"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

Inside NARAPHIL

"What's up Manong???"

What do you think of this picture frame Sis and Bros???
Question by Manong

Write your comments on the right corner of this article by clicking the "comments". Give your reaction and suggestions.

The NARAPHIL Official training sticks!

"Symbol of Excellence in their art"

"The Official training sticks"
by Manong

The rattan cane is the most ideal and cheapest stick adopted in playing arnis. Ideal because of its lightness in weight, durability, sturdiness and flexibility. It has a tough skin which accounts for its durability and sturdiness. Its fibrous body makes it flexible and light in weight. The greater the number of nodes or the smaller the internodes of a rattan cane, the sturdier and less flexible it becomes, and the better the quality of the cane for playing.

Probably there is no other group who is more meticulous than NARAPHIL in discovering things in pursuit of attaining excellence. Such were the first hand-crafted made arnis sticks in which a very symbolical art was etched in the handle of the rattan stick. Every stick is a work of art taken from the finest poles of rattan later meticulously selected for the purpose of hand-crafting and refined in a high quality gloss paint finish.

Today it is exported world-wide for collector's items only and usually of limited stocks for exclusive use of members or sometimes given as token of gratitude to honor people and their friends. However, they accept also request from some other groups to engrave their ensignia at the hilt of their sticks.

Truly they are people of so many talents and creativity who loves to discover new horizons in pursuit of excellence in their art.

Note the close-up view to vividly illustrate the high quality of craftsmanship and materials comparable to an artist with his painting.

The hilt is engraved with the official seal of NARAPHIL and an art work on both ends of the stick with so many ethnic design to choose from. The pioneering craftsman of this art was the Nayong Pilipino Arnis Club in which you can see their ensignia at both ends of the stick.

Shown is the NARAPHIL casing for the sticks with their emblem sewn at the pocket of their case. Symbol of excellence!

"One Arnis; One Philippines"
by AAI

Tribute to a Fallen Arnisador .............. A Friend!

Eulogy to an Arnis Master:
“Mang Lino”
By: Meneleo E. Estepa, MD


This page is whole heartedly dedicated to our Fallen Comrade in arnis “Mang Lino” who dedicated his life in pursuit of arnis promotion.

Master Rizalino "Mang Lino " Estacio
(Arnis Master)

Master Rizalino “Mang Lino” Estacio has been a long time advocator of arnis long before I came to learn the art. I met him 25 years ago as one of the avid follower of Grandmaster Benjamin L. Lema (who also passed away 2003). He was one of the original members of the Lightning Scientific Arnis International founded by GM Benjamin Lema.


Though he seems frail, don’t be deceived of his looks because he is fast as “Mang Ben”, a real “Lightning” worthy to be called of. Like his master he developed the personality of kindness and a loyalty to his master ……… and …..……. a true gentleman worthy of being an Arnisador.


He has served NARAPHIL as member of the Board (2004-2006) with dedication and loyalty even in times of our hardships; he shared that spirit to move on and never left us for any other reasons. He was the leading advocator of the LSAI - Tipas Chapter and later renamed it L.E.M.A. (Lino Estacio Martial Arts) Arnis Club, after the death of GM Ben Lema. It has been a big loss for our existence to loose a person like him. We cannot ask him for more, for the things he has contributed and done for NARAPHIL, but we can offer him our perpetual prayer for his parting.

“Mang Lino” we salute and hope that these generations of arnisadors will follow your exemplenary dedication to our cause as a true Gentleman and Arnisador!

Happy are the days when we talked of our dreams that someday our mission to this world come to a halt because the chance our Creator has given us has reached the end of the highway. But you never gave up because you believed that someone will carry the torch you have shared and the ideals you persevered and preserved. Like our forebears, they never cease the spirit to move on to the next level in your life - eternal enlightenment.



We know that you are happy of where you are and we will keep on burning the torch you have passed unto us and also hoped to passed it on to the generations to come.



Like these children that surrounds you when we were Training in Nagcarlan, you were an exemplenary idol for them in hope that they may follow the goodness of your foot steps. Surely they will miss you, so am I, but the spirit will move on because you are the catalyst for them.



When the Christmas Season came, you were there. You add frolicsome to the party with odd jokes and shared the spirit with us. Our children adored you specially the way you dress yourself - always "dress to kill". We never find a moment of lullness in your smile even though you have big problems ahead of you. We know you are firm and strong to face them ahead, that's what we admire most.



When we needed your services and companionship, you were always there to lend a hand. You never missed any occasion that NARAPHIL had except probably when you were ill or your wife gave birth. Your consistency and firm decisions always gave credence to the fight without question or remorse. You have proven them that you were really a Gentleman and a real Arnisador!!!

On behalf of the Officers and Staff of NARAPHIL, we salute you and thanks for all the things you've shared with us. Your memories shall always remain in our hearts. God bless you!

Master "Mang Lino" Estacio
Director
(NARAPHIL Board 2004-2006)

NARAPHIL Performs for the Papal visit!

NARAPHIL Performs for the Papal visit
17 February 1981

During the Papal visit in 17 February 1981, NARAPHIL was tasked to perform a welcome arnis exhibition number along Roxas Boulevard that extend more than five kilometers stretch from the corner of the Cultural Center of the Philippines at the Vito Cruz St. in Manila to the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran in Pasay City.


It was the most challenging show of force that NARAPHIL ever did and probably no arnis organization can duplicate its fete. More than 2600 members participated in that activity coming from the different school chapters and community-based clubs in Metro-Manila and adjacent provinces.


The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development provided the logistical support, transportation and other services for NARAPHIL. Included in that cultural exhibition along the Papal way were different groups and dance companies performing from the Manila International Airport to the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran.


The same activities were given during the visit of the Chinese Premier Li and US President Ford visits in the Philippines. In the Malacañang palace ground, the PHILMAT gave an arnis exhibition number with astonishing performance.

During China's Premier Li’s visit, the Wushu group of China performed a one night exhibition to the Filipino crowd at the Araneta Coliseum. The PHILMAT were given the chance to perform alongside with them the Filipino martial art of ARNIS to the awesome of the guest especially when they showcased their dexterity in the used of real bladed weaponry. The clashing of blades and sparkling of metals as they collide gave an astonishing and impressive performance to the eyes of the guest performers. This is the PHILMAT .......... the cultural performing arm of the NARAPHIL!

Pope John Paul II first visit to the Philippines with the NARAPHIL arnisadors performing at his pleasure. What an extra ordinary welcome performance for the Pope.

Performers line-up along Roxas Boulevard as they await the cue for the arrival of Pope John Paul II from the organizing staff. The line extend to a more than five kilometer stretch with 2600 performers.

Arnisadors perform the double sinawali as the convoy of Pope John Paul II approaches. NARAPHIL Instructor Tol Godoy, standing in the left corner, watches the cue from the other assigned staff for the event.

Viva el Papa!!!

"Welcome to the Philippines"

courtesy of the National Arnis Association of the Philippines

The tribute continues ..........

And the tribute continues .......
........ to our Living Legacy
by Junch Martinada

A rare opportunity picture of the three NARAPHIL Arnis Grandmasters being given tribute by the Nayong Pilipino Foundation, Inc. Executive Director - Atty. Apolonio Anota (center)

The Nayong Pilipino Arnis Club members together with the two honoree - GM Benjamin Lema and GM Jose Mena with NPAC Executive Director - Dr. Leo Estepa.

Winners of the Middleweight Division together with Atty Anota and GM Ben Lema.

Honoree - GM Jose "Mang Nonoy" Mena delivering his Inspirational Speech.

EQHS Arnis Club defeating the DelBros Arnis Club in the GM's Cup Arnis Tournament.

GM Jose G. Mena with the DelBros Arnis Club together with GM Ben Lema and Dr. Leo Estepa.

The PUP Arnis Varsity Team together with their Adviser, Ma. Luz Arroyo, GM Ben Lema, GM Jose Mena and Dr. Leo Estepa

"Arnis de mano; Larong Pilipino"
by Liping Maharlika