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.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Fisher and Atencio Crowned Jax Mixed Doubles Open Champions
Sun, 21 Dec 2025Jake Paul Undergoes Surgery for Broken Jaw Following Knockout Loss to Anthony Joshua
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 21 Dec 2025Anthony Joshua Drops Jake Paul 4 Times En Route to a 6th Round Stoppage
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 20 Dec 2025Jean Henri Lhuillier Hails RP Blu Boys’ Golden Triumph at the SEA Games
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 20 Dec 2025ACCRA WEIGH-IN RESULTS: RICHARDS AND AZEEZ PREPARE FOR HISTORIC CLASH
Sat, 20 Dec 2025Two USA Boxing Junior National Champions Invited to Attend Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Bout Friday in Miami
Sat, 20 Dec 2025Ramon Cardenas Scores One Punch Knockout Over Erik Robles in Main Event of ProBoxTV’s The Contender Series
Fri, 19 Dec 2025Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: The Jig Is Up
By Chris Carlson, Fri, 19 Dec 2025January 31: Rohan Polanco-Christian Gomez Confirmed as Co-Feature to Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou Title Unification Showdown at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan
Fri, 19 Dec 2025Jake Paul, Anthony Joshua Tip the Scales Ahead of Netflix Heavyweight Spectacle in Miami
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 19 Dec 2025Suelo rules Thailand chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 19 Dec 2025RICHARDS AND AZEEZ SET FOR HISTORIC SHOWDOWN AS SOUTH LONDON LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS FACE-OFF AT PRESS CONFERENCE IN GHANA
Fri, 19 Dec 2025Brooklyn’s undefeated Pryce Taylor Called one of top heavyweight prospects in U.S.
Fri, 19 Dec 2025INDIGO FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS AS GIORGIO VISOLI OVERCOMES TOUGH JOE HOWARTH – AND TIAH-MAI AYTON WINS AGAIN
Thu, 18 Dec 2025Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Merry Fistmas’ at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Tomorrow Night at 7 pm ET
Thu, 18 Dec 2025