Arte Suave Manila - The aftermath

As the final roll of mats got strapped, wrapped and ready for transport, I found myself standing in the middle of everything – a vast space where history was made.

The pillars and hallways of Commercenter Alabang will never be the same.

Its walls have heard screams and chants of adoration for the victors who fought on its surfaces. Its windows bore witness to the joys of victory and the tears of defeat.

Through the efforts of like-minded and passionate people, what was once a dream became a reality. After so much planning and organizing – Arte Suave Manila was born.

The first of many.

Triumvirate Fighting had a vision of cultivating a grass roots program to develop talent and provide exposure for white and blue belts in the local Brazilian Jiujitsu scene. They are, after all, the future of this martial art. 

Personally, I wanted an avenue for the young guns to take center stage and show people what they got. Most BJJ tournaments are focused on watching Purple – Black belt divisions that the first two belt levels are often ignored, which shouldn’t be the case. I love watching whites and blues go at it for the simple reason that they are at the stage wherein everything they do is driven by their passion for the sport.

From the spazzy-adrenaline enhanced-spur of the moment scrambles to the look of relief after each conquest. The frustrations after getting bummed out and the breaking down of people in the sidelines due to exhaustion all lead to creating an experience that everyone will carry for the rest of their lives. Nothing beats the feeling of overcoming obstacles that react and fight back. The lessons from joining a tournament (whether you win or lose) helps the person improve both as a competitor and as a human being.

We wanted to keep the fire burning. We wanted to keep the passion alive. We wanted more stories to be shared. We wanted more names to be discovered. We wanted to make everyone feel that what they are practicing was worth it. We wanted to change the landscape on how things are done.

 We wanted to make it better.

Whatever we nervously did for two days exhibited what we are all about. We were able to pull in competitors from all BJJ academies, gave them good competition, have them compete on the best mats possible, a nice venue and winners got more than a medal.

The smiles, laughter, high fives and hugs shared during those days made all the trouble worth it. This is what Jiujitsu is all about – sharing each moment with the people you love.

As I stood there, in that vast empty space as they rolled out the rest of the mats, I ended up telling myself - We’re going to do this again ;)

The team behind the success of Arte Suave Manila.

ArteSuaveTravels: El Nido, Palawan

“Here in El Nido, please take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints sirs and ma’ams” – Gary (our boat man)

Scenic view from Entalula's beach front gate.

The beauty that lies within is the most mesmerizing. The façade that everyone is used to fails in comparison when the eyes are exposed to what else is out there. Here, captured moments become reality. All pictures are brought to life. The experience of a lifetime unraveling in front of you as the wind brushes your face and the water of the ocean touches your feet.

Take a boat and discover the beauty that is El Nido.

El Nido is a town north of Palawan. It is probably the tip of the northern Palawan region that faces the Sulu Sea. The town proper offers all the necessary amenities and facilities that travelers need during their stay in El Nido.

How to get there

1.       Take a plane to Puerto Princesa. The travel is about an hour from Manila. Booked at Air Asia and their flights were on time and the plane was nice and comfy.

2.       From Puerto Princesa take a 6 hour van ride to El Nido town. Took the Eulene Joy van tours as they have a terminal near the town already. Van transfers range from 600-650 pesos per person.

As much as possible ride a Grandia van. Wider seats and almost all vans have head rests.

3.       From the terminal take a tricycle to resort of preference. Fare is usually 50 pesos.

Island Tours

There are many establishments and resorts offering tours around El Nido. Pick the one that has the best deal in terms of price, boat size, number of participants, food packages, location of pick up and drop off points. Try to get one that is near your resort.

Island tours are divided into Tours A, B, C and D. Each tour has at least 4-5 island destinations. Lunch is included in the tours. For this trip, we opted for tours A and C. Make sure to rent snorkels and get the life jacket that fits you well. This ensures a hassle free swim along the beaches, lagoons and dive spots.

The boat ride serves as a moving panorama of the islands.

Heading to Big Lagoon.

Big Lagoon.

The shores of Payong-paying island.

Limestone formations of the island.

Grab a drink from the bar and lounge in the fine sands of Commando island.

Snorkeling spot in Helicopter island.

Powdery white sand on shallow waters of Hidden Beach.

Views like this makes me want a return trip as soon as possible.

Food

Seafood is cheaper than meat. Go for the seafood. It’s fresh. It’s delicious.  

Fresh lobster in their beach front "paluto" restaurants.

This festive treat is part of the boat tour packages in El Nido.

One of Entalula's breakfast meals,

The most popular Art Cafe - a must eat destination in El Nido.

This place is simply breath-taking. I find myself mesmerized at the wonder that surrounded me. The elements of nature took its time and molded pieces of rock into marvelous creations. Each site brought awe into the very fiber of my human existence. What were once snapshots from photo albums and magazine covers slowly unfolded right before my eyes. The sand is powdery white, the water is sky blue and the marine diversity is simply beautiful.

Paradise is often an abused word to describe a destination. It has transcended to moments, people and objects. The very grain of its definition however is evident in this place. El Nido is a dwelling uniquely its own.  Each visitor is transported into a world rooted in its origins and simplistic grandeur. A world totally the opposite of urban living, so much so, that its existence would be a surprise to many.

Sipping fresh coconut juice while lounging on the sand.

It could very well be the closest thing to describe heaven.

When booking a trip to El Nido contact this guy. He has the best hook-ups!

For accommodations we stayed at Entalula Beach Resort. They will take good care of you.

http://www.entalula.com/

ArteSuaveEats: Earth Kitchen

Cooking with a sense of purpose only yields beautiful results. Each plate coming out of the kitchen is an extension of raw emotions, chopped accordingly to preference, seasoned for added flavor and cooked to perfection. Plated with attention to detail and garnished with love before serving.

However, the process is merely an aid towards achieving culinary success.

The ingredients play a vital role in the equation of producing a heart-warming meal.

With the produce of Got Heart Foundation and other partner communities, push one end of the big door entering Earth Kitchen.

Remnants of an old trellis converted into a green hub surprises guests when they come in. Natural light covers the entire dining area during the day while a line of LED bulbs illuminate the place in the evening. The greenhouse effect is earthy, cozy and warm. The vibrant mix of city and farm blend in the interiors and walls of the restaurant like the visions of those who can only dream of what a “Green City” looks like. One could go as far as Bilbo Baggins’ kitchen had an upgrade and was featured in Modern Home. Nature themed fixtures plus fresh from farm meals with a twist of art (proudly drawn by our brothers and sisters in the recently typhoon stricken Tacloban) definitely works.

Food on the menu: tasty, savory, filling and delicious.

Beef Kebabs

The notoriously ordered dish has beef rib on a skewer, veggies and comes with a dirty rice pilaf. Served with tzatziki and a creamy spicy sauce, this mouth-watering plate of joy is a must when visiting Earth Kitchen.  What warm blooded carnivore could ever resist a tender, moist and sinfully grilled farm raised piece of meat? -  An idiot I suppose.  Do not fight the urge to order another serving of the rice; totally acceptable.

Delightfully delicious.

Pumpkin and Goat’s Cheese Paccheri

This is a pasta dish that is worth your praise and Instagram post. The sweet concoction of crispy pumpkin strips and goat’s cheese provides an adventure to the palate yet to be told. Its consistency blends well with the pasta (freshly made) and crispy bacon (very good addition – you can never go wrong with bacon).

 

Yes it has flowers. Yes they are edible (taste nice as well).

Mushroom Ravioli

Another feel good pasta dish; mushrooms with kesong puti in a light cream sauce – absolute winner. Drizzled with more cheese, served fresh and must be consumed immediately. Be thankful for the overflowing sauce that could only mean more creaminess to lather your mouth with.

Creamy goodness in one plate.

Chew gently. Savor each bite. Taste the inner difference. Look around. Appreciate the place. Go bite some more.

Appetizingly refreshing.

A merry mix of colors that is good for the body.

With every dish comes a tale. People from far off places harvesting produce with the clearest intent of growing it the way it should be. Earth Kitchen is a vision brought to life; an outlet for a passion project that hopes to spur involvement in a larger spectrum. Providing healthy, nourishing and delightful meals are mere consequences of a drive to create awareness. Most of what is seen on their menu is produce from organic farmers of Got Heart Foundation.

Earth Kitchen is a little garden of hope in a big, fast paced urban jungle. Visitors and loyal patrons are transported into a preview of what can be done when things are done right. Modern living can co-exist with nature, locally produced ingredients yield amazing dishes and the cycle of providing livelihood channels goes full circle to benefit those who made them.

 hit them up on facebook and instagram:

Got Heart Foundation: https://www.facebook.com/Got.Heart.Fdn?fref=ts

Earth Kitchen:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEarthKitchen

Instagram: https://instagram.com/earthkitchenph/ 

URCC Domination: Hideo and Sindikato

Alvin utilizing his array of kicks to ward off a charging Morikawa.

While one bout shone light to the brightness of a scene geared towards evolution, another provided a distant reminder of how it was done during its inception.

The young guns displayed hunger and determination. Their skills matched with youth and the drive to be recognized bestowed upon them the torch they have to carry in the years to come. On the flipside is a pair of warriors who have gone on the same path, now in the climactic stages of their pugilistic careers.

On several occasions, it seemed headed towards a finish. However, both had no quit in them. 

The epic battle of The Death from Tokyo versus Sindikato earned them a piece of MMA history when they fought for the URCC Flyweight title last 25^th of July 2015.

This wasn’t merely a battle for the belt. For both fighters it was reaching the summit of a treacherous climb. Alvin “Sindikato” Ramirez was an alumnus of the URCC University Challenge – the grassroots program that led to the discovery of many Pinoy MMA fighters today. He was a kid with full potential and bright future. A mix of ring savvy, crisp striking and that devil may care attitude with complete disregard for the outcome as long as it turns into a good scrappy slugfest.

Hideo is well known for his leg and foot attacks. Here he executes a straight footlock on Ramirez.

Hideo “Death from Tokyo” Morikawa has been a URCC veteran in its early years. From a strict karate base, his quickness and agility complimented his straight punches and pointed elbows. Most of his victims ended up either with lacerated faces (because of elbows) or extremely inflamed profiles. What set him apart from other fighters is his strong mental toughness. His ability to zone out helps him increase his pain threshold and absorb punishment while inflicting a barrage of his own.

Both Alvin and Hideo earned the respect of fans and their peers. Even during setbacks in their careers, their resilience never faded. As time allowed them to mature and improve their craft, it was a fitting culmination that they faced each other inside the cage for a strap that deserved them both.

Alvin had his shining moments in the submission department as well. Above is a well timed triangle choke on Hideo.

For five rounds they traded punches, kicks, elbows and submissions. All traded with the intention to hurt, every inch was clawed and paid for. In the end, there had to be a winner, on this night it was Hideo’s time to rule the division.

A heel hook from Morikawa while Ramirez refused to tap.

Perhaps what was endearing about the dogfight was the connection the fighters had with the fans. All that followed the URCC through the years saw the development of Alvin and Hideo with every event they fought in. From their immature tendencies and reckless abandon during their early years; viewers were treated to a display of grown men who grew up in the hurt business. Their match exhibited the technical maturity one will show through years of training and the toughness of the era which molded them. 

They showed everyone how it was done during the earlier years. When submission attempts were answered with punches and kicks- not escapes, when joint locks were ignored simply because nothing was broken, when two people would stand in front of each other and just slug it out until someone falls face flat on the floor and when the desire to win mattered more than the adoration of the crowd.

 

After five gruelling rounds, Hideo Morikawa was declared the new Champion.

photos are from the awesome Food Grappler. check out his page at:
https://www.facebook.com/thefoodgrappler

URCC Domination: Fight of the Night

The recently concluded URCC Domination held at the Fontana Leisure Resort in Clark Pampanga showcased the future of Philippine Mixed Martial Arts.

Their names: CJ De Tomas and Carlo Laurel

CJ and Carlo in action.

CJ is the son of URCC veteran Charles De Tomas and trains under De Tomas MMA while Carlo Laurel is an alumnus of the URCC University Challenge and trains under Ronin BJJ. Both started their careers at a young age. Both excelled individually in their amateur striking and grappling careers and as fate would put it, they were bound to cross paths and face each other inside the URCC cage.

It was a clash of opposites. The display of how yin and yang would match up if they were not in harmony. On one side is a quiet, soft spoken young man who has faced adversity head on and emerged victorious with sheer grit and balls to the wall attitude towards fighting. The opposing side offers a flashy, charismatic borderline cocky gangster that throws punches with his fists and his mouth.

They fought relentlessly for three action packed rounds. Threw bombs at each other with unforgiving intention, slipped and slide during every scramble and displayed a relentless pace that could only be seen in high level fighters. At the end of the final round, after the decision was read, CJ came out victorious.

This duel had “Fight of the Night” written all over it and both fighters delivered.

CJ and Carlo showcased what a complete Pinoy MMA fighter should be. Both displayed how a good combination of stand-up and grappling skills can shape the complexion of a fight. Even as the fight went to the ground, both scrappers displayed high level Jiujitsu in terms of guard recovery, transitioning from one position to another and setting up opportunities to strike.

They were both technical and tactical. CJ would use the cage during clinches and lean on his opponent to apply pressure. This also allows him to be in a good position for a level change when he goes for a single and/or a double leg take down. His counter-punching came in handy when Carlo would charge forward and start his barrage. His wrestling base also came in handy while in top position while smothering Laurel.

Half guard maintenance and CJ would transition to north south and land more punches.

CJ De Tomas had better timing and well executed punches.

Carlo on the other hand utilized his flexibility in order to get out of tight situations. His vast grappling experiences have helped him defend well when CJ got his back complimented by a ground and pound game that combines punching and covering the mouth of his opponent (sneaky but legal). His quick hands were able to land good combinations all throughout and his flamboyance and cage antics added flavor to an already entertaining fight.

Keeping calm and composed while escaping a RNC attempt.

They are at the peaking stages of their young professional careers. There is a vast opportunity for improvement available to both fighters. Hopefully they stay hungry and never entertain the thought of believing their own legend.

CJ De Tomas came out with the judges nod that night.

 CJ DE TOMAS.

CARLO LAUREL.

Remember their names. 

Cheer them on.

Follow their careers.

Wish they fight again :)

ps. photos are taken from The Food Grappler's account. check him out and give it a Like

https://www.facebook.com/thefoodgrappler

Keeping the Rollapalooza vibe

Philippine Brazilian Jiujitsu is fairly on its toddler years as far as I am concerned. The growing years of the art and the sport has been a steady pace. There are different schools now that people can sign up based on location, style and preference. These schools shape up not only their students but the competition landscape as well. As far as the local competition scene goes; it does not lack the artistry, flamboyance, drama and highlight reel worthy moves that are present elsewhere around the globe.

If you are one of the few right now addicted to BJJ and you plan to join any of the tournaments within the year, make sure you go to Rollapalooza.

Next tourney date (2015) *image from their Facebook page

Prof. Ali Sulit (Atos Black Belt) and his team were able to create that merry mix of chill vibe, upbeat tracks and warm environment that exhibits the lifestyle of every Brazilian Jiujitsu practitioner in the country. It is like entering one big dojo where people just line up and wait for their turn to roll.

However, let not the image and the atmosphere fool you into thinking that competition will be easy.

I have fought many great matches against game individuals. Most of my more memorable fights were in Rollapalooza. Everybody wanted to win.  This only ensures participants that there are no walks in the park matches here.

Agianst one of Atos' finest - Aldo Vergel De Dios
(my first taste of a well executed foot lock)

From its humble beginnings at the Ateneo Martial Arts center with only one big mat area split in half by long punching bags (sometimes competitors end up overlapping during attempted takedowns or throws), Rollapalooza is held either at the Fisher Mall along Quezon Avenue or at the Blue Eagle Gym inside Ateneo de Manila campus. The growing number of supporters led to major improvements and expanded tourney formats. A recently concluded boracay leg of the tournament is a testament of Rollapalooza’s growth and significance in the local BJJ scene.

Rollapalooza 2010

Our team has always been a big supporter of this event

Francis Uy of Submissions Sports PH and the flashy Carlo Laurel

With my coaches Jerome Lepiten and Richard Lasprilla

This is what NOT to do while waiting for your brackets (I have the best teammates)

What I admire the most is the driving force behind the movement. They are a bunch of passionate individuals who just want to share the lifestyle and spread the love that unites us all. Joining “Rolla” provides each participant the tournament atmosphere but with that unique sense of camaraderie present in our respective gyms.

Everybody is all smiles during the day. We slap and bump hands. We fight like there’s no tomorrow.  We raise each other’s hands in victory and walk off the mats letting the good vibes roll.

Keeping that cool vibe. With Andrew Laxa, Prof. Ali Sulit and Pons Ponce,