Tamuning Mayor declares championship open

19 September – Tamuning, Guam: The 38th Asian Intercity Bowling Championship, hosted by the City of Tamuning, was officially declared open by the Guest of Honour, Honorable Mayor Louise C. Rivera, following the parade of participating teams at Central Lanes on Saturday.

Fourteen cities from the Asian Intercity Bowling Council (AIBC), including several debuting participants, are competing in this year’s highly anticipated and camaraderie‑driven championship. The participating cities include Hong Kong and New Territories (China); Parañaque and Pasay (Philippines); Singapore; Subang Jaya (Malaysia); and Taichung and Taipei (Chinese Taipei).

Guam Bowling President, Mr. Joey Miranda III, opened the ceremony by introducing the Guest of Honour, Hon. Mayor Louise Rivera; Mr. Johnson Cheng, President of AIBC; Ms. Nena Yap, Hon. Treasurer; and AIBC Council Members Mr. Mohd Farid Khalid, Ms. Michelle Wong, and Mr. Mervyn Foo.

Also in attendance was Mr. Gene Baganyan, Vice President of the Guam Bowling Federation. The Guest of Honour, distinguished guests, team officials, athletes, and spectators stood for the Guam National Anthem, performed by the Inetnon Gef Pago Dance Group.

Teams Parade

All fourteen city teams marched proudly to live local music provided by Second String during the parade segment of the opening ceremony, showcasing the diversity and unity of the AIBC family.

Following the parade, Mr. Johnson Cheng delivered his welcome address, expressing gratitude to the Guest of Honour for gracing the occasion and acknowledging the cities for their steadfast support and participation.

The Athlete Oath was recited by Mr. Jeremiah Camacho, Ms. Mae Rose Nauta, and Mr. Charlie Catbagan, representing all bowlers. Mr. Houston Martin delivered the Officials’ Oath on behalf of the championship officials.

Mr. Cheng then presented commemorative souvenirs to:

Mr. Frankie Cheung AIBC Executive Member, Post Humerous recognition award received by Ms. Christina Chan
Mr. Gordon Chu, former President and Founding Member of Guam Bowling and AIBC
Mr. Richard Lai, outgoing and retiring AIBC 1st Vice President
Mr. James Dela Cruz, outgoing and retiring AIBC 2nd Vice President
Ms. Nena Yap, Hon. Treasurer, for her long‑standing service to AIBC

Hon. Mayor Louise Rivera declaring the championship officially opened.

Honorable Mayor Louise Rivera subsequently declared the 38th Asian Intercity Bowling Championship officially open.

Competition Schedule

20 September: Men’s Singles & Senior Men’s Singles
21 September: Women’s Singles & Senior Women’s Singles
22–23 September: Doubles Events
24–25 September: Team Events

The Top 16 Men, Top 16 Senior Men, Top 16 Women, and Top 8 Senior Women, based on All‑Events standings across the three disciplines, will advance to the best‑of‑three Elimination Round Masters Finals on 26 September, concluding the championship.

Story and Photos by Terence Yaw in Tamuning, Guam.