A groundbreaking cultural initiative took center stage in Dubai with the launch of the Sinawali: Filipino Martial Arts Workshop, an immersive event designed to preserve, promote, and celebrate the heritage of Filipino martial arts (FMA) in the UAE.
Spearheaded by visual artist and ANYO Clothing founder Gino Banola in collaboration with Master Louie Rempillo of Lightning Scientific Arnis International (LSAI) Dubai, the event was held at Studio, Swissôtel Al Ghurair. The session marked the beginning of a planned multi-emirate tour, with the next stops set for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Sinawali—rooted in the Filipino word “weave”—is a form of double-stick drill that trains coordination, rhythm, and strength. The workshop emphasized drills like Heaven 6, Heaven and Earth, and the X Pattern, culminating in a light sparring session that allowed participants to apply what they learned.
But beyond physical training, the event became a space for emotional healing, connection, and empowerment. Among the attendees was a cancer survivor who found renewed strength in the rhythmic strikes of Sinawali.
“Practicing Sinawali gave me more than physical coordination. It reconnected me with my body in a way that no physical therapy ever could,” the participant shared. “Each strike became a symbol of defiance against the fear that once held me captive. Each movement became a celebration of survival.”
The diverse group of participants included cancer survivors, parents of children with autism, fathers bonding with their sons, and millennials and Gen Z attendees exploring their roots.
In a heartfelt message, Master Louie Rempillo emphasized the cultural importance of Arnis, stating, “Hindi lang dapat ito i-ugnay sa ating lahi kundi ito ay dapat nating matutunan at isa-buhay… ang ARNIS ay naging bahagi hindi lamang ng ating kasaysayan kundi ito ang naging sandata ng ating mga naunang Maharlika upang matamasa natin ang ating kasalukuyang KALAYAAN bilang isang Filipino.”
He likened Sinawali to the weaving of different threads toward a unified direction: “Magkakaiba man ng kulay ay mas higit natin napapaganda ang imahe ng ating sining… sa iisang hangarin na buhayin at ipagmalaki ang ating sariling pambansang Martial Art at Sport.”
Rempillo also called on Filipinos to embrace and pass on the legacy of FMA, especially as interest continues to grow among foreign practitioners: “Masakit na isipin na mismo kapwa nating kababayan ay walang alam sa ating pambansang Martial Art… kaya buo ang aking suporta na palaganapin ito, lalo na sa kabataan.”
