PH Consulate General in Sydney Promotes Arnis and Self-Defense Among Filipino Women Community Leaders

Participants pair up and showcase six of the thirteen basic strikes in Arnis.. (Sydney PCG Photo)

SYDNEY 09 December 2024 – In observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) on 25 November to 12 December, the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney held a session on basic Arnis and self-defense for Filipino women community leaders on 22 November 2024.

Filipino women community leaders and Consulate General personnel joined the session where Filipino-Australian Mr. David Bardos provided a brief overview and history of arnis and was followed by a demonstration of the thirteen basic strikes. Participants quickly learned six of the thirteen strikes and were given more practical self-defense techniques. 

In her remarks, Consul General Charmaine Rowena Aviquivil highlighted the Consulate’s aim of promoting Arnis as the national martial art and sport of the Philippines, as well as for self-defense. 

At the end of the session, Consul General Aviquivil received from Mr. Bardos a pair of Kamagong Arnis sticks, which were used by Grandmaster and Founder of Lightning Scientific Arnis International Benjamin "Mang Ben” Luna Lema. 

Mr. Bardos is the Head Instructor of Wagga Wagga-based Riverina Arnis Association and the Director of External Engagement at Charles Sturt University. Practicing Arnis since 1989, he is the Australian representative of Lightning Scientific Arnis International (LSAI), one of the Philippines' most respected classical Arnis organizations. Mr. Bardos also serves as a head instructor for two additional martial arts schools, including one that empowers women through violence management and self-protection programs.

In accordance with Proclamation No. 1172 s. 2006, the annual 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) is observed based on the international campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence that begins every November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on December 10, the International Human Rights Day. 

The Philippine government extended the campaign to 18 days in view of the signing of the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children in 2000. END

Consul General Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil, Consul Sheila Marie C. Tario, Tourism Representative Purificacion Molintas, Special Trade Representative Alma Argayoso, Vice Consul Frances Cleofas, Mr. David Bardos, Filipino women community leaders, and Consulate General personnel pose for a photo after the session. (Sydney PCG photo)

For more information, visit https://www.sydneypcg.dfa.gov.ph/, https://www.facebook.com/PHLinSydney or https://www.instagram.com/phlinsydney/.