The second Itogon National INVITATIONAL Arnis Tournament was held on December 13-14, 2025 at the Virac Integrated School, Chosol, Virac, Itogon, Benguet, drawing 705 entries from 37 participating teams across Luzon. The tournament initiated by the Baguio-Benguet League of Arnis Eskrima Kali Developers, Enthusiasts, and Supporters, Inc. (BBLADES) and the Itogon MAKSIL Arnis Association, was held in partnership with the Municipal Government of Itogon and Barangay Virac.
Punong Barangay Nestor Martillano Jr. welcomed participants from various provinces and cities on the first day of the competition, underscoring the barangay’s willingness to sustain such an event in support of the National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines.
Acknowledging the support of Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF) Board Member and Kali Arnis Martial Arts Organization (KAMAO) Grand Master Richardson C. Gialogo (GM Gialogo), the Jahpa Womens Organization led the Bendian dance where Tournament Director Olga V. Sadey performed the Sarong with GM Gialogo in his Tayaw.
Barangay Virac’s pride and Palarong Pambansa 2025 Silver Medalist Richard A. Nabus led the oath of Amateurism, while PEKAF-CAR Regional Director Rodini G. Buyogan administered the oath of officiating officials.
In partnership with Veritas Legis Fraternity and members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, a 2-day free legal consultation formed part of the services offered during the competition. On the second day, Cordillera Arnis Federation Incorporator and Baguio City Councilor Vladimir D. Cayabas expressed his support for the grassroots development of Arnis.
The two-day event featured intense competition across different divisions in the Anyo (creative forms), Labanan (full contact) Padded Point and Labanan Live Stick events.
The following are the official results:
Cadets Division:
· Champion – Virac MAKSIL (5 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze Medals)
· 2nd Place – Santo Tomas Elementary School Arnis Team (4 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze Medals)
· 3rd Place – Josefa Carino Elementary School Warriors (2 Gold, 4 Silver, 1 Bronze Medals)
· 4th Place – Lubas Falcons (2 Gold, 1 Silver, 4 Bronze Medals)
· 5th Place – SIGLAT Arnis Team (2 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze Medals)
Juniors Division:
· Champion – UB Cardinals (9 Gold, 5 Silver, 6 Bronze Medals)
· 2nd Place –Baguio City High School MABIKAS Arnis Team (6 Gold, 6 Silver, 2 Bronze Medals)
· 3rd Place – Ambangeg National High School Arnis Team (2 Gold, 2 Silver, 4 Bronze Medals)
· 4th Place – Benguet National High School MAKEDSANG Arnis Team (2 Gold, 1 Silver, 3 Bronze Medals)
· 5th Place – Lepanto National High School Arnis Team (2 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze Medals)
Seniors Division:
· Champion – UB Cardinals (16 Gold, 10 Silver, 7 Bronze Medals)
· 2nd Place – Benguet State University Wildcats (2 Gold, 8 Silver, 14 Bronze Medals)
· 3rd Place – MAKNEG PEKAF Arnis Team (2 Gold and 2 Bronze Medals)
· 4th Place – TRIBU LUPON Arnis Team (1 Gold, 1 Silver, 3 Bronze Medals)
· 5th Place – University of the Cordilleras Jaguars (1 Gold Medal)
Overall Results:
• Champion – UB Cardinals (25 Gold, 15 Silver, 13 Bronze Medals)
• 2nd Place – Baguio City High School MABIKAS Arnis Team (6 Gold, 6 Silver, 2 Bronze Medals)
• 3rd Place – Virac MAKSIL (5 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze Medals)
• 4th Place – MAKNEG PEKAF Arnis Team (5 Gold, 2 Silver, 7 Bronze Medals)
• 5th Place – Santo Tomas Arnis Team (4 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 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 Chairperson Andre Dean Foman-eg, while the Itogon MAKSIL Arnis Association is led by Chairperson Olga Victor Sadey. **BBLADES contributed article
