The Philippine Lightsaber Guild: The Force is strong in Southeast Asia

The release of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” last year has widened the appeal of the film franchise to include not only diehard fans but new recruits as well. And “Star Wars” popularity is not only contained in the U.S. but has reached all corners of the world. In fact, in the Philippines, an island nation in Southeast Asia, there exists an organization that is devoted to all things “Star Wars.”

Image source: allevents.in

The Philippine Lightsaber Guild is a nonprofit group founded by “Star Wars” enthusiasts. At present, the organization has 13 “temples” in different cities and provinces around the Philippines. Members of the guild meet on a monthly basis (some even more frequent), to teach each other the skills and values that come along with wielding a lightsaber. Most of the time, they go through rigid physical training, which serves as an intense aerobic workout with swords. One of the first major activities of the group was a gathering of some 200 “Star Wars” fanatics who, as expected, came with their lightsabers.

But it is not all about wielding the lightsaber for the guild members. The most recent event of the Philippine Lightsaber Guild is a month-long short film competition, which started last March 29. Five secret judges will review all video submissions about the theme “lightsaber drama.” Winners will be announced on “Star Wars” Day, which is held globally on May 4.

The Philippine Lightsaber Guild joins other groups that embrace the Force. One of the most renowned groups is the Empire Saber Guild, the New York chapter of the Lucasfilm-recognized international “Star Wars” costuming and performance organization, Saber Guild. Incidentally, the Philippine Lightsaber Guild is the third lightsaber group to come out of the country. The previous two groups, Saber Suicide Squad, and The Saber Authority were more oriented on the martial arts aspect of lightsaber fighting.

Image source: liveinstagram.com

Wendy Eber is a ‘Star Wars’ superfan. She is also writes fan fiction about a droid named Eber-CT. Follow her on Facebook for more on her tales about a galaxy far, far away.