Canadians arrive for Cacoy Doce Pares world events

CEBU, Philippines - A dozen Canadians from Montreal make up the list of early birds for the 6th Cacoy Doce Pares World Federation international martial arts seminar and eskrima championships billed as "The Grand Gathering 2012" set on June 6-10 at the City Sports Club-Cebu.

Six of them who arrived the other day immediately held practice and attended a refresher course at the Cacoy Doce Pares Headquarters along C. Padilla Street, this city.

They are Fil-Canadian Master Chris Bautista, Joao Silva, Pabagiotis Tseveris, Jean Edward Pierre Toussant, Anthony Pantazopolous and Cherly Laforteza, the only lady of the group.

Close to 100 eskrimadors including 40 from the University of Cebu (UC) and 20 Australians will take part in the five-day event. The arnisadors from the Land Down Under will be led by Grandmasters Vince Palumbo and Chris Nasilowski, who both own a martial arts school in Australia.

Supreme Grandmaster Ciriano "Cacoy" Canete said that local stick-fighters from Cagayan de Oro, Borbon and San Fernando will also be joining the action.

The registration will be at 8 am on June 6 at the venue. At 7:30 in the evening of that same day, there will be a welcome dinner at the Golden Prince Hotel and Suites.

The Hall of Fame enshrinement and promotion of members will be held at the Cebu Grand Convention Center on June 8, while the farewell party will take place at the Cañete residence on June 10. (FREEMAN)