The Pinoy BAGETS (Badminton Group and Enthusiasts) marked its 3rd annual tournament on 9 August 2025 at Badminton Near Me in Epping, Victoria, bringing together 120 players, 14 organisers, 20 volunteers, and family members. The event was a lively mix of competitive rallies, teamwork, fellowship, and camaraderie, reflecting the group’s growth since it began as a casual social gathering in 2019.
Teams were chosen at random and represented by colours – Yellow, Orange, Green, Violet, Red, and Blue. Many participants were experienced players before migrating to Australia, while others developed their skills through the group’s regular Sunday meet-ups.
Results
Men’s Doubles
| Level | Placement | Names | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level A | Champion | John Acero / M. Dela Vega | Green |
| Runner Up | Noel Dela Cruz / Brian Balolong | Yellow | |
| Level B | Champion | Alfred Enriquez / Jess Marquez | Yellow |
| Runner Up | Noel Bayudan / Louie Collado | Orange | |
| Level C | Champion | Jevy Lofranco / P. Navarro | Red |
| Runner Up | Gene Bonina / Rey Rosales | Green |
Women’s Doubles
| Level | Placement | Names | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level A | Champion | Imee Aballe / Clarisse Mollaneda | Blue |
| Runner Up | Maricar Pagulayan / Marj Salazar | Yellow | |
| Level B | Champion | Rizza Cabug / Lea Cruz | Red |
| Runner Up | Sheryll H. / Joanna A. | Yellow | |
| Level C | Champion | Melva Pascual / Maricar Cayabyab | Orange |
| Runner Up | Weng C. / Nora B. | Violet |
Mixed Doubles
| Level | Placement | Names | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level A | Champion | Raff Gomez / R. Blay Cabus | Violet |
| Runner Up | Joe Buenavides / Clarisse Mollaneda | Violet | |
| Level B | Champion | Mario C. / Lea Cruz | Red |
| Runner Up | Henry B. / Clarisse L. | Green | |
| Level C | Champion | Jayson A. / Neri C. | Yellow |
| Runner Up | Jun A. / Mylene S. | Orange |
Team Overall Result
| Standing | Team |
|---|---|
| Champion | Yellow |
| Runner Up | Orange |
| 3rd Place | Green |
| 4th Place | Violet |
| 5th Place | Red |
| 6th Place | Blue |
The day’s success was made possible through the combined efforts of organisers and volunteers who handled match tallies, scoring, line judging, food and refreshments, emceeing, and team leadership.
Sponsors who contributed to making the event possible included Mortgage Station, Mel Auto Care, Pinoy Garden, Enagic Water / RWok’d, ALFA Real Estate, Mickleham Physiotherapy Services, Angelito Valdez Jr. Photography, Mrs Market by Minette, 365 Glow Aesthetics, Happy Concrete, Inang’s Asiamart, OrbitRemit, Tax Smart Cafe, KFS (Kalinga Freight Services), and Clint Garciano Photography.
Karen Ornopia, one of the organisers, thanked Anthony Patricio for securing sponsorships. “We all wanna thank Kuya Anthony para sa pag-secure ng ating sponsors,” she said during the opening ceremony.
“The main highlight of our Sunday meetups (aside from playing badminton) is the sharing of food. And in this tournament, it’s no different — perhaps, a lot more food,” Karen said with a laugh in a conversation with this writer.
There was indeed a fellowship following the awarding of medals and trophies to players for their achievements, and plaques of appreciation to sponsors for their support. Everyone enjoyed a generous spread of Filipino favourites, including lechon, with so much food that many happily packed leftovers to take home.
