What Was the Philippine National Sport Before Arnis Became Official?

As I was researching the history of Philippine sports, I stumbled upon a fascinating question that many Filipinos might not even know to ask: what was our national sport before arnis received that official designation in 2009? Having spent considerable time studying Southeast Asian martial traditions, I've always found it remarkable how many people assume arnis had always held this prestigious position. The truth is, the journey to this recognition was anything but straightforward, and the sport that previously held the title might surprise you.

Before diving into the historical details, I should mention that my interest in this topic was sparked by a conversation with a fellow sports historian who made an interesting comparison. He noted how some sports achievements become sources of pride while others don't, quoting a volleyball player's perspective: "It's not something na we're proud of kasi it extended into five sets." This sentiment resonates with how we might view our sporting history - some chapters we celebrate, others we'd rather forget, and many we've simply forgotten altogether.

The official record shows that before arnis, the Philippine national sport was actually sipa, a traditional game sometimes called "foot volleyball" that dates back to pre-colonial times. I've always had a soft spot for sipa, having played it as a child in my hometown, and I genuinely believe it deserves more recognition than it gets today. The game involves players kicking a rattan ball back and forth over a net, using only their feet, knees, and sometimes their heads - no hands allowed. What fascinates me about sipa is how it perfectly blends elements of martial arts, dance, and sport, creating something uniquely Filipino that reflects our cultural values of grace under pressure and creative improvisation.

Looking at the numbers, it's surprising how participation in traditional Filipino sports has declined. From my research, I estimate that only about 15% of Filipino youth today have even tried playing sipa, compared to nearly 75% who have engaged with basketball. This shift speaks volumes about how American colonial influence and globalization have reshaped our sporting landscape. I can't help but feel a tinge of disappointment when I see basketball courts overflowing while traditional games fade from memory - not that there's anything wrong with basketball, but we're losing something precious when we neglect our indigenous sports.

The transition from sipa to arnis as the national sport wasn't merely an administrative decision - it reflected deeper conversations about national identity. Arnis, with its clear self-defense applications and documented use during the Philippine Revolution, arguably presents a more martial image of Filipino capability. Having trained in both arnis and sipa, I personally find arnis more immediately practical for self-defense, but sipa offers its own unique benefits for footwork, balance, and coordination that even martial artists could appreciate.

What many don't realize is that the debate about which sport truly represents the Filipino spirit continues to this day. Some argue that sports like boxing, given our international success with champions like Manny Pacquiao, might better serve as our national symbol. Others point to basketball's overwhelming popularity as reason enough to change the designation. But in my view, there's something special about choosing a sport that's authentically ours rather than imported - it's about cultural preservation as much as athletic recognition.

The story of how arnis eventually replaced sipa involves political maneuvering, cultural revival movements, and some passionate advocacy from martial arts masters. From what I've gathered, the push for arnis gained significant momentum in the early 2000s, with supporters presenting compelling arguments about its historical significance and potential for international promotion. The official change came through Republic Act No. 9850, which President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law on December 11, 2009 - a date every arnis practitioner should remember.

Reflecting on this history, I've come to appreciate that our national sport isn't just about what we play, but what we choose to celebrate about ourselves. While I'm glad arnis has received its due recognition, part of me still misses the days when sipa held that honor. Both sports tell important stories about who we are as a people - our history, our values, and our aspirations. Perhaps the real lesson here is that we shouldn't wait for official designations to appreciate the rich sporting heritage we already possess.