BAFET Formally Opens Its Door to Friends
The awarding ceremony and party for the 14th Badminton Tournament-Boa Ventura Cup were held on April 28, 2007 at Hotel Turismo, a month after the championship games.
A thanksgiving prayer, sung by Boyin de Loyola, opened the celebration party. Buffet dinner then followed while the photo slide show of the recently concluded tournament was being shown.
During the celebration party, the current leadership of BAFET took the opportunity to amend its constitution and by laws primarily to 1) open the membership of the organization to other nationalities, 2) increase the number of board members and 3) change the name of the organization. Gerard Mosquera, the board member who facilitated the amendment of the constitution and by-laws, shared the history of the organization from its humble beginning of 18 members during the 1st Tournament to what it is now today. Compilation of BAFET activities since its inception in July 2004 was then presented through a photo slide show.
Old members who were present during the event unanimously approved the proposed changes. As a result, what was formerly known as the Badminton Association of
Filipinos in East Timor (BAFET) became the Badminton Association of Filipinos and Friends in East Timor (BAFFET). Three non-Filipinos, namely Djuarso Holiwono, Amir Biduwahid and Ted Hermawan were added to the original board composed of four members. Marilou Suplido garnered the top votes to replace Col. Joey Duenas, whose tour of duty in Timor-Leste ended in February 2007. The honorable Consul Ariz Convalecer of the Philippine Embassy inducted the newly elected board members. 
The evening was made livelier by the newly organized and very talented Pinoy band “Akoh Stigs” who entertained the audience with its repertoire of OPM and other hits. The group, whose name came from the word acoustic, featured Mervin Jumawan (guitar & vocals), Boyin de Loyola (guitar & vocals) and Leo Ginoo (keyboard). Equally talented guest John Rocket later joined the band and wowed the group with his singing prowess.
Florida and Djuarso Holiwono, the major sponsors of the 14th BAFET Tournament, awarded the prizes. The champion team won badminton rackets, while the 2nd runner up team received badminton bags. The 3rd placers were awarded badminton t-shirts. 
The awards committee, true to BAFET’s tradition of giving recognition to players who epitomized fairness and amiability on and off the court, conferred the Sportsmanship Award to Carlos, who, win or lose, was goodnatured and always had a smile for everyone. Door prizes were raffled through out the night and BAFFET members and guests went home happy with their loot, especially lucky guest Eva Casas who won the major prize, a DVD player.
Generous friends Boa Ventura, Holiwono, I Market, Central Building, Bravo International, Aqua International, NCBA, Consul Ariz Convalecer and Mr. John Rocket all helped make the tournament and the celebration successful.
It was a milestone in BAFFET history and truly a night to remember.
Kudos BAFFET!
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Posted on Thursday, May 10, 2007
