MANAMA, Bahrain — The sound of bowling pins, laughter, and cheers filled Funland Bowling Center as Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN), a women’s organization gathered members of the Filipino community for its Bowling Tournament for a Cause in celebration of International Friendship Day on 31 July 2026. More than just a sporting event, the occasion became a meaningful gathering of friendships teamwork and the Filipino spirit of bayanihan shone through among Filipinos living and working in Bahrain.
Approximately 18 teams from various Filipino organizations took part in the tournament, cultivating a lively atmosphere of friendly rivalry and community engagement. The event opened with the arrival and registration of participants, followed by an energetic Zumba warm-up that created an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie. This was continued with the singing of the national anthems of Bahrain and the Philippines followed by an invocation led by Ms. Marijoy De Vera, Treasurer of PIN.
In her opening remarks, PIN President Ms. Dinah E. Sta. Ana warmly welcomed all participating teams, guests, and supporters who came together for the event. She expressed her heartfelt appreciation for their presence and emphasized that the tournament was more than just a competition. Beyond the excitement of the game, it became an opportunity to strengthen friendships, promote health and wellness, bring the Filipino community closer together, and support a meaningful cause.
In his address Ambassador Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga commended Pinay Ikaw Na for organizing an event that went beyond the competition itself. He emphasized that the Bowling Tournament for a Cause was more than just a sporting event, it was a meaningful occasion that celebrated friendship, teamwork, generosity, and the Filipino spirit of helping one another.
He remarked that through such initiatives, persistently brings together Filipinos from various organizations, enhances partnerships, and nurtures a more supportive, compassionate, and cohesive Filipino community in the Kingdom of Bahrain. He urged the players to promote unity, cultivate friendships, and continue nurturing a spirit of mutual support and collaboration with one another.
The Oath of Sportsmanship was administered by Dr. Orville A. Ballitoc, Labour Attaché of the Migrant Workers Office–Bahrain, who encouraged all participants to uphold the values of integrity, respect, fairness, and camaraderie throughout the competition.
During an interview, Dr. Ballitoc highlighted MWO’s commitment to supporting activities that bring the Filipino community together. He emphasized that events like this provide valuable opportunities to build friendships, strengthen connections, and promote wellness among overseas Filipino workers and Filipino organizations in Bahrain.
Through its continued involvement in community initiatives, MWO remains committed to partnering in programs that uplift, support, and empower Filipinos in the Kingdom.
The tournament was formally inaugurated with the ceremonial bowling ball throw, which was conducted by Ambassador Gallaga, Dr. Ballitoc, and Ms. Sta. Ana.
A group photo with the guests and participating teams wrapped up the opening ceremony, capturing the shared excitement, friendship, and sense of community that made the event meaningful.
The tournament culminated in an awarding ceremony recognizing the outstanding teams and individual bowlers for their exceptional performance. The Philippine Nurses Association of Bahrain (PNAB) emerged as the Champion, followed by The Pin Pals as 1st Runner-Up and Knights of Rizal–Gold Team as 2nd Runner-Up. The Pinky Bakal Boyz received the Best in Uniform award for showcasing team spirit and creativity.
Individual honors were likewise presented to the tournament’s top bowlers. Medel Villanueva and Mina Salazar earned the Most Strikes awards in the male and female categories, respectively. Darius Eclarinal and Becky Gallenera were recognized as the High Game awardees, while Omar Quitalig and Leah Casabal received the High Series awards for their impressive overall performance.
The Pinky Bakal Boyz were also honored with the Best in Uniform award for their creativity, team presentation, and display of team spirit throughout the competition.
As part of the fundraising activities, raffle tickets were sold to generate funds for charitable projects and community outreach initiatives.
Mr. Zeus Saliganan served as the Master of Ceremonies, expertly leading the program from the opening ceremonies through to the awarding rites.
More than a sporting event, the Bowling Tournament for a Cause became a meaningful gathering that celebrated friendship, teamwork, generosity, and the spirit of helping one another. Through activities like this, PIN continues to bring Filipinos from different organizations together, building stronger connections and creating a more supportive and united Filipino community in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
