ANTONIO SOMERA

Antonio "Tony" Somera was a lifelong resident of Stockton, California. In 1980 he became a member in good standing of the "Legionarios Del Trabajo General Luna" lodge. He was sponsored by his father, Celestino Somera and Grandmaster Leo Giron. Guro Tony Somera was a life member of the lodge and was transferred to become a member of the "Daguhoy" lodge.

He also was a life member of FALNHS and on the board of trustees for the "Little Manila Foundation" since 2002. The "Filipino American National Historical Society" (FANHS) is truly a community-based organization whose mission is to preserve, document, and present Filipino American history and to support scholarly research and artistic works which reflect that rich past.  

Along with Tony Somera's community service, he was also a leader in the martial arts community. He was a 3^rd degree black belt in Goju Ryu Karate gained in 1974. He was also the highest ranking student and vice president in Mande Muda Silat. 

However, he was most well known for being Grand Master Tony Somera of the "Bahala Na^® Martial Arts", "Giron^® Arnis Escrima". As a direct result of superior skill and devotion to the principles, 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 Emeritus and founder of "Bahala Na^® Martial Arts" Leo M. Giron. Grand Master Somera promoted the art of "Giron^® Arnis Escrima" along with its rich Filipino History and culture by providing opportunities for students and community members to visit historic sites and learn Filipino American history through bi-annual "affiliate camps" held in Stockton. Tony Somera was 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.