22 May 2025, Guam - In celebration of Philippine Heritage Month 2025, the Philippine Consulate General in Agana, Guam, in cooperation with the Filipino Club of St. John’s School, showcased Arnis as the Philippine National Martial Arts and Sport in a cultural event entitled, “Rediscovering Arnis: A Legacy of Filipino Strength and Skill” which was held on 17 May 2025 at St. John’s School Gymnasium.
In her welcome remarks, Consul General Rosario P. Lemque highlighted the significance of Arnis in Filipino culture. She said, “More than just a method of self-defense, arnis is a living tradition that reflects the strength and ingenuity of the Filipino spirit. I hope the young people of today, especially those of Filipino descent, will develop a deeper appreciation for this intangible cultural treasure.”
This year’s theme for Philippine National Heritage Month, “Preserving Legacies, Building Futures: Empowering Communities through Heritage,” emphasizes heritage as a bridge between past and future, inspiring communities to engage in conservation and education efforts.
In line with this theme, the Consulate General highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous traditions by featuring arnis/eskrima, the national martial art and sport of the Philippines. Declared through Republic Act No. 9850 and signed on December 11, 2009 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, arnis is an indigenous Filipino martial art that dates back to pre-colonial times. Originally developed for self-defense against invading forces, it has evolved into a recognized sport and a form of physical discipline. Today, arnis is gaining international recognition as a symbol of Filipino identity and resilience.
The event was facilitated by Mr. Vladimir Navasca and Mr. Dennis Polli, both arnis martial arts instructors. Mr. Navasca leads the Guam chapter of the Cadenilla Eskrima Group with the support of Mr. Polli and other practitioners, aiming to promote and inspire both Filipinos and Guamanians to learn arnis. During the event, they demonstrated basic self-defense techniques and guided some attendees—among them the Senators—through a few introductory movements.
The event was attended by Senator Shelly Calvo and Senator William Parkinson, both members of the 38th Guam Legislature. Other attendees include Consul General Susumu Ueda of the Japan Consulate General, Mr. Gonda Tadashi, President of the Japan Club of Japan, Mr. Noly Caluag, Taekwondo Martial Arts Instructor, Mr. Robert Kelly, Assistant Principal of St. John’s School (SJS), SJS students and faculty members and other high schools in Guam, members of the Cadenilla Eskrima Group and martial arts enthusiasts in Guam.
The event ended with the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation by the Consulate General to the Arnis instructors, to the Cadenilla Eskrima Group and to St. John’s School. END
