All Set for SSKI-SAFRA "Fight for a Cause" Tilt

Source: Arab News

March 14, 2008

Ben Micu,Jr. Sensei & Erwin Pangan

JEDDAH - SAFRA Company Ltd., a subsidiary of Xenel Group of Companies, has agreed to be the main sponsor of the 2nd SSKI Martial Arts Championship dubbed "Fight for a Cause" to be staged at the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ) March 14, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

This was announced by Jun Loyola Sensei, Executive VP of SSKI, during the final meeting at the SSKI-Xenel Balad Chapter's gym last March 7, 2008, attended by various club instructors along with newly elected officers of Filipino International Martial Arts Association (FIMAA), Guardians Brothehood Inc. - (GBI-TBBG) and Migrant Association in Saudi Arabia (MASA).

The proceeds of the event will benifit numerous distressed OFW's still stranded and being housed at the Philippine Consulate compound in Jeddah. The group likwise decided to provide empty "coin banks" to collect surplus coins from the participants and audience.

General rules, scoring/points systems, trophies and certificates were laid out for the tournament. Added attraction but on a competitive basis will be various clubs exhibitions on Arnis (stick fighting), Kata with Bonkai applications, Jiu-jitsu, Kung-Fu, Taekwondo, Aikido and other forms of martial arts. Winners will be decided and graded by SSKI instructors and in one representative each from GBI and MASA.

Club Instructors present during the meeting were Renshi Cesar Bencito, PUMA founder and previous FIMAA president, Renshi Mac Tending of Philippine Shotokan Karatedo Association International (PSKAI) and current President of UMAAF (United Muslim Martial Arts Federation), Renshi Pons Estrada of Law Enforcer Karate Club Int'l. (TASK/LEKCI), Sensei Nonoy Gacola of WILDCAT, Master Mohammed Ishaq of Star Budokan Karate Club, Sifu Boy Buayan of AMAF/Tat Kon Tou, Kyud Rene Morales of KUNTAW, Renshi Raul Austria of Mortal Combat-OSKA, Renshi Mario Mendoza of Stealth Shidokan Shorin Ryu Karatedo Int'l. (SSSKI), Sensei Danny Untalan of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Sensei Rex Griego of Black Cobra-OSKA, Sensei Mardy Dimalotang of ISKD, Sensei Rubie Marie Lanada of PUMA. Club instructors were not able to attend but likewise assured their participation were Renshi Alfred Tizon of Fist-SKI, Sensei Pol Poleras of SHOSIKAI, Renshi Max Sapi-e of KENZENDO, Renshi Jainodin Manipis of ASMAC, Renshi Jake Kabiling of NGIKA, Master Alex Aplacador of HHCAI and Master Nilo Sumallo of Black Eagle (BECJKAAP).

GBI was presented by its founder, FGRF Edison Cariaga, along with Julius Jose Briagas, Eldemer Flores, Vicenta Gacola, Virgilio Preza, MG Martino Belano, John Candaroma, Mervin Andalahao, Alvin Anglo, Allan Adonis, Louie Cabalquinto, Rhegie Buhano & Vani Gasmenia. MASA's representatives include Samuel Nacario, Jr. Sensei - Acting Chairman, Bobby Fajarito, Droidz Ociones and Matt Mendoza.

SSKI had its president, Romeo Rivero, Exec. VP Jun Loyola, tournament director and current FIMAA President Sonny Alvarez and other SSKI instructors namely Ben Micu, Jr., Steve Rivero, Sonny Dalloran, Angel Palaypayon, Ed Chavez, Ruben Cabigas, and members Eldy Bagondol, Delfin Patotoy and Junard Hayag.

Other sponsors donating cash and gift items are Sheikh Mohamed Jamil Farsi, Abdullah Al-Saiary of Al-Aoun Company, insurance coverage (for the best player of the tournament) and gift items courtesy of NCCI thru Rene Morales, gift certificates with 50 kgs. sea freight from Skyfreight Forwarders through Emmy de Guzman and Danny Abenes and cash donation from SSKI Romeo Rivero and Sonny Dalloran.