"WEKAF-NARAPHIL" ......... part 1

"1st WEKAF Invitational Championship"
hosted by NARAPHIL

19 August 1989
Ninoy Aquino Stadium

Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila

The "1st World Eskrima-Kali-Arnis Federation (WEKAF) Convention/Championship" was first held in Cebu City on 16 August 1989 at the San Carlos University Gymnasium. A compliment invitational tournament was later held on 19 August 1989 in Manila at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex with NARAPHIL hosting the event.

This project was the initiative of Atty. Dionisio A. Cañete - NARAPHIL President (1987-1992) and he was subsequently elected as the founding President of WEKAF. Hon. Mayor Ignacio "Toting" Bunye (currently Presidential Press Secretary), during his term as Muntinlupa Mayor was elected as the Chairman of the WEKAF Board.

Eight countries attended in the event with only seven teams participated in the actual tournament. Japan only gave a demonstration event in kendo. The seven other countries were USA, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Germany, UK and Philippines.

Dr. Meneleo E. Estepa (NARAPHIL Secretary General) was designated as Tournament Manager.

NARAPHIL President, Atty. Diony A. Cañete delivers his Welcome Remarks during the event and acknowledges the delegates for electing him as the founding President of the WEKAF.

Hon. Mayor of Muntinlupa and elected as the founding Chairman of the WEKAF Board, Hon. Ignacio "Toting" Bunye, delivers his Speech as the Guest Speaker of the event.

NARAPHIL Chairman of the Board (1988-2004) and Tournament Director , Teodoro B. Javier, delivers a short Remarks and formally opens the tournament. His company, U-Freight Parcel Services, sponsored the event.

Dr. Leo Estepa (Tournament Manager) opens the tournament with the Opening prayer. He was subsequently appointed as the WEKAF Secretary (1990-1992).

Three of the top-notched Referees - Inocencio "Sioc" Glaraga, SPO1 Silvestre Abainza (PNP) and Nonito "Dodong" Limchua, provided their services for the success of the event. SPO1 Abainza is a world renowned boxing referee for the WBC, IBF and WBO. He is also a Senior instructor of the NARAPHIL and sports specialist in arnis in the "Siglakas-NARAPHIL Project".

"Arnis has gone a level where it can hold among the best martial arts of the world"
by NARAPHIL