SOME 100 arnisadors are expected to showcase their stick fighting skills in the 80th Araw ng Dabaw arnis tournament slated Saturday and Sunday, March 4 and 5, at the Entertainment Area of Gaisano Grand Citimall.
Tournament organizer Mario Palazuelo of Kapitarang Doble Olisi Escrima and Arnis Philippines (KDOEAP), in a phone interview with VoxPop Davao Wednesday, March 1, said participants from Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley Province, General Santos City and Davao City will vie for honors in the two-day tournament funded by the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO) and organized by KDOEAP, the local counterpart of Arnis Philippines that is a member of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).
"We also invited Digos and other areas in the region. We are still waiting for their confirmation," Palazuelo said, expecting that Tagum City, which has the largest delegation, will defend its overall champion title this year.
Events entered are novice and advance labanan (sparring) and basic anyo (fighting stance).
Palazuelo said the novice division aims to encourage beginners to participate in the event that aims to hone athletes skills in arnis," adding the competition will determine the composition of the city's delegates to the Batang Pinoy and for Philippine National Games.
Medals and certificates will be awarded to the top three placers in each category.