GRANDMASTER NAPOLEON FERNANDEZ (YawYan) Interview

April 6th, 2008 by bifidus

"GRANDMASTER NAPOLEON FERNANDEZ

by: Shad S. de Guzman

Good afternoon sir, and happy first year anniversary on the new
headquarters of Yaw-Yan Ardigma. May I ask on what year you have
established the art of Yaw-Yan?

Yaw-Yan was created during the early 60’s but it was properly introduced during the 70’s on the year 1972.

What basically inspired you sir to strive and establish the art?

On the early days it was always Karate, and that I’m not really
conformed to katas because during those days it was all about katas,
and that’s one of the reasons I made Yaw-Yan that has practically no
katas but only direct sparring techniques that is very far different
from Karate that only has four kicks. Yaw-Yan used to have 45 kicks but
now I’ve decided to minimize it for the new Yaw-Yan Ardigma, because
you really can’t practice all types of Yaw-Yan kicks. It all comes down
to choices of kicks instead of limited techniques.

What can you say about Yaw-Yan being compared with Muay Thai?

You see the difference between the two martial arts are the basics,
although Muay Thai may really have a huge similarity with Yaw-Yan but
if you observe more closely you’ll see that it’s not. Yaw-Yan’s push
kick is not actually a push kick compared with Muay Thai that really
looks smooth on the ring. Yaw-Yan’s push kick is actually a devastating
strike if you really have an eye for combat.

How did Yaw-Yan got established on other countries such as the United States?

Honestly it wasn’t me, but it’s a good thing that we have
practitioners that goes out of the country and establish their own
gyms. But the truth is Yaw-Yan has not been officially established yet
on other countries and that’s a fact.

Were they ever authorized to establish or are affiliated to conduct Yaw-Yan outside their motherland?

No, but as you know for Yaw-Yan it’s still an exposure for the art.
But officially they have no recognition nor an affiliation from us.
Even here there are many Yaw-Yan gyms coming out of nowhere, maybe it’s
because people know that I’m really not in it for the money. The reason
these people are coming up with their own gyms with the name of Yaw-Yan
without approval is because of personal financial interest and that
they don’t want to contribute to us. Yaw-Yan is probably one of the
most poorest martial arts in the Philippines because most of our
practitioners are from not well to do families.

What can you say sir about the new era of Yaw-Yan such as the formation of Hybrid Yaw-Yan and Yaw-Yan Evolution to name a few?

To be honest with you, I really think they don’t trust their own
art. But as you can see they are now going back to their roots and I’m
seeing a lot of Yaw-Yan practitioners compared on the early years.

Yaw-Yan is known to be a full contact art can you please tell us more about it?

In the early days there were no tournament at all, I started the
art of kickboxing at the San Sebastian College on the year 70’s. People
were laughing back then because whenever they see Yaw-Yan fighters they
keep saying “Here are the Yaw-Yan’s ready to play Basketball” because
Yaw-Yan fighters were always wearing short pants during those days.
Others were wearing kimonos and the others with shin guards and foot
gloves. That’s one of the reason why we now have the new Ardigma fight
gear.

What is the future goal of Yaw-Yan?

There has only been one thing that I have been pursuing ever since
and that is to enlighten the Filipinos to patronize their own art and
not to be called “Malansang Isda” or foul odor fish. People nowadays
will do anything just to patronize foreign arts rather than their own.
Fancy styles from foreign arts rarely works on actual fights where
anything goes really does happen.

When you say martial arts it should stand as only one style and not
mixing anything on it like MMA, no offense to you Shad. (laughing) The
goal of Yaw-Yan always has been to wake the Filipinos from reality, but
sadly even the art of stick fighting hasn’t peaked its popularity on
its own land but rather on other countries instead.

What are your thoughts sir on Chef Chris Romine’s contributions to Yaw-Yan?

We are really grateful to him. And this also serves as a lesson to
all Filipinos that even foreigners love our own art and that are more
willing to give a hand to uplift and promote Yaw-Yan compared to other
Filipinos that are promoting other foreign arts. But if Yaw-Yan
practitioners were ever from can afford families, I’m very sure that
they would help out with all they can to promote Yaw-Yan, but I guess
when God showered poverty on the land. All the current Yaw-Yan
practitioners were outside taking a bath. (laughing)

What can you say sir about the arising popularity of new fight promotions particularly about MMA such as the URCC?

It’s a great event because it has good intentions, but to my own
opinion I really don’t like MMA because it’s more about grappling, I
would rather see more striking in the ring.

Any message sir to the your students?

To all Yaw-Yan students, if you’re’ really loyal to Yaw-Yan, please
continue practicing the true art of Yaw-Yan, show to them that you’re
not a foul odor fish. Show to them that you’re really are a Yaw-Yan
fighter. Help each other and don’t just ride along. Help your brothers
and sisters to carry the burden towards that dream of enlightenment."

taken from : http://zubu.yourfreebb.com/post589.html

I was a Pilgrim!

April 5th, 2008 by bifidus

What is a pilgrim?
Pronunciation: \pil-grəm\
Function: noun
Etymology:Middle English, from Anglo-French pelerin, pilegrin, from
Late Latin pelegrinus, alteration of Latin peregrinus
foreigner, from peregrinus, adjective, foreign, from
peregri abroad, from per through + agr-, ager
land — more at for, acre
Date: 13th century

1:one who journeys in foreign lands :wayfarer
2:one who travels to a shrine or holy place as a
devotee
3: capitalized :one of the English
colonists settling at Plymouth in 1620
From:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pilgrim

What is a pilgrimage?
Pronunciation: \pil-grə-mij\
Function: noun
Date: 14th century

1:a journey of a pilgrim; especially :one
to a shrine or a sacred place
2:the course of life on earth
From:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pilgrimage

April 2, 2008 I become a
pilgrim and I did a pilgrimage. In all the places that I’ve been
where people would visit a place to worship,it was in Simala,Sibonga
a town in Cebu Philippines were they called their visitors a pilgrim.
I know there are also places like this somehere else but for me it
was my first time to experience this. As a fanatic of the word
“pilgrim” it was in this place that my high school dream of being
called a pilgrim and doing a pilgrimage really happened.

I was not really
expecting a lot when we were just on the way to the place. Although
I’ve heard stories about miracles and how Mama Mary would help people
specially students or professionals who will be taking their board
exam. The only thing on my mind while we were on our way was to give
thanks to the Lord specially Mama Mary because my Mom went there when
I was also about to take my board exam last November 2007 and also to
accompany our friend who is also about to take his board exam come
april 2008. I did pass our board exam and it was then my time to
visit the place and give thanks personally. When we entered the place
at around 8am I was just feeling calm and enjoy seeing the pilgrims
doing their pilgrimage. Then came the wishing bell, I was observing
people throwing their coins a couple of times before hitting the
right spot. I was thinking what will happen if it’s my turn to throw
my coin in the wishing bell. Because for me, throwing or tossing the
coin a couple of times before hitting the target was not that good
compared to just tossing it once. My turn came and I did hit the
target once as well my mother and our friend. My cousin did it twice
but still for me it was a good trial. When I hit the target the only
thing that popped out of my mind was to thank God. For whatever
reason I was indeed happy that I just did it once.

Then we walk straight up
to the church. Before entering the church I saw pilgrims writing
their petitions in a piece of paper. It was my first time to
experience that and I was amazed by what was happening. My companions
went on the write their petitions. While waiting I was observing and
was busy reading signs inside the place and came across the writings
about the meaning of the color of the candles. Usually I light 5
candles in churches but then knowing the meaning of the colors I was
thinking that I wanted to light all those colors. My companions were
done with their petitions and it was my time to write. At first I was
not sure what to write at first because I just went there to praise
God. Knowing that the paper would not be filled what I did was just
write what I ought to write.

After that we went inside
the church. And again I was on my usual state and not taking things
seriously. After lighting two candle a black/gray and blue I noticed
that what were displayed all over the place was the different images
of Mama Mary. It was in this time that I was able to see and know
what were the different versions of Mama Mary are. Then we lined up
to touch Mama Mary where Her fragrance still I can remember while
writing this. After visting the place we exited and while on our way
walking I saw the petitions and the memorable things that were
associated when Mama Mary was doing a miracle. The next place on the
journey inside was to line up to use the viel that Mama Mary used
when she cried in the year 1998(not so sure if its ‘98 or ‘99). but
before our turn I saw lots of letters for Mama Mary thanking her for
the blessings that she gave them. I did not find time to read the
letters because there were lots of them. I just remebered when I saw
the letters that I was very blessed that I was able to pass my board
exam without me going there personally. Then it was almost our turn
to use the viel, I was thinking what to asked because I just went to
praise Mama Mary and God. But as humans I did asked some favors
hoping that She together with Her Son would help me again.

Helpful Tips in preparing for a Professional Regulation Commission Licensure Exam

March 16th, 2008 by bifidus

Most people think that taking a licensure exam conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission in the Philippines is difficult, but people don’t usually notice that what makes the exam really difficult is that they lack the preparation neccessary in the board exam. The tips that I am going to share to you does not guarantee a success in the exam because you will never really know what will come out in the exam. It may or may not apply to all board exam given by the PRC.

   

Set your mind that you will take the board exam

  • Most people who will be taking the board exam usually don’t set their mind that they will be taking the board exam. They just do their usual way of living. When you set your mind, it would mean that your lifestyle before the board exam is different from any other time in your life and you need to focus your time to study.

   

Start Praying

  • I say when preparing for anything we have to ask a lot of help from someone or something which is of higher being. It is because from my experience it really helps a lot. BELIEVE that you will be helped but you must also do your part which is to study.  Pray everyday. You don’t necessarily have to go all the churches just to seek help. Its just the same being and the end results would just be the same. as quoted from my review instructor "Pray like there’s no one to help you and Study like there’s no prayer to help you."

   

Study Everyday

  • There’s no great preparation for the board exam than studying everyday. I’m not saying  you study 247. Just have time to study everyday. Studying is not reading. Having read the a chapter in the book does not mean you have learned the lesson(except for those gifted individuals of course). I suggest you read a chapter slowly and try to understand it very well. It’s hard at the beginning but you’ll get used to it because that’s what you’ll probably be doing from now on right?  There are a lot of study tips available in the internet if you want to have a good study habit.

   

Reward yourself

  • From time to time reward yourself by going out at some place where you can relax your mind. It’s important that rest your mind after studying because it is in this time that the brain will process what you have just studied.

   

Focus and Be Confident

  • Just focus on your study and NEVER think that you will fail. You have no reasons to fail because you are studying.

These are just the general things which I did when I was preparing for my board exam. And I was thankful that God and my family and friends helped me out and all the hard work paid off. If you need a much detailed tip just leave a message.

Have a nice day!

Regrets

March 16th, 2008 by bifidus
Regrets

Looking back…

My days are finally over
I’m starting to feel older
Just like a big hangover
 
I can’t bring back…
Those cruel words and wasted time
The oppurtunity to make her mine
Indeed I was blind
 
I have eaten what I’ve spoken
I’m a victim of my own
 
Regrets has passed me by…

Not Like You

March 16th, 2008 by bifidus
Not Like You

You’ve been telling me all these years

Life sucks and full of fears
I’ve heard this nonsense through my ears
So I used my mind to get out of this place
 
I know what I am
And how I must be
So leave me alone
 
If you’re trying to change me
You better set your mind free
‘Coz I’m not going to be like you
Like the person you’ve always want me to

Some works in-progress

March 16th, 2008 by bifidus

"     Don’t think of me as something special
        I just have my ideals
        Don’t treat me like I’m special
        I’m just trying to be rea

        I’m just like you, I’m ordinary    "

"   Leave me alone, let me be
    Let me deal my misery

    I had enough of you, enough of me
    Enough about destiny    "

"    Stop insisting, Stop resisting
       You’re a contradiction    "

"     I’ve got to get out of my shell
       Right now it feels like hell
       I’ve got to get out of my shell
        God I feel like hell    "

"     I’m just amazed that everyday seems to be perfect
        When deep inside its so imperfect    "

"     Can’t differentiate the truth from lies
        Or just one of your alibis    "

"        It was just enough for me to make it through
        All of these I want to thank you
        So Thank You, Thank you God    "

Easy Way

March 16th, 2008 by bifidus

Easy Way

 

I was afraid of tommorrow

That I forgot to live
today

I keep thinking about my
sorrow

Procastinating to find an
easy way

 

I’m so down, feeling so
low

Thing’s aren’t going well

I just don’t know

 

I’m blind, I’m full of
pride

I thought I’d survive

Now I got nothing to hide

In Our Own Terms

March 16th, 2008 by bifidus

These are the terms that me and my friends used to describe our situation or an individual back in our college days and still used today. These terms are applicable only to those who understands the Visayan language of the Filipinos. New words will be added from time to time.

Alcohology                   - Drinking Sessions

Beerness                        - Biyernes in Filipino language, friday in english. A day for beer sessions or alcohology

Paraknophobia        - Fear of the Police; a
spoof of Arachnophobia

Pusoydon                - God of no money;a spoof of
Poseidon the God of the Sea

Osteopoordoisis      - A condition that
affects especially the spend thrift individuals and is
characterized by the absence of money resulting in becoming a
Pusoydon;a spoof version of Osteoporosis

Some words that we understand but I cannot define because I am not the one who started it. My definition might be different from the actual meaning. Friends help me out in here.

Iskribidig

Shopok

 

STEPS TO REACH YOUR DREAMS

March 15th, 2008 by bifidus

STEPS TO REACH YOUR DREAMS

By Rick L. Shallenberger

Dreams and Goals come in
all shapes and sizes. Here are steps to help you reach them.

1. Write out a list of
dreams

  • Write down
    everything you would like to do in your life, whether it be
    something you want to do next week, next month, next year or in the
    next several years.

2. List your dreams in
order of priority

  • Go over the list
    again and put the items in the order you want to accomplish them.

3. Consider each item
on your list carefully

  • Go over each item
    and consider the time, effort, and cost involved. This is a good
    time to be more selective.

4. Go over the list
with your parents. Ask fot their advice and comments. Be open to
their suggestions.

5. Start working on
your dreams

  • Some dreams require
    you to start saving money and gathering information. This is the
    time to read about, or talk to others who have already accomplish
    the dream. Learn the success and failures of others.

6. Be patient

  • Some dreams will
    take longer to accomplish than others.

There will always be
setbacks, that’s part of life. Realize that things do take time and
don’t give up.

Keep dreaming – Dreams
can and should be the fuel to help you plan for your future.

Note: The writer is not sure about the author of the article as this was only copied from a magazine many years ago which the writer did not remember. The original magazine was lost and the article was rewritten in the writer’s journal and the writer’s handwriting was not good at that time. The writer welcomes comments regarding this matter.

Tell Me

December 29th, 2006 by bifidus

Tell Me

 

Tell
me what I’m going to do

This
feeling that I feel for you

All
of these days I’ve been thinking of you

 

Tell
me what I’m going to say

If
these feeling will be okay

All
of these days I’ve been carried away

 

Tell
me what I’m going to do

Tell
me what I’m going to say

Tell
me what I’m going to do

Girl
just to make you mine

 

I
thought I’ve given it all to you

All
these things that I’ve been going through

‘Coz
I just can’t live my life without you