Philippine Badminton Open, July 2009

I had searched and waited for this annual event just last year only to find out that it had been cancelled due to Olympics. Most players won't be able to come since they are busy and preoccupied in their trainings. Today, nothing can stop the official opening of this tournament. This is the third run of the prestigious Philippine Gold Grand Prix Badminton Championships sponsored by Bingo Bonanza Corporation.

Nimmy and I will need to sleep early this coming Saturday morning (since we work both in the night shift). Saturday lunch, we have to prepare and need to be 30 minutes before the venue. The tickets we bought are just for the Semis and Finals. Can you tell I'm excited? Hell yeah!!!

Game Schedule:

July 1 & 2 : 10:00am - 10:00pm
July 3 : 6:00pm - 11:00pm
July 4 & 5 : 1:00pm - 6:00pm

The first Badminton Tournament I've followed was the Thomas and Uber Cup back in 2000 or 2001. I got free tickets from my Badminton coach back then and ever since - it ignited fire in me. I love to see my idols smash, drop and drive. The exhilarating feeling I get to see them is priceless.

So what is in store for us? Well, we'll get to see top players from Korea, Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, England and of course, our very own players in the Philippines. I hope to see my favorite men's doubles team from Malaysia, Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong. I also anticipate the presence of Lee Yong Dae from Korea, and probably, you'll going to see a lot of him here in my blog in the next few days.

You know, Badminton is not really a popular sports in the Philippines compared to MJ's world, but I must say that there is a strong following. Right now, we have witnessed the ever sprouting badminton courts around the neighborhood. Tournaments? You bet. We have those local tournaments too, although it's not of a big shot sports for the media and the people in general. Only a few appreciates them.

So July 4-5 it is! For now, I'll make sure to take some pictures and I''ll let you see some of them soon! If you want to buy tickets, please log on to: http://www.ticketworld.com.ph/events/philopen2009.asp. For exact schedules of players, you may visit : http://philopenbadminton.com/schedules.php.