Speech by ROBERTO B. VALDEZ President of the Muaythai Association of
the Philippines (MAP).During the SONGKRAN FESTIVAL (Thai New year):
Muaythai Demonstration and Competition which was organized by the
Royal Thailand Embassy to the Philippines in cooperation with PTT-
Philippines Corporation and the Muaythai Association of the
Philippines at the B2 The Fort, Global City, Taguig City,Philippines
on april 13,2008 (Sunday) 5:00-7:00 P.M.

`' Significant achievement of the Muaythai Association of the
Philippines''
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I strongly believe that: "To have a good friend and to
become a good friend "first thing first" is to understand, respect,
and accept the culture of your neighbor."

This principle is the very foundation for the creation of
the Muaythai Association of the Philippines (MAP), now a member of
the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and duly recognized by the
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), being the single national
governing body of Muaythai in our country, MAP's primary goal and
mandate is to bring the values and culture of the noble art of
Muaythai closer to the hearts of the Filipino people.

Due to the dedication and commitment of the officers and
members of the Muaythai Association of the Philippines, the sports
of Muaythai is regularly played and now accepted as the most
exciting and sport-friendly by the Philippine Olympic Festival,POF
is being conducted in all parts of our country, in cooperation and
endorsement of the Department of Interior and Local Government
(DILG), the Department. of Education (DEPED), the Philippine Sports
Commission (PSC),and , of course, LGU `s spearheaded by our good
friend Mayor Abraham Tolenetino of Tagaytay City and other entities
and sectors of our society being adherers of the values of Olympism.

The Muaythai Association of the Philippines is also very
active in implementing its grass root summer program for the Kids
in partnership with the Nestle- Philippines through the MILO Muay
Summer Clinic is being conducted in selected affiliated chapters all
over the country.



In our almost one decade of existence, our most
significant achievement was the successful campaign for the
inclusion of Muaythai as a regular medal sports during the last 2005
SEA GAMES in Manila. This significant event was the first stepping
stone that paved the way for the inclusion of Muaythai Sports in the
mainstream of the Olympic movement.

Presently, Muaythai is also accepted in the sports
calendar of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). And by 2010 Muaythai
will become one of the medal sports of the World Martial Arts Games,
Organized by the General Association of the International Sports
Federation (GAISF), under the auspices of the International Olympic
Committee (IOC).

At this juncture, In behalf of the Muaythai
practitioners and supporters, we wish to express our sincerest
appreciation and gratitude to the Thai ancestors who created,
developed and preserved the noble art of Muaythai. We also extend
our appreciation to His Excellency Ambassador Kulkumut Siughara Na
Ayudhaya and all officials,staff of the Royal Thai Embassy in the
Philippines and other people behind the organization of this
occasion for your initiative in organizing this Songkran Festival.
His Excellency, it is our pleasure and honor to be invited and to
be part in this very momentous event which deepens the
understanding, friendship and camaraderie between the Thai and
Filipino people.

I also take this golden opportunity to express my
heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to our good Thai friend, Khun
Siripong Phongpaka, the President of PTT-Phils. Corporation and the
PTT-Phils. Corporation Officials and staff as well. For your
unwavering generous support.

Above all, I'm very proud to say that Muaythai have
brought the people of Thailand and the Philippines together in one
spirit of friendship, understanding and camaraderie. I'm also very
optimistic, and as we can obviously see it now, that Muaythai will
also bring people and nations of the world together and to speak one
cultural language:


"ONE WORLD, ONE MUAYTHAI."


Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in wishing, More
power to His Excellency Ambassador Kulkumut Siughara Na Ayudhaya; to
Khun Siripong Phongpaka, the President of the PTT-Philippines Corp.;
The Ambassadors of different countries, The Officials and members of
Thai Community in the Philippines, to our beloved sponsors, Officers
and members supporter of the Muaythai Association of the Philippines
our Secretary General small but terrible Red Dumuk,hardworking
officers and heads of the national standing committees Kru Billy
Alumno,Kru Andy Gavez Kru Rodrigo Asiong,Kru Dong Sarmiento,Kru
Emiliano Zapata Dacuyan and All members at mga Kabayan.

FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART ,THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

HAPPY, HAPPY, SONGKRAN FESTIVAL!!!

SAWADEE KAPP!!! MABUHAY!!!