(The Freeman) Updated August 23, 2009 12:00 AM

CEBU, Philippines – The Yaw-Yan ArDigma Martial Arts Federation, Inc. will celebrate its 37th founding anniversary with another night of fun and get-together among its members at the ENCE Pension House along Sikatuna Street, this city.

The event promptly starts with a holy mass at 3 pm.Gene Lastimado, former president of Yaw-yan Ardigma Batch 1994-2003, has been invited as the honored guest speaker of the momentous affair, which is a nationwide celebration for Philippine Yaw-Yan Martial Arts.

Yaw-Yan was first recognized in 1972 in Sta. Cruz, Manila by Grandmaster Napoleon “Nap” Fernandez, the originator of what is ballyhoed as the deadliest form of martial arts.

Yaw-Yan may sound Chinese, but the word is coined from the last two syllables of Filipino words “Sayaw ng Kamatayan” or “Dance of Death.”

“Our aim is to encourage the youngers to study the art of self-defense instead of indulging in drug addiction or other vices,” said Yaw-Yan Cebu ArDigma founder and Vis-Min director Master Benigno “Ekin” R. Caniga, Jr.The other activities that have been lined up to spice up the gathering are the traditional baptismal rites and a series of demonstrations.—EBV . (THE FREEMAN)

Source :