Twin crown for Castilo in Challenge Cup

MANILA, Philippines — Gelita Castilo completed a dream weekend by claiming two titles in the women’s and mixed doubles 30-and-above divisions of the 2026 MIA Badminton Challenge Cup yesterday at the MIA Sports Center in Pasay City.

Castilo, who now coaches young shuttlers at DGS Bulacan, showcased the pedigree that made her the UAAP Season 79 MVP and a multiple-time champion with Ateneo and the University of the Philippines. She first partnered with Patricia Barredo to capture the women’s doubles title before teaming up with Mike Minuluan to complete her double championship in the mixed doubles division.

Castilo and Barredo capped their undefeated campaign with a dominant 15–11, 15–6 victory over Lea Hermosilla and Lanie Reyes in the women’s doubles final of the tournament backed by Rally Sports, JPA Sports, Wilkins Pure, Minute Maid, and Playa de Nubla Private Resort.

The two former UAAP standouts eventually went their separate ways in the mixed doubles event, but Castilo still emerged as a double champion after she and Minuluan outclassed Barredo and John Paul Yabut, 15–6, 15–2, in the final round-robin playoff match.