World Eskrima Balintawak Arnis Federation

To promote camaraderie, friendship, and brotherhood among Balintawak Grandmasters, Masters, and Practitioners in their practice and promotion of Filipino Martial Arts - Arnis Eskrima Balintawak Style; to provide avenues whereby contribution, ability, and potential in the practice of the art can be recognized, promoted, and achieved.

The Formation of WEBAF

During the most recent trip to Cebu City, Philippines, home of Grand Master Guillermo O. Taboada (known to the world as GM Bobby), Mayor Butch Sepulveda hosted a despidida party for GM Bobby’s honor. It was on the night of December 4, 2009, held at the club house of World Nickelstick Eskrima Club GM Nick Elizar. It was well-attended by notable Balintawak Grandmasters, Master, students, and visiting students from USA, Spain, and France. The night was a feast with lechon, sinugbang isda, nukus, dinuguan, puto,etc, and unending flow of cold beer,rhum and wine.

During the party, Dong Butch (as Mayor Butch is fondly known) mentioned to the group that, with the funding support of Senator Miguel Zubiri (also an avid arnis practitioner and 1st WEKAF Champion), he has just organized a Federation of Horse Aficionados to promote horse riding activities in the province of Cebu. In the same light, Dong Butch suggested that the Balintawak Group could organize a similar format to promote unity and camaraderie, and service among different Balintawak Groups, not only in Cebu, but also throughout the Philippines and the World.

After discussion and exchange of ideas, GM Bobby Taboada, Chief Master Eddie Velez, GM Teofilo Romo, GM Nick Elizar, GM Max Cabelles, MI Ben Jay-Ma, Dr. Ben Marapao, Mayor Butch Sepulveda all concurred that a legal, non-stock, non-profit entity be organized. They recognized that such an entity could promote the vision and mission of Balintawak and allow succession to the next generation. They all pledged their support and agreed to form a Balintawak Group Federation.

That night an ADHOC Committee was immediately formed:

* President: GM Guillermo (Bobby) Taboada
* Vice President: GM Nicmedes (Nick) Elizar
* Gen.Secretary: GM Maxino (Max) Caballes
* Treasurer: Mayor Butch Sepulveda
* Auditor: MI Oliver Maguyon
* PRO: GM Teofilo Roma
* Sgt. At arms: MI Ben Jayma

Dong Butch Sepulveda graciously offered to shoulder the initial organizational expenses. The very next day, GM Max Caballes wasted no time and immediately proceeded to inquire from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). On December 28, 2009, the application was filed, and on January 6, 2010 WEBAF World Eskrima Balintawak Arnis Federation, Inc. was approved under SEC registration no. CN201025006.

On January 21, 2010 WEBAFERATION held its first open meeting at The Royal Concourse Restaurant, Gov. Cuenco Ave., Cebu City, Philippines. It was a very well-attended affair.

Among the matters taken during the first meeting was The Board’s ratification of the Elected ADHOC Officers to be the Regular Officers for the year 2010. The said meeting and occasion was dedicated to our Great Balintawak Grandmaster Anciong Bacon. During that affair, the descendents of Grandmaster Anciong Bacon were recognized as they were the Special Guests during that momentous occasion.