HABOYANAY SA CUIDAD DE ILOILO 2024: Iloilo darts tournament marks sport’s resurgence

Iloilo City was a prominent figure in the national darts community during the 1990s and early 2000s, hosting a yearly dart event that became a cornerstone of the national darts scene.

These events attracted top-ranked players from across the country to participate and compete.

The Iloilo Darts Federation, an affiliate of the National Darts Federation of the Philippines, together with the Iloilo City Darts Club (ICDC), Bull Hits Darts Club, NIA R6 Dart Knight Darts Club, Stagamama, Straight Arrow, Dart Vaders, Sto. Domingo Youth Organization (SDYO), Pototan Darters Association, Sta. Barbara Darts Club (SBDC), New Lucena Generals, and Pavia Darts Club, has once again energized the darting community, especially in the Visayas region.

This excitement is driven by the upcoming 2nd Haboyanay sa Ciudad de Iloilo, a National Ranked Dart Tournament, scheduled for August 23-25, 2024, at the 2nd Floor of the Festive Walk Parade.

The previous year’s tournament saw Cebu’s Reyden Colina win the main event, the Open Singles, by defeating the nation’s second-ranked dart player, Sonny Balagat.

Fueled by a significant resurgence of interest in the sport within the region, this year’s event has garnered attention from several nationally ranked players.

Notable participants include Lourence Ilagan, Alexis Toylo, Paolo Nebrida, Sonny Balagat, Christian de los Reyes, Boi Parfan, and DJ Tongcopanon for the men, as well as Jan Jan Hinohales, Karen Lapiz, and Edna Granada for the women.

They have all signified their intent to join this event.

This tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and sportsmanship, with Reyden Colina and Kiesha Bitoon from Cebu returning to defend their titles in the Open Singles and Women’s Singles, respectively.

The competition is expected to be fierce, with up-and-coming players from the Visayas, such as Arvic Recaña, Alver Gabayan, Joey Biason, and Meloy Pechera Jr. representing the Negros Integrated Region and Cebu.

Players from Iloilo Province, including Dahryl Surriga, Yammy Equina, Edzel Naldoza, Oyok Quintillas, Allan Bustamente, and rising youth stars like Emmanuelle Simpao, Clarenz Suñer, Stephen Adorio, Jayden Laureta, and last year’s youth champion, Michael Centiñales, will also be vying for top honors.

With clubs such as the Aklan Darts Club, United Aklan Darts Federation, Capiz Darts Federation, Darters of Guimaras, Underground Darts Club of Guimaras, Stardarts Club of Eb Magalona, Kansilay of Silay City, Bacolod Darters, San Carlos Darts Club, and IDS DPS Sugbo sending their best players, we may witness breakout performances.

The interest generated by this event is poised to reestablish Iloilo City as one of the top dart tournament destinations in the country, further enhancing the Iloilo Darts Federation’s role in enriching the national darts landscape. (JJ Jamora)Top of Form