I WAS in an online meeting when I heard Joel said “unos pro omnibus, omnes pro uno” to another attendee, and I would say that I love how he uttered it, pleasing to my ears. And so, I did not hesitate to ask what the meaning of the words is. Then, I have learned that it is the Latin of “one for all, all for one,” the motto of Centurions.
Because I become more curious about “Centurions,” I took the chance to asked him to tell me more about it. Thank God he stayed when the formal meeting ends. And shared that “Centurion” is a team of airsoft players that begun in 2004 and although it is a form of a hobby or recreation, it is more of building friendship and treating each other as one family.
Joel said that airsoft playing is like one is at war, in combat to defeat enemies and to save members of the battalion. Some may see that it is a form of rage game and that it is full of hostility. But honestly, with his heartwarming stories about the team, I feel that Centurions plays airsoft not only to be physically and mentally active but with the aim to build stronger friendships anchored to loyalty and respect.
He also shared that in “Centurions,” there is no room for discrimination. The team comprises students, professionals, non-professionals, and all people from all walks of life. Members of the team can comfortably share their stories of success and struggle to empower others to be positive and think that there is always God to help them in their everyday lives.
As of today, the group has one hundred two (102) active members, and it is the only existing active member of the Pwersa Mindano Airsoft -One Airsoft Philippines (PMA-1AP) in Davao City. Recently, the group hosted a competition entitled “Flag of our Fathers” last February 7 to March 7, 2021, held at Alambre, Toril exclusive only for Centurion members. Sad but only a few could attend due to the Covid pandemic rules. Although, the event was difficult to do considering the pandemic protocols but doing it at the same following the rules made the competition livelier and more enjoyable.
As of today, Mr. Edwin “Legal” Castaneda Dujali is the President while Alexis "Bats Baruray" and Ryan Evangelio Bataller are the Vice Presidents of the “Centurions.” They are responsible to look out that everyone abides by the group's rules and regulations. Moreover, they also have the decision power to accept and remove if one has violated rules specifically on cheating, hostility, and dishonesty.
Oh, I did not know many details about airsoft, except that it would need one to have an investment in the materials you will use to join the airsoft game. But I have learned that everything can be customized, and the group can help one complete it. Most importantly, they have technicians to fix their equipment in case of need for repairs.
I hope in time I can be able to experience this airsoft game or maybe see my husband joins it. I was told that they play airsoft before pandemic scheduled on a Sunday – a family day! Wow, so one can bring their girlfriends, boyfriends, spouse, and kids, truly “one for all, all for one.”
I was thinking that night that I wish to meet the founder of the group who is very passionate about family relationships. But oh my, just last week, I have learned that I was actually talking to the founder of “Centurion,” Mr. Joel Bacarinas Te. Whew, I am greatly honored to hear the firsthand experience from the father of Centurion!