Kalibo To Launch Airsoft Sport – Tourism Invitational On October 28

Codenamed Operation Datu Marikudo, Airsoft Kalibo in cooperation with the local government of Kalibo led by Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, is set to launch the first Airsoft Sport – Tourism Invitational tourney on October 28, 2006. This is a part of the weeklong activities preceding the Foundation Day of Kalibo on November 3 with over 60 enthusiasts from 6 teams within Aklan and Roxas City participating. Some support players and enthusiast will crowd Aklan State University – Kalibo Campus’ Football Field where the Close Quarters Battle (CQB)/Urban Warfare (UW) will be held.
Airsoft gaming is in the Philippines since the early 1980’s with enthusiasts playing simulated war game almost similar to the military’s combat operation minus the death of destruction.
However, under the Presidential Decree 1866, the implementing rules and regulations on firearms signed by the late President, Ferdinand Marcos, non- lethal Airsoft rifles and gas guns were considered as firearms.
But as far as the potentials in sport-tourism is concerned, PNP Chief Oscar Calderon reclassified airsoft rifles as air guns on July 24, 2006 after continued petitions from Filipino Airsoft (FAS) and United Airsoft Alliance (UAA) lawyers. The swelling number of enthusiasts estimated to have reached over 8,000 all over the country convinced the PNP chief that airsoft rifles are air guns.
In Kalibo, Airsoft is barely introduced by enthusiasts in October of 2005. But it grew to popularity with over 70 players overseen by its organizational body, Airsoft Kalibo (ASK), the only recognized Airsoft regulating body in Aklan by the Firearms and Explosives Security Agency/Guards Supervisory Section (FESSAGS) of the Aklan Police Provincial Office.
Airsoft is envisioned to encourage a large number of Airsoft gamers in the country with Sports-Tourism in the capital town of Kalibo, Aklan.

Kalibo Prepares For 2nd Foundation Day

LGU – Kalibo led by Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo is set to celebrate the 2nd Foundation Day of Kalibo. Being prepared is a wide range of activities and cultural presentations. The 2nd Commemoration of the Foundation Day of Kalibo is already set in motion a month before its actual celebration on November 3, 2006. It will be most significant events this year besides the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival and Kalibo Food Festival sa Kalye.
The celebration of the Foundation Day is a result of the tedious study by UP Professor, John Barrios, in his research paper entitled, "Calivo: The Founding of a Town." Barrios was commissioned by the Kalibo Council for Culture and the Arts (KCCA). Through Municipal Ordinance No. 2005-049, the rewriting of the capital town’s local history that started on November 3, 1571 instead of the year 1581 as indicated on the old municipal seal is effected.
The 2nd Commemoration is designed to create awareness to the Kalibonhons especially the youth with activities such as cultural presentations and a live band on the night of November 3. The Search for Outstanding Kalibonhon, Search for Outstanding Katarungang Pambarangay and Search for Young Achievers are set underway with its awarding on the same night.
Other activities to be held before November 3 are the Elementary – level Spelling Bee, the Mayor’s Cup Shootfest and the 1st Airsoft Kalibo Sport – Tourism Invitational codenamed, Operation Datu Marikudo. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com