A smashing success

Powerade gathered badminton enthusiasts for the third Powerade Badminton Cup. Held at the Yonex Philippines Badminton Club, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong, the annual tournament was attended by some 600 players who battled it out on seven competitive levels in Men’s, Ladies’ and Mixed Doubles.

Jenny Cinco, group brand manager for Water and Replenishment Brands of Coca-Cola Export Corporation, expressed the commitment of Powerade to support the badminton community.

“We do this because we want to actively offer much-needed avenues and support for Filipino players, and provide them with Powerade, a drink which can keep up with their hydration and energy needs when they play,” Jenny Cinco said.

Powerade is a scientifically formulated sports drink from The Coca-Cola Company, packed with energy-yielding compounds and electrolytes to give a thirst-quenching boost. “It helps you stay hydrated, keep up and sustain your performance especially in long and enduring sports,” Jenny emphasizes. Proof of this is the fact that Powerade was chosen as the Official Sports Drink of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

The Powerade Badminton Cup continues to power smash its way into higher gear. Emma Mina, media liaison for tournament organizer Mindworks, shared that Powerade Cup is one of the most talked-about tournaments in the badminton community since it was launched three years ago. “The players always ask when the next Powerade Cup will be, which is due in part to the good image of the brand. One of the strengths of the tournament is also the well-balanced matching, which players appreciate greatly,” she says. 

After three intense competition days, Jonathan and Rommel Parone were hailed champions for the Men’s Doubles Level 1, Ann Mendiola and Sheila Rica Pascual for Ladies Doubles Level 1, and Redgie De Polonia and Lorie Gabiane for Mixed Doubles Level 1.

The Men’s Doubles-Level 5 team of Hans Montenegro and Raymond Joseph gamely reveal what motivated them to take part in Powerade’s successful Badminton Cup. As Raymond puts it, “We decided to join the tournament because we really enjoy the game. The organizers are very reputable and they really run the tournament well.”

Hans adds that the nation is filled with badminton enthusiasts and that Filipinos have a great chance of excelling in it, gaining recognition through competitions such as the yearly Powerade Badminton Cup. “It’s through tournaments like these where you open up doors of possibilities for people to bring up their game from the lowest level of competition where it’s all about fitness and having fun, to the highest level where you’re representing the country. It’s tournaments like these which make it possible for the sport to get exposure,” says the badminton aficionado.

 Aside from the exposure that badminton gets from the Powerade Badminton Cup, another significant facet of the well-loved sport is highlighted as well. As Emma Mina explained, “I think it’s good for the badminton industry per se but for the health as well. We need the Powerade Cup to lead in enhancing awareness on dehydration, which still plagues a lot of players. I believe Powerade can help in informing people about the importance of proper hydration, before, during and after playing. I always see people who experience cramps because they do not drink fluids or sports drinks. Sports drinks like Powerade are very vital. They are necessities.”