The spirit of competition and camaraderie is alive and thriving in Isabela City as the Sakayan Arnis Tournament unfolded with much excitement.
This event was made possible through the dynamic synergy of City Councilors Karel Annjaiza Sakkalahul, Yusop Abubakar, Jeromy Casas, and James Abner Rodriguez, with the support of City Government of Isabela under the leadership of City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, through the City Tourism Office headed by Claudio Ramos II.
Anchored on the theme, “RelationSHIPS: 24 Years of the City’s Journey Anchored in Inspiring Stewardship Towards Sailing Resilience,” the Sakayan Arnis Tournament is not just a display of martial prowess but a celebration of unity, teamwork, and the collective spirit that binds the Isabeleño community.
The action-packed event featured the intense Full Contact Padded Sticks Category, where participants showcased their mastery and discipline in Arnis, the traditional Filipino martial art. The tournament was held at the Basilan National High School Gymnasium from April 26-27.
Fighters Battling for the Championship
Girls Division
Age Bracket 10–12
Tracy Sali (BENHS) vs. Laila Bahari (Island District)
Junior Division
41 kg below: Nursida Unggang (BENHS) vs. Keisha Batino (Lamitan)
41–45 kg: Kasandrea Rusiana (Lamitan) vs. Princess Francisco (BENHS)
45–49 kg: Leariza Isniril (AGDI) vs. Austine Jaica (Private Team)
49–54 kg: Shiamira Sabirin (Lamitan) vs. Alliah Sajili (BNHS)
54 kg above: Joevine Soriano (Lamitan) vs. Norjohna Jakaria (AGDI Malamawi)
Senior Division:
50 kg below: Windel Fontelo (AGDI Malamawi) vs. Ashley Mohammad (BASC)
51–56 kg: Faustine Delica (Lamitan) vs. Norqueeza Ulloh (AGDI Malamawi)
63–70 kg: Champion by default — Nashira Arala (BASC)
Boys Division
Age Bracket 10–12
Nidzmar Sariol (Island District) vs. Abdurahman Dastala (Begang NHS)
Junior Division
47 kg below: John Harvey (Lamitan) vs. Jon Rey Guevara (Zamboanga)
47–51 kg: Anthony Abio (BENHS) vs. Jaylani Majaran (Lamitan)
51–55 kg: Alyazeed Muarip (Lamitan) vs. Jhameer Mansul (AGDI Malamawi)
55–60 kg: Jedan Capulac (Zamboanga) vs. Rhino Calzado (BENHS)
60 kg above: James Jan Orilla (BENHS) vs. Kevin Torio (BENHS)
Senior Division
55 kg below: Alfahad Alih (BASC) vs. Cedric Delica (Lamitan)
56–61 kg: Benazar Baradji (BASC) vs. Lester Regato (BASC)
62–67 kg: Abdukadil Jammang (Zamboanga) vs. Antonio Casinilo (Lamitan)
68 kg above: Jaymark Capulac (Zamboanga) vs. Ajhay Rajab (AGDI Malamawi)
A total of 99 registered participants came from different schools and groups, reflecting a broad and diverse representation:
9 from Basilan National High School
17 from Caro National High School
15 from Basilan State College
14 from Arnis Garote de Isla Malamawi
13 from Begang National High School
16 from Lamitan City
4 from Island District
11 from Zamboanga Arnis Martial Arts
The excitement builds up as April 27 marks the much-anticipated Championship Round. (Words by R. Natividad-Sarael/ Photos by KC Galos, CIO)
