Are you better than a grade 5?

The Next Generation Technological College (NGTC) made a spirited entrance onto the regional stage as its Girls Doubles Badminton Team debuted at the Pampanga Inter-Zonal Tournament on November 17 at the TBM Imperial Arena. Representing the Private Schools Association of Pampanga (PRISAP) South Zone, the young duo, both just in the fifth grade, brought a mix of grit, talent, and early promise to their maiden appearance.

NGTC’s pair, Jhayrine Ricelle Maniulit and Haizen Natalie Capit, opened their campaign in style, outlasting the North Zone in a three-set thriller, 15–10, 5–15, 13–11. It was an early glimpse of their resilience—weathering momentum swings, adjusting on the fly, and showing no signs of nerves despite the magnitude of the stage.

But their next matchup reminded them just how steep the regional climb can be. The Central Zone, one of the tournament’s heavyweights, delivered a commanding performance. Although the Smashers kept both sets close, NGTC couldn’t break through, falling 14–16 and 12–15.

Still very much in contention, Maniulit and Capit entered their final match needing a spark. Instead, fatigue caught up with them. The East Zone seized the advantage, capitalizing on NGTC’s waning energy to close out the contest in straight sets, 15–10 and 15–9, ending the Smashers’ first run at the Inter-Zonals.

“The last game… we were just really tired,” the girls shared, acknowledging that their inexperience showed against a more seasoned East Zone squad.

Despite the challenges, Maniulit took pride in how far they had come. Her mother, she said, was “very happy” not only with her South Zone championship but with the chance to represent both NGTC and San Simon on a regional platform. Capit, meanwhile, admitted Badminton wasn’t even her usual sport—but she embraced the challenge, captured the San Simon title, and carried the South Zone banner all the way to the Inter-Zonals in her competitive debut.

NGTC didn’t walk away empty-handed either. The school also celebrated podium finishes from Angel Princess Marie Miranda and Princess Aliyah Nicole Arma, who both secured silver medals to round out a strong overall showing for the Smashers program at the South Zone level.

With many of their toughest opponents set to graduate this year, NGTC’s young core is already eyeing next season. If this debut proved anything, it’s that the Smashers are just getting started and the future looks fast, fierce, and full of potential with Coaches Aiza Cayanan and Elmer Lalu still leading the charge for the NGTC badminton program.