PASSI CITY, Iloilo — Two arnis teams from Passi City delivered a commanding performance at the Ilonggo Masters Memorial Cup 2026, held on July 18 at GT Mall in Pavia, Iloilo. Together, they collected 22 medals—13 gold, 5 silver, and 4 bronze—across Novice and Advance divisions, underscoring the city’s rising prominence in the national sport.
A Sweeping Victory for PCPBA
The Passi City Pintados Bastonero Association (PCPBA) led the charge with 13 medals. Six of their athletes claimed gold: Princess Joy Divine Aguilar, Richard Lamayo, Aliver Daguison, Tristan Daquiado, Raeve Aldrich Cataloctocan, and Krisia Jamolangue. Their victories spanned multiple weight and skill categories, demonstrating the depth of training within the organization.
Silver medals were earned by Princess Joy Matulina, Yumi Pagayon, Mary Amber Macero, and Romeo Edgardo Palmares. Marielle Dawn Bulnes, Ed-Mary Angela Lagunday, and Marc Gabriel Mendoza rounded out the PCPBA haul with bronze. The team’s performance highlighted consistent preparation and a strong coaching foundation.
D.P.E. Passi Adds to the Gold Rush
The Darwa Pangalima Eskrema (D.P.E.) Passi Arnis Team contributed nine medals, including an impressive seven golds. Carl Benedic Palma, Keith Dominic Palma, and Glydel Delos Reyes topped the Advance division, while Aurlie Reyes, Nild John Padillo, and Julie Lapasaran III ruled the Novice category. The squad also secured a team gold medal, cementing their dominance.
Sian Dustine Riego added a silver in the Novice division, and Altair Palma captured bronze in the Advance category. The D.P.E. athletes showcased the full spectrum of arnis disciplines—from single and double stick forms to unarmed sparring—reflecting the breadth of the martial art itself.
Grassroots Talent Shines on the Regional Stage
The Ilonggo Masters Memorial Cup served as a crucial platform for young arnis practitioners to test their skills and gain competitive experience. The event attracted athletes from across Iloilo and neighboring provinces, making Passi City’s success all the more significant. Many of the winners are now poised to advance to higher-level meets, including PRISAA and Palarong Pambansa qualifiers.
The tournament featured both Novice and Advance divisions, ensuring that developing athletes could compete at appropriate skill levels. This structure allowed Passi City’s emerging talents to build confidence while seasoned competitors sharpened their techniques. The strong showing validates the city’s investment in grassroots sports development.
Arnis: A Sport Rooted in Heritage
Arnis, the national martial art and sport of the Philippines under Republic Act No. 9850, holds special cultural significance for Passi City. The annual Pintados de Passi Festival honors the ancient Visayan warrior tradition, and the city’s arnisadors carry that legacy into modern competition. Their achievements at the Ilonggo Masters Memorial Cup are a tribute to both athletic excellence and cultural pride.
The success of the 19 individual medalists reflects the dedicated work of coaches, families, and the local government. Mayor Atty. Stephen A. Palmares has been a steadfast supporter of sports programs that keep the youth engaged in healthy, disciplined activities. The city’s two arnis organizations have become pillars of this effort.
