PUMA, UMMAF Dominate SSKI-SAFRA Martial Arts Tourney

Source: Arab News

March 21, 2008

Ben Micu, Jr. Sensei / Erwin Pangan

JEDDAH - The Philippine Union Martial Arts Club (PUMA) of Renshi Cesar Bencito bagged the overall championship in the Junior Division by virtue of its 5-3-3 finish, while the United Muslims Martial Arts Federation (UMMAF) headed by Renshi Mac Tending captured the prestigious overall championship in the Seniors Division with its almost flawless rendition of kata or the so called "karate dance" and their combatants' fiery performances in the kumite competition.

In the competitive exhibition, UMMAF got the nods of the judges with their syncronize kata rendition of Heian Shodan followed by "Bonkai" or its application. The Philippine Martial Arts Combat Aikido (PHIMACA) who rendered various knife and arnis defense techniques was second, while five (5) kids from PUMA, who showcased their talents in aikido took third place.

But the biggest winner of them all were the numerous distressed OFWs being housed at the Philippine Consulate compound, they being the beneficiary of the proceeds of this annual event. Entry fees collected from the participants in addition to financial assistance received from SAFRA Co., the major sponsor, and from various generous donors and collections out of the coin banks distributed among SSKI instructors, Guardians Brotherhood International (GBI-TBBG) and Migrant Association in Saudi Arabia (MASA), will be distributed among the distressed OFWs in the form of consumable good and other items.

This annual event was made possible thru the collective efforts of various SSKI instructors namely Romeo Rivero, Jun Loyola, Sonny Alvarez, Ben Micu, Jr., Sonny Dalloran, Samuel Nacario, Jr., Joey Reyes, Vani Gasmenia, Rudy Estepa, Ed Chavez, Angel Palaypayon, Alex Buce, Cris Ortiz & Ruben Cabigas, among others. The staging of this annual event has the approval of Master Eddie V. Rama, a certified 7th Dan Blackbelt and the founder of SSKI-Middle East and Canada and now based in Iraq. The Guardians Brotherhood International (GBI) with AB Julius Briagas and FGMF Eldemer Flores, acted as tournamet marshals,while MASA representatives, Teng Damiar, Andre Natabio and Andrew Ociones also assisted in the Registration and treasury committee.

Vice Consul Lorenzo Jongco IV of the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah gave a short inspirational talk, GBI founder FGRF Edison Cariaga and MASA representative Bobby Pajarito delivered a short message while Mr. Humayun and Mr. Hussain Fayez Zagzoog a representative of SAFRA Company arrived later to witness the exciting kumite events and gave the awards to the winners of the senior blackbelt divisions.

Other sponsors who donated cash and/or related gift items aside from Safra Company Ltd. were; Abdullah Al-Saiary of Al-Aoun Company; NCCI thru Kyud Rene Morales, who provided an insurance coverage to Greenbelt lightweight Champion Jeff Cayme, for having won with the most number of opponents; Sheikh Muhammad Jamil Farsi, for providing the tournament venue; Al Injazat Trading Corporation for distributing variuos Nivea beauty care products; Skyfreight Forwarders thru Emmy de Guzman / Danny Abines, who donated gift certificates; and Romeo Rivero and Sonny Dalloran of SSKI for their cash donations.