Honoring the Life and Legacy of Coach Rey Buizon
Some people come into our lives and leave a mark that never fades. Coach Antonio Reginaldo “Rey” Buizon was one of those people. As one of his players for many years, I had the privilege of experiencing his guidance firsthand. He was an MGC New Life Christian Academy badminton coach for over 20 years, devoting himself to developing both the skills and character of his players.
Coach Rey was someone who went beyond just teaching badminton—he instilled discipline, determination, and strength in every player he guided. He could be tough on the outside, but it was never without purpose—every challenging drill, brutally honest correction, and insistence that we put our all in everything that we do, even if it was just a practice session, made us grow not only physically, but mentally as well.
Beyond his strict facade, Coach Rey also showed his care in simple but meaningful ways. He would bake bread for us and bring it to training, so that after a long session, we could enjoy it with jam and spreads. He also joined us in small picnics, where everyone brought food and shared it together. He would spend extra time playing games like patintero, tumbang preso, and British bulldog with us after training. These moments showed us that he was not just a coach, but someone who truly cared for his players.
In January 2025, Coach Rey was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Despite this challenge, Coach Rey remained positive, trusting that God would heal him and make him feel better. Not once did he show a lack of faith in God, remaining strong and faithful all throughout his journey. Even during that time, we stayed connected with him. We would send Coach Rey videos during training, updating him on what we were doing and telling him how much we missed him.
Last April 30, Coach Rey passed away, leaving behind a community filled with grief and gratitude for the life he lived. The sadness was shared by players, parents, and fellow coaches alike, all of whom were deeply impacted by his presence. This was reflected in the heartfelt messages shared by those whose lives he touched.
Sharlize Bayot, Graduating Badminton Team Captain
“Coach Rey honed our skills from an early age and was a light to everyone around him. He played a huge role in why the MGCNL badminton team has come this far. We are so thankful for everything that he has done for the team. The lessons that he taught us go beyond the court, and we are forever grateful for that.”
Flaire Fulgencio, Elementary Farm Team Player
“The first time I met Coach Rey, I was scared of him. He looked strict and serious, and during training, he really was. He made sure we did every drill properly, with no shortcuts. But as time went by, I realized that Coach Rey was not scary at all. He was actually very funny. Coach Rey didn’t just teach me how to play badminton. He taught me how to be disciplined and how to focus on what really matters. When Coach Rey stopped training us because he got sick, I felt very sad. I missed seeing him in the gym, playing with him, and hearing his jokes. Training was not the same without him. Coach Rey, thank you for teaching me, for making me laugh, and for believing in me. Thank you for loving me.”
Nyree Soliven, Elementary Badminton Team Parent
“We are deeply saddened by Coach Rey's passing. He was a remarkable mentor who shaped Sandrine into who she is today. We will always be grateful for his wisdom, encouragement, and support. We are praying for the whole family. May his soul rest in peace.”
Owen Lopez, Badminton Varsity Head Coach
“When I first met Coach Rey, he seemed like a very intimidating person with his loud voice and towering presence. But over time, we came to know him as someone who is unassuming, someone who always shows up when needed, and someone prepared to take the punches. He was always open to accept and adapt to the inputs we have provided, and in return, was generous to also be our mentor on how life is at MGCNLCA. Our years together coaching the badminton team was light and fun; we were referring to ourselves then as the three stooges—co-workers who had become friends—and in the latter part, he became more like an older brother to us. To the team, he had eventually become our gentle giant. Little kids were no longer intimidated as a more relaxed and mellow Coach Rey was gently unfolding. He was still strict, though, when it came to the kids keeping an upright character, but we saw in him a softer side, more playful and more willing to let the people around him get close. We dearly miss his presence, but we do take comfort that he is no longer in pain. We thank him for all the support and guidance he showered on us. We feel blessed in knowing that he always wishes the best for the team and will always cheer us on in all our endeavors and tournaments ahead.”
Coach Rey’s passing leaves a deep emptiness in the hearts of everyone he has touched. He was a mentor, a guide, and a source of strength for his players both on and off the court. The lessons he taught, the discipline he instilled, and the care he showed to everyone will continue to live on in the people he trained and inspired. Though he is no longer with us, Coach Rey’s presence is still felt in every training, every game, and every moment that we are reminded to do our best. Coach Rey will be deeply missed, but his legacy will forever remain in the hearts of his players, parents, and fellow coaches.