Gathering of Warriors: Evolution of the Bladed Warrior INQUIRER.net
October 28, 2009
In celebration of Filipino American History Month, a local group of Filipino Martial Artists (FMA) and the Pilipino Classes at Hogan High School, will be hosting “Gathering of Warriors: Evolution of the Bladed Warrior” on Sunday, November 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the school’s gymnasium. All proceeds will be donated to the Hogan High School Pilipino Classes to pay for resource materials, classroom supplies, school activities and possible fieldtrips. The event is open to the public.
The event will feature demonstrations by seven styles of FMA conducted by local Guros (teachers), Masters and Grand Masters. “Most people have never seen FMA in person, only in movies or on the internet,” said Mel Orpilla, one of the organizers. Vallejo has one of the oldest Filipino American communities in the U.S. Many of those old-timers who settled here were skilled fighters and warriors, who kept their secret fighting arts within their family and away from the public.
There will be hands-on lessons for all participants regardless of their background in martial arts. Invited are Master Brando Castillo, Guro George Cabiles, Grand Master Alex France, Grand Master Emil Bautista, Grand Master Ver Villasin, Master Michael Giron, Grand Master Robert Castro and recent Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee, Grand Master John Bais. In addition, the Pilipino Classes will provide entertainment during the day showcasing what they’re learning in their classes. Vendors selling food and Filipino items will be available throughout the day. The highlight at the end of the day will be tournament fighting demonstrations with real fighters, judges and scoring.
Admission to the event is $5 for students and $10 for the general public. Hogan High School is located at 850 Rosewood Ave. at the corner of Georgia Street in Vallejo, CA. For more information contact Mel Orpilla at (707) 477-1159 or email at mel9661@orpilla.com.
