The awards keep on coming for the eskrima greats who helped pave the way for the sport to develop as 15 eskrimadors will be given the Order of Datu Lapu-Lapu in a special event on July 18 at the Amnezia Super Club at the North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City.
Topping the list is Wekaf chairman emeritus and supreme grandmaster Dionio “Diony” Cañete. He will be joined in the distinct club by his uncle Ciriaco “Noy Cacoy” O. Cañete of Cacoy Doce Pares, Bonifacio “Loloy” Uy of BDU Eskrima Club, Isidro Casio of San Miguel Eskrima Club, Andres “Cano” Cañete of San Miguel Eskrima, Nick Elizar of Nickel Stick Balintawak, Rodrigo Maranga of Eskrima Maranga Kombati, Prudencio “Ondo” Caburnay of Lapunti Eskrima de Abaniko, Felix “Tenciong” Gutang of Doce Pares, Pacito Velez of Balintawak International and Alfredo Carin of Carin Eskrima Club.
To be awarded from the United States are GMs Arnulfo “Dong” Cuesta of FIMA Academy/Doce Pares USA, Max M. Pallen of Senkotiros, Dr. Carlos N. Patalinghug, Sr. of Kick Connection/Doce Pares and Dexter Labonog of Martial Art Club.
Giving the awards will be the World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (Wekaf), which will be having the World Championships and the World Congress at the Cebu International Convention Center starting on July 18 until the 24th.
Before the hostilities commence, the organization plans to honor these 15 for their contributions to the study, the practice and promotion of the unique Filipino martial art.
“The Order of Datu Lapu-Lapu is the highest honor and title one can receive for his selfless devotion to the Filipino martial art,” said SGM Diony Cañete. “These living legends of eskrima will be honored not only for their skills, but also for their undying passion, integrity, values and character that are worth emulating for by the younger generation of martial artists.” /Correspondent Jonas Panerio