Celebs to grace 10th FDG Cup badminton

MANILA, Philippines - A host of celebrities, led by Regine Velasquez and Christian Bautista, will jazz up the FDG Cup Open and Invitational badminton tournament which braces for its grand 10th staging on June 28-30 at the Powersmash in Makati and Robinsons Place Manila.

The event, widely regarded as the premier badminton doubles event in the country, has drawn a full pack field headed by the members of the national team and pool along with the rising stars from various badminton clubs and schools in the country.

Meanwhile, the draw will be held tomorrow at 3 p.m. at the Opal Room of the Crowne Plaza Hotel beside Robinsons Galleria, according to the event’s organizers.

On tap in the three-day tournament are the centerpiece men’s, women’s and mixed Open doubles for the elite players along with the Partners Cup, which features employees and business partners of the Robinsons Land Corp.

While hostilities in different categories will start June 28 at Powersmash, the formal opening ceremonies will be held at Robinsons Place Manila on June 30 starting at 2 p.m. with Maja Salvador and Erik Santos to render special numbers.

The awards rites, on the other hand, will be held in the evening at the Century Seafood Restaurant of the Century Park Hotel with Velasquez and Bautista gracing the night of fun and music with Bianca Gonzalez as host.

Badminton enthusiasts Carla Abellana and Iya Villana will also be on hand during the opening ceremonies of the event held in honor of RLC president Frederick D. Go, a long-time supporter of the sport.

Also serving as the highlight of the blue-ribbon event is the participation of current world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia and former world top player Denmark’s Peter Gade, who will play exhibition matches with FDG and former national team mainstay Kennevic Asuncion in the final day.

Over 100 prizes will be raffled off during awards rites, including 10 smart phones, 10 tablet computers and 10 40-inch TVs as part of the event’s 10th year celebrations.

The elims and the quarters for the Open division will be played at Powersmash on June 28 and 29, while the semifinals and finals, along with the Invitational event (Classes A, B, C, D, E and F), will be held at Robinsons Place Manila on June 30.