Vicente: Defending champions

IN LAST years’ “Bastoneros” National Arnis Tournament in the “Dinagyang” festival of Iloilo City, the Baguio Arnis All Stars bagged the over-all crown.

Although there was a mishap before the organizers could realize that it was Baguio indeed which won the over-all, the Baguio Arnis All Stars knew in their heart they were the victors of the event.

Being good sportsmen the team decided to leave the fixing to the organizers and true enough the correction and the official result was done and the organizers contacted the team with an apologetic good news that indeed the Baguio Arnis All Stars were the over-all champions of the “2012 Bastoneros, Dinagyang National Arnis Tournament” sanctioned by the National Sports Association Arnis Philippines.

This year the Baguio Arnis All Stars are being invited back to these year’s “2013 Bastoneros, Dinagyang National Arnis Tournament” to grace the event and defend their over-all Championship.

For a team which is always ready, the Baguio Arnis All Stars readily accepted the invitation and the challenge.

Although in an immense financial constraint, the executives of the Baguio Arnis All Stars are trying their best look for a way to send a capable team to the event. The high cost of plane ticket and budget needed for the 4-5 days of stay in Iloilo City made some players hesitate to join the team due to lack of funds.

The team is now a solicitation brigade taking anything from anyone who is sympathetic to the cause of the players and the team. Each and every player of the Baguio Arnis All Stars is working hard every single practice and training just to be ready anytime for events like this and they are not definitely going to be stopped a financial constraints - without first trying.

In behalf of the Baguio Arnis All Stars and the players who are looking forward to showcase their stuff in the upcoming National event, we are reaching out to kind hearted individuals and groups both in the public and private sectors who are willing to extend their share for the enhancement of these hardworking players who dedicate their time in Arnis training instead of vices and unwanted peer activities and try to be good citizens of these City.

Anyone interested in extending financial help, uniform or food subsidies to these exceptional Arnis athletes may contact yours truly for an appointment with the executives and members of the Baguio Arnis All Stars.

What the Baguio Arnis All Stars has achieved in last year’s event is more than the over-all championship that they have worked hard for, but the experience of meeting people who understands their passion and helped them hone themselves into better individuals who could contribute to their community transcending the character that they have built through the discipline of the Martial Arts of Arnis.

They also have achieved the confidence and the pride of representing the Coty of Baguio as young athlete ambassadors.

Best of luck to those who are fortunate to form the team for this year’s “2013 Bastoneros, Dinagyang National Arnis Tournament”.

May God bless you and keep you safe!

Mabuhay ang mga atletang Arnisador ng Baguio!