NMBF bids adieu to Janice Bungalos

Former women's and mixed doubles badminton champion Janice Bungalos will bid adieu to the CNMI today after making the islands her home since October 2005.
The 26-year old Sun Palace Inn staff will be returning to the Philippines for good along with her six-month-old daughter Jahnelle and they will be reunited with Bungalos' five-year-old son, Gandalf.
Her husband, Neil, will accompany them to the Philippines but will return to Saipan after a short stay.
Bungalos was part of a handful of players that started the sport at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium in early 2005 and was one of the better women players as attested by the doubles and mixed doubles titles she won during the Inaugural Northern Marianas Badminton Federation Tournament later that year.
The University of Santos Tomas alumnus won championships in two divisions in the October 2005 competition, pairing with Macoi Aguda to win the mixed doubles finals following a 21-10, 19-21, 21-10 victory over Edwin Montoya and Cristy Villaflor and teaming up with Gigi Zapanta to rule the women's doubles-a 21-15, 18-21, 21-19 triumph over Diane Dar Juan and Merlie Savellano.
Bungalos said leaving the CNMI for the Philippines is bitter-sweet as she will surely miss playing badminton at the Ada Gym, friends at NMBF, and not to mention the frequent “food trips” the group seemingly organize just for the heck of it.
NMBF president Marconi Calindas wished Bungalos good luck in her new life in the Philippines. He, however, shares the club's mixed feelings as they lose another of their members.
“It's once again sad to lose one of our excellent female players in the CNMI. Janice has been a great member and committee member who has shown a team player character whenever the group needs her assistance. We are grateful for the commitment she's given to NMBF. NMBF will never be the same without her. Her contribution is truly unparalleled, the main reason the group still exists right now. I hope she continues to play the sport back home.”
Bungalos is taking Calindas' advise to heart and said she will certainly join a badminton club as soon as she gets settled in Las Pinas, Metro Manila.
She, however, said that she will remain loyal to NMBF and promised everyone that she's only a phone call away for members visiting the Philippines.
(Saipan Tribune)