Thursday, August 23, 2012

One badminton game for the Habagat Flood Victims


An unexpected disaster in Philippines, which puts the whole city of Metro Manila submerged in the flood, is enough for the Filipino badminton community here in Singapore to respond in the call for help. This is the 2nd badminton for a cause game in which the Filipino badminton community had begun when a flash flood struck Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City last December 2011.

Kristian Anquillano, President of PinoySG Badminton Club, in cooperation with Carlos Gavieta of Team SBL and Ronel Galapate of Samahang Pinoy Racqueteers led the donation drive last August 12, 2012. All the leaders of badminton teams and groups were invited to join the game for a cause. Achiles Iglesias, PSGBC officer mentioned, “This is our 2nd successful badminton game for a cause, and the Filipino badminton groups has always been very cooperative when it comes to helping our kababayans”.

The open badminton game was scheduled last August 12, 2012 at Yishun Secondary School where 40 players came to show their support. Others who have not played just gave their donation to the organizers.

Pinoy Shuttlers leader, Eric Cruz who is fondly known as “Mayor” to the badminton community also quips. “Our group is always at hand and in support for any events that aims to help our fellow Filipinos. Isang tawag niyo lang, andiyan na kami”.

Players from PinoySG Badminton Club, Pinoy Shuttlers, Pinoy Shuttlecockers, Samahang Pinoy Racqueteers, Singapore Badminton Ltd(SBL) and United Pinoy Badminton, came in full force and joined the open game at Yishun Secondary School. Other badminton groups like Tropang Smashers, KBG, Hotshots and Laklakers were not able to make it due to conflict of schedule, however pledges to send their own donation. The Filipino badminton community here in Singapore has grown tremendously in terms of the number of Filipino professionals here, embracing the sport.  The community has been very active in promoting badminton to all the Filipino OFW and also making friendship with other local Singaporean badminton groups.

For that one day game, the groups were able to raise 1,027sgd or an equivalent of 32,864 Pesos. The amount was given to Philippine National Red Cross in support of their relief and rescue operations.