GM Bobby Taboada steals thunder in Day 2
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 13 Jul 2015
Chantilly, VIRGINIA. Grand master Bobby Taboada, they say, is the Michael Jordan of arnis.
I beg to disagree.
Michael Jordan, I think, is the Bobby Taboada of basketball.
As soon as the great Bobby entered the Dulles banquet room of the Comfort Suites on Saturday night, excitement filled the air. And sure enough, Taboada didn't disappoint, stealing the thunder in Day 2 of the 4th East Coast FMA Gathering Balintawak Legacy: A Gathering of Masters.
In an impromptu performance, Bobby wowed an adoring crowd of delegates with his expertise in marital arts. He moved with effortless grace, his hands were faster than a pickpocket, and he wielded the fighting stick as though it was a natural extension of his arms.
Watching Bobby was like watching Picasso paint.
In a day teeming with highlights, Taboada's appearance easily takes the cake.
But Taboada wasn't the only grand master who thrilled the delegates. GMs Ver Villasin, Ising Atillo and Nene Gabucayan also rendered one-hour clinics that were educational and extremely entertaining as well.
Day 2 of the Gathering of Masters also featured eight hours of a seminar workshop at the Nova Field House, a state-of-the-art sports facility along 14810 Murdock street, not far from the expressway that leads all the way to downtown Washington D.C.
This historic event in which representatives from six lineages of Balintawak arnis have gathered, is a terrific way of promoting the sport and fostering camaraderie among its devoted participants.
"It's massive and historic. And it's amazing to see six grandmasters in one event," lead organizer Jhun Occidental, who himself is a sublime martial artist, told PhilBoxing.com.
Day 3 is Sunday at the Nova Field House. Come back to see and read more highlights. This baby is getting better and better.
Photo: Grand masters Ver Villasin, Ising Atillo and Nene Gabucayan conduct instructional classes before the participants while group photo shows grand master Bobby Taboada (far right with from L) with Eugene Nepangue, Rino Balinado, Zack Taco and Cyrus Bongon.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
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