SHANGHAI – Filipino-Chinese friendship was the champion at the recently concluded Badminton Friendship Games, a special event commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Philippines – China Bilateral Relations organized by the Filipinos in Shanghai Badminton Association (FILSBA) held at the Nayufeng Badminton Court, Wuzhong Road, Shanghai on 31 May 2025.
Drawing players from the Filipino and expat communities as well as local Chinese aficionados of the sport in the Chinese financial capital, the Tournament marked the third iteration of the games since their revival in 2023.
Opening the tournament was Consul John Francis S. Herrera, the Acting Head of the Consulate General. He commended FILSBA and its Chair, Mr. Nicol Francisquete, for their unremitting efforts to advocate of badminton and of the health and community-building benefits of sports among Shanghai’s large population of Filipinos.
He also lauded the games for highlighting friendship between Filipinos and Chinese, against the backdrop of the ongoing commemoration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.
Players competed in three groups, featuring both men’s doubles and mixed doubles matches.
At the games’ conclusion, Consul Herrera and Filipino community leader Michelle Teope-Shen handed out the medals and awards. Among the victors were the Consulate General’s Cultural Officer and Attaché, Ms. Jeannie F. Petrola. END
