Not Just a Martial Arts Association

When we talk of martial arts, the name of such famed actors like Jackie Chan and Jet Li would always come to mind. I for one enjoy watching a Jackie Chan movie because he always adds humor to his acrobatic and gymnastic stances. But ask a real martial arts student or professional, and they will readily say that those unified movements are but the result of cinematic techniques.

Last Friday, I had for the first time the chance to watch a martial arts exhibition participated by young kids as well as fellow overseas Filipinos. While the adult participants demonstrated real talent, it was the performance of the young would be ninjas that gained more applause from the audience. That was an afternoon of real fun and laughter.

The occasion was the 9th founding anniversary of the Black Python Martial Arts Association. Led by its able founder/grandmaster, Sabiniano ‘Boy’ Macion, the BPM has through the years continued to provide self defense training to school children of all nationalities, as well as to fellow overseas Filipinos in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Ayon kay Ibrahim Banacia, secretary general ng BPM, layunin din ng samahan na pag-ibayuhin ang kakayanan at pagtitiwala sa sarili ng bawat kasapi, at ang pagpapahalaga sa sarili at kapwa.

But the services that BPM provides are not limited to its members. During the last nine years, it has been an active partner of the embassy in many of the latter’s endeavors. Its president, Faisal ‘Dino’ Mercurio, is an active member of the OFW Congress executive council.

BPM was an active participant in the 2003 and 2006 OAV registration campaign. They also helped in the OAV information dissemination, and provided security and information services during the OAV voting period.

BPM is also an active partner of the OFW Congress’ program for distress overseas Filipinos, and every now and then solicits donations for the benefit of women distress workers confined at the Bahay Kalinga. Its members are trained on how to give advice to fellow Filipinos who come around to refer to them their problems with their employers; what to do, where to go, and to whom to seek assistance.

Indeed the Black Python is more than just a martial arts association. It has evolved itself to become one of the most trusted partners of the Filipino community in Riyadh. The recognition of the important role the BPM has played was manifested by the presence of officers from OFW Congress and other community organizations during last Friday’s affair. Missing in action, though, are the representatives of the Philippine embassy and its attached agencies (Ano ba naman kayo!).

Once again, to the officers and members of the Black Python Martial Arts Association, happy founding anniversary.