Cebu, Philippines- The 21-man arnis national team of Vietnam are in town to train with hopes of bolstering their campaign in the arnis event of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on December 1-3 at the Angeles University Foundation in Clark, Pampanga.
Vietnam’s Filipino head coach/trainer Ruel Gatbonton said they can hone the skills of their stick-fighters anywhere but they prefer to hold it in Cebu because ‘it’s a complete package”.
“We choose Cebu because it is a complete package. No.1 because of the support, no.2 it is very convenient, and no. 3 the resources are here,” said Gatbonton, a gold medallist during the 1998 World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) Championships.
“Also, all the best fighters in the world come to practice and train in the World Headquarters of Doce Pares. It is the best training center in the world, and it is where world champions are made,” he added.
While gamely admitting that they will face a tall order against the mighty Filipino arnisadors because of their lack of skills and experience, Gatbonton said he hopes their training here will help them come up with a decent performance in three-day tilt that draws participation from host Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
“One of our mission is to have a great result and good showing in the SEA Games so we can have more support from the Vietnamese government for arnis,” said Gatbonton.
SEA Games arnis tournament manager Gerald Cañete, who is also the Executive Vice President of the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF), said a total of 20 gold medals will up for grabs in the said combat sport.
Meanwhile, Cebu City Councilor Dondon Hontiveros extended his gratitude to the Vietnamese eskrimadors for choosing the Queen City of the South as their training venue, even as he also promised full support to them during their stay here.
“In behalf of the Cebu City Government, I would like to welcome our beloved guests from Vietnam. Cebu City is the arnis capital of the world and your presence here today only proved that we are so. I can assure you that Cebu City will be of your service and please do not hesitate to approach our Cebu City Sports Commission for whatever assistance we can extend to you,” assured Hontiveros.