Salaknib Rules 3rd Baguio Centennial Arnis Cup

Salaknib Rules 3^rd Baguio Centennial Arnis Cup

Baguio Midland Courier, 01Oct09

by Scott Saboy

Salaknib Martial Arts System struck 6 gold, 2 silver and 9 bronze medals to grab the overall championship in the 3^rd Baguio Centennial Arnis Cup held at People’s Park last September 21.

Irisan National High School came second with 5 gold, 3 silver and 5 bronze medals followed by YMCA Sphinx (4G,5S, 2B), Baguio Central University (3G,4S, 4B), San Vicente National High School (3G, 2S, 5B), and Rizal National High School (3G, 2S, 4B).

113 arnisadores representing 12 arnis clubs in the city took part in the tournament mainly sponsored by the National Institute of Information and Technology (NIIT) in coordination with the Baguio Centennial Commission. 11 minor sponsors also supported the event.

The first tournament was held last February with NIIT as overall champion, the second in June with YMCA Spinx taking the title.  The final tourney is tentatively scheduled this December.

In his welcome remarks,  NIIT school administrator and event organizer Vladimir Cayabas stressed that the series of activities not only aims to celebrate the city’s centennial but also to highlight the need to preserve and develop indigenous sports as a vital component of Filipino national identity.

Guest speaker Councilor Rocky Balisong also underscored the twin goals of sports – physical development and responsible citizenship. “Victory,” he said, “doesn’t necessarily mean winning. What’s most important is that you played the right way.”  Long known as a strong supporter of arnis and other sports, he urged the participants to invite more young people to engage in sports and so help solve juvenile delinquency.

Salaknib members display their arnis skills in an exhibition during the third Baguio Centennial Arnis Cup held at People's Park.

Salaknib founder Rei Samson (L), 4th dan, poses with some of his students during a break in one of their training sessions at Burnham Park.

See related article @ filipinofightingarts.