Keeping the legacy alive: One Doce Pares set for grand launching in Germany

CEBU, Philippines — Buoyed by their ardent desire to honor the past and embrace the future of Doce Pares with great vigor, three direct descendants of the Cañete family have banded together and formed a unified group for the promotion and further advancement of this indigenous Filipino martial art all over the world.

With this in mind, Grandmasters Chuck Cañete of Cacoy Doce Pares World Federation and York Cañete of Momoy San Miguel Eskrima and Master Gerald Cañete of the Doce Pares Multi-Style System look forward to the grand launching of One Doces Pares on April 19 in Germany with high sense of optimism.

“This is the right path forward for Doce Pares. We want to protect the integrity and continue the legacy of our founding fathers. I firmly believe that through this endeavor, we will give honor to our lineage,” Master Gerald said.

Gerald is the son of Supreme Grandmaster Diony Cañete, the youngest child of Grandmaster Eulogio “Yoling” Cañete who was the principal organizer of Doce Pares in 1932. Among his many accomplishments, SGM Diony is best remembered for uniting the once divisive eskrima landscape.

For Chuck, joining forces with the other Doce Pares groups is a dream come true.

“Ever since, I’ve been yearning for this time to come. It really did not expect that it has now come to fruition,” said the grandson of the legendary Noy Cacoy, who was credited for analyzing, modifying and applying a systematic approach of arnis techniques and tactics.

York shared the same sentiment.

“I’m very happy because for a long time, we’re finally united with a common goal of working together and helping each other for the good of Doce Pares,” said York whose father GM Andres Cano Cañete is the son of Filemon “Momoy” Cañete, one of those who established Doce Pares nearly a century ago.

Immediately after sealing their historic alliance, the trio will be holding a series of Doce Pares:Legacy Seminars in Europe in partnership with German GM Dirk Jähnke.

“We are committed to preserving and sharing the art of eskrima, making sure that it lives on through every practitioner, every strike, and every lesson passed down. Together, we carry forward the passion and discipline for our forebears for generations to come,” Master Gerald ended. — (FREEMAN)