Gold-blooded: Genius behind the shimmering shadow

It has always been said that a little fire can burn into a roaring flame. Talent and interest planted on the right soil can turn to unrivaled passion that may never be put out. Since 2014, Ligao City slowly lurked itself into becoming one of the most prestigious arnis divisions in the country. But this fairytale story has not yet been in existence for far too long. During the early 2000s Ligao City’s arnis stature has been seemingly quite delicate, so what really caused this massive change? Or should we say, who inspired the upbringing of this revolutionary shift in gold medal contributions

By ELIJAH ANDREI CAGNAYO

his high school youth. According to him, his main forte in his years as a student-athlete was Combative Arnis. This type of arnis emphasizes the use of weapons like padded sticks for competition.

“I started out in arnis back in 2001 as a fifth grade student. We were then part of the Albay Division. Then I was part of the first arnis players of Ligao [City Division] because in 2004, Ligao became a city, that is why I was part of the firsts,” he stated.

In 2013, Cenita indulged into new territories and ventured into the world of coaching. In his decade-long rally of arnis coaching, he helped bring 19 Ligaoeño secret to success is pure commitment, passion, and love to anything worth a person’s devotion. Despite the challenges he endured during the pandemic, it was his sheer desire and affection for the sport that him to continue despite a season of financial shortage. Not only has he committed his life to arnis, but he also expressed his great belief in the principle of loyalty in family as something far greater.

”In Bicol alone, about ten divisions laid down offers to me but I said that as long as mommy [his mother] is the Ligao City’s arnis coordinator, I won’t leave,” Cenita stated.

Though he claims that the success comes