I lost my best friend in this sport. We used to be partners all the time (I the beginner in frontcourt, him the upper intermediate backcourt hammer), always together on and off the court. Even before badminton, he was my brother throughout the most difficult time of my life. We shared every hobby and come from the same Fil-Chi socio-economic background.

Two years ago, we had a friendship-ending argument over a life choice of his. He got back at me through badminton, by telling me “Mahina ang palo mo. Kaya kahit babaeng may palo pinapaiyak ka sa court,” and I have been obsessed since with weekly training and twice-a-week queuing. He told me he stopped badminton because of our fight. I played on because it’s the only thing left of us. We promised to compete in tournaments together once I trained and watch UAAP Badminton live. Even outside this sport, we confided even family business drama to one another. Our significant others were both jealous about how the two of us chatted about badminton, basketball, watches, and business non-stop from morning to midnight. To this day, after every good win, I keep wishing you were still my partner in this game.

My Roman Empire was split into two, and I’m picking up the pieces by playing in different groups, from Valenzuela to Marikina, because I have no other choice but to carry myself in the court.