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SGVBC coaches dominate two top events at the Summer Bash

pbcayan — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:33:47 GMT

Tony Gunawan and Grace Peng, Global Badminton Academy coaches at SGVBC II in Pomona, cruised to their “A” mixed doubles victory in the just concluded Summer Bash tournament at the Los Angeles Badminton Club (LABC) without losing a single game. In their finals match, Gunawan and Peng overwhelmed Johanna Lee and Sarun Vivatpatanakul on game one at 21-13, but on the second game Lee and Sarun managed to score 17.

An Olympic gold medalist in men’s doubles and two-time world champion, Gunawan also captured the championship in the “A” men’s doubles with fellow SGVBC coach Agus Wijaya, who is a former coach for one of Denmark’s junior teams, against San Diego’s Kyle Jordan Emerick and Sarun Vivatpatanakul at 21-16, 21-11.

Sanctioned by USA Badminton (USA, the governing body for badminton in the US, the “A” division was participated by other badminton giants, such as 2005 world champion in men’s doubles and 2008 Olympian Howard Bach, who paired up with fellow Olympian Eva Lee. Bach and Lee, however, failed to make it to the finals after being stopped in the semis by Gunawan and Peng.

In the women’s doubles, Eva Lee, who is also listed as one of SGVBC’s coaches, paired up with Arcadia Badminton Club coach Ying (Ingrid) Chen to win the finals against US national players Kuei-Ya Chen and Jamie Subandhi at 21-17, 21-14.

Meanwhile, in the recreational division, PBCA players put up a good performance as several of them moved from the semi-finals to the finals, some winning the championship and runner up titles. Of note are PBCA Vice President Nenette Sapida and Director Virra Ratonel winning the “E” women’s doubles, members Erica Fung (winner in the “E+” mixed doubles with Johnson Kosgei), Titan Balandra (runner-up in the “C” mixed doubles with Maya Bernarte), Ketel Galang (runner-up in the “D” women’s doubles with Gaya Wadu), and Amiel Tingzon (runner-up in the “E” men’s singles).

PBCA director and vice president Virra Ratonel and Nenette Sapida, respectively, pose for their "E" women's doubles victory.

The following PBCA members also garnered titles: Nenette Sapida and Carolyn Hoefer (third place in the Senior women’s doubles), Sammy Ponnusamy (third place in the Senior 100+ men’s doubles), Jun Bautista/Kiril Benliro and Benjie Baladad/Allan Grimares (third place in the “E+” men’s doubles), Benjie Baladad/Allan Grimares (third place in the “E-“ men’s doubles), Kate Marcelo and Melanie Tabili (winner in the “E” women’s doubles consolation bracket), and Kate Marcelo (winner in the “E+” mixed doubles consolation bracket with TJ Galang).

Boasting a prize money of $4,000 for the “A” division, the Summer Bash tournament, which was held on August 12-14, was participated by more than 300 players from Southern California and Las Vegas.

Thunders reprises Carlo's Cup victory at Is-Mashan 2010

pbcayan — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 01:39:01 GMT

It was a tense moment for the members of CAR Thunders as they prepared for the championship in the just concluded Is-Mashan team tournament. More than five months ago, the former Thunders team members took the champion’s trophy after beating the Visayas Express, which also reprised its role, during the Carlo’s Cup-LA 2011.

The pressure was on them to defend the team’s title, so team captain Francis Rivera had to come up with the best combination of players who will deliver the most points for the team in the relay championship match. And win they did, after stopping the Express at 101 points and kept scoring until 120 points.

Thunders started with a good showing by scoring more points over Express, but midway the Express overtook the Thunders and kept it at bay for more than 10 points. The Thunders, however, stood its ground when the youngster Patrick Fernandez, in tandem with Carolyn Hoefer, scored for the team points after points until finally catching up and overtaking the Express towards victory.

The Is-Mashan 2011 held August 27 at the Arcadia Badminton Club once again captured the excitement of PBCA members and guests and delivered tons of enjoyment as five teams, named after Philippine major geographical regions coupled with distinctive “monikers” (Luzon Aguilas, Visayas Express, Mindanao Robins, National Capital Region Sparrows and Cordillera Autonomous Region Thunders), engaged in competitive and friendly matches.

The teams, each made up of 22 adults and five kids, competed in five events divided into doubles, mixed, funky and a combination of them, which constituted the elimination round. The top two teams faced off in a relay match for the championship. At first, the Aguilas, considered to have the strongest complement of players, appeared headed to the championship as it garnered 22 points, next only to top scorer Thunders, which has 27 points.

The surprise of the day came when the Express clinched a victory in its final match against Aguilas on event 5, when Express stole the win from Aguilas. The win gave Express 22 points, which tied it to the Aguilas. But following the win-over-the-other rule, Express ranked higher, having won over Aguilas on game 5. The Express members, who had no inkling they will go to the finals, exploded in cheers after learning their good fortune.

The Sparrows, on the other hand, could have gone to the finals had it won a sixth match against Express on event 3, thereby getting a total of 22 points. This would have given Sparrows the chance to reclaim the crown it won in Is-Mashan 2010. Having beaten the Aguilas on event 2, they would have been favored by the win-over-the-other rule.

Like a bad spell it cannot break, the Robins failed yet again to get out of its bottom ranking. This has been the third time in a row it has suffered such fate. It hopes to break free from this setback come Carlo’s Cup in March next year.

The PBCA kids also had their share of fun as they also competed for their teams during the first part of the tournament. The Aguilas kids, composed of Lance Burce, Alex Go, Myron Felipe, Caitlyn Cawili and Joshua Artienda, won first and the Visayas kids, composed of Rainer Bautista, Eugene, Christopher, Kennan Morcilla and Gillian Bachinela, came in second place.

So-Cal badminton players join Philippine Independence celebrations with a smash

pbcayan — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:23:56 GMT

"A" Mixed Doubles Champions Jennifer Uy and Eric Go.

Filipinos in Southern California held their unique way of celebrating the nation’s 113^th year of independence by hosting a day-long badminton tournament on June 11^th at the San Gabriel Valley Badminton Club 2 in Pomona, California.

The tournament, which was organized by the Philippine Badminton Club of America (PBCA), was fittingly dubbed as “Kalayaan Cup” - kalayaan being the Filipino word for freedom or independence. The event took an even more nationalistic tone with the Honorable Mary Jo Bernardo-Aragon, Consul General of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles, welcoming the participants and opening the first match with the ceremonial tossing of the shuttlecock.

“The Kalayaan Cup, which has traditionally been the last project of the outgoing PBCA president in cooperation with the incoming officers, is a sort of culminating event for our club and highlights our members’ fealty to our country,” according to outgoing PBCA president Jun Bautista. “It is our last hurrah, so to speak.”

The tournament took an exciting turn when the A division players started their matches. Former US international player Eric Go, who is also a Filipino, combined with former Philippine national player Jennifer Uy in the A mixed doubles event. Although this was his first tournament after a long hiatus, Go wowed the audience, especially the Filipino crowd, as he exhibited his superb court skills, complemented by Uy, that made them win the championship.

In the A men’s doubles category, visiting Scottish player Alistair Casey (rank number 94 in the world in men’s singles) paired with former English international player Peter Smith. Casey and Smith played a close three-game match against Las Vegas’s GJ Watts and Joe Phanpuchara for the semi-finals.

Alistair Casey of Scotland and Peter Smith of UK battling their way up to the championships.

Watts-Phanpuchara took the first game at 21-14, which was, however, met with a strong reprisal from Casey-Smith by finishing off game two with Watts-Phanpuchara scoring only 8. In the end, Casey-Smith managed to keep the Vegas boys at bay by taking the semis with a margin of 4 points.

But the English-Scottish tandem were defeated in a straight win during the finals at 21-18, 21-18 by the top San Diego team of Kyle Emerick and Sarun Vivatpatanakul, who four months ago have just emerged champions in the prestigious Dave Freeman Open against one of SGVBC’s star coaches Agus Wijaya and well-known Nor-Cal player Kowi Chandra.

In the lower divisions, once again PBCA players proved their dominance by taking the champion’s title in four events and runner-up title in six events. Kiril Benliro and Lonie Galarpe were champions in the C men’s doubles, Patrick Fernandez and Jonah Perea in the D men’s doubles, Gerry Perea in the E men’s doubles, and Henry Cawili and Alexandra Go in the D mixed doubles.

236 players, more than half of which were Filipinos, participated and vied for the coveted champion’s title in various divisions: from the novice to A level. PBCA is proud to be one of few tournament organizers where low level players get the real chance of competing in a big tournament.

Women shuttlers exhibit court skills in diva tourney

pbcayan — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:54:41 GMT

Forty one female badminton players clashed May 14^th in the second all-women’s tournament dubbed as “Divadminton Power,” which was held at the Arcadia Badminton Club.

The players were divided into novice, intermediate and advance divisions. A modified 21-rally point system of scoring, wherein there are no deuces and the third game is only up to 15 points, made the matches even more intense as competing teams vied for the coveted champion’s trophy.

Novice division champs Chris Lopez and Ina Gonzalez.

In the novice division, Chris Lopez and Ina Gonzalez faced off with fellow PBCAyans Rachel Perea and Mabel Villanueva in a tense finals match. Chris and Ina led the first game by two points. In game two, Rachel and Mabel fought harder by making the match even at 20-all. Ultimately, however, the match was decided in favor of Chris and Ina when Rachel’s attempted flick serve got caught in the net.

Partners Milex Dumale and Lizza Mendoza of LA Valley dominated the intermediate division by also winning a straight victory against Nenette Sapida (PBCA) and Bing Manhilot (Woodshots) at a score of 21-19, 21-13, after beating PBCAyans Virra Ratonel and Grace Bachinela in a three-team single round robin finals.

The advance division also had its share of disappointment for the runners-up when Lui Galang and Ketel Galang (PBCA/Woodshots) snatched the victory from Claire Del Rosario (PBCA) and Adel Ortega (Woodshost) in game three. From a miserly score of one point, the Galang sisters made a dramatic comeback by closing in on Claire and Adel’s gaping lead of eight points, until eventually overtaking them at 12 points to the finish.

The Divadminton Power is being held by PBCA every year to showcase women badminton players’ skills and growing number in this still male-dominated sport. “It’s about time we value the contribution of women in the growth of badminton, who made it more dynamic and interesting as a sport,” explains PBCA President Jun Bautista.

PBCA meets with the LA Philippine Consul General

pbcayan — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 18:33:40 GMT

Officers of PBCA met with Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles May 22. The Consul General will grace the Kalayaan Cup 2011 on June 11th, which will coincide with the worldwide celebrations of the 113th year of Philippine Indepence.

Women shuttlers exhibit court skills in diva tourney

pbcayan — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 18:31:59 GMT

Forty one female badminton players clashed May 14^th in the second all-women’s tournament dubbed as “Divadminton Power,” which was held at the Arcadia Badminton Club.

In the novice division, Chris Lopez and Ina Gonzalez faced off with fellow PBCAyans Rachel Perea and Mabel Villanueva in a tense finals match. Chris and Ina led the first game by two points. In game two, Rachel and Mabel fought harder by making the match even at 20-all. Ultimately, however, the match was decided in favor of Chris and Ina when Rachel’s attempted flick serve got caught in the net.

Poca claims another victory at the Li-Ning Australia

pbcayan — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 18:29:57 GMT

Malvinne Ann Venice Alcala, aka Poca, once again boosted Philippine badminton at the international level by winning the women's singles under 19 category in the just concluded Li-Ning Australia Junior International tournament held May 13-15 in Victoria, Australia.

The rising young star, who has been training hard in Malaysia, cruised to victory by completely dominating Fiona Seah of Singapore in a 25-minute finals match at a score of 21-8, 21-9.

Held at the Ken Kay Badminton Stadium, this ranking event was organized by the Ballarat Badminton Association of Australia.

Iza Tolentino Badminton Classis held at new SGVBC

pbcayan — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 18:28:59 GMT

The Woodshots Badminton Club hosted the first Iza Tolentino Badminton Classic April 30th at the new San Gabriel Valley Badminton Club in Pomona, California, which opened recently.

About more than 100 shuttlers from the Los Angeles area participated in this day-long event, including several PBCA members.

Once again, PBCA players displayed their dominance in the lower divisions by sweeping four events. There were also PBCA players who garnered major titles in the upper divisions.

The following is a list of PBCA players who won in the tournament:

1. Arnel Mordeno/Allan Fajardo - Men's Doubles E Champions;

2. Virra Ratonel/Clemen Baladad - Women's Doubles D- Champions;

3. Ghale Bautista/Yellie Go - Women's Doubles E Champions;

4. Marvin Solidum/Sandee Petersen - Mixed Doubles D- Champions;

5. Melchi Viado - Men's Doubles C+ Champion;

6. Ranier Ratonel - Men's Doubles D+ Champion;

7. Bryan Borromeo/Ketel Galang - Mixed Doubles D+ Champions;

8. Shan Cawili/Benjamin Lord - Men's Doubles D+ Runners-Up;

9. Jun Bautista/Nenette Sapida - Mixed Doubles D- Runners-Up;

10. Allan Grimares - Men's Doubles E Runner-Up;

11. Anthony Pham - Mixed Doubles D+ 2nd Runner-Up.

12. Allan Fajardo/Clemen Baladad - E Mixed Doubles Champions

Top badminton ladder performers awarded

pbcayan — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 18:26:29 GMT

With the conclusion of the Badminton Challenge Ladder League for the winter-spring season, the top performers were recognized and awarded in a simple ceremony held May 5th at the Arcadia Badminton Club.

From left: Jun Bautista, Allan Fajardo, Clem Baladad, Ynna Hughes, Claire Del Rosario, Chito Viado, Nelson Go, Ding Sayson & Leo Artienda.

The top ladder performers are as follows:

I. Men's League

1. Allan Jose Fajardo - Top Pointer Awardee and Best in Number of Wins. Allan garnered a total of 1,229 points and won 45 games out of 63 games.

2. Nelson Go - Best in Average Score, by garnering an average of 19.72, with the perfect average being 21.

3. Ding Sayson - Most Improved Player, by moving up the ladder from spot number 19 to spot number 8.

II. Women's League

1. Claire Del Rosario - Best in Avergae Score and Best in Number of Wins. Claire got an average score of 20.49 and 44 wins out of 49 games.

2. Clemen Baladad - Top Pointer. Clemen garnered 1,151 points.

3. Ynna Hughes - Most Improved Player, by moving up the ladder from spot number 10 to 5.

The ladder kicked off on February 3rd and lasted until April 28th. Its purpose is to test the individual performance of members by pairing up with, and matching against, different players of varying skill levels.

In describing her experience playing the ladder, Clemen Baladad said "it was fun and challenging to play with and against other ladies in different levels."

"The ladder format is good because you get to play against everybody," Melanie Tabili said.

A total of 84 PBCA members participated in the ladder, excluding occasional guests. 54 of these are men and 30 are women.

So-Cal badminton players raise funds for Japan calamity victims

pbcayan — Mon, 02 May 2011 19:26:00 GMT

An estimate of more than 100 Southern California badminton players and supporters joined hands March 26 at the Los Angeles Badminton Club to raise funds for the earthquake and tsunami victims of northern Japan through a charity tournament.

More than $4,000 was raised during this important event, which will be donated to the quake and tsunami victims through the American Red Cross.

The tournament was a mixture of doubles and mixed events which included adults and kids group. The kids group was divided into beginner, intermediate and advance divisions, while the adult group was divided into novice, beginner, intermediate and advance divisions.

In the kids group, Jonah Perea and Justin Banquiles won in the advance division, while Nalla Ingrid Fajardo and Eulin Grimares won in the intermediate division.

Meanwhile, in the adults group, PBCA members Jonah Perea and Gelo Guilalas won in the novice division; Arnel Mordeno and Allan Fajardo (also PBCA members) won in the beginner division; Chuck Le and Michale Kung in the intermediate division; Patrick Thona (also a PBCA member) and David Riwu won in the advance division.

The event, which was organized by badminton coach Andy "Monkie" Tran with the assistance of Alice Liew, PBCA and other volunteers, was sponsored by LABC and DNA shuttlecocks.

There were also players from as far as Las Vegas and San Francisco who participated and gave their support.

Thunders claims the champion's title in the Carlo's Cup-LA

pbcayan — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:18:00 GMT

The Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) Thunders roared its way to the championship to claim the top spot in the Carlo's Cup-LA held March 5 at the Arcadia Badminton Club in Arcadia, California.

The Thunders clashed with the Visayas Express during the finals in a 130-point relay event. The relay is a series of matches wherein players from the competing teams change partners as a match reaches 10 points, with the team first reaching 130 points winning the event.

The Express garnered a 7-point lead against the Thunders during the first 10 points, which was a B men's doubles match between Melchi Viado and Philips Jap of the Express and Jerome Ferido and Chino Castellano of Thunders.

But Express's winning streak ended soon as Thunders gradually caught up with the Express and finally overtook it on the sixth match. Thunders' Allan Grimares and Jun Bañaga made a big leap by scoring a 9-point lead against Express's Thomas Gomez and Randy Wong on the sixth, upping Thunders' score from 50 points on the fifth match to 60 points on the sixth, as against Express's mere one point increment to 54 points on the sixth.

Excitement built up on the 13th and final match when Express's Melchi and Philips reunited and faced Wowie Leoncio and Jerome of Thunders.  Philips and Melchi's strong tandem generated 19 points, but their valiant efforts still fell short as Wowie and Jerome maintained Thunders' lead until finally finishing off at 130 points, with Express ending up at 112 points.

The Thunders made an interesting leap to victory as it was Express that ranked first among the five teams during the elimination rounds. Express severely beat Thunders when the two met in the mixed doubles event at a score of 7-4.

The other teams, in their order of ranking during the elimination, were Luzon Aguilas, National Capital Region (NCR) Sparrows and Mindanao Robins. Each team consisted of 20 players.

The Carlo's Cup is PBCA's second team tournament, which is being held every year in honor of Carlo Castellano, brother of PBCA member Claire Del Rosario and a highly skilled badminton player in the Philippines who was murdered saving a friend's life. The Philippine Air Force, where Carlo served and held the rank of captain, also hosted its Philippine version of Carlo's Cup on the same date.

PBCA wins two divisions in LA Valley tournament

pbcayan — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:12:00 GMT

Shuttlers from the Philippine Badminton Club of America (PBCA) took home two major titles in the LA Valley Badminton Challenge held April 9 at the Agoura Hills/Calabassas Community Center in Los Angeles, CA.

Top: Jun and Kirilz. Bottom: Thomas and Sanjay.

Partners Jun Bautista and Kirilz Benliro won in the C Men's Doubles division, while partners Sanjay Brahmi and Thomas Gomez won in the D Men's Doubles division.

Meanwhile, in the C Mixed Doubles division, PBCA partners Leo Artienda and Nenette Sapida settled for the runner-up title when they faced Loureen Pasiliao and Joel Topacio in the finals.

Nenette and Leo.

PCBA shuttler Virra Ratonel, who partnered with Lena Zeng, won in the C Women's Doubles division. Ria Pasiliao (Rakista and PBCA) won the D Mixed Doubles title with Hart Amante.

At the top level, partners Lia Alimagno and Titan Balandra (also PBCA members) were the runners-up in the A Mixed Doubles division, while Woodshots partners Jerome Ferido and Ketel Galang (who is also a PBCA member) were the winners. Titan won in the A Men's Doubles division as well.

PBCA men commemorate EDSA I in fun tournament

pbcayan — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:06:00 GMT

Dubbed as "Edsa Challenge: For Da Boys Only Fun Tournament," PBCA male members competed in intense doubles matches February 26, in celebration of the Edsa I People Power Revolution.

Some of the Edsa Challenge participants (from left): Orick, Dennis, Chito, Benjie, Ding, Noel, Leo, Brian, John, Herman, Allan, Roy, Gerry, Lonie & Jun.

Partners Roy Bachinela and Gerry Cruz emerged champions in the C division after beating partners Randy Wong and Marvin Solidum in a straight win.

In the D division, partners John So and Brian Gonzales and partners Ding Sayson and Noel Pattugalan ended up in a tie by winning equivalent number of matches. But So and Gonzales took the top title by having won the match when the two contenders faced off.

The event was participated by 24 C level players and 10 D level players, or a total of 34 players.

Couples compete in pre-valentine tourney

pbcayan — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:23:00 GMT

Couples slug it out in intense, but friendly, badminton matches during the "Valentine Challenge: A Couples Tournament" held on February 12 at the Arcadia Badminton Club, as each team of couple aimed for the coveted trophy and dinner for two at the Red Lobster restaurant.

The matches were hard fought as most of them concluded in three-setters. Especially exciting were the matches with couple Chito and Lorna Viado who, despite their lower ranking among the other couples, put up a good fight and even managed to snag a victory against couple Tom Gomez and May Dela Cruz.

Defending champions Roy and Grace Bachinela once again had a face-off with runners-up Jun and Ghale Bautista in the finals. In the end, however, the Bachinela couple managed to keep their title as they finished off the match in a straight win.

PBCA at the NBL Playoffs

pbcayan — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 18:57:00 GMT

PBCA members pose with 2005 World Champion and 2008 Olympian Howard Bach on the second day of the NBL State Playoffs January 15 at the Eastbay Badminton Association court in Emeryville, CA. Three PBCA teams participated in the playoffs, with two of them winning the first and second runner-up titles in the D Division.

Phillips Jap wins two titles in the USBDF Jr Int'l Championships

pbcayan — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 18:34:00 GMT

Indonesian-born Phillips Jap took home the champion's title in the boy's singles and boy's doubles events, both in the under-13 category, during the just concluded USBDF Winter Junior International Championships held December 17-20 at the Orange County Badminton Club in Orange, California.

The 55th seed youngster, who trains under his father Andy Jap and Hock Lai Lee (USAB rank number four in men's singles), beat top-seeded Vinson Chiu in the boy's singles at 21-17, 21-13.

The two, however, worked together in the boy's doubles and practically demolished their opponents, seed number two Michael Chau and Richerd Chen, in a blistering match which lasted only 15 minutes at a score of 21-6,21-7.

But Chiu and his partner Micaela Lum claimed the championship in the mixed doubles event against Jap and his partner Krista Hsu. At first Jap and Hsu were dealt a huge blow by scoring only nine. The pair attempted a decider by catching up on game two, but Chiu and Lum kept them at bay by scoring a two-point lead.

(For the complete results go to tournament software)

Filipina captures the gold in Singapore youth tourney

pbcayan — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT

Top-seeded Malvinne Ann Venice Alcala, fondly known to her family and friends as Poca, won the gold in girl's singles under 17 event during the Li-Ning Singapore Youth International badminton tournament held December 13-19 at the Yio Chu Kang Sports Hall in Singapore.

The 16-year old Filipina shuttler, who hails from Pasig City, cruised to the finals by besting three Indonesian and one Hong Kong players in straight games. Alcala then faced seed number three Xiaoyu Liang of China in the finals, where she won the gold in another easy victory at a score of 21-15, 21-18.

The Li-Ning Singapore Youth International 2010 was organized by the Singapore Badminton Association and sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation, which was participated by hundreds of players from different countries in Asia.

Sin City Challenge concludes with tons of fun

pbcayan — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 18:29:00 GMT

The much-awaited friendship games between PBCA and Las Vegas Badminton Club (LVBC), dubbed as “Sin City Challenge Friendship Games,” concluded December 11 in Las Vegas, Nevada with tons of fun and friendly matches.

A contingent of 40 PBCA members and some guests descended from the city of angels to fabulous Las Vegas to play friendly matches with LVBC players. Although LVBC outclassed PBCA at a score of 33-09, the participants had fun by enjoying the games and meeting new friends.

A total of 40 doubles and two singles matches were played for half day at the LVBC home court. Exciting matches from the E to A divisions took place, as players displayed their court skills with passion and intensity.

Special mention should be made to the following for garnering points for PBCA: Joseph Langie, Peter Mendoza, Kyle Emerick, Dung Truong, Herman Morcilla, Ernie Santiago, Jazzy Ogbac, Virra Ratonel, Grace Bachinela, Nenette Sapida, Mimi Arrieta, Grace Mayuga,
Clemen Baladad, Dennis Mayuga and Jay Wong.

Of course the Las Vegas experience won’t be complete without the casino gambling, sumptuous buffets, partying and alcoholic beverages. But then again, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Ghale and Clemen took the women's doubles E title at the AHCCC Badminton Open

pbcayan — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 20:59:00 GMT

          Ghale and Clemen took
      the women's doubles E title
     at the AHCCC Badminton Open

PBCA members claimed a major title and some minor ones during the Agoura Hills Calabasas Community Center (AHCCC) 2010 Winter Badminton Open held on December 4-5 at Calabasas, California.

Ghale Bautista and Clemen Baladad topped the women's doubles in the E division after defeating fellow PBCA members Garrie Tang and Carrie Wong in an intense three-game match.

Other PBCA members who gave a good performance are the following:

1. Harry Lee and Kobe Lau - 2nd place in the men's doubles D division. Kobe also won the top place with Erica Fung in the mixed doubles D division consolation bracket;

2. Livia Chandra and Amy Shih - 2nd place in the women's doubles D division;

3. Melchi Viado and Ranier Ratonel - winner in the B division consolation bracket. Melchi also won in the mixed doubles C division consolation bracket;

4. Titan Balandra won second place in the mixed doubles C division;

5. Sheila Pambuena won second place in the women's doubles B division.

The AHCCC tournament was organized by Andy "Monkie" Tran with the help of Peter Mendoza and Virra Ratonel.

PBCA Makes it to the NBL State Playoffs

pbcayan — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 19:58:00 GMT

The NBL fall season recreational league games in the Los Angeles District concluded December 5, with PBCA making it to the State Playoffs in two divisions.

PBCA will compete in the B and D divisions during the State Playoffs in January next year, which will be held in San Francisco.

Teams PBCA Red and PBCA Green emerged as the top two teams in the D division which will compete in the playoffs. The PBCA Red team clinched the first place when its women outdid PBCA Green's women in the singles event and took one mixed doubles game.

In the B division, PBCA dropped to second place against the San Gabriel Valley Badminton Club Terminators on Friday night. But this will still qualify PBCA's B team for the playoffs.