Frisbeecation 3.0: We Saved The Three
The original plan was...
NO Frisbeecation this year. Everyone in Malaybalay was so busy with their personal lives that they would rather not have a tournament than have one that is not as fun as the last two Frisbeecations.
But the community needs Frisbeecation. The people needed to have a weekend Frisbeecation in December in the beautiful Malaybalay, Bukidnon.
Thanks to the LGBT community of Mindanao and Visayas who convinced Team Bagani's Noynoy and Jordan during the Beach Nationals in Mati, Davao. The two Bagani immediately called for a meeting together with their teammates, and one of the challenges was if there were any teams that will participate in a very short notice. Especially during the holidays.
Well, just like the saying goes: “If you build it, they will come.”
25 Teams in the Open Division alone sent their bids a couple of days after they posted the Frisbeecation announcement. And in just a matter of one month of preparation, 16 Open and 8 Women's teams were given the chance to compete in 3.0.
The organizers did a perfect team selection this year as most of the games ended in close gaps. I haven't seen a two-day tournament that a lot of games ended in Universe point on Day 1. Teams are so eager to score a W that they would do everything to get that disc. And the smiles and constant early morning greetings of players on the sidelines, it was a lot of fun all throughout the day. Frisbeecation always has a different vibe. The weather, though it’s hot when you are out in the sun, its quite cool and comfortable when you are under the shade. Frisbeecation is the only "Frisbeecation” that you will need during the holidays.
There were so many teams that caught my attention during the weekend, and the Women's team from North and South Cotabato, The Cotabatenas was one of them that impressed me. They have some really good handlers that even the defending champs, Amazons had a hard time in the finals. That was the first tournament that I saw Cotabatenas on the field. It would be awesome if they will continue to play as a team in the future. If they do, they will be a force in the Philippine Women's ultimate scene.
“Two things that we need to make sure in choosing team slots:” The Frisbeecation organizers said. “The top four teams of last year...... and Team LGBTQ, Horse Power.”
History was made last weekend in Malaybalay. For the first time ever, a Team that is composed of LGBTQ players was formed and officially participated in a tournament. Horse Power was composed of players from Visayas and Mindanao, spreading love and representing the seven colors. And they actually fought hard and almost made it in the pool B finals. This is a very strong team, and they encourage their LGBTQ sisters all throughout the country to join them in their upcoming plans. Huge respect to the Frisbeecation organizers for giving this team the opportunity to rock it on and off the fields of Malaybalay.
Team Davao United who silently worked their way to the top had an impressive weekend, but Iligan's finest Ultimate Green Archers (UGA) were waiting for them in the finals. UGA continued their zero loss record of the weekend up to the last point of the Pool A Open finals and became the Frisbeecation 3.0 Pool A Open division champions.
Team Ilonggos United won the Pool B Open trophy against Brad Ultimate of CDO.
We have different champion teams on both the Open and Women's division from the past two Frisbeecations. With Team Cotabatenas so determined to win the crown, I personally thought that the trend of having different champions every year will live on. But if you have April, Hoho, Len, Neam, Irish and the rest of the Amazons on the other side of the field, These ladies will never back down. They are the number one Women's team in the country, after all. The Amazons of Iligan are the back to back Frisbeecation Women's division champions.
But hats off to the ladies from Cotabato, they sure did give us a heck of a women's division finals. Like I said earlier, keep on playing together, ladies.
Frisbeecation will always be one of my favorite tournaments to go to every year. Fresh air. Cold breeze. Intense games and lots of happy faces all weekend long (heheheh... happy faces. You know what I mean!). The party was off the hook and the spirit of giving back is very much alive during awarding. It was a good spirit and positive vibe every moment that you were there.
The ultimate community in Malaybalay (and Davao and all throughout Mindanao) will always have a special place in my heart. They are some of the nicest and kindest people I have ever met from the past years of shooting Ultimate. And for the past three years, this was my way of celebrating Christmas with these kind folks and thanking them for all the love and support that they always have given me. December would never be the same without Frisbeecation in Malaybalay.
With that said... We Finally Saved The Three.
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