LAST September 28-29, 2019 the 110th Baguio Day Charter National Arnis Championships 2019 was a great success with 300 athletes from 15 teams and more or less 500 people in attendance the annual event proved to be one of the most sought after arnis event in this part of the country.
Arnis athletes and enthusiasts flocked inside the St. Vincent Gym to participate and support the event which showcased divisions and categories in "anyo" (creative forms) and "labanan" (full contact sparring) with athletes as young as nine years old showcasing their skills and prowess in the Philippine National Martial Arts and Sports Arnis.
The event is part of the month-long celebration of Baguio City's 110th Charter Day endorsed by the City Government of Baguio under Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Baguio City Sports Office under Gaudencio Gonzales, and Baguio City Tourism under Engineer Aloysius Mapalo with the support of Kalahi FMA Gears, Dunkin Donuts, The Legacy Shed, Balbacua at Urban Kamote, Baguio Central School, Councilor Michael Lee Lawana, GM Raymond Velayo, Tony Ng, and Al Bon Likigan.
The event is sanctioned by the Pederasyong Internasyonal and Unified Arnis Alliance making the event a reality and a success.
The passion for the Filipino Martial Arts is what makes this event an annual phenomenon, according to the organizers every year is a challenge. But what makes them push through with the event aside, from passion for the art, is the urge to maintain a credible event for the arnisadors to hone their skills, every year participants and organizer look forward for a new experience and wisdom from meeting new and old friendly foes.
Participating teams during the event were: Rizal Technological University, Kalahi FMA, Iloilo Arnis Team, University of the Cordilleras, Team Caloocan, Team Muntinlupa, Taguig City University, THS Caloocan, Benguet State University, Viscaya Arnis Club, Neons Isabela, San Fernando City La Union, Sto Tomas Arnis Team, Philippine Military Academy, and Navotas Arnis Team who were also awarded the Symbolic Key to the City of Baguio, to everyone who in one way or another supported and participated in the event.
Congratulations and Mabuhay!