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Dedication

In loving memory of my father,

Celestino “Chester” Serna Somera (1915-1995).

I would first like to dedicate this book to my loving and beloved wife, Sally, who has stood by me and has inspired me mentally and emotionally in my pursuit of the art I love so much. To my parents, Chester and Frances Somera, who raised me to believe in myself and to be proud of my Filipino heritage. My father, Chester, boarded the President Hayes in June of 1930, at the age of fifteen, to seek his fortune in a new land called America. My father is my strength. My mother, Frances (Dolly), married my father on April 1, 1954, and had to deal with the prejudices that went along with a culturally mixed marriage. She also worked along side my father for over forty years in the fields of Stockton, California. My mother is my love. To my brother, Chester Jr., who always protected me from the cruel actions of others while growing up as a mestizo. My sister, Felecitas (Felly), who also experienced the same cruel acts while growing up as a mestiza.

To my former karate teachers, Rodney Hu Sensei, Malcom Equinoa Sensei, and Eric Shingu Sensei, who without knowing it inspired me to pursue our Filipino art. To Dave Duckworth and Mel Won, who in my early years of education inspired me to be the best I could be.

I would also like to dedicate this book to all the past and present manongs and manangs that struggled and sacrificed in the early years to make our life better. To the past and present students of the Bahala Na Martial Arts Club for keeping our art alive. To uncle Carlos and Alberta, you are always in my thoughts and heart.

Last but not least, I would like to dedicate this book to Grandmaster Leo M. Giron, who has patiently taught me the art of my forefathers, who to many of his students is not only a wonderful person and an excellent teacher, but a great friend.