Biography of Grand Master Tony Somera:

As a direct result of superior skill and devotion to the principals, philosophy and purpose of Bahala Na Martial Arts combined with leadership and his master level Instructorship, Master Tony Somera was promoted to the rank and responsibility of Grand Master by the late Grand Master and founder of Bahala Na Martial Arts Leo M. Giron. Grand Master Somera is the leading authority and promotes the art of Giron Arnis Escrima along with it's rich Filipino history and culture. Tony Somera is the only person ever to be promoted to the rank of Master and then Grand Master by the late Grand Master Emeritus Leo M. Giron.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

By virtue of the powers conferred upon me as Grandmaster under the Constitution and Bylaws of the BAHALA NA MARTIAL ARTS ASSOCIATION under Article III, Section 3, I hereby appoint TONY SOMERA as the Grandmaster with such appointment to be effective as of December 1, 1999.

Given my age and health, I believe the exaltation of Master Tony Somera from Master to Grandmaster will provide the organization with little or no transition upon my passing and will insure that the growth and direction of the organization will continue as I have directed during my tenure as Grandmaster.

I shall continue to server in an advisory capacity as Grandmaster emeritus for so long as I shall live. I intend to appoint a successor Master to fill the void created by Master Tony Somera's appointment to Grandmaster. Such appointment will be made on or before November 1, 1999 to be effective as of December 1, 1999. In the event I make no such appointment in writing on or before December 1, 1999, the power to make such appointment will be transferred to Master Tony Somera in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws upon his assuming the title and office of Grandmaster.

By virtue of Article III Section 3 of the Bylaws of the Bahala Na Organization, I hereby set my hand and affix my signature this 20th day of the month of August, in the year of our Lord, 1999, as the true testimony to the genuineness of this promotion.

The weight and force of the order of the Master in promoting the welfare of the organization is equivalent to the authority emanating from the Grandmaster.

s// Leo M. Giron

Leo M. Giron

Grandmaster

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