NARAPHIL Reminisce: SMHS Project

1976 Summer Basic Arnis Course

for

P. E. Teachers

San Miguel National High School

San Miguel, Bulacan

14-19 April 1976

Every Summer vacation, P. E. Teachers are looking forward for study credits necessary for their promotion and level upgrading offered by different institution for them. NARAPHIL has embarked simultaneous summer-workshop for P. E. teachers willing to undergo the "Basic Arnis Course" for free in order to help the association in promoting arnis awareness and implement a standard system of teaching nationwide.


In 1976 alone, they were able to conduct at least five modules on five different regions in the country as part of their massive promotional campaign. One of the most promising place with a lot of memories to recount was in San Miguel, the last town of Bulacan going to Nueva Ecija.

People there are very accommodating and hospitable. Typical of the Fillipino hospitality which I personally believe is slowly fading among the rural areas. Their means of livelihood are more on agricultural like rice production but their best specialties is "Bulacan sweets". This is the town where sweet Filipino delicacies can be found.

This is the place where we witnessed the use of long pole - extended cane. Their game involves balancing over two pieces of bamboo bridge trying to hit each other inorder to cross over it. This is a part of their local festivities in celebrating their Patron Saint - St. Michael.

The participants

Teaching the teachers was much more of a fun and challenging considering the fact that majority of them were half of our age if not more than our parents but we never had problems with respect. They showed their true leadership by following the example of being a good follower as well as mentors.

Being the rookie among the instructors, is somewhat a good exposure with the team in terms of experience. Since that day, I had a different perspective of how should a leader act in the future if that time comes when the new breed of Turks comes around to fill the vacuum we will be leaving around.

Our host

We would like to thank our host who bear with us for a week of non-stop hospitality in accommodating us in their humble house and member of their household who truly showed their spirit of Filipinism. We had a lot of fun and joyful memories especially for a rookie like me who joined my seniors for the first time for such event.

The principal, Mrs. Ventura, who gave us the opportunity and break to showcase our ability to impart our special knowledge to her faculties and students to learn the art and the subsequent addition to their physical education curriculum and establishment of an arnis club.

An Honor

Being honored as a Mentor is something of a big accomplishment on my part and having imparted my knowledge and skills. It is like planting a seed that someday we may see the fruits of our labor ................... and yes, we are practically seeing now that fruits with the emergence of numerous arnis groups and activities going left and right.

I'm proud to say, ........................ we did our part!

Our Support

The success of the event could have not been possible without the support from our Brothers and Sisters of the NARAPHIL Philmat and the principals staff. To them we owe so much thanks.

The four instructors and club officers

For a rookie like me, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing myself with peers among my Mentors. They never left a moment in my chance to teach and be a part of the team. This was only the beginning of a long journey to what we are now!

Thank you sir Bing, Buboy and Ed! For believing in my ability and the opportunity to become a part of the team!

Mentoring the leaders

Whenever I see my seniors, I'm so curious of what they try to project to their students and the manner they communicate with them especially considering the age gap between us and them. This is where one must learn to adjust on the level of status one is handling and the level of knowledge that is expected from them. Three important considerations should be taken seriously and i.e. age, status and level of knowledge.

A souvenir to remember .......

For once I remember ……………… this is where it started and the break that took me of where I am today! Opportunity only comes and pass-by in our lives; we may never pass this road again!


This is quite an experience, should I say!

Manong