On the Value of Arnis

Came across this comment on the article of William Esposo on Values Reform in the Philippine Star (for the full article, click here). 

How I hope I can continue my training even when the academic school year starts :)

For UP-D students out there, you might be interested in joining Sangkil Karasak, the arnis org.

noypibone  (posted on May 21, 2009 03:56 AM) 
Member since Feb 07, 2009

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Mr. Chairwrecker,  I share your sentiments regarding the overhaul of Filipino values. Problem is, we don’t seem to have anything to build on. The Church would love to have us believe that they are our hope for salvation and prosperity. We know how that’s turned out after 500 years. The pontifications and grandstanding righteous indignations of our leaders have all turned hollow and trite. Most of the ideas, high-minded or simplistic, seem to be just dreamy abstract concepts. We think there is one Filipino treasure we can utilize. ARNIS. A few of us bloggers in the sports section have been advocating for the revival, promotion and elevation of Arnis to harness it’s values and virtues for nation-building. Think Bushido (samurai, karate, judo) for Japan, Taekwondo for Korea and Kung-Fu for China. What these martial arts contributed to the character, identity and spirit of their respective countries, Arnis will do for Pilipinas. The movement has slowly been gaining traction. Sen. Zubiri has introduced a bill (not because of our blogs) to institute Arnis as the national sport and Mikee Romero, owner of harbour centre, has thrown his support. For now, Bill Velasco seems to be the only media practitioner campaigning for Arnis. I’ve repeatedly asked, what do we have that is unequivocally Filipino to the bone, recognized, appreciated and even admired all over the world, requires and instills discipline, exhibits bravery, creativity and determination, deeply rooted in our history and reflects all that is good in the Filipino?  Arnis may not, and is not, the only answer but it is a damn good start and foundation.