IPMS Philippines - Bert Anido

Every year, IPMS Philippines Baguio Chapter holds its annual scale model competition in conjunction with the yearly Panangbenga Festival held at the last week of February. This year’s contest (the 5^th) was held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Baguio Country Club (BCC) from February 26 to 28. But this year is very special for the city of Baguio because this year marks the centennial anniversary of the founding of the city and IPMS Baguio intends to hold this year’s contest by coming up with something spectacular befitting the occasion.

In a show of support and solidarity with their brethren from Baguio, several members of IPMS Philippines Bert Anido, along with several members of the club’s partner organization, Mechapinoy, took time off their daily routine to attend the 2-day event to participate in any way, whether as a judge or participant. What made the trip memorable was the presence Mr. Shakespeare “Shakes” Chan of Lil’s which further strengthened the morale of both IPMS BA and Baguio.

Upon arrival, Byron “Hunter” Lee, the club’s Baguio-based member helped facilitate the accommodations of the Metro Manila-based members. Despite the dwindling availability of accommodations due to the festival, appropriate lodging were arranged for all visitors. Judges were billeted at the BCC, courtesy of BCC General Manager and IPMS Baguio member Anthony De Leon. Frank “Chopper” Ching and Shakes & company stayed at a well-furnished 3-bedroom BCC cottage.

Upon arriving at the Multipurpose Hall for the exhibit and competition proper, visitors were amazed at the immensity of the area. Over 221 models were entered for display and competition and IPMS Baguio’s traditional event partner, the Baguio Airsoft Club, had set up a firing range together with their display. Capt. Bing “Stingray” Villena’s wooden ships never fail to “wow” visitors and modelers alike. Our friends from Mechapinoy laid out their wares in the area allotted for sci-fi.

The centerpiece of the event which drew the most attention was a large diorama depicting the Battle of Irisan Gorge which was said to be half the size of the Thunder Run diorama of the 6^th Nationals. This diorama was a labor of love from the members of IPMS Baguio who built it to celebrate the city’s centennial and give recognition to this erstwhile unknown encounter during World War II.

The diorama depicts the entry of Allied forces into Baguio, to liberate the city and adjacent areas from the occupying forces. It should be noted that the final surrender of the Philippine occupying force was signed in Baguio. It will be on display for the next two months at SM Baguio after which it will find a permanent home at the Baguio Museum. In addition to IPMS Baguio members, the diorama couldn’t have been finished without the invaluable help of Arch. Beny Reyes who donated a rare Willy’s Jeep model and Mel “Webster” Silvestre who willingly gave his equally rare & out-of-production Japanese “Chi-ha” medium tank.

Some IPMS BA members served as judges, Mel Silvestre and Tito Willie “Experten” de los Santos for aircraft, Jojo “Morpheus” Janolo for armor and ships, and Raymond “Cbrain” Soria for cars and sci-fi (ably assisted by Ronald Agulto of IPMS Baguio). Winners came from both IPMS Baguio and IPMS BA (click here for the complete list of winners). Jim “Bigman” Gonzales (aircraft) and Edgar “Sweetooth” Porciuncula (cars) showed why they are the masters in their respective categories while Poch “Fritz” Nualla showed everyone he is stamping his mark in the sci-fi category and proving his diversity in modeling subjects. Mike “Tikhboy” Avendaño continues to show why he is the man to beat in modified aircraft. The Battle of Irisan Gorge diorama was the unanimous choice for Best in Show (the equivalent of the Nationals’ People’s Choice). Anthony’s 1:32 F-4J Phantom was adjudged Tamiya’s Choice. After the winners were announced and trophies awarded, model kits kindly donated by Lil’s Hobby Center were raffled off to eager members of IPMS Baguio. Many thanks to Lil’s for their continuing support.

As the event ended and the members IPMS BA started heading back to Metro Manila, thanks and goodbyes were exchanged with host Anthony de Leon of Baguio Country Club and the members of IPMS Baguio. They brought back with them unforgettable memories of fellowship with their Baguio-based brethren as well as “adventures/misadventures” in and out of the competition venue . Those who brought their loved ones will agree that the Baguio event is a family affair, the wife & kids can enjoy the charms of this resort city and the Panagbenga festival, while the husbands are cooped-up in the MPH of BCC, a worthwhile vacation for everyone. We would like to thank the following for taking the time to support our show: Shakespeare Chan, Frank Ching, Jim Gonzales & Bryan, Tito Willie, Mel Silvestre, Capt. Bing Villena, Uncle Beny Reyes, EG Ruiz, Raymond Soria, Wrandell Selda, Jojo Janolo, Vino Nañagas, Nonoy Servañez, Emil Pineda, Joseph Carunungan, RJ Villarroel, Rancie Legaspi, Fritz Nualla, Mechapinoy Pres. Mike Tan, Jake de Guzman, and other Mechapinoy members.

Everyone headed back to Metro Manila in high spirits and inspired everyone to give it their all for the upcoming 7^th Nationals and Tamiya Fair as well as looking forward to the 6^th Baguio Invitationals next year.

Here are the list of winners of the 5th Baguio Scale Model February 26 - March 1, 2009

Acknowledgements:

IPMS Baguio

Byron “Hunter” Lee

Arch. Beny Reyes

Engr. Joseph “Bubbles” Carunungan

Raymond “Cbrain” Soria

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