THE tandem of Andre Bergantin and Ashley Mulleda emerged as the Grand Champions in the Advanced Group of the Friendship Cup Doubles Badminton Tournament, hosted by the Chinese Enterprise Philippine Association (Cepa) Cebu branch at the Metro Sports Center on Salinas Drive, Cebu City, last Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Bergantin and Mulleda bagged the Advanced Group title after besting JL Navares and Dave Mulleda. The Navares-Mulleda duo settled for first runner-up, while Kevin and Nathaniel Bergantin secured second runner-up honors.
In the Beginner Group, Dave Lerio and Kerniel Remedio took home the championship trophy. They were followed by Sherd Cimafranca and Carl Jhay Avenido as first runners-up, with Maria Jelyn and Paul Fermin Cadelina finishing as second runners-up.
The tournament brought together 52 doubles teams or 104 players and over 20 volunteers, including medical staff from Chong Hua Hospital, who provided assistance at the venue.
Held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines, the event promoted friendship, sportsmanship and cultural exchange.
The event drew the participation of teams representing government agencies, corporate groups, local communities and student organizations -- all coming together to foster mutual understanding and strengthen the bonds between two cultures.
“The main objective of the tournament is connection through sportsmanship and camaraderie,” said Johen Wang, general secretary of Cepa Cebu.
Zhang Zhen, consul general of the People’s Republic of China in Cebu, witnessed the games as special guest and praised the players for embodying goodwill between nations.
“Today on the court, I do not only see players — I see you as bridges between the two peoples, bridges of friendship and goodwill,” Zhen said in her message.
Also present was Tacloban City Councilor Christopher Esperas, who participated both as guest and player, further adding to the tournament’s spirit of unity.
Organizers hoped to make the Friendship Cup an annual event, with the aim of cultivating lasting partnerships, encouraging cross-cultural understanding and creating new connections through the shared passion for sports. / Ashley Judd F. Alon, UV Intern