly skilled in their own rights, to establish his new style as a viable system. These challenge matches then were unprotected, full contact skirmishes with the only rule being one submits when he can no longer continue. GM Lobrido had, in many instances, fought in behalf of GM Mamar.

GM Mamar had designated Lobrido the Chief Instructor of his art when it was introduced and taught publicly in 1984, the same year the official governing body for the art the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA) was founded. As Chief Instructor, Master Lobrido was second only to GM Mamar.

In 1986, GM Mamar publicly promoted his nephew to Master in Original Filipino Tapado after practicing and teaching the art for 26 yars at the West Negros College, Bacolod City. Master Lobrido did much of the teaching for GM Mamar and he is the Tapado teacher of the most prominent experts of Arnis, Karate, Kickboxing, Tang Soo Do, etc. in Negros Occidental.

The Mamar Clan formally turned over the headmastership of Original Filipino Tapado to GM Lobrido, during a simple ceremony at the funeral rites of the late Founder in February 2005 (see turnover pictures at http://oftlsfai.blogspot.com).

GM Lobrido serves as the 4th president of OFTLSFAI, having served since 2005 up to the present. GM Mamar was the 3rd president, serving from 1989 to 2005. It was under gM Lobrido’s administration that the association was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Under his admnistration, GM Lobrido had promoted 1 grandmaster, 3 Masters, 13 Senior Instructors, and 3 Junior Instructors in Original Filipino Tapado. Elmer V. Montoyo, Founder/President of the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc., is the first to be promoted to Grandmaster in Original Filipino Tapado outside of the Mamar and Lobrido Clans. OFTLSFAI recognized are Jose “Joe” Pamilangco of Bago, Nelson G. Carmona of Bacolod, and Clodualdo “Budoy” M. Lobrido of Bago, each one having decades of experience.

Recognized Senior Instructors are Narciso "Hansy" L. Alojado, Wilson Cejas, Joeffrey S. Deriada, Rufino Fernandez, Pastor Romeo N. Gumban, Dr. Raymund Antonio A. Maguad of Murcia, Jinny J. Mamar, Romeo “Tokong” Mamar Jr., John “Jun-Jun” Maravilla, Dr. Rey Mollenido of Iloilo, Dr. Jason Rojas of Texas, Rolito A. Ruelan, and James U. Sy Jr. Junior Instructors are Jake A. Bugna, Lafayette A. Diamante, and Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon.

GM Lobrido had been featured in the pages of Rapid Journal, the Philippines’ one and only and longest running martial arts magazine, several times. GM Lobrido is married to Rosenda “Rose” Lobrido and is blessed with 3 daughters - Rhoda, Rose Ann, and Rubie.

For more info on Original Filipino Tapado, check http://oftlsfai.blogspot.com and http://visayanfilipinomartialarts.blogspot.com. Interested parties may contact GM Lobrido thru Alojado at 0928-7195141 or GM Montoyo at the Bacolod YMCA (5:00-7:00 P.M. TTHF, 9:00-11:00 A.M. Sat.).

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Appropriation of Original Filipino Tapado By Ka69er

(Note: This article is posted with permission from the author)

Ever since we posted pictures and video clips in www.youtube.com, there were many questions being addressed to us. Questions like just curious, is Tapado part of Kali or is it a completely different art? Is it used with a kampilan too?”
“Hi. I was wondering where your style of Tapado came from and whether there is any relationship to Guro Mike Vasquez' "Modified Tapado?"
”It would appear that your style is an original style and Guro Vazquez' is an interpretation.
.(Steve Lamade, Instructor, San Miguel Eskrima Association Apr 09, 2007, 09:51 AM)

Then having read this comments and questions, I would like to make a history of Original Filipino Tapado. But in answering this questions, maybe I could touch on the historical background of the Original Filipino Tapado.

The last question was in 3 parts. First, the one asking wants to know where my Tapado came from. Second, he asks whether there is any relationship to Guro Mike Vasquez’ Modified Tapado and lastly it is a form of a statement that it appears that my style of Tapado is an original style and Guro Vasquez’ is an interpretation.

To answer the first question, I will give credit where credit is due. My Tapado comes from the Mamar and Lobrido Clan. It was handed down by the late Founder Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” Carmona Mamar to his nephew Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” Mamar Lobrido.

Original Filipino Tapado was born in the rice fields of Bgy. Taloc, Bago City , which is about 15 kms from the capital city of Bacolod , Negros Occidental. Original Filipino Tapado was fully developed into a different system in the small Brgy of Taloc.

It was first a family art. It only went public after it was fully developed in 1960. From then on, since no one can defeat GM Nono Mamar in friendly matches and not-so-friendly ones, many people outside Taloc got interested and curious about the newfound art of long stick fighting of GM Nono Mamar.

GM Nono developed his art with the help of his brother-in-law, Florentino Lobrido, the father of the current 1st Generation Inheritor, GM Bebing Lobrido. The duo, together with one of their cousins, developed what was raw, unpolished Tapado at first. Later on, also with the help of his wife and his nephew, GM Nono Mamar refined it into a different system of a two handed long stick fighting art.

But before this development into a new system, GM Nono was also a master in Arnis, specifically in the styles of Oido, Lagas, Sinamak, and Layaw from local masters. During the development of Tapado, he would practice it with his brother, his wife, and with his nephew, GM Bebing Lobrido.

Throughout the years of development it was only his nephew who sticked with him that is why he made his nephew his style’s Chief Instructor during the 1960’s up until the first Association was founded up to his untimely demise in 2005. It was the exploits of GM Nono that reached martial artists from Bacolod and neighboring towns that made him branch out outside his family.

It was in the 1980’s, more than 20 years after Original Filipino Tapado was perfected, that GM Nono Mamar, together with his nephew, introduced it to people outside of Taloc. Masters from Bacolod would flock to Taloc just to learn this unique art. People like the late Rene Cornel, the Gonzalez brothers of Central Philippines Combat Karate and also Mike Vasquez of the Vasquez Martial Arts Center. They would travel through a rough road just to reach Bgy. Taloc.

It was in 1984 that the association was founded by these people. These people have at one time or another were under the instructorship of both the Founder and his Chief Instructor, then Master Bebing Lobrido.

To answer the second question, Guro Mike Vasquez was once a student of GM Nono Mamar and one time or another was under the instructorship of the Chief Instructor GM Bebing Lobrido under the supervision of GM Nono. Aside from the regular practice in their dojo, Guro Mike Vasquez sought private tutorship with the Founder. In fact, according to reliable sources, it was GM Bebing Lobrido who fed for Guro Mike during demonstration and practices.

As to my acquaintance with Tapado, I was first introduced to Guro Mike’s Modified Tapado by a common friend and also a Junior Instructor of Original Filipino Tapado. At first I learned the basics from Guro Mike. As a seeker of truth, I was not just satisfied with what was modified but sought the original that is why I went to GM Bebing. When GM Nono was semi retired, Modified Tapado gained prominence. Lastly, GM Bebing was a Tapado practitioner since 1960 when he was just 10 and was already the Chief Instructor of the art when people from Bacolod (this includes Gonzalez Brothers, Rene Cornel, Elmer V/. Montoryo of Filipino Tang Soo Do, George Gargalicano, etc.) came to Taloc during the mid-1980’s in particular during 1984.

It was only in the mid 1980’s when they learned the basics of Tapado while GM Bebing was the one feeding for their strikes. Later on, Master Joe Pamilangko also of Taloc took over the task of GM Bebing as Chief Instructor when GM Bebing went to Manila to look for a job as a seaman (he was the first seaman in their purok to pursue his career in Manila. GM Bebing was a certified seaman after undergoing a 6 months study.But he was unfortunate and never landed a job as a seaman in Manila that he went back to Taloc). Meanwhile, these Bacolod enthusiasts would go to Master Nelson Carmona to practice in Bacolod at the back of the State Theater..

To answer the last question, it is a subjective one. If one looks at it as just an interpretation so be it. But it is clear that he was once under the Masters of Taloc. The basis of the strikes of Modified Tapado were from Original Filipino Tapado, no more no less. In ilonggo “waay kinalis.” After the Founder died, Guro Mike came out with the book Fundamentals of Tapado, which presents his Modified Tapado, retaining the original strikes of Original Tapado with some changes.

For the question of “Is Tapado part of Kali?,” the answer is no. By the mere fact that we do not call the Negrense Filipino Martial Arts or for that matter the Filipino Martial Arts as a whole Kali. It is a foreign word to the Negros Arnisadores. In fact, in one of the meetings of the Association, GM Nono would not approve of being affiliated to the Kali of Leo Gaje. So until now the Arnisadores and Escrimadores and Bastoneros here do not recognize Kali. It has no legitimate history. It is a word coined by the Fil-ams in America and tried to impose it on the locals. If the question is, is it a part of Arnis, then the answer is yes. GM Nono developed it from what he learned from the local masters of Arnis/Escrima/Baston.

This is also in response to those who are spreading the lies that the Original Filipino Tapado is no more because the Founder is already dead. This is to challenge those who are spreading the lies to go to Taloc and try to read the local news that the Original Tapado is alive and very busy in propagating the art. Maybe those who are spreading the lies do not know where Taloc is. One can not go to Bago City without passing Taloc. It is the first barangay that one encounters when one goes to Bago from Bacolod .

I Hope this will open the eyes and ears of those who are trying to be blind and deaf to the truth. Original Tapado is and will be alive so long as GM Lobrido and his to-be-designated successor are alive. The goal of the association is to keep the art alive and functional and not necessarily to mass introduce it. Those who are interested will find it wherever it is, just like I did and many others before and after me.

(This is the recent statement of Romeo "Tokong" Mamar, Jr., the son of the Late GM Romeo"Nono" Mamar during the birthday celebration of the 1st Generation Inheritor GM Benefredo "Bebing" Mamar Lobrido)

Saturday, May 31, 2008

GM Benefredo Bebing Lobrido, 1st Generation Inheritor of Original Filipino Tapado

“ The grandmaster is very generous of his knowledge.We can see that he is not that big. His knowledge of the stick is made to overcome larger opponents. I am a lot taller than GM (Benefredo) bebing (Lobrido), I thought that after learning the basics and increasing my strength I can overpower him but his technique and his "resto" still prevails.He can teach one to overcome a larger opponent.”(Raymund Antonio Maguad, MD , Health Officer of the Municipality of Murcia)



Dr. Raymund Maguad,MD (white shirt with sleeve)and GM Bebing Lobrido (white sleeveless shirt) GM Bebing is giving Dr. Maguad some tips on the higher linyada of Original Filipino Tapado.)

Thursday, April 24, 2008

THE SPECTRUM FEATURES ORIGINAL TAPADO By: James U. Sy Jr.


The Spectrum, the official publication of the University of St. La Salle (USLS), made history anew when it presented its first ever Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) feature in its Vol. 51 No. 17 March 2008 edition. The article was entitled "Tapado, A Negrense Breed of Martial Art" and was penned by Spectrum Magazine Editor Janela Joy R. Libo-on based on interviews and literature provided by Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado of the Center for La Sallian Ministries (CELAM) and Cheeque Florence M. Lobrido of BN4B.

Libo-on, who once served as a volunteer at CELAM, became curious of the long coffee sticks that Alojado brought to practice every now and then, Alojadoi gave her a backgrounder of the art and referred her to the various blogs and websites maintained by the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. headed by Alojado and James U. Sy Jr. for more info as well as numerous video clips at You Tube (youtube.com and search for “ka69er Tapado”) and some write ups by Alojado in Rapid Journal (see www.rapidjournal.com) and FMA Digest (www.fmadigest.com).

Some of the blogs, websites, and newsgroups maintained by CMAS include
CMAS-USLS Newsgroup, FMA Circle of Negros Island (fmacircle.ph.tc), Hanz Conceptual Martial Arts (http://cmas-bo.blogspot.com), IFFMAS Filipino Martial Arts Blog (http://iffmas.blogspot.com), Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. (http://oftlsfai.blogspot.com), Original Filipino Tapado Newsgroup, Visayan Filipino Martial Arts (http://visayanfilipinomartialarts.blogspot.com), Original Filipino Tapado Website (http://www.geocities.com/hans00228/main.html), and Western Visayas Martial Arts (http://westernvisayasmartialarts.blogspot.com).

After knowing the rich heritage and witnessing the effectivity and power of Original Filipino Tapado, Libo-on decided to write about it so that the new generation will know that Ilonggos have their own indigenous long stick fighting art at par with, if not better than, Kendo of Japan, Bojutsu of Okinawa, the long staff of china, and Krabi Krabong of Thailand.

The article explains the etymology of the name tapado and its essebce and gives a summative history of how the late Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar founded
Original Filipino Tapado in 1960 in Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City and passed on the art to his nephew 1st Generation Inheritor Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido. The write up includes 5 full color pictures and 22 illustrations of its techniques.






"Tapado, A Negrense Breed of Martial Art" by Janela Joy R. Libo-on is the first article on Tapado to be published in a school paper in the world. The first piece on Tapado to printed on a national level periodical in the Philippines was “Tapado: The art of the Big Sticks” by Dr. Ned R. Nepangue of Cebu in Rapid Journal Vol. 4 No. 4. The first series of write ups on Tapado was penned by Alojado for Rapid Journal (Vol. 10 No. 4, Vol. 11 Nos. 1, 2, & 4, and Vol. 12 No. 1 & 2).

The first article on Tapado to be published in the world was “The art of tapado” by university professor Dr. Ronald A. Harris of the USA for Inside Kung Fu in 1989. Dr. Harris was the first American certified and authorized to teach this art.

The Vol. 1 No. 17 edition of The Spectrum is a state of the art full color issue comparable to renowned magazines such as cosmopolitan, Entrepreneur, and FHM among others. It is printed on glossy paper and is 118-pages thick. The Spectrum was founded in 1956 as a tabloid, printed on white paper which was the standard during that time. Through the years it had evolved to reflect the changing times.

This school year’s The Spectrum staff are Manuel Jeffrey O. Sistoso (Editor-in-Chief), Arjay O. Solitario (Managing Editor), Janela Joy R. Libo-on (Magazine Editor), Neslie Faith V. Sianson (Asst. Magazine Editor), Andrea V. Derecho, Marcelina V. Yandall, and Celine A. Chua (Magazine Writers), Aries D. Cariño (Newspaper Editor), Allan Gabriel M. Iñogo (Asst. Newspaper Editor), Arthur Jason Javellana, Kathreen Joyce Tubid, John Alexander M. Cuyosa, Epi M. Kassandra A. Dajao, and Randalf T. Aranza (Newspaper Writers), Jaime F. Bentinganan (Literary Editor), Rigil Kent B. Ariola (Layout and Graphics Editor), Timothy A. Escopete (Asst. Layout and Graphics Editor), Jumpee P. Tipon and Mark Romulo Tumbagahan (Layout Artists), Hector Gregory A. Benedicto, Krazelle M. Escarilla, and Paolo Adonis B. Tio (Photojournalists), Patrick V. Ellaga and Jobeele G. Vallega (Illustrators), Regi Joseph B. Arguelles, Mervin G. Vera, and Charmae S. Labao (Editorial Assts.), and Hannah Papason-Mariveles (Moderator).

Friday, March 21, 2008

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

ORIGINAL TAPADO REUNION : A Message from the Mamar Clan

During the reunion the Original Filipino Tapado last February 24, 2008, Sr. Instructor Jinny Mamar delivered a message for the guests and members from the Mamar Clan. Jinny Mamar is the son of Patrocinio Mamar, the brother of the founder GM Romeo Nono Mamar. He is the first cousin of the 1st Generation inheritor, GM Bebing Mamar Lobrido.

ORIGINAL TAPADO REUNION Part 2: The New Generation By: James U. Sy Jr.

Not less than 40 members of the Mamar and Lobrido Clans, association officers and members, old and new masters, instructors, and practitioners of the art, and special guests from Bacolod, Bago, Cadiz, Hinigaran, and Iloilo converged at the Lobrido Residence, Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City last February 24, 2008 for the 2008 Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. General Reunion.

Special guests Grandmaster Jose Mancesa and Ramon Torres National High School teacher Wilson A. Alvarado of the Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA), OFTLSFA old timers Masters Jose “Joe” A. Pamilangco and Elmer V. Montoyo, Board Director/Senior Instructor Jinny Mamar, and OFTLSFA New Generation Pastor Romeo N. Gumban gave their respective messages to the body.

1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, assisted by Masters Jose “Joe” A. Pamilangco and Elmer V. Montoyo, VP John “Jun-Jun” Maravilla, and Board Director/Senior Instructor Jinny Mamar, awarded rank promotions to Junior Instructor in Original Filipino Tapado to Jake A. Bugna of Tapondo International Federation Inc.-Bacolod and Lafayette A. Diamante and Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc.

With the promotion, Tacsagon earned the distinction as the first woman in the world to be so certified as an instructor in Tapado. Last year, Dr. Raymund Antonio A. Maguad, also of CMAS, earned the distinction as the first medical doctor in the world to be certified as an instructor in Tapado.

Since 2005, when GM Lobrido was designated as the 1st Generation Inheritor of the late Founder Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar by the Mamar Clan, only 4 Masters, 13 Senior Instructors, and 3 Junior Instructors were certified to teach Original Filipino Tapado.

Recognized Masters by OFTLSFA are Jose “Joe” Pamilangco, Nelson G. Carmona, Clodualdo “Budoy” M. Lobrido, and Elmer V. Montoyo, each one having decades of experience before becoming masters.

Recognized Senior Instructors are Narciso "Hansy" L. Alojado, Joeffrey S. Deriada, Wilson Cejas, Rufino Fernandez, Pastor Romeo N. Gumban, Dr. Raymund Antonio A. Maguad, Jinny J. Mamar, Romeo “Tokong” Mamar Jr., John “Jun-Jun” Maravilla, Dr. Rey Mollenido, Dr. Jason Rojas, Rolito A. Ruelan, and James U. Sy Jr.

The last part of the reunion was the exhibition of various forms of the martial arts from the allied groups of Original Filipino Tapado. Members of the Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA) of Grandmaster Jose Mancesa showed the whipping techniques and different methodos of the Alasabate Sciencia style of Arnis.

Host Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. was led by 1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido in demonstrating the basics, advanced direct hitting, and short stick techniques of Original Filipino Tapado. Assisting GM lobrido were SI John “Jun-Jun” Maravilla, James U. Sy Jr., and Joeffrey S. Deriada, and JI Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon.

Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. of Founder/Master Elmer V. Montoyo was represented by twin sisters Joan and Jenny Moran with a sinawali babaw-dalum 2-man flow form and Pastor Romeo N. Gumban showing various throwing and locking techniques from Antiqueño Dumog.

Tapondo International Federation Inc.-Negros of Negros Island Chief Instructor Roy R. Flores Sr. was represented by Tapondo black belts Jake A. Bugna and Fred Sumugat with a demonstration of various techniques against hold up situations.

Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. and Chapter Head Lafayette A. Diamante presented various knife defense and disarming methods from Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis and Togle Style Modern Arnis.

ORIGINAL TAPADO REUNION Part I: The Gathering By: James U. Sy Jr.

Not less than 40 members of the Mamar and Lobrido Clans, association officers and members, old and new masters, instructors, and practitioners of the art, and special guests from Bacolod, Bago, Cadiz, Hinigaran, and Iloilo converged at the Lobrido Residence, Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City last February 24, 2008 for the 2008 Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. General Reunion.

The Reunion, the third to be held under the leadership of Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, was officially started with a pilgrimage to the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Brgy. Pta. Taytay, Bacolod City , where the late Founder of Original Filipino Tapado, Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar, was laid to rest. The group offered flowers and prayers for the deceased.

The late Founder/Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar founded the indigenous long stick fighting art Original Filipino Tapado in 1960 in Brgy. Taloc, Bago City after studying Lagas, Oido, Layaw, and Sinamak from 4 grandmasters.

Tapado derives from the Hiligaynon term Tapat, which in turn comes from Tapos “Finish, End.” Contracting Tapat with the suffix do, one gets a descriptive term for the degree or gravity of being finished or put to an end. Thus, Tapado is an art designed to finish a conflict the soonest.

Lunch followed at the Lobrido Residence. The reunion proper began with a prayer by Pastor Romeo N. Gumban. Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, the late Founder’s nephew and the 1st Generation Inheritor of his long stick fighting art, welcomed and thanked all who were in attendance for continuously supporting and upholding the tradition and ideals of Original Filipino Tapado.

The art of Original Filipino Tapado was founded way before its official governing body, the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. (SEC registration No. CN200530787), was established in 1984, when the art was taught to the public. Prior to that, Original Filipino Tapado was only practiced among family members of the Mamar and Lobrido Clans.

“Bebing” Lobrido (B: 1950) was among those very first to study the art directly from the Founder, in 1960, when he was just 10 years old. From then on he became the assistant of his uncle and ultimately, the Chief Instructor of all Tapado practitioners, second only to GM Mamar. He had fought a number of challenge matches in defense of the reputation of Original Filipino Tapado in place of his uncle. GM Lobrido has a total of 48 years of experience in Original Filipino Tapado. Many renowned martial artists, both in Arnis and empty handed arts, can trace their OFT knowledge from GM Lobrido.

The Mamar Clan formally turned over the headmastership of Original Filipino Tapado to GM Lobrido, during a simple ceremony at the funeral rites of the late Founder in February 2005 (see turnover pictures at http://oftlsfai.blogspot.com).

OFTLSFA, Inc. Secretary General James U. Sy Jr. gave the body a review of the group’s activities and achievements during the past year. It was noted that Original Filipino Tapado was presented in Bacolod , Bago, Himamaylan, Iloilo , Sagay, and San Carlos , among others and 7 promotions to Senior Instructor were made by GM Lobrido for members from Bacolod , Bago, Iloilo , and Murcia . Other developments were also reported to the body.

During the Word from the GM, GM Lobrido reported to the body that his daughter, Rubie, met up with Jojo Apelyedo, a balikbayan from Chicago, USA last February 3. Apelyedo informed Rubie that rumor in their place had it that Tapado is already dead because the Founder is already dead. Rubie invited Apelyedo to talk with his dad. Inspite of the body laughing at the revelation, GM lobrido enjoined everybody to not be affected by such rumors and just continue the legacy the Founder left. He assured the body that with him around Original Filipino Tapado will never be dead. The body affirmed their support for the art’s 1st Generation Inheritor.

The body unanimously agreed to retain the same set of officers as elected in 2007. Those serving for another term are GM Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido (President), John “Jun-Jun” Maravilla (VP), James U. Sy Jr. (Secretary General), Alfredo M. Lobrido (Asst. Secretary), Michael Rosquillo (Treasurer), Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado (Auditor), Dr. Raymund Antoinio A. Maguad (Business Manager), Master Joe A. Pamilangco and Wilson M. Cejas (PIO), and Master Nelson G. Carmona, Joeffrey S. Deriada, Lafayette A. Diamante, Pastor Romeo N. Gumban, Master Clodualdo “Budoy” M. Lobrido, Jevenio T. Magbanua, Hernando T. Mamar, Jinny Mamar, Romeo “Tokong” Mamnar Jr., Rodolfo P. Mayordomo, Master Elmer V. Montoyo, Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo, Ronie P. Ngalongalay, Rolito A. Ruelan, Erodgie O. Sepe, Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon, and Rodolfo N. Zambales.

GM Lobrido is the 4th president of OFTLSFAI, having served since 2005 up to the present. GM Mamar, was the 3rd president, serving from 1989 to 2005.