CEBU, Philippines — There are many hallmarks of Cebu's rich culture and history.
For Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, arnis is one of them.
"Kining arnis usa ka haligi sa atong kultura (arnis is one pillar of our culture)," said Osmeña during the formal opening of the 1st Cebu City Mayor's Cup Eskrima Tournament yesterday at the mountain wing of SM Seaside City.
Speaking before the 300-plus participants of the two-day tilt spearheaded by the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF), Osmeña even hailed Lapu-Lapu, the legendary chieftain of Mactan Island who is revered by many as the first Filipino hero, as its first 'Grandmaster' of arnis.
With Cebu as the birthplace of this indigenous Filipino martial art that is now being practiced in over 40 countries around the world, Osmeña said the Cebuanos should take pride of arnis because it is something that they can call their own.
"I am happy to see that many are taking part in this event. I am always ready to support this kind of endeavor especially that most of the participants are coming from the grassroots level. I really like it that way," added Osmeña. "As long as I am the mayor, I will continue to support this activity mainly because arnis is a strong part of our culture. We must be proud that we have something to call our own."
Osmeña was with the city's deputy mayor for sports Eugenio 'Jun' Gabuya, Cebu City Sports Commission (CSCC) chairman Ed Hayco and sports commissioner Allan Borres Delantar.
Doce Pares Supreme Grandmaster Diony Cañete and PEKAF Executive Vice President Master Gerald Cañete also graced the tournament that is PEKAF's second major undertaking in the Queen City of the South.
SGM Cañete took the opportunity of extending his profound gratitude to Osmeña for his unflinching support to Doce Pares for nearly three decades now.
SGM Cañete recalled that they were able to stage the inaugural World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) Championships in 1989 because of Osmeña's fulling backing.
"All these years, Mayor Osmeña has never wavered in extending his all-out support to us. When he was still fresh in his seat mayor of Cebu City way back in 1989, we were able put up our first ever world eskrima championships because of his goodness. Arnis has grown into what it is now today partly because of him. And I am forever grateful for that," said SGM Cañete. (FREEMAN)