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Source: Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation

While most are paying attention to other sports during the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) last December 2019, a group of tough but unheralded athletes was busy winning medals across all categories.

That collection of athletes was the Philippine National Arnis Team, who at the end of the tournament nabbed 20 gold medals, 4 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals - not bad for a young team who was overlooked just as much as the sport that they represent.

Now, the team's inspiring journey is the subject of a new documentary that aims to put the spotlight on the sport of Arnis and its broader significance in Filipino culture and history.

The documentary, Rebirth of the Rebellion Sport, traces the journey of the players who represented the country in the SEA Games, giving viewers a glimpse of the hardships and struggles that preceded their road to victory.

But more than that, the documentary sheds light on the role of Arnis in our national identity.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, Chairman and President of the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF), and a former Arnis champion himself looks back on how the Arnis played a role in the country's liberation from colonial rule.

“[Arnis] was a rebellion sport. It really was popularized and developed because of our revolution against the colonizers,” Sen. Zubiri said.

“Basically, this martial art helped liberate [us] during the Philippine-Spanish war, and again in the Philippine-American war.

“It has so much historical significance for the Filipino people, that's why we're trying to put that in the consciousness and awareness of every Filipino, that Arnis is not just a sport, but it's practically in our history. It's in our blood.”

The senator, who is the author of Republic Act 9850, or the Act Declaring Arnis as the National Martial Art and Sport, said that it is their aim to put people on notice about the sport.

He cited how Arnis is being portrayed in foreign movies including the upcoming Disney film, Raya and the Last Dragon.

Efforts are currently being made to promote the sport to help elevate it to mainstream acceptance at par with popular sports like basketball and even football thanks to the success of the Azkals.

They are also talking to college leagues like the NCAA, which has just entered a partnership with GMA Network, to hopefully feature the sport by creating a competition dedicated to Arnis.

But in the meantime, Rebirth of the Rebellion Sport documentary hopes to serve as the lightning rod to spark national interest.

Rebirth of the Rebellion Sport will premiere on Senator Zubiri's YouTube channel on November 23.