Western Union big YES to 3rd PinoySG Badminton Open 2010

PinoySG Badminton Club in cooperation with Western Union and PinoySG.com have once again amazed the Filipino crowd and badminton fanatics all over Singapore, with the opening of the annual PinoySG Badminton Open “Smash for Unity” last May 1, 2010 at Jurong West Sports and Recreation Center.

This year’s 3rd PinoySG Badminton open has attracted 234 players, a slight increase from 232 players last year, which clearly shows that the event has continually gained popularity among Filipino badminton players in the country. The success of the event has also been possible due to the support of WESTERN UNION and minor sponsors in the likes of TAPA KING, Philippine Airlines, GLOBE ASIATIQUE REALTY, PROPNEX and ARTRIC SPORTS.

It was also an opportunity for every participant to know about the Globe Gcash remittance which is now possible with Western Union. Other minor sponsors also came in full force, as Tapa King, came to serve the lunch pack for all players; Propnex as represented by Rinky Tuano, provided free bottled water, bags from Philippine Airlines and free badminton rackets, bags, grips, badminton shirts from Artric Sports.

Globe Asiatique Realty as represented by Ruby and Jun de Guzman dealing with property investment in Philippines, also sent their monetary support for the tournament.

Teams who participated were lead by the powerhouse players from PinoySG Badminton Club, Pinoy Shuttlers, Team Lagalag, Tropang Smashers, United Pinoy Badminton, UP Alumni Association of Singapore, Badminton Mates, Sunday Smashers, Fil-Sports (Johor Bahru), Singapore Badminton Limited, Rockwell, Team Hotshots and Team WIN.

The tournament was formally opened by Philippine Embassy Vice Consul Nathaniel Imperial. It was then followed by an Oath of Sportsmanship by the team leaders lead by Kristian Anquillano, Club Founding member 2007-2010.

Robert Villamor, Club President, welcomed all the participants and a loud cheer erupted as the muse of each team paraded in the court area to do the ceremonial shuttlecock toss, to the delight of the roaring crowd.

The tourney started with events in Mens Doubles, and Womens Doubles on the first day. Mens Doubles Championship Level A was captured by Antonio Racho and Josem Duenas of PinoySG Badminton Club. Level B and Level C, were respectively won by Arnold Bihasa and Jubert Guillermo of Pinoy Shuttlers and Jericho Castillo and Jonsen Javier of PinoySG Badminton Club.

The Womens Doubles Level A Championship goes to the team of Tropang Smashers played by Kharla De Los Reyes and Myrene Tabor. Womens Doubles Level B and Level C Championship were won respectively by Czarina Jimenez and Mary Grace Andres of Pinoy Shuttlers and Vera Arcega and Nina Penaflor of Tropang Smashers.

The Mixed Doubles competition followed on the 2nd day of the tournament where the Mixed Doubles Level A was dominated by Mervin Baliday and Michelle Aquino of Team Lagalag. Mixed Doubles Level B Championship goes to Mark Canillo and Arhmi Sumalinog of Sunday Smashers while the Level C Category was captured by Cezar de Jesus and Karen Anne De La Cruz of PinoySG Badminton Club.

Special Awards were also given where Team Hotshots Muse Marie Cris Pacana was declared the Ms. PinoySG Badminton Open Tournament Muse 2010.

Darling of the Crowd (Male) was given to Eric Cruz of Pinoy Shuttlers and Darling of the Crowd (Female) was given to Michelle Aquino of Team Lagalag.

Mervin Baliday of Team Lagalag was declared as the Stuntman of the Tourney, for showing his don’t-give-up diving skills in the court.

And as the last ray of light outside the sports hall, flickered and gobbled up by the darkness of the evening….one thing remain radiant for sure, that will always continually blaze for the rest of the year. SMILE on everyone’s faces…..


Writers Note: In behalf of PinoySG Badminton Club officers, members and founders, we deeply express our gratitude to everyone who made this event possible. And to all the sponsors who had supported the ever growing Filipino badminton community of Singapore, may you continually prosper. Keep the flame burning!!!