With excitement building for the upcoming tournament, we are thrilled to present the profiles of esteemed guests and athletes who will grace our event. We can’t wait to share their stories and achievements with you as we count down to the big day.
Paulita “Baby” Villanueva: Multi-National Dart Champion
Paulita “Baby” Villanueva dominated the national dart scene for more than a decade. Just a year after she began playing darts, then 30-year-old Villanueva claimed her first national ladies’ singles title at the 1991 Philippine Open.
The following year, she won two more national titles: the ladies’ singles of the 1992 Philippine Cup and the Philippine Darts International Open (PIDO). Villanueva maintained her dominance in PIDO for six consecutive years, from 1992 to 1997.
She also captured the Philippine Masters Cup for three straight years, from 1995 to 1997, and reclaimed the title in 2002. Villanueva held the ladies’ singles title of the Philippine Cup from 1994 to 1996, winning it again in 2003. She is one of the two most successful Filipino lady darters, alongside Jan-jan Hinojales.
Notably, Villanueva secured all of the Big Four national ladies’ singles titles of the Darts Council of the Philippines (DCP) and became the first-ever champion of the Darterong Pinoy ladies’ singles under the National Darts Federation (NDF).
Beyond the Philippines, she won singles events in Singapore and Hong Kong and earned a silver medal in the 1997 World Cup doubles event, where she and Hinojales finished as runners-up.
“My idols in the ladies’ division are Arnie and Jan-jan, but I learned a lot from Noemi Jaro. In the men’s division, I admire Jake Ubaldo, Dixie Ybañez, Ricky Villanueva, Lourence Ilagan, Gale Santos, and Gerry Florez,” said Villanueva, who retired from the sport due to health reasons.
Her message to aspiring lady darters: “Don’t stop dreaming, keep playing, and practice a lot.” (Excerpt from Dartsworld Philippines by Mao Mauricio)
REYDEN Y. COLINA
1st Haboyanay sa Ciudad de Iloilo Open Singles Champion
Reyden Y. Colina, a local darter from Cebu City, began his journey into darts in 2005. What started as an interest quickly turned into a passion, leading him to commit to daily practice under the mentorship of Gil Arco.
His goal was not just to be good but to become the best darter from Cebu.
Colina’s dedication and enthusiasm for darts enabled him to compete against Cebu’s elite players, gradually rising through the ranks with the skill and confidence needed to excel. He has established dominance in the darting circles not only in Cebu and Eastern Visayas but also across Negros Island, including both Oriental and Occidental regions, and most notably in Western Visayas.
His prowess was evident during the Annual Maskara Tournaments, where from 2010 to 2023, he consistently secured back-to-back victories in both team and singles events. His remarkable achievements have etched his name in the annals of Bacolod City’s darts history, in the City of Smiles.
This success led to his inclusion in the CHEDA/Cebu Niños (Cebu City Hall Employees Dart Association), a group of skilled darters from Cebu City led by Sir Bert Colong. Following this, he embarked on journeys across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, competing in numerous dart competitions. His skill, attitude, and dedication to the sport earned him numerous championships, spanning team events to singles categories, with a collection of trophies as a testament to his hard work.
Colina’s significant accomplishments caught the attention of Boss Long Longyapon, who invited him to join Kumpadres/Adan Builders Co. This opportunity broadened his horizons, allowing him to showcase his skills internationally alongside his new team within the darts community of Mindanao.
Colina’s journey to becoming a premier darter is marked by unwavering dedication, relentless effort, and a passionate commitment to both excel in his sport and serve as an inspiration for young aspirants aiming to reach the pinnacle of darts. (Source: Mam Joy Yen, edited by JJ Jamora)
Sonny Balagat (1st Haboyanay sa Ciudad de Iloilo 2nd Placer)
No 4th Ranked NDFP Ranked Player
The start of 2024, as well as the past two years, has been extraordinary for Davao dart star Sonny Balagat, who has not only made a significant impact on the national darts scene but is also on the verge of qualifying for the PDC Asian Tour. This achievement could potentially lead him to the World Darts Championship, the most prestigious event in the sport.
Balagat has impressed with his stunning accuracy and resilience, capturing the attention of the local darting community with stories of his dramatic rise. His dominant performances, where he often overwhelmed his rivals from the first round to the championship, have earned him numerous national ranking titles with apparent ease. At the One Taguig Darters Cup last March, his first-round opponent conceded even before the match concluded.
However, his winning streak seemed to falter after he switched from his “Phil Taylor Gen 3” darts to a new set following two national ranking titles in a week— the One Taguig Darts Cup on March 3 and the Strawberry Festival on March 10, 2024. Since then, Balagat has experienced a title drought, failing to advance past the semifinals in several attempts over the past three months. His only notable performance was at the Kadagayaan Festival, where he reached the finals but ultimately lost.
Balagat is now working on regaining his form, and his recent performances suggest a gradual return to his peak. (Source: Dartsworld Philippines by Mao Mauricio)
