PEKAF tourney fires off today at Seaside

CEBU, Philippines - Explosive stick-fighting showdown featuring arnisadors from all over Visayas will take centerstage as action in the 1st Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF) Invitational Tournament begins today at the mountain wing of SM Seaside City.

Before the battle begins, a simple opening ceremony will take place to be graced by PEKAF President Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, Cebu City Deputy Mayor for Sports Jun Gabuya, CCSC Chairman Ed Hayco and Sports Commissioner Allan Delantar.

After the kick-off  bash, the battle will immediately start in the two-day joust that drew over 200 stick-fighters.

The bulk of participants will come from Cebu including arnis clubs from Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, San Fernando, Moalboal and Dumanjug, among others.

Backed up by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC), PEKAF Executive Vice President Gerald Cañete said that their maiden event serves as the first leg of a series of qualifying tournaments that will determine the country's representatives to the 16th PEKAF Championships next year in Hawaii, USA.

With this, Cañete is expecting all the participants to give their best as the winners will have to chance to represent the country. (FREEMAN)