Manila: The best shuttlers from across the Philippines are gearing up for the much-anticipated Philippine Open, which is scheduled to take place from July 7 to 12 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. This prestigious event, organized by the Philippine Badminton Association (PBAD), promises intense competition with a substantial PHP1 million prize pool up for grabs.

According to Philippines News Agency, the weeklong tournament is a highlight on the national badminton calendar, drawing top talent from all corners of the country. PBAD secretary-general Carla Lizardo-Sulit emphasized the significance of the event in a press statement, stating, "This is the biggest event for the Philippine Badminton Association because this annual event attracts the best shuttlers from all across the country."

The Philippine Open serves as a crucial platform for players aspiring to join the national team, as it is recognized as a Badminton World Federation (BWF) Tour Super 1000 event. Lizardo-Sulit further explained, "It's the biggest source of points in our local ranking system so if you want to earn a shot in the national team, this is it."

The tournament's previous edition saw remarkable performances, with Jewel Angelo Albo clinching the men's singles title and Mika de Guzman emerging as the women's singles champion. Lea Inlayo and Nicole Albo secured the women's doubles title, while Christian Bernardo triumphed in the men's doubles alongside Ariel Magnaye and claimed the mixed doubles title with Alyssa Leonardo.

As the PBAD continues to nurture local talent, the ultimate goal remains clear: to see Filipino shuttlers compete on the Olympic stage. "At the end of the day, our goal is to have a badminton Olympian by Los Angeles 2028," Lizardo-Sulit affirmed, highlighting the association's long-term vision.