‘Bakbakan sa Sugbu’ gets underway today

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Sports Commission will have its first offering for its combat sports grassroots program dubbed as ‘Bakbakan sa Sugbu’ today at the Cebu City Sports Institute, the newly-renovated multi-sport facility located in Brgy. San Nicolas, this city.

‘Bakbakan sa Sugbu’ is a monthly event that will feature various combat and martial arts sports as well as weightlifting classes.

Supported by the Department of Education-Cebu City and the Philippine Sports Commission and is sponsored by Virginia Foods Inc., Julie’s Bakeshop and International Pharmaceuticals Incorporated  Omega Pro, the event includes mixed martial arts, boxing, karatedo and arnis.

After a short opening ceremony at 1pm, the first edition of the event will start with a MMA fight card and demonstration.

The MMA action that will be facilitated in by Yaw-Yan Ardigma Cebu Foundation and CEO Master Benigno “Ekin” Caniga, Jr. will have a six-bout fightcard headlined by welterweight fighter Junrey Soquite of Durex Dragon Kickboxing versus Rodel Valisado of Unified MMA.

There will also be a short demonstration of MMA techniques by female MMA fighter Angel ‘Lawin’ Sanchez from Yaw-Yan ArDigma MMA.

After the MMA card, a boxing clinic will follow led by two-time world champion Dodie Boy Peñalosa and former Olympian Efren Tabañas. The spectators will also witness arnis and karatedo demonstrations.

CCSC chairman Edward Hayco said the idea of ‘Bakbakan sa Sugbu’ is to hit two birds with one stone - giving the people an entertainment through combat tournaments while scouting for aspiring athletes that can someday represent Cebu in regional tournaments. (FREEMAN)