DOHA 18 February 2023 - The Philippine Embassy in Qatar headed by H.E. Ambassador Lillibeth V. Pono showcased a combined sports and arts event entitled "Yantok at Kamao: Arnis and Boxing Exhibition" in celebration of Qatar National Sports Day at Multaqa Plaza in Education City. 

Arnis practitioners showing their impressive stick fighting skills

Ambassador Pono highlighted the unifying spirit of sports and the arts that transcends cultures, race and religion, as the program also coincided with the Embassy’s observance of the Philippine National Arts Month in February. 

Mr. Abdullah Mohammed Al-Dosari, President of Activities and Events of the Qatar Sports for All Federation, Ministry of Sports and Youth, reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry in supporting sports events in Qatar by providing facilities for such programs, among others.

Guests posed while holding yantok (wooden sticks) with arnis practitioners 

(Center: Ambassador Pono)

Professional boxers from MMG Mandirigma throw quick punches and footwork

Introducing the Filipino national martial art of arnis, Guro Anthony Caindoy and his students impressed the audience with their skills in traditional stick fighting. Meanwhile, MMG Mandirigma Gym led by Coach RC demonstrated how Filipino boxers, like the one and only four-decade champion Manny Pacquiao, train before matches. Afterwards, both groups engaged the audience by teaching them the basics of arnis and boxing.

Guests tried learning the basics with arnis practitioners

Wearing white gloves, Ambassador Pono posed with Filipino boxers of MMG Mandirigma

Another treat for the audience was the section of talented Qatar-based Filipino artists Dancel Albert, Adrian Aleluya, Michael Conjusta and Arsenio Nidoy displaying their arnis and boxing-themed art pieces.

Through this event, Ambassador Pono encouraged all Filipinos residing in Qatar to continue bringing the Philippine culture, sports, arts and tradition to the world stage.

In closing, Consul Cassandra B. Sawadjaan thanked the Qatar government, Ministry of Sports and Youth, participating groups, and all partners who made the event possible. END