In the late 70s, an effort to reorganize the Balintawak organization emerged, and
a general meeting was called at Atty. Chavez’s residence in Pasil, Cebu. Present
at the meeting were Timoteo Maranga, Atty. Chavez, Bobby, many Balintawak old-timers
of note of the period, and Roman (surname withheld) who attended with Anciong Bacon.
Roman, whom Bobby defeated in a match several years earlier, was an old rival of
Bobby. By this time, Roman had advanced to the position Chief Instructor of Anciong. He
was also a feared and admired fighter within the Balintawak community and was regarded
as one of its best, if not its best.
As expected in a gathering of such Balintawak luminaries and egos, old rivals met
and inevitably Bobby encountered Roman. With a score to settle, Roman challenged
Bobby to a “friendly” match in front of everyone in attendance.
At the time, a challenge declared in such a manner was anything but friendly for
it was obvious that the challenge was at best for bragging rights, at worst for
something more malicious. With Anciong’s blessing, Bobby nevertheless accepted the
challenge and in short order, both him and Roman were armed.
The fight did not last long. Upon squaring off, Roman immediately launched a series
of quick and furious attacks, perhaps in a bid to show immediate superiority to
those in attendance. He did not succeed. Bobby handily warded off all of Roman’s
attacks and countered with a powerful push to the chest that sent Roman literally
flying through the air with both feet off the ground, eventually causing him to
land unceremoniously on his behind. (As it was a “friendly” match, Bobby pushed
the chest, instead of punched the face).
With Roman on the ground disarmed and completely defenseless, Bobby declared (aloud)
to Roman the observation that Roman appeared to have regressed since they last
clashed. Perhaps due to embarrassment, Roman fled the assembly in tears, unable
to face his peers.
