Christmas wishes of Saipan's sports community
(Oct 06 - Nov 17)
Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela prepares to make the ceremonial serve in Saturday's opening of the Northern Marianas Badminton Federation's Team Competition at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
The Salon de Manila Baddicts cheer on during the opening ceremony. Members of the team are Saul Gargallo, Malou Malasarte, Jerry Hibi, Jojo Lazaro, Annette Quiambao, Ariel Mariano, Hapi Gabriel, Ana Alvarez. Not in photo is Eydie Uy. 
The United Colors of Badminton team captain Macoi Aguda, second from left, enjoys a light moment with his teammates. From left, Lot Abuel, Ingrid Sanchez, Noli Santos, and Malou Salvador. Not in photo are Efren Cacdac, Edwin Maratas, and Obet Aguilar.
Members of the LabTech/Pure H2O/Pacific Marine pose for a group photo. Raj Jayalal, Roger Valez, Celso Agui, Loida Ito, Elma Labuson, Narlou Achas, Irene Santiago, Lea Estinopo, and Lucille Lampera are the members of the team. 
The Sun Palace/Shirley's Coffee Shop Smashers with their muses Leina Kim, third from left, and Adeliah Mojica. Members of the team are Shirley Kim, Christy Villaflor, Laurina Boyer, Jhun Pineda, Edwin Montoya, Marconi Calindas, Ronnie Lanuza. Not in photo is Patrick Fieldad.
The PTI NETters are all smiles while waiting for the start of the games. Clockwise from left, Bhabes Cielo, Camille Samonte, Eric Peña, Ray Sanchez, and Alvin Alvarez. Not in photo are Robert Reyes, Jorge Olanda, and Janis Parcon.
Traders Insurance players show off their banner during the opening ceremony. Lito Mendoza, Romell Villaviza, Gary Bandoja, Merlie Savellano, Marlene Peraja, Lani Bartolome, Sherwin Pasillos, and Malou Mendoza are playing for the Insurers.
Team Chairman's of Tan Holdings wave their balloons during the parade. The members of the team are Lala Agustino, Angie Ito, Aries Cordero, Gigi Zapanta, Jojo Savellano, Russel Salao, Rey Julongbayan, and Priywathan Wijay.By Jon Perez
ST Reporter
Organizers of the upcoming Northern Marianas Badminton Federation team competition are thanking the sponsors that have thrown their support in the season-ending event, which opens on Oct. 6 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
NMBF vice president Edwin Montoya and tournament coordinator Rey Julongbayan where one in saying that the support provided by Pacific Telecom Inc., Traders Insurance, Labtech, Pure H20, Sun Palace, Admaran International, Salon de Manila, Tan Holdings, SaipanCell Communicaitons, BME & Sons Construction, Coral Ocean Point, Shirley's Coffee Shop, Pacific Marine, and Marianas Brokers Inc. will go a long way to help the fledgling group promote the Olympic sport of badminton, specially to the local youth.
The NMBF is a two-year-old organization that also aims to develop badminton at the grassroots level and hopefully in the next five years, send one or two local players as representatives to international competitions.
Montoya said although the CNMI is experiencing tough economic times there are still some businesses that are willing to help and support local sporting events specially badminton.
Montoya added that the NMBF is looking forward for another successful tournament as it prepares for the 2008 season.
The NMBF has grown rapidly to a total of 150 members since its creation in Feb. 24, 2005.
As of press time, Julongbayan and the rest of the tournament committee are meeting to finalize all concerns regarding the opening of the league-type games on Saturday.
Julongbayan said that he is requesting the team captains or designated representatives to attend a meeting tomorrow, Oct. 4, for the final briefing of the opening ceremony of the tournament.
Julongbayan is requesting all 64 players competing in the inaugural league-type team competition to attend the opening rites on Saturday, which starts promptly at 5pm and players are requested to be at the Ada Gym 30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.
The drawing of the teams that will play on opening day will be done after the ceremony. There are seven teams in the league-type tournament, which is expected to end on Nov. 17.
One team will have a bye in the Saturday-only games. The tournament format will have one team play four events of seven games in one day consisting of one men's singles, two games each in the men's and women's doubles, mixed doubles, and one open event. It will be anything goes in the open event, where team captains can field their strongest players.
It will be a round-robin type tournament where one team will play against the six other squads. Each team in any of the seven games will accumulate wins with the squad that has the most wins declared champion. Cash prizes and trophies await the Top 3 finishers.
Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela will be the NMBF's guest speaker, while House Speaker Oscar Babauta and a representative from the Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association will also be attending the opening ceremony.
Early this year, the NMBF held the Inaugural Traders Insurance/PTI Cup Badminton Tournament with 27 pairs being honored in the month-long tournament.
The NMBF held its first tournament on Oct. 9, 2006, where close to 40 players joined the five-day competition.
For more information, call Montoya at 288-1436 or Julongbayan ar 235-0576, or email at NMBF@yahoogroups.com.
By Jon Perez
Reporter
Raj Jayalalal of Sri Lanka in action in this file photo from a recent Northern Marianas Badminton Federation tournament. (Jacqueline Hernandez) Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela will be one of the special guests who will attend the opening rites of the inaugural Northern Marianas Badminton Federation Team Competition, which opens on Oct. 6 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
Tudela is one of the special guests the NMBF has invited for its Davis Cup-style tournament. Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association president Michael A. White will send a representative, while House Speaker Oscar Babauta has already confirmed his attendance.
Tudela said promoting a healthy lifestyle has been a priority of his administration. “For the past years, healthy living and physical activities have been a priority in our ways of life.”
Promoting a healthy lifestyle of living through physical activities and sports development is one of the NMBF's main objectives.
Tudela said a healthy lifestyle could be achieved through tournaments and outdoor activities such as the NMBF's league-type format competition. “With your new organization, one can also enjoy physical activities through [badminton].”
The NMBF is a two-year organization that also aims to develop badminton at the grassroots level and hopefully in the next five years send one or two local players as representatives to international competitions.
Tudela commended the NMBF for taking the lead in promoting an active and healthy lifestyle on Saipan. “As we strive forward to more challenges in our life, I would like to commend [the NMBF] in taking the extra step in ensuring that active lifestyles are paramount in our community.”
The seven-team tournament follows a round-robin type format and is expected to end on Nov. 17. The tournament format will have one team play four events of seven games in one day consisting of one men's singles, two games each in the men's and women's doubles, mixed doubles, and one open event.
It will be anything goes in the open event, where team captains can field their strongest players.
Each team in any of the seven games will accumulate wins with the squad that has the most wins declared champion. Cash prizes and trophies await the Top 3 finishers.
Shuttlers must have played a minimum of five games in any of the four events offered in the duration of the tournament. No player is allowed to play three games in one day.
Organizers of the tournament have already sought several companies for assistance in sponsoring a team or teams in the Saturday-only tournament.
Some of the companies and businesses that committed to sponsor a team or donate prizes are Pacific Telecom Inc., Traders Insurance, Labtech, Pure H20, Sun Palace, Admaran International, Salon de Manila, Tan Holdings, SaipanCell, and B&E Construction.
The entrance fee per team is $500 where $300 will be shouldered by a sponsor/s, while the remaining amount will be divided among the eight players of a team.
Early this year, the NMBF held the Inaugural Traders Insurance/PTI Cup Badminton Tournament with 27 pairs being honored in the month-long tournament.
The NMBF held its first tournament on Oct. 9, 2006 where close to 40 players joined the five-day competition.
For more information, call NMBF vice president Edwin Montoya at 288-1436, or email at NMBF@yahoogroups.com.
Shuttler Aguda leaves Saipan today
By Jon Perez
Reporter
Macoi Aguda falls on the floor while trying to hit the shuttle in this file photo taken during the the inaugural Northern Marianas Badminton Federation Tournament in Oct. 10, 2006. (Mark Rabago) Macoi Aguda's high-flying acts, powerful smashes, and numerous trick shots, plus the overall knowledge of the sport of badminton will surely be missed at the makeshift badminton court inside the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
Badminton regulars at the Ada Gym will miss even the off-court exuberance demonstrated by Aguda as his friendly personality and always-glad-to-help attitude aided countless individuals improve their game in the new sport being introduced by the Northern Marianas Badminton Federation to the CNMI.
The 28-year-old Aguda will be leaving Saipan today in search for greener pastures in the mainland after being one of those luckily recruited to work in the hotel industry in Florida.
Aguda is a thing to watch inside the badminton court, during tournaments and practice games, as he treats audiences to a rare spectacle of how beautifully badminton is played and how easy it is to be learned.
Among Aguda's string of achievements in his brief eight-month stay on Saipan are winning the men's doubles title with Raj Jayalal in the NMBF's second organized tournament, the Traders Insurance/PTI Cup in May; and three trophies in the NMBF's inaugural games last year: mixed doubles crown with Janice Bungalos, a second place finish in the men's singles, and placing third in the men's doubles division with teammate Marconi Calindas.
But it is not only inside the court that Aguda showcased his talents as the former Shirley's Coffee Shop supervisor also won second place honors in the Grand Fiesta Pop Music Festival when he interpreted Calindas' composition “Sweet December”.
Aguda, who started playing badminton in his early 20s, said it was only here on Saipan that he continuously played the sport. “Six months before going to Saipan, I played back in Manila but it is here where I played continuously.”
Aguda said despite his high level of playing he is still new in the sport. “If you play against the best in Manila even though you have picked up the sport for a little time you will be forced to play at the same level as your opponents.
“Manila has a high level of competition and a lot of people are playing it, it enhances your game when you play against them.”
Before taking up badminton, indoor volleyball was Aguda's first love as he was part of Malate Catholic School's varsity team for four years.
He played volleyball even when he is already in college and started learning badminton when he finished his B.S. Psychology degree at Far Eastern University in Manila.
NMBF officials and members held a farewell party for Aguda on Sept. 7 wishing him luck and good tidings as he embarks on a new journey in Florida.
By Jon Perez
Reporter
The Northern Marianas Badminton Federation released the 64-player list that will see action in the upcoming league-type tournament next month at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
The 64 players are classified into the three divisions, namely: A, B, and C. They will be grouped into eight players in each team where they will play six or seven events in a round-robin format.
Leading the list are men's A players Ryan Achas, Lito Mendoza, Edwin Montoya, Raj Jayalal, Jerry Hibi, Jae Gang Lee, Eric Peña, and Priywathan Wijay.
Aside from the eight in the men's A division, there are 21 players in the men's B, and 15 in women's B while the men and women's C is composed of eight and 12 each.
Others in the list are Marconi Calindas, Patrick Fieldad, Jun Pineda, Shirley Kim, Christy Villaflor, Ronnie Lanuza, Michelle Salvador, Jojo Lazaro, Hapi Gabriel, Eydie Uy, Malou Malasarte, Ariel Mariano, Malou Guzman, Annette Quiambao, Joseph Santos, Jonathan Perez, June Padua, Marylyn Montano, Jason Junio, Lherie Galvan, and Juliet Ramos.
Rey Julongbayan, Jojo Savellano, Russell Salao, Gigi Zapanta, Aries Cordero, Cherry Javier, Angie Ito, Roger Vales, Celso Agui, Loida Ito, Elma Labuson, Narlou Achas, Irene Santiago, Lea Estinopo, Rommel Villaviza, Gary Bandoja, Merlie Savellano, Marlene Peraja, Lani Bartolome, Sherwin Pasillos, and Malou Mendoza will also see action.
Making up the rest of the participants are Bhabes Cielo, Ray Sanchez, Janis Parcon, Camille Samonte, Jorge Olanda, Emil De Belen, Robert Reyes, Edwin Maratas, Saul Gargallo, Hector Benitez, Ingrid Sanchez, Lot Abuel, Efren Cacdac, and Winnie Bonifacio.
The tournament format will have one team play four events of six or seven games in one day consisting of men's singles, two games each in the men's and women's doubles, and mixed doubles.
Each team will accumulate all wins with the squad that has the most wins after the seven-Saturday tournament being declared the champion. The league-type tournament will run up to Nov. 24. Cash prizes and trophies await the top three finishers.
Players must have played a minimum of five games in any of the four events offered in the duration of the tournament. No player is allowed to play three games in one day.
Organizers of the tournament have already sought several companies for assistance in sponsoring a team or teams in the Saturday-only tournament.
The entrance fee per team is $500 where $300 will be shouldered by a sponsor/s, while the remaining amount will be divided among the eight players of a team.
In other news, the NMBF will have a general membership meeting at 7pm today at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium before the start of the scheduled night practice session.
Aside from the discussing the tournament, another issue up for discussion is to fill in the positions of several inactive officers due to valid reasons.
For more information, call NMBF acting president Edwin Montoya at 288-1436 or PRO Mark Rabago at 235-0515, or email at nmbf@yahoogroups.com.
The newly formed Northern Marianas Badminton Federation announced that the weekday and weekend badminton sessions at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium returns starting tomorrow, July 10.
NMBF president Jonathan Perez said he has obtained permission from the Division of Sports and Recreation to restart badminton sessions at the gym from 7:30am to 10:30am Mondays to Fridays and from 4pm onwards on Saturdays.
NMBF cancelled their weekday and weekend badminton sessions at the Oleai Sports Complex to make way for the 6th Micronesian Games, which Saipan hosted from June 23 to July 2.
Badminton players regularly played at the gym on weekdays and weekends prior to the month-long Micro Games break. DSR charges $1 per day per player for the use of the facility's lights.
In related news, the regional association for badminton has adopted the rally point system for the sport and local badminton players are encouraged to adopt it in their games to quicken the pace of turnover on the courts' use. Matches are suggested to be best-of-three affairs and up to 25 points. (PR)
Northern Marianas Badminton Federation announced that weekday morning sessions for badminton resume this morning at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium following a three-week break.
Starting today, the Oleai Sports Complex venue will be reserved for the NMBF and its members from 8am to 11am Sundays to Fridays.
Badminton's morning schedule was scratched last month to give way to the 2007 Sports Camp.
In addition to the morning schedule, the association has also secured evening sessions from 6pm to 9pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
NMBF would like to thank the Division of Sports and Recreation, especially director Joe Lizama, for accommodating badminton sessions at the government-run indoor facility.
For more information about the NMBF, contact NMBF president Jon Perez at 235-1533, NMBF PRO Mark Rabago at 235-0515, or email at NMBF@yahoogroups.com. (PR)
Winners of the Inaugural Traders Insurance/PTI Cup Badminton Tournament pose with their trophies during the awards banquet of the Northern Marianas Badminton Federation-organized event Saturday at the Seaside Hall of the Saipan Grand Hotel.Northern Marianas Badminton Federation concluded another successful competition for the fledgling sports association with Saturday night's Inaugural Traders Insurance/PTI Cup Badminton Tournament awards banquet.
The Northern Marianas Badminton Federation thanked all of its supporters that helped them in the Traders Insurance/PTI Cup Badminton Tournament.
The tournament started on April 16 and matches progressed through May 12 to accommodate the number of pairs that competed in the Mixed Doubles division.
Games were played Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday in the first week of competitions, and Saturday and Sunday only as the tournament goes on.
NMBF officials, led by NMBF president Jon Perez, thanked Traders Insurance and PTI for sponsoring the league and are looking forward for their continued support for the fledgling group.
Other sponsors that helped the NMBF are Admaran International Inc., Fiesta Resort & Spa, Pacific Islands Club, Pure H2O, and Treasure Island.
NMBF officials are already organizing the awards banquet as soon as the trophies arrive from the Philippines this week. The banquet is tentatively scheduled on June 16 with the venue and time to be announced at a later date.
The champions in each division will receive their trophies while all participants in the tournament will receive certificates.
The list of champions are Raj Jayalal and Macoi Aguda (Men's A); Alvin Alvarez and Erik Peña (Men's B); Narlou Achas and Ariel Mariano (Men's C); Loida Ito and Cristy Villaflor (Women's A/B combined); Debbie Fisher and Camille Samonte (Women's C).
Jayalal joined Ingrid Sanchez to win the combined A/B Mixed Doubles division, while Fisher teamed up with Milo Valdez in the C class.
In other news, the Division of Sports and Recreation allowed the NMBF to hold night practices every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm to 9pm at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (PR)
A letter he sent to NMBF Yahoo Groups regarding the Friday play mix-up on schedules and of course the tournament:
I would like to apologize for the mix up.
Let me explain what really happened, when we played
last Thursday the sports and recreation division staff
said they won't allow the students of this particular
school to use the facility because they only resreved
the gym by word of mouh, verbally.
I talked to them, Director Joe Lizama in particular,
in the morning during our game and the gym staff gave
us the assurance that we still have our morning
schedule.
When I came back at the gym in the afternoon, around 4
I think, to pick up some score sheets, they told me
that they allowed the students to use the facility on
Friday and gave our time slot to them.
I don't have enought time to inform everyone even
Marconi, who by the way is my co-worker and a stone's
throw away from my desk.
I only had the chance to tell Ate Gigi, Hapi, Jinky,
Emil, and Edwin (I think) when I dropped by during
their bowling game at CBC. As for the rest, I was
planning to go on a text brigade but I don't have the
contact numbers of the regular people who play weekday
mornings. Plus my mobile phone's battery went dead.
When I had the chance to charge my batteries my mind
was preoccupied with other things.
I am sorry if for the past few weeks I have been
slacking off with my job as preisdent of our
organization. I would pick up where I left off to
continue serve and lead the badminton federation.
To Merlie, sorry to spoil your birthday party. Belated
happy birthday.
A thousand apologies to everyone.
As for the tournament, unless we find an alternative
venue we can not go on with it. The gym people won't
consider in lowering the fees, they said the $75 usage
fee and $10 for the electricity is the rate that the
DCCA and CUC gave them.
We can not afford paying almost $100/day. What if our
tournament lasted more than 10 days that's more than
$1000 just for using the gym. We will use up our
funds, plus the entrance fee just for this tournament.
The gym people even told me the organizers of the
baseball and softball leagues pay more than $300 a
game. If we can get another sponsor to back us up with
the fees and everything then we can push through with
the tournament.
As of now, it is put on hold until we and the Sports
and Rec division agree with the fees.
Returning a forehand smash
By Cheong Weng Kwai
Bend down your knee a little to get the power, dance and shuffle your body, move your body towards the forehand side where the smash landed. You can do this by getting your left leg close to your right then forcing your right leg to take a big step. Again, you can either lift the shuttle high for a clearance or flick the shuttle to the short line of your opponent. Always shuffle your body and be ready for the next shot.
Well, everyone is anxious, excited and can't wait for the upcoming tournament, but the dates have not been finalized yet. so, stand by people. Our dear president and other officers are meeting up day by day regarding this event.
Anyone has a birthday celebration this month? Let us know what you think as well about the group.
Member: Marconi Calindas
The Northern Marianas Badminton Federation will hold a general membership meeting this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, at the pavillion beside the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
NMBF members are requested to attend either of the two days of the meeting. Non-members are welcome to attend and become part of the badminton family.
On top of the agenda is the planned tournament. This will be the second tournament organized by the NMBF.
NMBF officers will pass out sign up sheets during the meeting to determine the number of participants in the men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles, and mixed doubles.
The group is holding daily practices from Monday to Friday at 8am to 11am at the Ada Gym. The weekend schedule is from 12pm to 4 pm.
For more information, see any of the NMBF officers.
El Presidente
Guys it's my grand day kaya akong bahala sa inyo basta make sure you will come in half full stomach ... special kayo sa'kin kaya syempre special ang fudddd... no potluck ha... basta .. basta...tsk.tsk.. ano kayang masarap????
Do we have up coming VALENTINES PARTY???. Para na man iyong mga
Loveless ay mag enjoy din.
Utang na loob, visit the website naman, and write your comments to anything. please help this site grow!!! contribute anything you want to post here, please. Email me if you can't post a comment here. My address is: marconicalindas@yahoo.com or marconi.calindas@gmail.com....
Let us grow this site for exchanges.
Please send me anything you want to post here.
Ey peeps,
The birthday bash of Babes, based on her personal request, will be a dinner party on Saturday at 6pm at their home in Dan Dan. Still potluck. The celebrant will prepare one dish and rice....
Happy Bday!!!!
A potluck pajama party for Babes!
Celebrating good life at 40!
Stick for more details.
Party venue: Babes' home in Dan Dan
Everything else to be arranged!
wag na mareklamo.
It's not over between NMBF and you Alma...it's just goodbye for now! You play badminton very well, i thought you were an NMI national team member...oks ba? You will be missed! Great performance at In Transit!
Alma wrote to NMBF:
to my nmbf friends and acquaintances,
I just want to say goodbye to all! I am leaving Saipan on February 10, 2007 (after 1 year and 2 days stay here in the island).
Playing badminton has helped me a lot to channel my homesickness in a more athletic and wholesome way.
I would forever be grateful for the friendship and camaraderie.
Goodluck to NMBF and to all its future endeavors.
-alma- (http://www.ampy-pinayexpatinsaipan.blogspot.com)
Hey peeps, dont forget the party tonight ok?!
Looking forward to fun and games, all tribute to Kuya Lito's 60th year in this world!
Cya!
Umaraw e. (the sun is up, that's why the japanese baseball clinic won't need the gym)
Due to the bad weather, the Ada Gym requested NMBF to cancel Saturday, Jan. 27 badminton practice. The Japanese Baseball Clinic will use the gym instead.
Bummer....oh well, just go to kuya Lito's Retro Party in the evening then...
Cya!!!!
It's Retro in the Metro, at least we pretend we are in the metro on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007 for kuya Lito Mendoza's Birthday Bash!!!
Everyone is invited to this grand 21st birthday of our dear member Lito Mendoza.
Theme: Retro (meaning attend in your best 60s to 70's outfit)
Venue: Mendoza Residence at Tropex Garden As Lito, I don't know if it's As Lito already. Can somebody correct me on this? Thanks....
Time: 7pm...
Watch out for some hot stuff production numbers from five of the best drag queens on the island....
NMBF members and couple Jinky and Emil De Belen, flanked by the Tres Amigas and friend Tomoko during a countdown party at the Saipan Grand Hotel Poolside.
So where did you spend your countdown?
