Philippine Badminton
Craze Lives On!
by Dulce Amor Niño
October
2007
 The
badminton craze in the Philippines started sometime in 2002. By this
time, I thought this phenomenal social, sports and fitness “fad”
would have been long forgotten and replaced by a less wholesome
activity.
Fortunately,
I’ve been proven wrong. Badminton is still alive, well and kicking strong in
the Philippines. Proof-positive Filipinos have health, well-being and friendship
high up on their priority list.
 Ordinary
working men, women, and teenagers have made the badminton court an extension of
their offices and schools. Barangays have started organizing badminton
tournaments every summer, apart from the most common sport—basketball. Showbiz
personalities, too, have shared their own testimonials—affirming that this
activity serves as a stress reliever and a very effective way to lose weight.
Even children play badminton along the streets.
 Last
week, I was invited by one of my high school friends to join their game at Metro
in Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong. I gladly made myself available that Saturday
afternoon to basically catch up with good old buddies. I thought they were playing
badminton just for the sake of fun, but I was surprised at the speed of the
shuttlecock coming my way!
Fortunately, the social
aspect of the game makes for every patient and supportive players. In no time, I
was no longer conscious of my inferior badminton skills; and started enjoying
“defending” myself from oncoming shuttlecock missiles!
Now,
I know why the craze lives on. I just might take it up myself.
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Images
borrowed from
http://images.google.com.ph/
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