Arnis Paete

 

Arnis Paete: A Sense of Historical, Cultural, and Martial Tradition

 

Together with fellow physical educators as a research team of the College of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (CSPEAR) of Cavite State University, we visited an activity of the arnisadores in Paete Laguna, it is related to a fiesta in the barangay (town).

It's the second time I've seen it live, I enjoyed watching it. The players from different areas in the province of Laguna show their skill in their use of brokil or fighting cane by participating in a gentlemanly battle on the wooden bench, this is what they call "arnis sa bangko.” A contest is held every year to gather the arnisadores in that area to show their excellence and also as a way of their continued friendship.

 


Each player demonstrates the efficiency of their methods of fighting on the bench, their balance, flexibility, offensive and defensive techniques and tactics; and their dedication to continuing the tradition that they inherited from their parents. Most players here are from the clans of players when Comedia or Moro-moro was in vogue.

With the initiative of the well-known masters of arnis in Paete, and also with the help of some officials such as the Barangay Chairpersons, this tradition is kept alive. It continues to be continued by new generations.

The arnis in Paete is an important part of the history not only of this province but as a historical legacy of the country from the Spanish era, a cultural activity that reflects the martial virtue, and cultural development of our being Filipino. This should be recognized and supported by those concerned from local and even national agencies.



Arnisadores in other areas and countries should visit it, especially on November 2, July 25, and every Holy Week to better see a martial art that belongs to the tradition of a community.

 

Thanks and Respect to:

 

Maestro “Doy” Baldemor

GAT Puno Abundio Baet

Maestro Dan Baet

Maestro Papay

Maestro Kulot

GAT International

Anthony Pagalanan, and all those not mentioned.

 

Allan C. Guanlao

Prof. Ronnel P. Cuachin

Prof. Jeffrey P. Romera

JEM Samala

Toni Aguilar and friends from Kalis Ilustrisimo group.

 

11/02/2023

 

 

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