Kicking off the Star Magic All-star Games 2023, which was held at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, May 21, is the badminton event comprised of three levels: beginners, standard immediate, and competitive.
But before it started, hosts VJ AI Dela Cruz and Sam Coloso called in Kael Suntay to discuss the format and mechanics of the badminton matches. For the beginner and intermediate rounds, there were one elimination game, two semi-finals, and one final rounds, and both editions were played one set until one team reached 21 points. The competitive edition, on the other hand, had a semis race to one set and a finals race to three sets.
Isabel Laohoo earned the highest number of votes for the Best Idol Fancam, so it was her fans who were treated an exclusive look of her stint during her badminton game via the Star Magic YouTube channel.
As the Star Magic artists battled it out in each set, three champions were hailed in the end, with ABS-CBN Business Unit Head and Head of Star Magic’s Polaris Management Reily Santiago and Star Magic Digital Production Manager Luz Bagalacsa spearheading the awarding ceremony of the badminton event.
For the Beginners Level, the tandem of Aiyana Perlas and Kerwin King was named the 2nd runner-up, while besties Darren Espanto and AC Bonifacio were the first runners-up. The duo of JM Yosures and Karen Bordador was named the grand champion, with the Tawag Ng Tanghalan Season 4 ultimate champion proving that he’s not just a talented singer, but also a badminton player as he was named the most valuable player (MVP).
Meanwhile, it was Ashley Colet who was declared the MVP for the Intermediate Level, as she and her partner Maxine Trinidad showed intense girl power and snagged the championship. Teammates Luke Alford and Gabb Birkin were the first runners-up, while loveteam Zach Guerrero and Seham Daghlas were the second runners-up.
And lastly, the amazing tandem of Neil Coleta and Chico Alicaya aced the Competitive Level, with Neil being announced as the MVP. The combo of PJ Endrinal and Poppert Bernadas placed 1st runner-up, while Gello Marquez and Marlo Mortel took on the 2nd runner-up spot.
Watch the Star Magic All-Star Games 2023 livstream here.