The 1st Rannie Raymundo Celebrity Dartsfest Revive The Game of Skill

Rannie Raymundo's aim is to put the Philippines back in the map of world darts. Photo: Jeffrey O. Enriquez

Darts is a game that Filipinos can excel in. One need not be extra tall, nor bulky, nor swift, unlike other sports may require. Rather, it entails a lot of mental strength, focus and extraordinary skill. Popular as an English pub game, many pubs (or bars) in the Philippines had dartboards during its glory days in the 70's and 80's. Darts enthusiasts are still very much around today, which was evident at the First Rannie Raymundo Celebrity Dartsfest.

This special darts tournament was recently held at Greenfield District in Mandaluyong City, putting together the who's who in the world of darts in the Philippines.  The tourney was supported by the Darts Council of the Philippines (DCP), co-presented by Primos Cuisine and Lounge, and powered by Toby's Sports and Terton Crafts.  Beyond the organizers' expectations, there was a huge turnout of players who signed up in two categories; The Darts Shoot-Out with Celebrities, and the Classified Darts Doubles Shoot-Out.  The celebrities in particular were either rated players or showbiz personalities. 

Lourence Ilagan, winner of the 2013 World Soft Darts Championship, gamely played a couple of rounds with participants.

Rannie Raymundo, more popular as a world-class performer, musician and yes, magician, has a passion for a variety of sports. "Darts is a sport I loved since the 80's.  It is a beautiful sport that involved grace, accuracy, and mental toughness," Rannie revealed. "The tournament's vision is to augment the awareness to the general public.  Thanks to champions like Lourence Ilagan, Boy Gionson and Ian Perez, they bring back the Philippines in the map of world darts."  

The reunion of legends in Philippine darts, members of DCP and tournament sponsors.

The tournament started at around five in the afternoon, drawing in a huge crowd.  It was open to the public, thus people, male and female signed up to play until way past midnight.  The friendly atmosphere and camaraderie among good friends came along naturally.  It was like an outdoor pub with twelve dartboards on display, with the venue full of players and onlookers.  It was a great evening.  After this successful turnout, Rannie and friends are encouraged to organize more tournaments in the future.  Assisting him from day one were Errol Magtubo and Cesar Lazaro, whose dedication and expertise in the sport were valuable to the success of the tournament.

People continued to sign up for a game of darts.

Binibining Pilipinas 2012, Ms. Ali Forbes was among the celebrity dart players.

Ladies play darts, too.

This tournament definitely achieved the opening of new doors to develop and support players, and let the Filipino continue to excel in the world.  "It is high time that the Filipinos, sponsors and the government begin to recognize and support our players."  Rannie said, "The renaissance of Philippine Darts is here."

Rannie Raymundo with Primos Cuisine and Lounge co-owner Dickenston Zarate (2nd from right) congratulate some winners.

Celebrity Doubles Champions: Boy Gionson and Elbert Bambao

Congratulations to all the winners of the First Rannie Raymundo Celebrity Dartsfest:

Celebrity Doubles Champions - Boy Gionson and Elbert Bambao
2nd Place- Anthony Suntay and Dixie Ybanez
Joint 3rd Place - Dannie Enriquez and Lourence Ilagan / Male Rigor and Edward Santos

Classified Doubles Champions - PJ Jugo and Reggie Francisco
2nd Place - Al Sagario and Jay Doria
3rd Place - Aries Cabigting and Mark Chua
4th Place - James Barcenas and Edwin Dalusomg
Joint 5th and 6th - Ron Tanlioco and Toto Meniolas / Edmund Belarga and Edmund Cinco 
Joint 7th - Arsenio Doldol and Fer Penaflor / Noel Morales and Philip Kua

Are you looking for a place to play darts? Primos Cuisine and Lounge invite dart players and friends every Sunday.  Doors open at 4 PM. 

Primos is located at The Hub, Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City.  Telephone (02) 584 2908. 

Find Primos on Facebook by clicking here.

For more tournament photos, please view the album of Jeffrey Enriquez, here.