The Isidro P. Javier Memorial

Oct. 2nd 2010

by Glen 'The Writer" Rathbone

GM Frank Landers & GGM Isidro Javier

 The four travelers, Great Grand Master Isidro P. Javier, Sr. Grand Master Frank Landers, Professor Cathy Landers and I, “The Writer” (Glen Rathbone), continued their road trips to tournaments in Vallejo, Stockton, and Burbank and as far away as Las Vegas, making new friends and attending events where we were treated like royalty.

Every where we went people would come to pay their respects to Manong Javier, often asking to take pictures and get an autograph. All of the attention was greatly appreciated and I can tell you that Manong Javier looked forward to each trip, asking every day the week before, “Are we going to the tournament?  Is the Writer going? Is it time to go?” 

I had become very fond of Manong Javier, and I think he liked me…or, he liked my driving.  Each trip was an adventure. We never knew just how one would turn out. GM Landers and I seemed to have the habit of getting lost, doing circles some times before getting on track.  Manong Javier was always very quiet and patient on the trips, but one time when we were orbiting in a neighborhood lost, he started laughing and bonked me in the head with his cane and teased, “You’re lost again, ha ha.”

For me, and I think for all of us, the trip to Las Vegas was the greatest adventure and the most difficult. I could write a book just about that.

GGM Isidro Javier & Glen Rathbone - Las Vegas

The trip began as usual, early in the morning.  Because we were located in the Central Coast of Southern California (Pismo Beach), all of our trips were at least 200 plus miles north or south.  We would always leave by no later than 6:00 AM, but Manong Javier would get up at 2:00 AM, get dressed and then sit quietly on the side of his bed for four hours until time to leave. That’s how much he looked forward to the trips.

The drive to Las Vegas required an even earlier start, and we arrived in time to join the tournament in the afternoon. Again, every one was very kind and respectful, especially the tournament promoter Mr. Stand Witz, and as always Manong Javier was an honored guest.

Grand Master Jerry Fisher introducing Great Grand Master Isidro P. Javier in Las Vegas

 It was a great day, and after wards we had dinner and then headed for the casino so Manong Javier could play the triple 7’s on the slot machine. It wasn’t about winning money; it was about getting the triple 7’s. Every time he got close he would stop and wave his hand to show us, then pound the button with his fist to go again.

Manong Javier WINS $1000.00

 Suddenly the machine lit up, bells started clanging…triple 7’s!  Manong Javier looked around the room triumphantly, waving at the machine. He won a thousand ($1,000.00) dollars which made it even better. GM Landers was sitting a few chairs down watching, and just for fun, put in a twenty dollar bill, hit the button a few times and…his machine started clanging, lights flashing…he won the triple 7’s and a thousand dollars too.

GM Landers WINS $1000.00

 I wish everyone reading this could have seen the look on GGM Javier’s face as he glared at Frank. (“You just stole my thunder” was the look). I was having fun with the quarter machine, but it was time to go.

Glen "The Writer" Rathbone and Grand Master Eric Lee

We left Las Vegas the next morning, and suddenly, the car lost power and began to sputter and stall. Luckily we were only a mile from a small rest stop gas station and we were able to nurse the car there. We rested in a hotel and set out the next morning early to beat the heat, the car ran just fine in the cooler hours, and we arrived on the California coast with no further problems.
Time was taking its toll on GGM Javier, however. His health was continuing to fail, and finally in August, he was admitted into the hospital. He seemed to recover after about four days and it looked like he would be able to come home.

I'm not ready to go!!!

 Wednesday morning GM Landers called me to come to the hospital because Manong Javier wanted to see me. When I arrived he was sitting up, alert and in good spirits. He had a photograph of GM Frank Landers, Prof. Catherine Landers, and himself; a family portrait.

GM Frank Landers - GGM Isidro P. Javier - Prof. Cathy Landers

He had signed it just for me, the last signature he would ever make.  It is hard to describe just how incredible this gift was to me. As weak and ill as Manong Javier had been, yet he mustered up his last remaining strength to sign that photograph, an honor that goes beyond description, and one that I will cherish all the rest of my life. I went back to work, happy to know that he was recovering, and we were all planning to see him back home the next day.
At 7:15 that evening when I was giving a guitar lesson, the call came. I flew to the hospital in only five minutes, but I was too late. Great Grand Master Isidro P. Javier had passed away.

In his last moment, he looked at Frank and Cathy, the two people who truly cared for him and said, “Thank You”. He gave a big sweeping wave, closed his eyes and he was gone.   

~ The Javier Memorial Event~
Oct 2nd 2010

A remarkable event took place October 2 in Stockton, California where I was honored to witness the gathering of Masters and Grandmasters as we celebrated the lives of Great Grandmaster Leo Giron, and Great Grandmaster Isidro P. Javier.

GGM Leo Giron & GGM Isidro P. Javier

 Present was the families of both honorees, including Mrs. Soledad Mapa (Sally) Giron, Master Michael Giron, Guro Tommy Giron, sisters Christina, Regina and other members of the Giron family.

The Giron Family

 Family of Great Grandmaster Isidro P. Javier, Grandmaster Frank Landers and GGM Javier’s daughter, Professor Catherine Landers along with there Grandkids, Anissa Silva and future Escrimadora Jaryn Healay and father Tommy Healay.

Jaryn Healay - grandson

Also joining us at our table was Jonhny Aguilar and his wife. Jonhny first started his training in Seishindo Kenpo in 1985 with GM Landers when he was 8 years old.

Glen Rathbone - Johnny & Mary Aguilar & friend Holly

The event was hosted by the Landers at the Lexington Hotel in Stockton. We were treated to a beautifully prepared buffet of Filipino food, provided by Chef Fidel Cabuena II and were entertained with the beautiful music of Oscar Aban and Andre Paular.

Oscar Aban

GM Landers commented later in the evening on how Filipino martial artists are always ready to perform, anytime, anywhere, as we were shown by impromptu demonstrations by Master Carlito Bonjoc Jr., Master Ron Saturno, and Grandmaster Max Pallen.

David Shultz  assisting Grand Master Max Pallen

Also quick to step up for a demonstration was Grand Master Darren Tibon and his Serada group. These demos were fascinating to watch, and the remarkable skills of all the artists were amazing.

GM Darren Tibon - GM Tasi Alo and Serrada Members

Glen "The Writer" Rathbone

I was asked by GM Frank Landers to say a few words about my experiences with GGM Isidro P. Javier, so I gave a short recounting of his life and his contributions to the community where he lived. I also spoke about the legacies of both GGM Leo Giron and GGM Isidro P. Javier and presented a petition nominating them to the Hall of Fame. I invited the attending Grandmasters and senior heads of the Filipino martial Arts Families to sign the petition, which will be submitted with the nomination. This, I believe is a fitting tribute to honor two great men.

Bing Aradanas

 Bing Aradanas spoke about having an interview with Manong Isidro P. Javier while producing a documentary about Filipinos living in Santa Maria, California.

Mr. Jerry Paular

 Mr. Jerry Paular talked about the “History of the Manongs” and their importance to their communities.

Grand Master Dexter Labonog - Bahala Na Multi-Style

We also heard Grandmaster Dexter Labonog and Master Jun Gotico of Bahala Na Multi-Style and were honored to hear Grandmaster Max Pallen speak about these two great warriors and then jump off the stage to do a demonstration….dressed in his suit! What a great show.

Grand Master Max Pallen - Senkotiros

As I looked around the room I was impressed by the gathering of so many Grand Masters and Masters in attendance and have a good time.

Bahala Multi-Style Terry Joven greets members of Serrada Family

Dignitaries's In Attendances:

GM Frank Landers / Professor Cathy Landers  -  Javier Eskrima

GM Max Pallen  -  Senkotiros

GM Eric Lee  -  Kajakunbo - Kung fu

GM Vincent Cabales  -  Serrada

GM Pete Morales  -  Kajukenbo

GM Glen Abrescy Sr.  -  Kajukenbo

GM Dexter Labonog  -  Bahala Nn Multi-Style

GM Ron Saturno  -  Modern Serrada

GM Alexander Bautista Bayot France  -  Kombaton

GM Ver Villasin   -  Balintawak

GM Arthur Gonzales  -  DeCuerdas Escrima

GM Tasi Alo  -  Serrada                        

GM Darren G. Tibon  -  Serrada

Master Michael Giron  -  Original Giron Escrima

Master Carlito Bonjoc Jr.  -  Mata Sa Bayo

Master June Gotico  -  Bahala Na Multi-Style

Master Jeff “The Stickman” Finder  -  Serrada   

Guro Lee Gagnon  - Wales UK  -  Modern Serrada

Nitoy Flores  -  Kuntaw sa Mindanao

Junito Flores  -  Kuntaw sa Mindanao

                                
 What most impressed me about this event was the manner in which so many high-ranking dignitaries had set aside their differences and joined in the celebration, honoring two great men and at the same time, honoring the Filipino Martial Arts.

                                               

Brotherhood - Unity - Respect

It was best said in a recent posting by GM Ron Saturno on MyFMA.net: 

GM Ron Saturno

    “Terry, Lee taped everything, including me drunk and trying to do a demo in order to honor the art of Escrima, the family of the honored persons in front of some of the greatest Escrimadors of Northern California and in fact the world. 

  That we all sat in one room was in itself a blessing......That we shared food together in peace and harmony was a blessing….... That an unsung hero was honored was a blessing.......

  There was a time that I wanted to have my name on everyone’s lips, and if I had to harm a few people, so much the better, in order to achieve that goal. 

Manong Javier came to the general knowledge of FMA relatively late, and yet his name was on everyone’s lips on that honored night........ His name was on the lips of those who really and truly count most to each and every one of us, his family. 

 And because of this, his name will be one of the names I will mention in the future whenever the names of the great Escrimadors come up in conversation...... In the end it isn't who you knocked down, impressed, how big your seminars were, etc...... It is all about who chants your name long after you have passed away. 

 If our names are on the lips of those who remember long after we have passed away....then and only then do we have our rightful place as a great Escrimador. 

My salutations to the family of Manong Javier....... although I only met him once, that I did not meet him again was my loss...... That others will not meet him is the loss to FMA itself....... Manong Javier is resting in peace.......May we all rest so peacefully.” ... Master Ron Saturno

~ On behalf of the Javier/Landers Family ~
Thank You for your kind words, GM Santurno

 GM Frank Landers and Prof. Cathy Landers took the stage at the evening’s end to thank everyone for attending, and GM Landers presented a photograph to Mrs. Sally Giron, wife of GGM Leo Giron, and photographs to Tommy Giron, Michael Giron, Bahala Na Multi-Style and Fernando Navarro.

Grand Master Max Pallen  thanking the Landers

 GM Landers presented a large Bolo Knife handcrafted by Bob Ulep to Jay Paular, and announced that next year on November 12th and 13th, 2011 he would be hosting the first annual Stockton Memorial Show & Tournament, honoring the lives of GGM Isidro P. Javier and GGM Leo Giron at the Lexington Plaza Waterfront Hotel;

and would offer a similar signed Javier Bolo knife that would be given as an award along with a large cash prize to the Grand Champion of the event.

Jay Paular - Cathy Landers - Frank Landers - Eric Lee

GM Landers presented me with a photograph of GGM Isidro P. Javier that has a special meaning to GM Landers, Prof. Cathy Landers and myself.

But that is another story which I will save for the autobiography of GGM Javier. That photograph and another which contains the autograph and last signature of Great Grand Master Isidro P. Javier, signed the day he passed away and given by him to me, will remain among my most treasured mementos of the times we spent together.

Thank You,
It's been an honor.

Glen "The Writer" Rathbone

~ Here are some photos of the Memorial ~

Program Cover

Mr. Jerry Paular

Bing Aradanas

Oscar Aban

Dexter Labonog

 

 If you use a photo PLEASE LINK IN BACK HERE

Thank you, Glen "The Writer" Rathbone.

    



         

Appointment of Grandmaster Dexter Labonog

 Off again on another trip to Stockton, California to visit the Bahala Na Multi-Style folks.   The day began early when GGM Isidro Javier, GM Frank Landers and Professor Cathy Landers and I set out from Grover Beach, California for the four-hour drive to attend the weekly training session of the Bahala Na Multi-Style.

   Bahala Na Multi-Style - Stockton Ca.

Master June Gotico & Guro Eugen Inis

It was sunny and hot as the students worked out in various exercises and drills, and GGM Javier watched with approval as the training progressed.  All the students showed their respects to GGM Javier, and as an added treat, with a surprise organized by Prof. Cathy Landers, they had a birthday cake prepared for GM Frank Landers. GM Landers was presented with a hand-made Bolo knife from the private collection of Guro Butch Gargalicana, and signed by members of the Bahala Na Multi-Style Family.  This knife is shaped in the traditional Bolo fashion, with a fine leather sheath, and GM Landers was deeply moved by such a beautiful gift.

Happy Birthday  Frank Landers

GM Frank Landers, Guro Butch Gargalicana

Master June Gotico, GM Frank Landers, Guro Butch Gargalicana

Maestro Dexter Labonog & Eugene Inis

The Bahala Na Multi-Style training covers numerous, rigorous exercises or Sinawalis involving stick-to hand, stick-to-stick, and stick-to knife, as well as disarm techniques, while maintaining footwork and balance.  GM Landers joined in with Gruo Butch Gargalicana to practice a Sinawali drill together.  I watched with amazement and enjoyment as these two great practitioners practiced for over thirty minutes.

GM Frank Landers & Guro Butch Gargalicana

 The tradition of the Bahala Na Multi-Style training is to have a bar-be-q after the workout; the food was great as always, but it was even more enjoyable and fascinating to listen to GM Landers ad Maestro Dexter Labonog as they talked about the Eskrima Art.  They conversed long into the afternoon, but it was time to attend a birthday party for Gruo Eugine Inis’s daughter at the Children’s Museum in Stockton.


The Javier Family

Prof. Cathy Landers, GM Frank Landers, Master June Gotico, GGM Isidro Javier -  Introducing GM Dexter Labonog.

 It was at this event that GGM Isidro P. Javier formally adopted Bahala Na Multi-style as his “family”, thanking them for all their affection and respect.  This was an incredibly important and heartfelt moment in the long and amazing life of GGM Javier.

Adoption of Bahala Na Multi-Syle

Born of the old customs and culture of the Philippines, to adopt someone into the family is the greatest honor that can be given by one of GGM Javier's generation.

Speaking softly, almost in a whisper, people strained to hear GGM Javier speak.  As the head of the Javier Family Art, along with his son-in-law GM Frank Landers, and his daughter, Prof. Cathy Landers.

GGM Javier read from a letter he had prepared, and then presented to Dexter Labonog a custom Certificate designed to GGM Javier specification in which he promoted Maestro Dexter Labonog to Grand Master of the Eskrima Arts.

As I looked around the room, I saw in the faces of the people emotions of surprise and pleasure, and there were tears in the eyes of Tommy Giron, son of GGM Leo Giron the founder of Bahala Na, as GGM Javier announced his decision to promote GM Labonog.  Applause and cheers erupted, followed by congratulations and handshakes, truly a great moment in the history of the Eskrima Art in California.

Then it was time to go home, with goodbyes and thanks to the Bahala Na Multi-style family for a great day.  GGM Javier, GM Landers, and Prof. Cathy Landers look forward to seeing everyone again, soon. - Glen "The Writer" Rathbone

Bahala Na Multi-Style - Celebration of GGM Isidro P. Javier

To all our family at Bahala Na Multi-Style, thank you for a great day of food and fun, and spirits, as we celebrated together with GGM Isidro P. Javier, and all the Bahala Na Multi-Style folks in Stockton, California last Saturday.

We were able to watch the training workouts with young and adults both, and it was interesting to see how pleased GGM Isidro Javier was with their passion and dedication to the Eskrima Art.

Everyone there showed the greatest respect and honor to GGM Javier as their adopted Manong, and their openhearted affection given to GM Frank Landers, Prof. Cathy Landers and myself is heart warming and much appreciated.

Honoring GGM Isidro P. Javier with a beautiful Bolo from Terry Joven private collection. Pictured with GGM Javier are Marcus Quilenderino, Terry Joven, June Gotico, Mastro Dexter Labonog and Butch Gargalicana.

At the conclusion of the training the Bahala Na Multi-Style group presented a beautiful Bolo Knife from Terry Jovin’s Private collection, and autographed with all their names. Team Captain Butch Gargalicana, presented GGM Isidro Javier with an autographed Bahala Na Multi-Style TEAM FIGHT T-Shirt. GGM Javier was deeply moved and honored by the gifts. To see all these hardened Eskrima fighters gathered around GGM Javier and to experience the moment is a memory I will not forget. The kids all introduced themselves and paid their respects, one at a time, and many had GGM Javier autograph their fighting sticks.

I was privileged to later sit at the table with Maestro Dexter Labonog, Terry Joven, Marcus Quilenderino, Butch Gargalicana, Guru June Gotico, Guru Bobby Antuna, Tommy Giron and the others as they listened intently to GM Frank Landers recount his experiences in the development of Martial Arts in America, and how he first became introduced to the Eskrima Art over thirty years ago. For all gathered at the table, there was a common connection in their love of Martial Arts and what it has meant to their lives. As the work on our history of martial Arts in America progresses, it is vital that we collect the knowledge of these great Artists and put it to writing.

GM Frank Landers and Maestro Dexter Labonog also spoke at length about the Eskrima Art, and I listened with fascination as the conversation ranged from the beginnings of the Eskrima Arts in America to modern Eskrima today, and of course, discussion about the merits of the various weapons of choice, such as the knife, which was GGM Javier’s preferred weapon. 

At one point, Terry Joven pulled out his 13 1/2" Cold Steel Voyager Knife and passed it to GGM Javier, who checked it for sharpness, approved and handed it back.  Then Terry offered the knife to me…very sharp and very impressive. As I passed the knife back to Terry, GM Frank Landers took the knife and began slicing the air making a figure eight movement in front of him.

In an almost unbelievable flash of speed, the knife dropped downwards toward the table top, and the next sound that was heard was glass breaking. GM Frank Landers had just sliced through a 4” tall shot glass, cutting the top off and leaving the bottom standing in place, as he slowly passed the knife back.

Terry Joven grabbed the shot glass off the table and holding it up, exclaimed, “He cut the top off the glass!”  Butch Gargalicana followed by saying "Frank's doing the watermelon slice!" and Cathy Landers said "All he needed was his blindfold".

Everyone at the table was stunned by the feat, (not to be tried at home).
I didn’t know such a thing was possible, and to see it happen right in front of all those Eskrima masters was a sight to remember.

As it began to get late in the afternoon we wanted to stay much longer, but it was a four-hour drive home, so we said our goodbyes with the promise of getting together again, soon.  I want take this moment to express my appreciation to all the Bahala Na Multi-Style folks for their great hospitality, and I look forward to seeing everyone again in the near future.

Thanks to The Bahala Na Multi-Style!

- Glen "The Writer" Rathbone

Another great weekend of Eskrimadora Challenges

 Another great weekend with GM Isidro P. Javier, GM Frank Landers, and Prof. Cathy Landers, this time down south at the 8th Eskrimadora challenge in West Convia, California, Hosted by Master Jun Oñas.  We were given a warm welcome by all, and met some new friends, like Arnelle de Guzman who gave GM Javier a beautiful Eskrima Stick Bag that has been attached to GM Javiers wheelchair.

We were given a special treat when Master Gilbert Cruz of San Jose, Ca. gave us a demonstration of controlled sparring with the sticks by his young, but very tough fighters who were sporting some serious welts on their un-padded arms during competition.  Ouch!  I’m glad I’m too old for that!
When one of the fighters showed off his welts on his arm, GM Isidro P. Javier looked at the welts and said, “Oh, that’s nothing!”  We all have to remember where he learned his fighting skills in the streets of Tagudin, Philippines in the early 1920’s.  Everything back then was done with no protection at all, including knife training, and he bears the scars from both “playing”, and real combat.
GM Javier was very pleased and impressed with the heart these young people have, along with their great respect for their elders.

The entire tournament people were all very respectful to GM Isidro P. Javier, GM Frank Landers, Prof. Cathy Landers, and all the other Grand Masters and Masters attending that day.  It is this respect amongst the Eskrima Arts that really sets them apart from the other arts.
We are looking forward to attending other tournaments, both north and south…onward and forward!





- Glen "The Writer" Rathbone