The Itogon Invitational Arnis Tournament was held on December 14-15, 2024 at the Virac Integrated School, Barangay Virac, Itogon, Benguet drawing 451 entries from 31 teams across Luzon. The tournament, organized by the Baguio-Benguet League of Arnis Eskrima Kali Developers, Enthusiasts, and Supporters, Inc. (BBLADES) and Itogon MAKSIL Arnis Association was held in partnership with the Municipal Government of Itogon & Barangay Virac.
Arnisador Caira Bunoy from Barangay Virac led the oath of amateurism, while PEKAF CAR Regional Director Rodini G. Buyogan led the oath of officiating officials.
Punong Barangay Nestor Martillano Jr. welcomed participants from various provinces and cities on the first day of the competition, underscoring the barangays willingness to sustain such event in support to the National Martial Arts & Sports of the Philippines. On the second day, Councilor Albino Diego of Itogon Municipality and Ms. Rima Mangili of DOMAPMA expressed their support for the grassroots development of Arnis.
The two-day event featured intense competition across different divisions, and teams vied for top honors in the cadet, juniors, and seniors’ categories. The following are the official results:
Cadets Division:
Champion – SKSZ Kabaritan Nueva Ejica (8 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze Medals)
2nd Place – Virac MAKSIL Arnis Team ( 4 Gold, 5 Silver, 6 Bronze Medals)
3rd Place – Josefa Carino Elementary School Warriors (3 Gold, 6 Silver, 12 Bronze Medals)
Juniors Division:
Champion– UB Cardinals (12 Gold, 6 Silver, 1 Bronze Medals)
2nd Place – Baguio City National High School (4 Gold, 3 Silver, 6 Bronze Medals)
3rd Place – Laoag City Arnis Team (4 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze Medals)
Seniors Division:
Champion– Mariano Marcos State University Stallions (7 Golds, 5 Silvers, 4 Bronze Medals)
2nd Place – Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (3 Golds, 5 Silvers, 1 Bronze Medals)
3rd Place – MAKNEG PEKAF (3 Gold Medals)
Overall Results:
Champion – UB Cardinals (12 Gold, 6 Silver, 1 Bronze Medals)
2nd Place – Mariano Marcos State University Stallions (8 Golds, 7 Silvers, 5 Bronze Medals)
3rd Place – SKSZ Kabaritan Nueva Ejica (8 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze Medals)
4th Place – Laoag City Arnis Team (6 Gold, 4 Silver, 7 Bronze Medals)
5th Place – MAKNEG PEKAF (5 Gold, 2 Silve and 3 Bronze Medals)
The tournament showcased the skills and passion of Arnis athletes from across Luzon and highlighted the continued growth of the sport, particularly among the youth. BBLADES Inc. is under the leadership of President Karl Mico Alangui and Chairman Andre Dean Foman-eg. While Itogon MAKSIL Arnis Association is led by its Chairperson, Ms. Olga Victor Sadey.**Article Contribution and Photo courtesy of BBLADES Inc.
