2013 impact october

I

The Game That I Love

n my book, the word “golf” is defined with a generosity of superlatives.

It has always been very kind to me and my family.

My love affair with this game all started out in 1994 when a group of friends from college invited me to the old Power Golf driving range in Pasig. After a couple of flubbed shots, which seemed more painful to the eye of the person teaching me than it was to my pride, I got hooked. There was no turning back after that fateful night. It was full steam ahead.

I have come across a variety of people through the years of my involvement in the sport. Some of these people have eventually become friends who I hold closest and dearest to this day.

In 2008, I unknowingly found my way to the board of the National Golf Association of the Philippines — the country’s governing body for the sport. All those four years were marked with a sincere effort to promote golf; which in turn gave me a better understanding and appreciation of the game.

I started writing for Business Mirror, Golf Punk, Pinoygolfer, and Impact in behalf of the NGAP. I took it as an opportunity to announce all the programs, activities, and tournaments by the collegial body. It was a huge success as the public’s perception about the NGAP took a turn for the better.

Now that I find myself as the editor-in-chief of this magazine, it is with the same passion, dynamism and sincerity that will fuel my drive to help Impact be more sensitive to its readers’ likes and wants. I am surrounded by a great team of individuals who have a pristine desire to promote the game of golf.

Moreover, the magazine will slowly integrate a heavier lifestyle section. Questions such as, “Where to go? What to do? Where to eat?” will be addressed and riddled with suggestions. Needless to say, the magazine aims to give that added spice to make the sport more interesting to the old and new.

I can only pray that you, the readers, will enjoy going through the pages as much as we, the Impact team, enjoyed putting them all together.

Editor’s Note

Edgar Joselito S. Arceo Jr.

Edgar Joselito S. Arceo Jr. Editor-in-Chief Carlo Ma. Guerrero Managing Editor Bella Angela Soriano Copy Editor Andrew Ma. Guerrero Senior Designer Contributors Kyi Hla Han, Reggie Nolido, Simon Villalon, Monique Ignacio, Luigi Tabuena, John Belmonte Brillantes, Redgie Cinco, Carlo Ma. Guerrero, Camsy Ocumen, Toby Florendo, Andre Mendoza, Carlos Coscolluela, Reg Hernandez, Manuelito Romano Automotive Special Correspondent Matthew Yngson Special Thanks Chuah Choo Chiang, Media Director of Asian Tour Doyle De Costa, Media Officer of Asian Tour Calvin Koh, Communications Manager of Asian Tour GM - Col. Alberto L. Tan PA (Ret.), AGM - Col. Alvin M. Tiamwatt PA , Sgt. Carlyn V. Agudo PAF, TSgt. Melvin M. Loneza PA, Sgt. Richard G. Delos Santos PA, Sgt. Arturo P. Nacino, Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club Col. Antonio Sierra (Ret.), General Manager of Valley Golf & Country Club, Inc. Florabel Co-Yatco, Corazon Kat Lanot and May Alitagtag, Honda Cars Phils.

Guerrero Creative Enterprise PINOYGOLFER MEDIA INC. Susan B. San Pascual Managing Director Business Development & Sales Cristina Tanseco-Guerrero Marketing & PR Consultant GolfLinks Events & Marketing Services Advertising Sales Agency Copyright © 2012-2013 IMPACT Magazine is published by Pinoygolfer Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used without prior written permission from the publishers.

Distribution, circulation, and subscription in partnership with:

For editorial comments and suggestions, send an e-mail to ImpactMagazine.Editors@outlook.ph For subscription inquiries, send an e-mail to ImpactMagazine.Subscribe@outlook.ph or call Ms. Shirley Fesarillo (632) 867 1138 | (632) 813 7025.

For inquiries on events and advertising, send an e-mail to ImpactMagazine.Sales@outlook.ph or call (632) 861 2762 | (632) 861 2763 2

October 2013

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

Callaway Optiforce 460 and 440

GOLF 6

Golf Is A Game of Constant Rebirths Reggie Nolido talks about getting back up and making the next shot count

Toby Florendo puts the new Optiforce to the test

Take Me to the Show

30

32

We take a look at what transpired during this year's GDAP golf show

Sign Me Up for a Tourney

8

October Delights

10

The Musicman

12

Honda CR-Z

Etiquette

14

Chef Florabel Creates a New Home at Shangri-La with Corazon

Young Guns!

16

News + 48

18

19TH HOLE

Simon challenges the POC to send the next man, or woman up to the tee

Kyi Hla Han says now is the right time for Asian golf

Winning Edge with Anirban Lahiri

Anirban Lahiri shows us some key points in taking a recovery shot from the trees

How we should show consideration for others on the course

Taking a look at the jungolf program and where it stands now

When Women Golf...

A look at the LUZVIMIN Cup and the adventures in life that comes with it

A Golf Course with Attitude

Redgie Cinco takes us through the Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club

4

October 2013

22

LIFESTYLE

36

A peek into the life of musicman and golfer Paulo Santos

40

Driving the sporty green machine from Honda

44

Serving meals close to the heart

12th iGAN Cup lends hand to kids

52

8th Rizgolf Classic

54

Golf Is A Game of Constant Rebirths The Duffer

by Reggie Nolido

W

ith the seamless passing of the guards from our previous Editor-in-Chief Mike Besa to our present big boss Jun Arceo, I am reminded that truly the only constant in life is change. I owe Mike a lot for “discovering” me when he asked me to appear in his segment in the now defunct “A Round of Golf,” which led to a series of appearances with him. I remember my first appearances in his segment where I was so robotic I had to be reminded to smile. Later I got the hang of it and by my eighth and last episode I was bantering with the best of them. He then asked me to contribute to Impact as a feature writer before allowing me the privilege to realize my dream of having my own golf column.

As I am sure many of you do not know, I used to write a golf blog also called “The Duffer” where I fancied myself as a little contributor to the discussion of all things golf. At first, I just wanted a little online diary where I could share my thoughts about this wonderful game. I wrote from the heart and poured myself out through my words. As fate would have it, my blogsite was fortunate enough to have been nominated as the best sport blogsite in the 2009 Philippine Blog Awards. This gave me the confidence to present myself as a golf writer to publications. I then started contributing to other golf magazines whether as a feature writer or a contributor on legal matters related to the game. I, however, did not really have a home publication where I had a regular byline. Thanks to Mike and the Impact family, I was given the opportunity to give my two cents worth on our beloved game.

Mike has moved on to face bigger challenges and Jun has graciously filled in the void left to lead us to even greater heights. I am looking forward to working with my high school batchmate, Jun, who has been an active voice in the growth of Philippine Golf throughout the years. This will be fun. Mabuhay ka kaibigan. * * * One thing fellow golfers often find themselves doing is equating life experiences with the game. Let us admit thatwe often think of golf as a microcosm of life and often draw examples from the game to help explain and cope with the realities from our mundane existence. See a guy hit a little rough patch in his life and we say, “Pare, parang

6

October 2013

nice drive lang yan na lumanding sa divot.” A buddy suffers a business loss and we advise, “Bro, we just have to move on to the next hole. Marami pang butas.” But the one metaphor I always look to whenever life gets a little challenging is, “When the ball falls into the drink, take the penalty and play your next shot. Remember, the most important shot is the next shot.”

This is why I say that golf is a game of constant rebirths. During a round, there will be challenges, there will be times when we want to just pack up and walk off the course. Some of us have done that out of frustration but most choose to fight on. With every bad shot comes the comforting thought that you still have a chance to redeem yourself on the next one. With every failure there is the opportunity to bounce back. After being “salami-ed” in a round, it is not unusual to say, “ayoko ko nang mag-laro” to be followed by, “anong oras tayo next week?” Cliché as it may be, it is true that it is not the number of times you fall but the number of times you get up that counts.

A recent example of a man rising from a great fall is Henrik Stenson. At one time, he was breathing down hard on the likes of Tiger and Phil as the next great golfer. He won the Player’s Championship and was ranked fourth in the world golf ranking. Then all hell broke loose. He faced some financial problems, losing millions to a company accused of managing a massive ponzi scheme. Not only that, the said company was Stenson’s principal sponsor on tour. Losing a significant part of his personal wealth sent Stenson to a seemingly unending spiral. Before long, he was 230th in the world and were it not for his 2009 victory at Sawgrass he would have been out of the tour. But golf provided him his lifeline. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Stenson found a new lease in life and put up a summer to remember in 2013. He placed well in the majors (T-21 US Open, 2nd British open and 3rd PGA Championship), fought hard in the play-offs, and landed himself the crown at the Deutsche Bank Championship and the lead in the Fedex Cup standing at the half-way point. By the time this column comes out, the results of the Fedex Cup would be out. I would not be surprised if Stenson goes home with the top price and the $10M that goes with it. Talk about a rebirth.

So remember, if life throws you bogeys, look forward as the next holes may yield you birdies.

Travels made easy with Samsonite

Continuing to push the boundaries of travel with the understanding that today’s traveler is increasingly looking for durable, lightweight yet value for money luggage, Samsonite introduces Normandy, a quality hardcase luggage which is sure to make all your travels a breeze.

Whether looking to buy your first hardcase suitcase or as an addition to your growing luggage collection, Normandy surely won’t disappoint. It features a polycarbonate material that delivers the ultimate in durability and security. Its 4-wheels spinner system also allows for easy mobility so you can breeze through your travels with utmost ease and comfort. Equipped with TSA lock, interior mesh pocket, elastic tight tapes, and two main roomy compartments, this

travel essential is functional as it is stylish – perfect for the chic yet practical traveler!

Whatever the destination, make your journeys count and trust only on Samsonite to help make each of your travels a fun, memorable and hassle-free one! The new Samsonite Normandy (PhP 7,950) comes in a 57cm size and in classic colors Silver, Charcoal Gray and Burgundy. What’s more? Get a free Samsonite foldable duffle bag worth PhP 2,350 for every singlereceipt purchase of the Samsonite Normandy.

Samsonite is available in all leading department stores nationwide and is distributed by Rustan Marketing Corporation.

Sign Me Up for a Tourney The Target Line

by Simon Villalon

8

I

October 2013

picked up the newspaper the other day and read the following excerpt from sports section, “No Phl golf team to Myanmar SEA Games: Due to the absence of a competitive team, the Philippines has decided to pull out of the golf competitions in the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar in December. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose Cojuangco broke the news yesterday, saddened by the fact that the country’s top female golfers had turned professional. In the men’s side, two of the top players have cited their studies as the main reason they can’t join the Philippine team to the SEA Games.” This is a tremendously shortsighted view and it sends the worst message to everyone who plays a sport. In effect, what the POC is telling all young athletes is — “If you don’t have a chance at winning then don’t play.”

Tournaments are important because they provide foundational experience for future success. Back in 2008, I joined my first golf tournament — The Second PinoyGolfer Invitational — as my “welcome back to the game” event.

I had stopped playing for almost nine years and realized that having something to shoot for would give me the incentive to work on my game. So for about four months leading to the tournament, I diligently went to the driving range, got lessons from a pro, and practiced my game.

Our tournament venue was Sherwood Hills and it would be the first time for me to play the course. I met up with a couple of guys on the way and we traveled in convoy down to Cavite. I enjoyed the early morning drive tremendously. Each kilometer we passed built the anticipation ever higher, and the promise of a good game seemed tantalizingly close — a fitting milestone for my return to the game.

We arrived at the course and settled into the pre-tourney buzz. Everyone was milling about — hopes high and anticipation mounting. Flights were posted on the board and we craned our necks to see if there were names of

friends, amateur golfing legends, or the odd celebrity or two. The atmosphere was electrifying and I remember feeling juiced to play. After introductions and handshakes, my flight walked up to the first tee and with two shakes of the club, heart pounding like a hundred hammers in my chest, we were off and swinging.

Of course, the game of golf has a mind of its own, and long before the end of the round I was well out of contention and was enjoying the company more than I was enjoying my golf. Bubble burst, hopes dashed — still I picked up a pocketful of lessons on tournament play. That’s life. To my delight, the tournament did not end when we stepped off the 18th green; in fact, the fun was just beginning. A shower and change of clothes led us back to the veranda where rounds of drinks were ordered, more friends were made, and winners were cheered and jeered. That’s tournament golf. This first dip into the tournament pool set me on my way to win my first trophy two years after.

We need to step up to the tee for our golfing (and sporting) future right here. With this brand of medals only leadership, we run the risk of burning all our sports programs to the ground by pushing the wrong kind of assessment. I ask the POC now… What are our sports targets for the nation? What competitive level do we aspire to reach? By saying that they will only send forth athletes who are in a position to contend for medals at the SEA Games level, then that is the benchmark they have put on our country. Ganoon na lang ba? I thought that the POC had Olympic ambitions, and the SEA Games is where we test and toughen ourselves to that standard.

This decision is a regression by decades. I say let them play. Golf is played on the fairways and not on spreadsheets nor in boardrooms. If the best in the country are unavailable, then send a new batch. Let’s test the depth of our talent pool and see what treasures we might find.

Let the boys and girls play.

October Delights

Kyi Hla Han

L Kyi Hla Han is the Executive Chairman of the Asian Tour

ooking at the recent trend of Major winners lately, it’s anybody’s game today.

With the depth of talent in the game today, anyone out there can win a tournament.

Technology maybe shaping the way golf is played, but it’s still the talent and burning desire to win that pushes one towards a grandstand finish.

While no Asian has come close to lifting a Major championship since honorary member Y.E. Yang did four years ago, I believe we’re on the verge of another breakthrough.

Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat had been making great strides in his game since his Major debut at the Open Championship.

Having started well in Muirfield only to make an exit in the second round, Kiradech subsequently made quite an impression with a tied-40th finish at the WGCBridgestone Invitational.

He followed that up by upstaging the marquee names, including Americans Phil Mickelson (T72) and world number one Tiger Woods (T40), to finish as the second-best placed Asian in tied-25th place at the PGA Championship.

Thongchai Jaidee won his first title on European soil last year and has continued his sensational form this season, which has seen him enjoy seven top-10s

Asian Tour Chairman Kyi Hla Han and Ernie Els

10

October 2013

on the Asian Tour and European Tour earlier this year.

Our three-time Order of Merit winner also finished second at the Volvo World Match Play Championship in May where he was pipped to the title by Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland.

This month, we’ll catch many of the Tour’s leading players in action again.

And they’ll go head-to-head with some of the game’s biggest stars in our own backyard.

Multiple major winner, Ernie Els, who recently accepted an invitation to become an Honorary Member and International Ambassador of the Asian Tour, will grace the fairways at the Venetian Macau Open while the CIMB Classic in Malaysia will allow fans to get up close with American Phil Mickelson along with a host of PGA Tour players.

The race for the coveted Asian Tour Order of Merit title will also heat up and I’m sure we’ll witness many more defining moments in the months to come.

There will be many more new and worthy winners creating headlines along the way and I’m confident that it’ll be an exciting time for everyone interested in Asian golf.

Our boys have raised their game on the world stage and it’s now time to bring their ‘A’ game back to Asia and show the fans what they’ve been waiting to see.

Let’s bring it on!

WINNING

with ANIRBAN LAHIRI

In the latest segment of Winning Edge, India’s Anirban Lahiri reveals the key points when he hits a recovery shot from amongst the trees.

The Asian Tour champion believes in the saying that you must take your medicine after an errant shot and not compound the first mistake further by safely getting out of trouble.

Picture 1 As golfers, we occasionally hit a poor drive which may land in trouble. It is therefore important to ensure that you get out of the trees and give yourself every opportunity to save par or at worse, a bogey.

When the escape route is a narrow target, it is critical to choose the right line for your next shot. I always pick out a leaf, maybe just a few meters away from my ball, and then ensure that my clubface is aligned to the leaf.

12

October 2013

Picture 2 I will position my golf ball towards the back of my right foot, maybe around two inches from my right heel. The further back the ball position, the ball flight will be lower as well. So you’ve got to judge the trajectory well through regular practice.

If I get a clean lie, I would normally take a three or four iron to hit the shot but if my ball is in the rough, I’ll opt for a club with a bit more loft to ensure I strike the ball cleanly. You will also notice that my weight is also put more towards my left side, maybe on a 60-40 ratio.

Picture 3 The grip is very important. To keep the ball low and to allow better control of the club, I would normally choke down on my grip which gives me better control.

EDGE

By Anirban Lahiri

About Lahiri Country: Date Of Birth: Residence:

Family: Turned Pro:

India June 29, 1987 Bangalor Single 2007

ASIAN TOUR VICTORIES: (3) 2011 Panasonic Open India, 2012 SAIL-SBI Open, India, 2013 SAIL-SBI Open, India.

PRO WINS: (2) 2009 Haryana Open, India, 2009 BILT Open, India.

AMATEUR WINS: Six amateur wins between 2006 and 2007.

Picture 4 and 5 A key element in hitting a recovery show from the trees is that I ensure the back swing is an abbreviated back swing. You don’t want to hit it too hard as you might just lose control of the golf ball. Basically, you need to have good control of your swing for this recovery shot.

Ultimately, the key to a good recovery shot is to make sure you get out of trouble.

Happy golfing.

13

The Rules of Golf Etiquette

Prepared and Compiled by Mr. Carlos Coscolluela, Vice Preseident and Chairman on Rules (NGAP)

G

olf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players, care for the course and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be.

Etiquette is an integral and inextricable part of the game, which has come to define golf's values worldwide.

Put simply, it is a series of guidelines that exist to show other players, whether through divot repair or awareness of your shadow, a degree of fairness which you would expect to receive in return.

In terms of golf's environment, etiquette is about showing respect for the course on which you are playing and the work that has been put in to create it. It’s about making sure that the game is played safely and that others on the course are able to enjoy the round as much as you.

In short: it’s about showing consideration to all others on the course at all times.

Care of the Course Bunkers Before leaving a bunker, players should carefully fill up and smooth over all holes and footprints made by them and any nearby made by others. If a rake is within reasonable proximity of the bunker, the rake should be used for this purpose.

Repair of Divots, Ball-Marks and Damage by Shoes Players should carefully repair any divot holes made by them

14

October 2013

and any damage to the putting green made by the impact of a ball (whether or not made by the player himself). On completion of the hole by all players in the group, damage to the putting green caused by golf shoes should be repaired.

Preventing Unnecessary Damage Players should avoid causing damage to the course by removing divots when taking practice swings or by hitting the head of a club into the ground, whether in anger or for any other reason.

Players should ensure that no damage is done to the putting green when putting down bags or the flagstick.

In order to avoid damaging the hole, players and caddies should not stand too close to the hole and should take care during the handling of the flagstick and the removal of a ball from the hole. The head of a club should not be used to remove a ball from the hole.

Players should not lean on their clubs when on the putting green, particularly when removing the ball from the hole.

The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before the players leave the putting green.

Local notices regulating the movement of golf carts should be strictly observed.

Keeping Pace Play at a Good Pace and Keep Up You should always play at a good pace. The committee may establish pace of play guidelines that all players should follow. It's a group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If they lose a clear hole and delay the group behind, they should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in that group. Where a group has not lost a clear hole, but it is apparent that the group behind can play faster, they should also invite the faster moving group to overtake them.

Be Ready to Play You should be ready to play as soon as it's your turn to play.

When on or near the putting green, leave your bags or carts just off the green on the way to the next tee. When the play of a hole has been completed, leave the putting green quickly.

Lost Ball If you think your ball may be lost outside a water hazard or is out of bounds, to save time, play a provisional ball. Players searching for a ball should signal the players in the group behind them to play through as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not easily be found. They shouldn't search for five min-

utes before doing so. Having allowed the group behind to play through, they shouldn't continue play until the group coming through has passed and is out of range.

Consideration for Others No Disturbance or Distraction You should always show consideration for other players on the course and take care not to not disturb their play by moving, talking or making unnecessary noise.

You should also ensure that any electronic devices taken onto the course don't distract other players.

Only tee your ball up when it's your turn to play and remember not to stand close to the ball, directly behind it, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to swing.

On the Putting Green On the putting green, you should be careful not stand on another player’s line of putt or, when he is putting, cast a shadow over his line.

And you should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

Scoring In stroke play, if you're acting as a marker, on the way to the next tee you should, if necessary, check the score with the player concerned and record it.

Safety Ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles, twigs or the like when they make a stroke or practice swing.

Wait until the players in front are out of range. Players should always alert green staff nearby or ahead when they are about to make a stroke that might endanger them.

If your ball's heading in a direction where there is a danger of it hitting someone, shout a warning immediately. The traditional word of warning is “fore”.

Pace of Play Pace of Play Guidelines Clubs, public courses, resorts and competition organizers have differing views on what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable pace of play, but the fact is that slow play detracts from the enjoyment of the game for many players. Few golfers are heard to complain about play being too quick! “ ...as a general rule, try to keep up with the group in front. ” There is a responsibility, therefore, on all players and administrators to ensure that golf is played at a good pace and a pace appropriate to the course being played. Factors that may influence what is considered to be an appropriate pace may be the difficulty of the course, the distances between greens and tees, the climate and also the range of ability of the players on the course.

In addition, it is necessary to make some distinction between golf played as a leisure pursuit and elite golf, where allowances have to be made for players trying to earn a living. At the elite level, there will often be officials on the course who can monitor pace of play and implement a strict policy, which involves groups keeping to a hole-

by-hole schedule, and potentially being subject to timing of individual strokes with the threat of penalties if they fail to keep to the clock.

Keeping Pace • Keep up with the group in front.

• If you lose a hole, call the group behind through.

• Be ready to play your shot when it's your turn.

• Leave the green promptly.

For ‘normal’ golf, it is still important for administrators to set targets for round times. As stated above, there is not a ‘one size fits all’ model for round times, but it is important that the targets are achievable without being too soft.

Two-ball rounds should take no more than 3 hours 10 minutes; three-balls should take no more than 3 hours 30 minutes, and fourballs no more than 3 hours 50 minutes.

If slow play has become an issue at your club, course or resort then strong and decisive action should be taken to resolve the problem. And as a general rule, try to keep up with the group in front!

How administrators can minimize round times: • Do not overload the course by using short starting intervals.

When play is in two- balls, at least eight minutes should be allowed between groups and in three or four balls, at least 10 minutes should be given.

• If possible, incorporate starter’s gaps throughout the course of the day to allow for clearance of any delays that have arisen.

• Encourage players to play from tees that suit their ability and ask the starter to guide the players in this respect before the round.

• The rough for daily play should be of such a length so as to avoid numerous lost balls.

• Hole locations for daily play should not be too severe and neither should the green speeds.

• Advise players of the time that should be taken to play the course and remind them of their obligations with regards to pace of play, i.e. keep up with the group in front and allow quicker groups to pass through.

• Remember that increasing the number of players per group increases round times. In particular, limiting stroke play groups to two-balls or three-balls will avoid the delays often experienced in four-ball play.

How players can minimize round times: • Be aware of your position with regard to the group in front and keep up with that group.

• If you feel that your group is losing ground, tell the other players in your group.

• If your group is behind, try to catch up.

• If you lose a clear hole and are delaying the group behind, or if there is no group in front of you and you are delaying the group behind, invite the group behind to play through.

• Be ready to play your shot. While exercising due consideration for other players in your group, put your glove on, check your yardage, pick your club and line up your putt while others are playing.

• At the green, speed up your exit by positioning your bags on the way to the next tee.

• Move off the green as soon as all players in your group have holed out and mark score cards at or on the way to the next tee.

• Play a provisional ball if your ball may be lost outside a hazard or out of bounds.

15

Young Guns!

Young Guns

by Luigi Tabuena

16

B

October 2013

obby Jones once said, “Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots – but you have to play the ball where it lies.”

There is no better description of how golf and life are connected. These wise words are made even more meaningful when taken in the context of what Jack Nicklaus once said, “A kid grows up a lot faster on the golf course. Golf teaches you how to behave.”

These are words that shine on the spotlight of the picture of kids’ golf in the country today.

The ICTSI-JGFP Interschool Golf Championship (JGFP’s School Season Program) has been in full swing the past four years, and has grown to 450 young boys and girls today from the first 120 players in 2010.

Thanks to the support of ICTSI, more jungolfers can now join tournaments. Somehow, introducing school spirit into the game has attracted more kids to take up golf seriously.

It is encouraging to know that more schools now recognize the game as a varsity sport, which means that the

program receives their staunch support. To date there are 63 participating schools nationwide.

This brings JGFP closer to realizing its vision of nationwide interschool golf tournaments. The youth-inspired organization seeks to widen its base and enhance the growing “footprint” of golf in the Philippines. Its program seeks to tap schools, get them interested in golf, and stir up such enthusiasm until the school will adjust its otherwise stringent schedules to accommodate the sport.

It is the JGFP’s main thrust to get young kids interested in golf, take it up seriously and wholeheartedly, and become future champions.

It is a well-known fact that golf needs time. For actual play, the kids need at least half a day. This cannot be done with the present school schedules. But it is hoped that, with schools actively forming golf teams, they will be more likely to consider more creative and flexible time slots.

At present most of the better junior golfers are homeschooled. This may not be necessary or as imperative if and when the schools adopt golf as a school sport.

The success of interschool competition in Metro Manila was recently introduced and warmly received by schools in Visayas and Mindanao.

The 2013 ICTSI-JGFP Inter-school Golf Championship is scheduled from August to November, fielding at least 450 players in tournaments held at Ayala Greenfield, Capitol Hills GC, Valley Golf &CC, Club Intramuros, Aguinaldo GC, Navy GC and Army GC, Del Monte GC, Pueblo de Oro GC, and Cebu Country Club.

May I just commend the courses just mentioned for their continuing support for junior golf in the Philippines.

The top 3 teams and individuals in each division will compete in the national finals to be held in December. All individual and team champions from Visayas and Mindanao will also qualify for the finals.

There have been numerous requests from groups of different ages and playing abilities to join the tour. A separate category called “Interschool Developmental Tour� has been created for this purpose and has 100 players in its roster today.

More than just promoting golf, ICTSI and JGFP join hands with schools in the awesome responsibility of teaching life lessons to our junior golfers..

17

When Women Golf...

Written and photographed by Monique Agatep Ignacio

I

f you are a woman and you play golf, chances are you were exposed to the sport because someone had encouraged you to try it; a family member played golf or your significant other is a golfer. You do the driving range a few times and play your first fairway only to discover that hitting this little white ball on the ground, which doesn't even move, is one of the hardest thing to do. Then one day, by some act of God, you hit that perfect tee shot that soars and lands straight down the fairway. That sensation of striking the ball, that “swoosh” sound it makes, and watching it fly is a feeling so pure and sweet.

It's a rush and it’s nothing like you have ever felt before. This feeling lasts only for a few seconds but you know you are hooked in that game called golf. In my case, I got hooked because I married one — a golfer that is.

I remember vividly when I was a golf newbie and the husband had those yearly trips where he left with his golf buddies for either the FILAM Invitational in Baguio or the PAL Interclub Golf Tournament. He was really excited for these all-boy golf trips — much like a kid the night before Christmas waiting to open his presents.

On those days when he was away, we talked on the phone and I got a blow-by-blow account of how his golf day went, the birdies, the pars,

18

October 2013

how many points were made, the team standings and all the highs and lows of the day. I listened carefully and encouraged him when I felt it was needed. After all when you are married, it makes good sense to listen to these stories and agree with your partner, especially when the topic is golf. There's a different dynamic in a couple's conversation when you both speak the language. You look into each other's eyes and one would say, “Do you remember my drive on hole 18?” “Of course! How about the 10-footer I sank in?” You are both in tune and so content.

That's golf love.

Years later, and a few handicap points lower, it was my turn to get all excited to leave the spouse at home and go on a golf trip — the Infinity Champion LUZVIMIN hosted by the Women's Golf Association of the Philippines (WGAP) held in the south. It's that one week of the year where women golfers forget about work or school, the

household chores, and other responsibilities and pack their bags for GOLF. All else will have to wait.

Infinity Champion LUZVIMIN tournament is one of the largest gatherings of amateur female golfers from all over the Philippines.

Women, ages 12-80 years old and in all shapes and sizes, come together from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao with one purpose in mind — to play golf. This year, there were 25 teams that signed up for the 21st Champion Infinity LUZ-

VIMIN Cup, which was held in Bacolod Golf & Country Club or fondly called “Binitin”.

It's usually a 3-day tournament with a couple of days of practice rounds for each participating team. However, nonstop monsoon rains and numerous cancelled flights from Manila to Bacolod forced the WGAP board to cut the tournament to two days instead of three. But that didn't dishearten anyone's spirit. These women golfers were there for a purpose.

There was golf for everyone. It didn't matter what handicap you have because there were 4 divisions to choose from: Diamond for handicap indices from 0 to 7; Emerald for indices 8 to 14; Ruby Division for handicaps 15 to 21; and the Pearl Division for handicaps 22 and above.

The Infinity Champion LUZVIMIN is more than just an annual tournament for women golfers. It really is about women in fellowship around a sport they enjoy and love. It's about the camaraderie shared even amongst competing teams.

It's also about what you do together after the round of golf like the dining out and the much needed massage after the game, the “pasalubong” shopping, or squeezing in some sightseeing with the ladies.

It's sharing the room with your teammate and still remain friends after a week of being to-

The women played competitively all week in the spirit of fun. After days of practice and tournament rounds teams from the Golf Clubs across the Philippines ended the week with some serious Mardi Gras celebration. It was an evening of awards for the teams and individuals who played their best and a night filled with song and dance and perhaps for some, a few too many spirits. But it was darn fun.

gether. It’s quite like being back in school again with your best girlfriends. It’s the sisterhood where you learn how to keep your spirits high and encourage one another despite scoring way over your handicap.

The annual LUZVIMIN championship is really more than a few rounds of competitive golf for women. They are adventures in life. It not just about golfing and winning for your team. It's also about seizing the existing years and filling them with life while we can.

19

What the women golfers said

walking but I enjoyed playing with the ladies.

The awarding night was fun. The players were competitive at the course but during party time we were all one!

Jo Crisostomo Reyes – Negros Occidental Golf & Country Club The yearly LUZVIMIN Championship is one tournament we make sure we don't miss.

Besides playing golf among ladies from all over the country, the friendships gained and rekindled every year is the best reason to be part of this WGAP tournament.

The 2013 LUZVIMIN tournament is unforgettable because despite the storm, the floods, the delayed floods, the WGAP ladies pulled through. I remember the opening ceremonies, we were all gathered around with mixed emotions of worry and happiness — worry for those who still had not arrived and for our families in Luzon and yet we were happy to see the familiar faces and excited over the next few days. We offered heartfelt prayer that all will be well. It's golf that brings us together but it’s the bonds of friendships that make us weather any storm.

Joji Bautista – Manila Golf What I like best about the LUZVIMIN tournament is mostly meeting new friends, especially the ones from Visayas and Mindanao.

I get excited every year because it’s another opportunity to meet and bond with them again, picking up stories where you left off.

It's all about the fellowship and camaraderie.

The players are friendlier and more forgiving...

The most memorable part this year was of course the Mardi Gras awarding ceremonies. Kudos to Bacolod Golf Club for working hard to make us all feel at home and entertained.

Cielo Regino-Fregil – Valley Golf & Country Club It was Valley Golf's first time to join LUZVIMIN... I'm impressed with how the tournament was organized from the opening to the awarding Beachie Abiera – Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club

The LUZVIMIN Championship was well organized despite the fact that they had to make it a two-day tournament because of the heavy rains in Manila. I like that it’s a scratch game and there is no handicap. Bacolod Golf & Country Club was difficult with three days of 20

October 2013

ceremonies. Kudos to the host and the WGAP committees. The awarding was so much fun.

It showed how much the ladies enjoyed each other’s company during the tournament. A lot of the ladies were going around socializing with their new friends, planning a next game or adding them in Facebook.

LUZVIMIN was an awesome tournament.

We will definitely come back next year.

Imee Garcia – Davao APO Golf Club What I like best about LUZVIMIN is that I get to see old friends again... friends that I have met over the years because of playing golf and it’s also great to meet new ones. It's also wonderful to travel with my golfing buddies and play somewhere outside Davao. It was very well organized.

Malu Gamboa – Manila Golf & Country Club Getting to play while having great time with the ladies in courses I would never get the chance to play in Visayas and Mindanao

is what I like about the LUZVIMIN tournament.

The above and beyond hospitality of the Bacolod ladies was most memorable. I was so touched and grateful.

Ma. Theresa Staub – Forest Hills Golf & Country Club The best part about joining LUZVIMIN is the competition as well as seeing friends from southern part of the Philippines. The best part was just being with some of dearest friends.

Very memorable!

Cara Ponce de Leon-Golez – Bacolod What I like best about joining the LUZVIMIN tournament is meeting old and new friends. It's like a reunion of sorts for us from the Visayas because we only get to see the golfers from NCR once a year. The Mardi Gras party was one of the most memorable things during the 2013 LUZVIMIN. Seeing everyone dancing and having fun really made our day.

Sonnie Montelibano – Bacolod It is nice to see familiar faces from different clubs. Everyone enjoyed despite the nonstop rains and floods in Manila. Lady golfers are always optimistic. Whether it rains or shines we want to play.

2013 WGAP LUZVIMIN GOLF INVITATIONAL TEAM COMPETITION - ALL DIVISIONS RANKINGS AFTER 54 HOLES EMERALD 1. VILLAMOR I 2. MANILA SOUTHWOODS I RUBY 1. APO GOLF 2. MANILA SOUTHWOODS II PEARL 1. DAVAO CITY 2. NEGROS OCCIDENTAL II

Marissa Romano – Orchard Golf & Country Club I like meeting lady golfers from clubs other than those in the National Capital Region.

It has always been a very pleasant experience playing with them. In my first year as the WGAP tournament chair, LUZVIMIN was held in Marapara, Bacolod. It was there that I had the first taste of southern hospitality. The golfing ladies from the south have always been very supportive and hospitable.

SPECIAL Division for new teams participating 1. VALLEY 2. ALABANG INDIVIDUAL COMPETITION - ALL CLASSES RANKINGS AFTER 54 HOLES Class 0.0-9.9 Handicap 1. Constantino, Harmie VILLAMOR 2. Martirez, Samantha VILLAMOR

Handicap 4.1 Total points: 106 Handicap 5.4 Total points: 99

Class 10.0-16.9 Handicap 1. Shinmura, Irene APO Golf 2. Limjap, Bianca Negros Occidental

Handicap 14.6 Total points: 88 Handicap 11.9 Total points: 83

Class 17.0-22.9 Handicap 1. Langgamin, Rhea Mae Del Monte 2. De Asis, Farah Bacolod

Handicap 18.1 Total points: 78 Handicap 17.4 Total points: 77

Class 23.0-40.9 Handicap 1. Hermiston, Virginia Davao City 2. Vergara, Josephine Davao City

Handicap 24.0 Total points: 73 Handicap 23.0 Total points: 67 21

Hole 10

22

October 2013

A GOLF COURSE WITH ATTITUDE CAMP AGUINALDO GOLF CLUB

B

Written and photographed by Redgie Cinco Cover photo by Reg Hernandez

ack in the late 1950s, if wanted to go to Camp Aguinaldo coming from Manila, you would have passed Dewey Boulevard (now Roxas Boulevard), traversed some roads to pass through the Nielsen Airport (now Ayala Triangle) to eventually get to Highway 54 (EDSA), the street fronting Camp Aguinaldo. But you would not find it. Camp Aguinaldo was named Camp Murphy then.

23

Camp Aguinaldo, formerly known as Camp Murphy (in honor of Frank Murphy, the first American high commissioner), sits on a 180-hectare piece of valuable real estate in Quezon City. As the premier military base that serves as home to the General Headquarters (GHQ) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Camp Aguinaldo houses one of the most unique golf courses in the Philippines — the Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club (CAGC).

CAGC was principally envisioned to serve as a recreational facility for military personnel, both officers and enlisted. And while it didn’t have a grand plan of construction (in fact, was constructed in phases), the first nine holes were completed in 1961 during the incumbency of Lt. Gen Manuel P. Cabal as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In 1965, General Rigoberto J. Atienza continued the initiative and ordered the construction of the second nine holes. Alongside this, he also approved the construction of the clubhouse, which Gen. Atienza knew would round out the facility and make it also accessible to non-golfing military personnel. However, the entire golf course and the Club House were completed by Gen. Atienza’s immediate successor, General Ernesto S. Mata. It was subsequently inaugurated by then President Ferdinand Marcos and First Lady Imelda R. Marcos on May 14, 1966. Thus, the Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club was born.

Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club has been described in some course reviews as a peculiar golf course. For one, it is located inside a strategic and historical military base.

Strategic because it is essentially at the heart of the metropolis and historical because in 1986 during the People Power revolution, Camp Aguinaldo played a pivotal role by being the staging ground of then Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile and then Vice Chief of Staff General Fidel V. Ramos to withdraw support for then President Ferdinand E. Marcos. This event would eventually lead to the ouster of Pres. Marcos.

But one could argue that there’s nothing peculiar with this course since most of the military bases in the Philippines, have golf courses inside; namely, Villamor Air Base Golf Club, Philippine Navy Golf Club, Kagitingan Golf Club or the Army Golf Course.

When the United States had military and naval bases here in the Philippines, they also had the Subic Golf Course and the Camp John Hay up in the Summer Capital of the Philippines — Baguio.

24

October 2013

Hole 4

25

Hole 12 pinview

26

October 2013

27

Then maybe, its peculiarity lies in its layout — the location of the holes and how the course literally snakes in and out of existing base structures and buildings in order to carve out the 18 holes it is now.

CAGC Golf Lingo 101 There are many a golf course review that say that CAGC is nearly a walk in the park — a short par 68 course at par 35 front nine and par 33 back nine, relatively an easy golf round. Are you kidding me? It is not! There are even golf terms in use in CAGC that will draw a blank stare from some of the most avid of golfers.

Here are some of those terms. Forced dog leg — this is used as a local rule for Hole no. 7, a 90-degree par 4 where one is supposed to hit 130-150 yards then turn left for the approximately 120-yard approach to a narrow inclined green surrounded by water on the front and right sides. Left side is out of bounds. Menacing, right? But if you hit your shots straight then you won’t have a problem. But as a famous golfer once said, the hardest shot to hit in golf is a straight shot.

How about a wrong fairway? On Hole No. 6, the whole left side is out of bounds, but then if you miss right, or needless to say, hit your infamous banana fade and your ball ends up on the fairway of relatively parallel Hole #4 you would be penalized one stroke for hitting the wrong fairway and you would have to drop your ball on your side of the fairway with no view of the green. Then there’s Hole #14.

Hole 14

28

October 2013

As you step into the teeing ground, you’re greeted by a straight view to the green. Not as narrow as most holes, yet O.B. on the left and right. Relatively easy, but then the caddy should remind you that this hole is a forced lay-up. A what? “Forced lay-up, sir.”

You need to hit your tee shot just before the twin water hazards in the middle of the whole length of the fairway and proceed to hit your next shot to the green from there. The whole yardage of Hole #14 from tee to green is just 350 yards. The distance to clear the water hazard is about 180 yards, and you can’t hit driver over it. Forced to good.

And of course, there’s the par 3 CAGC signature Hole #8 — an island green playing 160 yards. The green itself is on an incline and the surrounding water hazard seems to beckon your golf ball to take a refreshing dip.

One could only imagine how many cusses and curses have been registered on that tee mound after an errant shot.

So, if they say that you don’t have to be a low handicapper to play the course then why would the likes of amateur stand outs, such as Ramon Brobio and Gerald Rosales, use CAGC as their backyard to hone their craft? Not to mention amateur and professional campaigner Jennifer Rosales as well?

The Future: What Lies Therein After the privatization of Fort Bonifacio in the 1990s, all military bases have been under the microscope.. Government wants to move these remaining military bases to less populated areas. Due to rapid urbanization, military camps (like Philippine Navy, Villamor Air Base, Fort Bonifacio (what’s left of it), Veterans Hospital, and Camp Aguinaldo) are subject to various inquiries by legislators and government officials alike, to be privatized and sold off so as to afford a massive military modernization program. But there are sympathetic organizations and individuals who contest that these open spaces, as golf courses, would certainly offer a welcome oasis for the severely oxygen-depleted urban city centers. Furthermore, while there is an urgent need to upgrade our notoriously backward military arsenal in view of the internal threats from the Southern Philippines and the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea, there is a need to uphold the right of military personnel to break free from the tensions of defending a nation by way of recreational facilities literally at their doorstep.

Despite all the continued threats to its very existence, Camp Aguinaldo just keeps

Hole 8 Leisure

chugging along. Camp Aguinaldo has figured prominently in various golfing endeavors by fielding perennially contending teams to the Fil-Am Golf Championships in Baguio late in the year and a senior contingent for the annual PAL Interclub Championship. In fact, they topped the Am Division just recently in 2011. Camp Aguinaldo was also the host of the 2012 Philippine Seniors Amateurs and Mid-Amateur Golf Championship, won by the indomitable Francis Gaston. Further-

more, Camp Aguinaldo also played host to the first National Doubles Golf Championship in 2011, ably won by the tandem of Jobim Carlos and JR Gonzales. The annual event was the brainchild of then NGAP Director Tommy Manotoc and NGAP Secretary General Jun Arceo.

Throughout all these, General Manager Col. Alberto L. Tan PA (Ret), along with his able Assistant General Manager Col. Alvin M. Tiamwatt PA, continues to execute major

and minor rehabilitations on the fairways and outlying areas for the golfer’s ultimate enjoyment, in and out of the course. Some major projects completed to date are the construction of the caddy house and provisions for additional parking spaces, which is a common complaint in the past. Operationally, the current management is seeking to improve on various aspects; and if only for the fact that they do not change the recipe for the garlic chicken at the club house, then they

are definitely and most certainly doing very well.

But amid the ballyhoo about the privatization of most military camps and golf courses, there is a sense that Camp Aguinaldo denizens seem to have a nonchalant attitude on the uncertainty of the future of their golf club as they go around their business. It’s like they think, “What will be, will be.” or more oddly, “If anything is bound to go wrong, it will.” But then again, that’s Murphy’s Law. 29

Callaway Optiforce 460 and 440

Written by Toby Florendo Photos courtesy of Callaway Additional photo by Toby Florendo

T

Speed Optimized Technology: Aerodynamic head shape. Lighter head, shaft, and grip. Resulting in better ballspeeds and distance.

Advance Optifit Technology: Loft and directional bias for optimum trajectory.

Speed Frame Face Technology: Callaway VFT and Hyperbolic face tech plus weight redistribution in the head for higher MOI. Two sizes and shapes: 460cc, an easy launching head with a starting loft of 10.5 with adjustability to 9.5, 11.5, 12.5 lofts. 440cc, a lower and boring trajectory with lofts starting at 9.5 with adjustability to 8.5, 10.5 and 11.5 loft.

30

October 2013

he premium product in Callaway’s stable is the FT line. The FT series has always used cutting edge technology, multiple materials, discrete weight placement, and premium shafts with no expense spared. FT players agree that FT drivers are, and always will be, hot. FT drivers always have superior ballspeed over the competition. I can attest to the lower spin and higher ball speeds that FT drivers have produced. I can also attest to the difficulty in controlling such ball speed and low spin. So how do we get Callaway FT Technology in a package that is easier to control?

Enter the FT Optiforce. Last month Callaway launched 2 new drivers, the FT Optiforce 460 and FT Optiforce 440 All literature point to well-made products. Callaway never released a product mid-season and that piqued my interest in these drivers. Callaway have already released 3 great drivers this season, the X Hot, X Hot pro, and the Razr Fit Extreme. There must be something to this mid-season release.

A quick call and I was able to secure both drivers to try.

I can actually say that these are the only drivers that look better up close than in web pictures. Everything about these clubs scream premium. The black paint jobs look stunning and very durable. The subtle racing red highlights on the crown and sole plus the aerodynamic shape add to the anticipation of speed on the 460. The 440 looks more traditional than the previous Callaway player’s drivers. Most modern drivers have that metallic sound. The Optiforce 460

has a pleasing sound, not quite the thud of Forged Composite nor the tinny feel of most current drivers. The look and sound of the 460 will appeal to techies without turning away the traditionalists. The look and sound of the 440 will more than appease those traditionalists.

Speed Optimized Technology. The 460 is 46” long with a PXv 43 shaft. The technology in the shaft allows it to be very stable and controllable despite being 10 grams lighter than previous PXv found in the XHot. The 440 is also 46” long with a Diamana S+ 62 shaft. Both don’t have the feel of unwieldiness and head heaviness I generally experience with drivers with a length of 46” or longer. I noticed that most drivers in the longer-lighter category have swingweights in the D5-D6 range, in an effort to have the golfer feel the club. Those heavy swingweights change the way my hands and wrists react during the swing. Both Optiforce models fall within the more standard D0-D2 range and match most of what comes with my other clubs. It is a better balanced light club and has resulted in better, balanced swings.

Advance Optifit Technology. Most new clubs have gone the adjustable route. It is a great tool for fine tuning ball flight. The new dual cog adaptor, not previously found in Callaway drivers, allows for both loft and directional bias changes. It has an upright (D) and neutral (N) setting.

This is a marked improvement from previous Callaway

adaptors.

Even though the sole does not interact with the turf, driver lie angles change how we set our hands at address which affects our swing paths and shaft droop. Setting the 460 to a lower loft and both clubs to a lower lie angle than my current driver worked wonders.

Speed Frame Tech for MOI. It may be old but VFT and Hyperbolic technology continues to work. It increases MOI and spin as well. Despite the modern mantra of high launch/low spin, most golfers need spin for forgiveness. I did tend to hit the 460 a little high but the spin was controllable.

I had friends with moderate swing speeds try the 460 in different settings; and their spin rates and trajectories were fine. Once dialled in, more than a

few gained distance and control with the 460 compared to their previous drivers. The 440 spin was perfect and flattened out my ball flight while still giving me good trajectory.

The 440 was just as forgiving as, if not even more forgiving than my current 460cc driver. I usually cannot control 46” drivers but the speed frame tech of the Optiforce kept me in a lot of fairways.

Two sizes and shapes. I initially wondered why there are two sizes in the same line; but after hitting both, I thoroughly understood the rationale behind manufacturing these two models. The 460 really is a new idea to the FT line. The FT line technology has always been geared towards the better players, even in the non-tour models.

Those clubs always have that extra “oomph” but are a little harder to hit. The OF 460’s moderate spin and ease of use allow even the not-so-good drivers of the ball to get into the experience of Callaway’s premium line. The 440 continues the FT Tour driver tradition.

Most driver technology is maxed out for distance. The key is finding the driver that allows you to translate and tune that maximum distance to a controllable game. I think I have found one that does it for me.

The current Callaway tag line is “Winners play Callaway”. It is just so easy to say that with the FT Optiforce line, “Callaway has winners”.

Former Master’s Champion Trevor Immelman just won on the Web.com Tour using an Optiforce 460cc, set to 11.5 loft. Jim Furyk just shot 59 with an Optiforce 440cc in the standard settings. The Optiforce line allows the player to find what works whichever Optiforce he chooses.

31

TAKE ME TO THE SHOW The Biggest Golf Show in the Philippines Written by Simon Villalon Photographed by Manuelito Romano

A

midst the rain and wind last September 20-22, the Golf Distributers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) staged their 18th Philippine International Golf Show. Everyone who braved the elements was treated to one of the best shows in recent years. It promised to be a three-day event of style, strength, and power; and the 18th GDAP Philippine International Golf Show kept true to their word. With a floor area covering more than two thousand square meters inside the Hall One of the SMX at the SM Mall of Asia, the golf show successfully brought together all the GDAP members and affiliates under one roof for three days of equipment demos, professional instruction, shopping, and even a fashion show.

We need to start with the reason why most people troop the GDAP golf show — to get their hands on equipment. In this respect, I am happy to share that all our distributors came in full force. Moving through the spacious hall was like 32

October 2013

being a kid in a candy store. I was so distracted by seeing all the golfing brands under one roof that I thought I would go momentarily insane.

And I did. Just a bit.

After the insanity vanished, I figured out how I was going to take in everything in the show and proceeded to take bite-sized portions instead of swallowing everything whole. I de-

cided to go clubs, apparel (clothes and shoes), and then consumables (balls, tees, gloves, etc.).

It meant that I would have to take several trips around the hall, but that was part of the fun.

Equipment-wise, I was expecting more but was still pleasantly surprised. Let me explain. When I think of golf shows, I think of new product launches first and foremost — much like the annual PGA Merchandise show. It happens early in the calendar year and all the equipment manufacturers launch their new lines for the season. While some have already trickled in during the year (see Nike Covert, Taylor Made RBZ Stage 2s, etc.), I was still hoping to see some newness grace the show — my hope was not fulfilled. Our friends at Pacsports released the Adams Speedline Super S and its low-spinning brother — Speedline Super LS — drivers into the wild. I think that these are two of the best drivers out in the market (The LS in

particular was getting me great numbers on the Flightscope). Tour Master Sports also had the Mizuno JPX-EZ Forged irons and their MP 54s on display, which are two of the most highly anticipated lines to hit the market. I was hoping to see the Callaway Optiforce line, but it looks like these were tucked away for another rainy day. There were great deals for one- and twogeneration removed equipment (while supplies lasted). Of great value are the Srixon Z-Star and XXIO Forged irons, Titleist Vokey Wedges, and a wide selection of fairway woods and hybrids.

This is where the show delivered in spades.

There was something for everyone who was in search for clubs — from those searching the market for (some of) the latest release to those who were waiting to get the opportunity to pick up the club that they had been dreaming of for the past couple of months.

33

Moving on to clothing and apparel, which is what (I believe) 80% of the patrons were there for, the selections were wide and varied. I saw guys picking out five to ten shirts at a time to go with three pairs of shorts and a couple of pants. Not to mention the slaughter for shoes! At one point there must have been close to fifty people hovering around the FootJoy display and hollering for shoe sizes and colors. It was a cross between an auction and a rodeo. Good fun. The new lineups were available too, with special golf show pricing for the weekend.

Consumables, for me, were limited to golf balls as they tend to escape me more often than they should I should have picked up more than I did. I’m a Srixon user and their price per box was fantastic. For Titleist fans, I do hope you picked up a few boxes because there were always a bunch of folks hovering over the displays.

34

October 2013

United We Stand

While the hard goods are the stars of the show, I appreciate what GDAP continues to do to bring value to the show. First off, there was a good number of hitting areas that were set up by the distributors. Golf Depot had their Ping nFlight system up and running; Pacsports had their Flightscope set up; and the Golf Mix Instructors had their equipment ready to go.

This is definitely a step in the right direction and I’m looking forward to seeing more hitting bays in the future; just like what one would see in the big box retailers in the US, Canada, and Europe. It’s asking too much, considering the cost of one launch monitor, but I am optimistic that the market will be able to support that kind of investment.

GDAP also put in a couple of other events that were interesting to me. They ran a fashion show that featured possible combinations of the apparel that was on display; with some witty choreography that my kids found quite entertaining. They also offered a Kid’s Clinic run by Golf Mix, which I think should become a staple in golf shows to come. I am a big advocate for sports for the youth, and getting children into sports can only be a good thing, especially when they are well coached on the fundamentals of playing and sportsmanship.

This was a winning move on the part of the organizers.

In whole, the golf show was truly one of the best staged in recent memory. Hats off to the GDAP crew. I am looking forward to seeing even more creative ways to engage our golfing community.

Standing from left to right Jun Galindez (Sec. Gen. NGAP), Mert Besa (President GDAP). Rodel Mangulabnan (Software Architect UNHS), Popoy Flores (Sec. Gen. FedGolf) , Teboy Javier (Board Member FedGolf and GM Splendido) and Raymund Atendido (Vice Pres-GDAP) Sitting from left to right: Caloy Coscolluela (Vice Pres NGAP), Tommy Manotoc (President NGAP), Ogie Manalo (President FedGolf), Iggy Clavecilla (Board Member FedGolf and Handicapping Chairman)

I

n the same way that the United States Golf Association (USGA) serves as the single source for official handicaps in the United States, we now have a Philippines-wide system for golfers. With a strong partnership between the National Golf Association of the Philippines and the Federation of Golf Clubs (Phils.), the Unified National Handicapping System (UNHS) was rolled out in August 2013. With forty-four member clubs and six associate member clubs (golfing groups unaffiliated with course management), the UNHS brings together the Philippine golfing community under a common handicapping platform.

This has been a long time coming, and credit needs to go to the NGAP and the Fed for having the fortitude to see this through, specifically former NGAP Sec. Gen. Jun Arceo (coincidentally our new Impact EIC) and Fed Handicap Committee Chairman Iggy Clavecilla. Their memorandum of agreement was then signed by their president, Sec. Larry Mendoza, and their chairman, Richie Garcia. It eventually gave way to the Unified National Handicapping System.

Execution of the system was the next hurdle, and the feedback from the golfing public was that server uptime is their most important need. So, in partnership with an experienced IT consulting firm, the UNHS was born. With an easy to use portal (http:// www.unhs.ph), and support via SMS and email (gethelp@unhs.ph), we have a worldclass handicapping system to call our own. All members can access the system anywhere, and all scores (be they from home clubs or "away" games) are entered for members automatically. This is especially beneficial to players who frequent clubs outside their own and, as an officially recognized USGA system, certifications from UNHS are accepted on any course that needs presentation of handicap certificates. With 100% of the Luzon clubs enrolled and ongoing talks with others who are planning to join, the UNHS has raised the bar for Philippine golf services.

For inquiries, send an email to the address listed above or visit the UNHS website.

Game on!

35

Lifestyle

36

October 2013

The Musicman Paolo Santos

Written by Simon Villalon Photographed by Andre Mendoza

L

ife has a way of moving in circles, where one year everyone is saying goodbye to each other and then many years later we find the same group of people gathered around a table once more and picking up like it was yesterday.

37

It was in such a gathering that I reconnected with Paolo. Always free with his thoughts and stories, and animated gestures that brought everyone into the conversation, the group of thirty-somethings were back in high school and thinking high school things.

We had changed, but we were the same.

Over the course of the conversation we talked about a mini-reunion for our batch (this year being our 20th out of High School), and we later talked of joining the Ateneo Challenge Cup as a batch (which we did, placing second in our division, second of two teams), and we said that we would talk and play golf more often. Little did I know that I would be asked to interview Pao for Impact just a few weeks later. Life, it moves in circles. So here we go, in Paolo’s words, a peek into the life of the Musicman.

Simon: Long time no see! I hope you’re recovered from the 8-hour round we played last Friday. Lets get to it. You’re the man with the music, our modern balladeer. How did the music career begin for you?

Paolo: Music was never really something that I pursued though it was something that I am passionate about. I started out when an officemate of mine who knew that I can sing and play guitar offered me a gig at a small venue in Ortigas. Eventually they decided to pay a little in order for me to perform every week. The big break happened when I played a wedding and one of the guests took notice.

He was Joe D'Mango, a very popular DJ from the 80's who was running his own radio station. He liked my music and suggested that I should play a spot in his radio station once a week on prime time. That led to a huge underground following that pushed me to where I am now. I guess the success was initially brought about being at the right place and time. Also, the local music industry was searching for something fresh and everyone thought that I would be a perfect fit compared to the predominantly club and house music that was being played.

Simon: Joe D’Mango is a legend. So where do you find inspiration? How has it changed over the years?

Paolo: I actually get my inspiration from other musicians regardless of genre. It may be lyrically or melodically. In particular the music of James Taylor and the Beatles inspire me the most. There's just something about their songs that I can relate to and fuels my urge to play more. But now it has been more than that. My wife and kids have now been the ultimate driving force in my music.

38

October 2013

Simon: You've been working with a partner on a golf fashion line, and we talked it a bit earlier this week, what are your plans here?

Paolo: I have been advised by a lot of successful businessmen that for you to fully turn your attention to a venture, one must believe and love the business. In that way you wouldn't feel like working. So I decided to find a way to either expand on the music business or get into golf. Fortunately an opportunity came recently to be involved with a local golf apparel company that looked very promising.

Hopefully in a month it would be fully operational carrying products from shirts, trousers, shorts and belts.

Simon: You were our fashion consultant for

our team this year. How did you decide on bright pink? What about your gig outfits?

Paolo: As far as colors for our uniform, I just decided to pick out a bright color for the sole purpose of going against the norm. I expected that everyone will be wearing shades of blue since it was an Ateneo tournament. The bright pink design made our team stand out and practically visible from the fairway or off it. The cut was really simple with a slight twist in the collar design, nothing fancy. The same goes when I play on my own. I usually wear something that is simple and occasionally throw in vibrant colors in the mix. For gigs, it's different. I dress down maybe because the music I play is very relaxed. So jeans are no.1 to be

paired with a t-shirt and my favorite pair of sneakers.

Simon: Fashion Inspiration?

Paolo: The Scandinavians are the people I look up to. They dress very simply but stylish. As long at it looks nice they would wear it. Hardly are they victims of the big fashion icons. But to specifically choose individuals as good fashion examples, I'd pick James Bond when wearing a suit, Ellen DeGeneres for casual attire and Anthony Bourdain for I don't give a crap and I'll wear this. Right now the good thing about fashion is that they have gotten the fit correctly. Before people wore clothing that's loose. Now they actually fit. It looks cleaner in my opinion.

Simon: Lets shift gears a bit. You’re the musicman, so I’m betting you must have set-up a truly romantic proposal for your wife when you popped the question.

Paolo: (Actually) My wife Jiji and I were brought together by the game of golf! Friends who set us up were actually competitive golfing amateurs. One of them played for our country and currently is now a golf professional. Most people think since I sing all of these love songs that I swept my wife of her feet when I was courting her, but I just simply

asked on a night when we were alone and she said yes. No gimmicks, just straight to the point. Come to think of it, I should have done something crazy or unusual (Laughs) I have two wonderful boys and they are more than enough. I told my wife that I would rather have fewer kids in order for me to provide them with the best quality of living rather

than have a lot of kids living mediocre lives.

With them everything boils down to priorities.

I know in my heart that they are on the top of my list. It's just a matter of managing my schedule — meeting my obligations at work, time on the golf course and quality time with my family.

Simon: Quality vacation time with the family, what is that for you? And what about golf time when you’re out playing gigs?

Paolo: The best vacation would probably be on a cruise ship to any continent. We get to see sights, experience different cultures, shop and at the same time, the ship offers so many activities for adults and kids. I was fortunate enough to experience a Mediterranean cruise years ago and there is nothing like it. Hopefully when my kids are a bit older that we can do it again.

For golf and gigs, It isn’t really difficult to mix both since I love doing both. I could actually remember going home after a gig at 2 am and being able to make a 630am tee time in Tagaytay Midlands. But as I got older, I may have to sacrifice golf sometimes since it has become so difficult to push my body to play with lack of sleep. The solution, play in the afternoon as much as possible.

39

Lifestyle

Honda

CR-Z Written by Matthew Yngson Photographed by Carlo Ma. Guerrero

W

hen Soichiro Honda rolled out the first bicycle motor out of the wood shack, I’m sure he never dreamt his company would be one of the world’s best automobile and motorcycle manufacturers today. Of course history would tell us that he lived that dream until his death in the early 90s. He saw his dream through which only a few of us will ever experience.

40

October 2013

41

Lifestyle of applause for the arrival of the Hybrid Sports Coupe segment. The what?

Hybrids are vehicles that combine your usual combustible engine with some other power plant to make your vehicle consume less gasoline (or even no fossil fuel at all) and lessen your carbon footprint. These cars are not new to our ears. We’ve heard of hybrid this and hybrid that for more than a decade now. Unfortunately it hasn’t really taken off here in the Philippines.

Another Japanese car maker was actually the first to bring a full production hybrid

PHOTO COURTESY OF HONDA

PHOTO COURTESY OF HONDA

It took nearly two decades after the Second World War for the Honda Motor Company to make its first automobile. They have been enjoying huge success creating motorcycles since Mr. Honda founded the company in 1946. In fact, their first fourwheeler was a pick-up truck and not a passenger car. Eventually they made beautiful cars we all adore today.

Fast forward several decades later, Honda Motor Philippines officially rolls out the first of an intriguing new car segment.

Ladies and gentlemen, please give a round

42

October 2013

vehicle to our shores almost a decade ago and sell it to Filipinos. As it enjoyed historical sales in other countries, thanks to our helpful government, an environmentally friendly vehicle has become a status symbol luxury vehicle for the very few who can afford one.

While our government is busy squandering our hard earned money, we are left to rot in our own deadly carbon dioxide filled air. Where we could have enjoyed benefits to purchase these eco-friendly vehicles, the law says we have to pay luxury car price tags for a sub-compact hybrid car. Thanks guys,

you’re the best!

Hitting two birds with one stone, well, actually three, the new Honda CR-Z is Honda’s answer to those wanting to play with something else other than a nine iron during those “chillax” weekends. You can play and be eco-friendly at the same time. How cool is that? For now, it’s the only one in its class. Its other two-door rivals are fossil fuel guzzlers that gargle unleaded like there’s no tomorrow.

When you look at this hybrid gem of a car, it will immediately remind you of an older Honda vehicle, the Honda CRX from the 80’s — thus the name CR-Z. Directly competing with another Japanese manufacturer’s blast-fromthe-past car, the CR-Z boasts of a “3-mode drive system”. Normal mode for everyday driving, ECON mode when you feel you need to be nice to mother nature and Sport mode for use when your right foot is itching.

With a measly 1.5-liter, 16-valve iVTEC engine, you will have that big “huh,

what?” moment knowing that everyone else is putting almost 2 liters or even more in their sports coupes. The secret is under the hood. Adding an electric motor to the relatively small displacement gives the car that extra go-go juice! With what they call the “Integrated Motor Assist” system, combining two power plants gives you about 135 horses in this small car!

Not bad Honda, not bad at all. And just to prove that the car is no slouch, there’s a small “S+” button on the steering wheel to activate the Plus Sport System. No, this is not a button that activates the nitro like what you see in the movies but interestingly, it has the same ef-

fect. The “S+” button allows you to use the charge from the electric battery to engage the electric motor giving you that extra push when you need it most! Take note though, this isn’t available at your disposal any time; you need to wait for it to charge which happens during the course of your driving. So yes, it’s a magic button.

When you sit inside the cockpit, you will feel as if you are actually driving a jet fighter.

The digital dash and colourful instrumentation panel will give you the feeling of genuine high technology you used to watch on TV as a kid. Bucket seats for two greet you up front and a rear “child-only” seat at the back.

I was actually able to put several friends at the back after pointing a gun at them. That’s probably the only way you can ask an adult to sit at the back. Other than that, I suggest you just put the rear seat down to make room for a couple of golf sets and locker

bags for you and your partner.

My experience with the Hybrid CR-Z was a very memorable one. This was the first time that I drove a sports coupe that I literally did not need to visit the gas station so often and yet still gave me that adrenaline rush when I needed it. From a full tank, I bled the fuel as hard as I could reaching many parts of the metro, from the City of Manila to Taytay, Rizal and from Makati to Quezon City, all in the course of five straight days without refuelling once.

With a price tag starting at less than a million and a half for the Standard model all the way to almost two million for the Mugen version, the Honda CR-Z is a perfect Sunday car that can also double as your everyday chariot.

Matthew Yngson is the Executive Producer and Host of Stoplight.TV 43

Lifestyle

Chef Florabel Creates a New Home at Shangri-La with Corazon Written by Camsy Ocumen Photographed by John Belmonte Brillantes

44

October 2013

E

very restaurant lover in Manila knows that the Shangri-la Plaza never fails to provide fresh and delightful dining experiences for its patrons. The opening of its new wing, therefore, had every foodie in the metro excited. This new wing with its cutting edge architecture and spacious interiors is a sight to behold; the restaurants it houses, a feast on the palate.

Just officially launched this September, Corazon, a new addition to the multi-awarded chef and serial entrepreneur, Florabel Yatco’s long list of restaurants, is already creating a lot of buzz with its good food and unique ambiance. Anyone who’s ever tried any of Chef Florabel’s restaurants can testify that anything that comes out of her kitchen is extraordinary.

Chef Florabel is famous for being hands-on with the menu. Like in their other restaurants, all the dishes in Corazon are her personal recipes. Dishes are tested and improved over time and as necessary. And like most – if not all – of her restaurants,

Corazon can only be enjoyed in one venue: the east wing of Shangri-La Plaza. For PhP800.00 – PhP1,000.00, you can enjoy a full meal with a date. You can either enjoy the meals inside its more formal dining area or outside, al fresco style.

Located at the fourth floor, Corazon isn’t easy to miss. Its vaulted (yes, vaulted!) ceilings and gothic candelabra can quickly catch anyone’s attention. Murals inspired

by Picasso and Kahlo’s works also adorn its walls. If you wish to eat al fresco without the humid air that usually comes with Philippine weather, the restaurant’s Calle Corazon is a good option for you. Here, Corazon provides a faux al fresco environment for those who prefer a more casual dining experience.

Corazon, which means heart in Spanish, is a combination of two things that chef Florabel and her husband, Chris Yatco loves: Filipino food and Spanish culture.

Easily mistaken as a fusion-type restaurant, Corazon makes the distinction between the two and provides a Spanish and a Filipino 45

Lifestyle

menu. While the interior design is decidedly Spanish, the menu design favors the Filipino palate more.

For our meal, we were given a healthy sampling of both cuisines. The Paella Valenciana, one of the three of the different kinds of paella they offer in their restaurant, arrived first. It was the best seller in their Spanish menu and it’s easy to understand why. The saffron-infused creamy rice is topped with an interesting mix of seafood and non-seafood, so its texture and taste bursts in your mouth.

The Rabo de Toro and the Madrid were the other two dishes from the Spanish menu. The supple ox tail meat mixed with bell peppers, carrots, and peas are drenched in a full-bodied stew. This rich dish isn’t easy to forget.

The Madrid, Corazon’s callos is every meat lover’s dream. Each serving contains tender ox tripe, bacon, and chorizo stewed in tomato sauce. The added pine nuts and bell peppers provide the dish an interesting texture with every bite.

Of the Filipino fare, we were given Ortega and Sinigang na Pampano. Ortega is Corazon’s kare kare, an ox tail stew. I’m a huge fan of kare kare and I make it a point to eat kare kare in every Filipino restaurant I go to. While the ox tail is incredibly soft and enjoyable, I have to say that this restaurant’s take on the dish is too tame for my taste.

The great thing about a Florabel restaurant though is that their matriarch, chef 46

October 2013

Florabel – always works on improvements on their menu and their recipe.

While the Ortega is just fine, the Sinigang na Pampano is exceptionally hard to forget. It is easily the best dish in the house.

As many people tend to be, I can be a bit biased with Filipino food and compare every Filipino dish in a restaurant with my mother’s cooking. It has to taste the way my mother cooks it or it’s not good.

Sinigang na Pampano passed this test.

One sip of it took me back home to my mother and her cooking. That “Ratatouille moment’ in dining is true, and this dish proved it. Sinigang na Pampano is perfect for the balikbayans who’ve been away for so long and are craving for something familiar, something close to home, close to the heart.

Meals cost 400/head on the average.

Corazon is open daily between 11:00am 9:00pm from Mondays to Thursdays, 11:00am - 10:00pm on Fridays, 10:00am - 10:00pm on Suturdays, and 10:00am - 9:00pm on Sundays.

It's located at the 4th Level, East Wing, ShangriLa Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City. http://www.corazon.ph/

47

NEWS+

NEWS + EVENTS + PEOPLE

THAWORN COMES ALIVE WITH LANDMARK 50TH RECORD 16TH ASIAN TOUR WIN EDITION OF HERO INDIAN OPEN RETURNS TO DELHI GOLF CLUB PHOTO COURTESY OF ASIAN TOUR

Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant showed never to write off an old man when he saved the best for last by snatching the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship (TPC) title from American rookie Chan Kim to win his record 16th Asian Tour title on Sunday.

While the 46-year-old has not lit the scene in his previous eight starts before his arrival in Chinese Taipei, the reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion showed his mettle by going the distance to ink another piece of history and leapfrog from 63rd place to 14th place on the merit rankings with his season haul of US$116,134.

“I’m very proud because I can still win at the age of 46. I was really struggling with my irons but I chipped and putted so well.

I honestly didn’t think that I could win,” said Thaworn, whose best result prior to this week was a tied 28th finish in Indonesia in May. Mother Nature played a pivotal role when the Thai veteran clinched the inaugural Yeangder TPC title in 2010 and it proved to be Thaworn’s lucky star again when play was suspended for over an hour, allowing him to regroup and map out his final strategy.

“I was lucky when I won the Yeangder TPC in 2010. Nature helped me that year because we only played 54 holes!” said Thaworn.

“After the first four holes, I didn’t think I had a chance to win the tournament at all because Chan Kim played very well. Play was suspended for an hour and it got better for me after that because I birdied five and six,” added Thaworn.

Kim was left to rue what could have been after three costly bogeys starting from the 15th put paid to any hopes of a fairytale ending in his rookie season.

The 23-year-old could however take consolation that his second placed finish at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club has lifted him to 33rd place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

“I played pretty solid throughout the whole round. I have no complaints. I just had a few bad shots here and there. I want 48

October 2013

to carry that onto my next tournament and keep it going,” said Kim, who enjoyed his biggest prize cheque of US$55,000 since he topped the class at Qualifying School in January.

“It was really fun just to learn from one of the game’s best golfers. I’ve a lot to learn from him and I’m glad I had the opportunity to play with him,” added Kim. Philippines’ Angelo Que meanwhile moved up five spots to 11th place courtesy of his third place finish at the Yeangder TPC. His spell binding performance, where he needed only 21 putts on the final day to put himself into contention for his fourth Asian Tour win, virtually sealed his place at the World Cup of Golf in November and put himself in the brink of a place in the lucrative CIMB Classic in Malaysia next month.

“I feel great. This week was pretty big.

It was a week for me to secure my spot in the World Cup of Golf and my Asian Tour card for next season. At the same time, I think I have a chance to get into the CIMB Classic now. If I keep doing what I’ve been doing then I think I can get to play at the CIMB Classic for the first time,” said Que. Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat continues to lead the Order of Merit on US$679,999 with India’s Gagnajeet Bhullar and Australia’s Scott Hend in second and third place respectively on US$279,193 and US$273,128. - Asian Tour

Asian Tour Order of Merit Top-20 Pos Player Order of Merit (US$) 1. Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) $679,999.36 2. Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) $279,193.59 3. Scott HEND (AUS) $273,128.13 4. Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) $238,391.48 5. BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR) $186,068.54 6. LIANG Wen-chong (CHN) $185,383.29 7. Anirban LAHIRI (IND) $148,085.24 8. Wade ORMSBY (AUS) $145,317.27 9. Shiv KAPUR (IND) $129,934.57 10. Berry HENSON (USA) $125,616.15 11. Angelo QUE (PHI) $122,655.05 12. Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) $121,089.15 13. KIM Gi-whan (KOR) $117,217.27 14. Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) $116,134.62 15. Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA) $106,704.53 16. Rikard KARLBERG (SWE) $104,457.59 17. SIDDIKUR (BAN) $103,333.50 18. Joonas GRANBERG (FIN) $86,437.83 19. Bryce EASTON (RSA) $86,159.05 20. Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA) $84,877.45

The golden jubilee 50th edition of the prestigious Hero Indian Open will be played at the scenic Delhi Golf Club from November 7 to 10. The prize purse for the event will be US$1.25 million.

The choice of venue is apt as the Hero Indian Open returns to the same course where its very first edition took place. With this move, fans from the most passionate golf hub in the country will be able to take in the celebrations.

It will also provide the top Asian Tour golfers a stirring setting to create their own piece of history in India’s oldest running international sports competition.

Mr. Pawan Munjal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp Ltd., said: “We have arrived at a landmark juncture in the history of Indian golf. The 50th edition of the tournament is testimony to the rich tradition and long lasting value that the event has built.

Sunil Manocha, Chief Operating Officer, Nimbus Sport said: “The golden jubilee edition of the Hero Indian Open is an important step in our journey to develop golf in India through our strategic partnership with the IGU. We are thrilled to promote this historic event with the involvement of all stakeholders.”

Gen. Bikram Singh, President, Indian Golf Union said: “It is a momentous occasion for the Indian Open Golf Championship that started its journey in 1964 at this very venue, to be back again on the same course having traversed 50 long years in the company of some of the most illustrious golfers of their time.

I V S Juneja, President, Delhi Golf Club said: “We are privileged to have the opportunity to host the most momentous tournament in the history of Indian golf- the 50th edition of the Hero Indian Open. Twenty six editions of the Hero Indian Open have been played at the DGC, the most of any venue. We look forward to some thrilling golfing action involving the best talent from the region and the pristine course will provide a fantastic setting for both players and fans alike.”

Asian Tour Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “As the Asian Tour is also celebrating our 10th season in 2013, we are delighted to be a part of what will be a milestone moment etched in the history of Asian golf. The Hero Indian Open has been one of the best organised events on the Asian Tour and with a deeply involved title sponsor like Hero MotoCorp, I’m sure this year’s tournament will be another grand success.”

The Hero Indian Open’s constant efforts to create a platform to bring the best golfers here has inspired many to pick up the game, making golf one of the fastest growing sports in the sub-continent. Since its inauguration in 1964, the Hero Indian Open has discovered many of the country’s finest talents, including the likes of Arjun Atwal, Jeev Milkha Singh, Jyoti Randhawa, Shiv Kapur, Anirban Lahiri and Gaganjeet Bhullar.

The Hero Indian Open has also attracted a stellar field of international players in the past such as Peter Hanson, James Morrison, Richie Ramsay, Eduardo Molinari, David Gleeson, Paul McGinley, Rikard Karlberg, Daniel Chopra, Mark Brown and Darren Beck.- Asian Tour

CHOI SETS SIGHTS ON MAKING HISTORY AT CJ INVITATIONAL

TEENAGE PRODIGY YANG JOINS LEGEND ZHANG AT THE VENETIAN MACAU OPEN

PHOTO COURTESY OF ASIAN TOUR

Korean superstar K.J. Choi hopes to rewrite history on the Asian Tour by winning an unprecedented third straight victory at the US$750,000 CJ Invitational, an event where he is the host, next month.

Choi, who is an Asian Tour honorary member, said it would be a great honour to win the CJ Invitational Hosted by KJ Choi for the third time but added that he would be delighted if another Asian Tour player pips him to the title.

“Winning my tournament for the third straight year would be great but I would love to see one of the younger guys pull it off this year. I’m sure it will be another great year with a great finish,” said Choi, the first Asian to host a major golf tournament.

The CJ Invitational Hosted by KJ Choi, running for its third edition, is expected to attract many of the top Asian Tour and Korean talents to the highly impressive Haesley Nine Bridges Golf Club from October 10 to 13.

“I believe the CJ Invitational Hosted by KJ Choi has become one of the most prestigious tournaments on the Asian Tour over the last couple years, so I’m very happy with the event.

It is held on a great golf course with great conditions,” said Choi.

Choi plied his trade on the Asian Tour before going to enjoy success on the PGA Tour where he won eight titles including the 2011 The Players Championship, which is regarded as the world’s unofficial fifth Major.

“The Asian Tour is one of the most competitive Tours and I really believe it helped prepare me well for my future on the PGA Tour. Playing on any Tour is always helpful. There are experiences that you always learn a great deal from wherever you play,” Choi explained.

He has not won on the PGA Tour since 2011 but was delighted with his performances this season where he missed only four cuts.

“I have to say that I am pretty content with my performances this year. I really can’t believe how fast the year has gone by but I think I have stayed fairly consistent throughout.

It hasn’t been a great year, it has been fairly good,” said Choi.

The CJ Invitational Hosted by KJ Choi has also been a great platform for Choi to give back to charity. The gracious Korean had previously donated his winnings from the event in 2011 and 2012 to the KJ Choi Foundation.

“It is very exciting but it is a lot of work being the host and participant. I have to make sure that I am keeping both the players and sponsors happy, which is not easy. But with the tremendous growth we have seen since the tournament’s inauguration in 2011, I have to say that the excitement grows more and more every year,” he added.

“I came up with the idea (to have the tournament) after seeing how successful Tiger Woods’ tournament has been over the years and how much it has benefited his foundation.

I hope the CJ Invitational Hosted by KJ Choi will provide the same impact which will benefit my KJ Choi Foundation.”

The CJ Invitational Hosted by KJ Choi is title sponsored by the CJ Group, Korea’s food-to-entertainment conglomerate. - Asian Tour

PHOTO COURTESY OF ASIAN TOUR

VIPs, led by Mr Jose Tavares, Acting President of the Macau Sport Development Board (centre), pose for pictures at the Venetian Macau Open press conference, which announced the Venetian Macau’s title sponsorship of the tournament.

Two-time champion Zhang Lian-wei will compete at the 2013 Venetian Macau Open this 17th-20th of October 2013, alongside Yang Zi-hao, the winner of the 13th ‘Zhang Lian-wei’ Cup International Junior Invitational, which took place earlier this year.

With wins in 2001 and 2002, Zhang has participated at every Macau Open except 2003 when he was injured. The Chinese legend is excited to return once again to the Macau Golf & Country Club, which has been a happy hunting ground for the him over the past decade and a half.

Joining Zhang in Macau this year is teenage sensation,Yang Zi-hao. The 16-year-old was impressive in his win at the ‘Zhang Lian-wei’ Cup International Junior Invitational, which he won by three shots. The tournament was developed 13 years ago to promote golf in China and to provide a platform for aspiring and talented young players to compete at a high level, and build confidence as they prepare to become professionals and challenge at some of the world’s biggest stages. The winner of the competition this year receives an invitation to play at the Venetian Macau Open and Yang is keen to make the most out of this unique opportunity.

The local challenge will be spearheaded by 25-year-old Xiao Jie-yu, one of the most experienced and consistent amateurs in Macau. Three top juniors – Choi Hou Kuan, Zhang Jun-tao and Tang Chak-hou - will also represent Macau at this year’s Venetian Macau Open.

Jointly organised by Macau Sport Development Board of Macau SAR Gov-

ernment (MSDB) and Golf Association of Macau, the tournament is sanctioned by the latter and the Asian Tour, and promoted by IMG. Following a successful foray into the world of golf last year, The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel recently announced it will return as title sponsor of the event for a second successive year.

Jose Tavares, Acting President of MSDB, “We are delighted with the return of Mr Zhang Lian-wei, who is one of the most loyal supporters of the Macau Open and the only player to have won the tournament on more than one occasion. Together with four-time Major winner Ernie Els and defending Venetian Macau Open champion Gaganjeet Bhullar and a host of top golfers from all corners of the world, the 2013 tournament is shaping up to the best yet. We are looking forward to working with our partners to showcase Macau as a world class host to an international golf tournament.”

The Venetian Macau Open will once again be a free entry event for golf fans from around the world to enjoy live world class professional golf in one of the best loved destinations for leisure and business travel in Asia.

Since its inauguration in 1998, the tournament has been graced by the presence of some of the best golfers the world has ever seen, including Lee Westwood, Colin Montgomerie, Nick Faldo, Padraig Harrington, Fred Couples, Ian Woosnam and Mark O’Meara.

This year’s event boasts a total prize fund of US$800,000, an increase of 6.7% compared to last year. - Asian Tour 49

WGC-HSBC CHAMPIONS RETURN HAILS DAWN OF NEW ERA FOR ASIAN GOLF

DRIVE AND CHARGE

JUST MOBILE offers an innovative solution that lets you charge all your mobile devices while on the road. The Just Mobile Highway Pro is the iconic twin-slot in-car

PHOTO COURTESY OF ASIAN TOUR

WGC-HSBC Champions is set to reinforce its reputation as ‘Asia’s Major’ with the announcement of the highest quality field of golfers ever assembled in Asia.

More than 40 of the world’s top 50 players, including three current Major champions, are scheduled to line up for the $8.5 million showpiece at the Sheshan International Golf Club, Shanghai (31st October to 3rd November 2013).

Leading the way are 2013 US Open Champion Justin Rose, 2013 Open Champion, Phil Mickelson, 2013 USPGA Champion, Jason Dufner, World Number Four Rory McIlroy, defending Champion Ian Poulter and in-form World Number Six Henrik Stenson.

The 78-man field of the world’s best golfers is shaping up to be the most international line up of golfers ever assembled in Asia and will also include World Number Eight and two-time winner on the PGA Tour in 2013, Brandt Snedeker, former World Number One, Luke Donald and 2010 US Open Champion and World Number nine, Graeme McDowell, a multiple winner on both the US PGA and European Tour this season.

Playing for an increased prize fund of $8.5 million in the recently elevated WGC-HSBC Champions, there will be more at stake than ever for the world’s best as they compete in the fourth and final World Golf Championships of 2013.

For the first time, the HSBC Champions will become part of the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup schedule, with money earned counting as official money on the PGA TOUR, and the winner earning a three-year exemption on the PGA TOUR. The HSBC Champions will also award full FedExCup points, plus the 10 percent premium awarded by all World Golf Championships compared to a regular PGA TOUR event. With these changes the HSBC Champions is now in line with the other three World Golf Championships played in the United States and is also a key part of the 2013 European Tour’s Final Series.

HSBC Global Head of Sponsorship and Events Giles Morgan said: “The landscape of Asian golf has changed beyond all recognition in the last decade and the WGCHSBC Champions has been the catalyst for this incredible growth. Ten years ago it would have been inconceivable to imagine more than 40 of the world’s top 50 players taking part in an event in Asia but here we are preparing for just that and the most international field ever assembled in the region is heading to Shanghai. - Asian Tour 50

October 2013

charger for iPhone, iPad and other USBpowered devices. Now, there's no need to worry about running out of battery.

Highway Pro plugs into your car's cigarette lighter socket, revealing its diamond-tread aluminum head with subtle power light. Highway Pro comes with two USB ports that can charge two devices simultaneously.

The Just Mobile Highway Pro comes bundled with a 1.8m micro USB-to-USB cable. To locate a reseller near you, please email marketing@msi-ecs.com.ph.

SRP: Php1,895.00

MESOESTETIC LAUNCHES ULTIMATE W+ IN THE PHILIPPINES

It was a promising day as the Philippines’ top beauty and lifestyle editors, writers, and bloggers gathered to witness the unveiling of Mesoestetic’s latest offering at Felix Restaurant in Greenbelt 5. Eiskin, the distributor of Mesoestetic products here in the Philippines, treated the press to a mouthwatering Spanish-inspired banquet prepared by renowned chef Florabel Co Yatco.

Mesoestetic, the world leader in medical cosmetics, gave the media their first glimpse of ultimate W+ – the most comprehensive skin care solution specifically formulated for Asian skin. The ultimate W+ lineup of products consists of facial foam and toner, spot eraser, serum, 24-hr cream, and a BB cream with an SPF of 50.

Eiskin Laboratories CEO Rubby Sy was accompanied by Mikael Coyiuto, president of Eiskin. Coyiuto welcomed the guests and shared, “We have now entered a new era, one that does not limit the idea of a beautiful woman or man to someone who looks like Barbie or Ken.” He stressed that while ultimate W+ has been referred to as a whitening product, it is more than that. Coyiuto pointed out the unique advantages of ultimate W+ such as its rejuvenating, moisturizing, and sun protection features.

Coyiuto further states, “That’s what we are offering here, a one of a kind opportunity for everyone to take a step closer to his or her idea of beauty by getting clear, blemish-free and younger looking skin courtesy of the world’s leading cosmeceutical laboratory – Mesoestetic.”

Special guest, Dr. Lucia Fores who is a Fellow and a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society shared why Filipinas will be delighted about ultimate W+, “The wonderful thing about working with Mesoestetic is that they are an evidence based medicine company. Their laboratories always have scientific studies and they publish these studies.”

María José Almansa, General Manager and co-owner of Mesoestetic Pharma Group S.L, Carles Font, Mesoestetic’s Export Manager and member of Mesoestetic’s Business Development Group, and Dr. Enrique Lorente, one of Spain’s respected authorities in aesthetic medicine, and consultant to Mesoestetic, were present at the launch. ultimate W+ is available from the country’s leading dermatologists and dermatology clinics. For more information contact Eiskin Laboratories at info@ eiskin.com or like us on www.facebook. com/mesoestetic.ph.

CITYNET 1 – YOUR PREMIERE TECHNOLOGY HUB

Philippines is one of the best location considered by foreign countries for business process outsourcing (BPO) due to our economic growth, language proficiency and low operating cost. In line with this new lucrative business venture, Cityland, a trusted name in the real estate industry is proud to announce the launching of its new BPO hub --- CITYNET 1.

CityNet 1 is a 5-storey premiere business technology hub located along 183 EDSA, Brgy Wackwack , Mandaluyong City. It is accessible via MRT, buses along EDSA and Ortigas, jeepneys linking Greenhills and Ortigas Center. With its proximity to various retail commercial complex such as Robinsons Galleria, SM Megamall, Shangri-La Mall, Podium, hotels - Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Oak-

wood, Discovery Suites, EDSA ShangriLa, government offices and hospitals, CityNet 1 is an ideal choice for your office and commercial needs.

CityNet 1 ground floor is alloted for commercial spaces excellent for fast food restaurants, convenience stores, banks, shop, etc. The 2nd floor to 5th floor is solely for BPO purposes. For more details please call Cityland T-8122222 (Makati), 687-3333 (Ortigas), 5673333 (Vito Cruz), 242-1212 (Manila), text us at 0919-9991999 or visit us at www. cityland.net.

Cityland, the country's Leading Condominium Developer National Awardee, will continue to innovate demands for a good return-on-investment. At Cityland, we commit, we deliver.

SHISEIDO RELEASES PERFECT HYDRATING BB CREAM Shiseido Perfect Hydrating BB Cream SPF30 is a multifunctional BB cream with a makeup effect and skincare benefits, for bright, vibrant looking skin that is moisturized and protected against UV damage. It gives skin a bright, even tone and a healthy glow. It conceals pores and minimizes the appearance of skin unevenness. Oil-free cream has a light comfortable feel which moisturizes for a smoother touch and comes off easily with regular cleanser.

Formulated with Thiotaurine and Rose Apple Leaf Extract, it is proven to counteract oxidation.

Thiotaurine has a potent anti-oxidant effect that inhibits the peroxydization of sebum and the generation of active oxygen, which cause oxidative damage to skin. It also contains Rose Apple Leaf Extract, an ingredient in Shiseido suncare products that is proven to prevent DNA damage caused by UV rays*. Its anti-oxidative effects help prevent the generation of active oxygen and free radicals, which are known to cause cellular damage.

Shiseido Perfect Hydrating BB cream comes in two shades, light and medium.

COMPLETE FACIAL WITH STEM CELL INFUSION What are Stem Cells? Stem Cells are biological cells found in all multi-cellular organisms that have the ability to self-renew, multiply, or develop into other type of cells such as skin, hair, blood, heart, bones, muscles, etc. In this account, when used as an anti-aging component, stem cells can work wonders in skin rejuvenation and selfrepair, resulting to firmer, blemished-free and youthful looking skin.

“We can’t stop the aging process, that’s a fact. But what’s best about Stem Cell therapy is, besides a less invasive approach, it can help us age gracefully, without the signs of ageing,” says Dr. George Firmalino, Chief Cosmetic Surgeon Consultant for YJC.

Surgical: Rhinoplasty, Blepharoplasty, Breast Augmentation, Breast Reduction, Nipple Reduction, Lip reduction. Liposuction, Lipectomy, Facelift/ Browlift, Cleft Chin Augmentation, Dimple Construction, Chin Augmentation, Ear Reduction, Hymenoplasty, Vaginoplasty, Excess Underarm Sweating Removal, Body Odor Removal, Penile Enlargement and Lengthening, Sclerotherapy.

Book An Appointment Now! (02) 6544, 230 (+63) 906, 2358, 140 www.facebook.com/yjcbeautyatslimcenter www.yjcbeautyslim.com 51

19th Hole

12th iGAN Cup lends hand to kids

A

total of 126 golf enthusiasts joined the annual iGAN Cup golf tournament held last August 30, 2013 at Eastridge Golf and Country Club in Binangonan Rizal.

Organized by multi-awarded broadcast journalist Arnold ‘iGAN’ Clavio, President and co-founder of the iGAN ng Pilipinas Foundation, Inc., the event, dubbed as “Fore! A cause... Fore! the kids...” was hailed as one of the best tournament in years.

The tournament is funding the “Adopt-aChild with Diabetes” program of the CHILD Foundation of the Pediatric Division of the Philippine General Hospital. The foundation supports the financial needs of 10 juvenile diabetics. iGAN Foundation wishes to thank all the players who participated in this year’s event and the sponsors who made this year’s tournament another success. Sponsors included: (Platinum Sponsors) Pagcor, Metro Pacific Investment, Uno Feed (Robina Agrifarms), Reyes Hair Company International, 3D Home Appliances, Rotex Pharma, San Miguel Corporation. Gold Sponsors were Ardere Skin and Body Center, Coppertone, Pilipinas Shell, Smart/Pldt, SM Supermall, Stradcom, Ritemed, Cebu Pacific Air. Silver Sponsors were Ayala Land, FR Sevilla, GMA Network, Pag-ibig Fund, Hotel Sogo, Jhardine Distrubution (Sure Seal), Mega Fiber, Meralco, NGP, Taylor Made, Unilever, Asiawide (RC Cola), Jack Nicklaus.

Bronze Sponsors were Auto trend, Diamond Motor, MNTC, SM Investment, Uratex, Gibi Shoes, Cafe de lipa, Optimum Strat, Fruit Magic, Vitamax, Niceday Coffee, Breville and Suriya Spa. Hole Sponsors were Organo Gold, ADP Pharma, Landbank of the Phils., Manila Economic and Cultural Office, Papa Johns, Piñakamasarap, SSS, Boysen, Lepanto Consolidated, and The French Baker.

Hole-in one sponsors were Toyota Quezon Ave., Autohub Club Car, Foton, The Turf Company and Meister Watch.

Media Partners were Media Pool, Manila Standard, Business Mirror, Abante Tonite, Impact Magazine, DZBB Super Radyo, DWLS-FM, Real Sports and Ariel Javelosa (official photographer).

52

October 2013

53

19th Hole

8th Rizgolf Classic

A

fter offering eggs to our dear St. Claire for three days, our Heavenly Father gave us the 'GO' signal to push thru with our thanksgiving open golf tournament, the '8th Annual Rizgolf Classic!'

It wasn’t even 6am yet when the Tobi Group of Companies, Mega Fiber, Fontana Resorts, Nice Day Coffee and Champion Infinity representatives were all ready with their giveaways lined up for all the participants. The G&W Club-share and the VC girls welcomed the players at the registration table and before we could take our first sip of coffee, the line was already so that it took more than two hours to accommodate all 168 players. With all players in their respective hole assignments, we finally opened the fireworks for the 8:30 am shotgun start.

With our Good Lord providing good golfing weather, the Orchard management prepared the golf course well and their F&B offered the finest buffet spread in the well lit ballroom, the atmosphere was like that of a debutante's party! Don Bosco president Sevi Oliva and Impact Sales Joy Sta Teresa teamed up and prepared all the raffle prizes 'making sure' everybody gets something before another round of major raffle items.

While Riza Uy of Rizgolf arranged '34' Crystal Golf Ball trophies for the awards! Tobi peanuts and San Miguel provided the beer and legumes!

Our special guests Junno Kim, VC owner and James Jin, VC Manager who came all the way from Korea, shared equal fun in the golf course for the first time. We invited them to grace the event as we launched the 'VC, the first voice-guided GPS rangefinder' now in the Philippines. They have appointed Rizgolf, as the exclusively distributor here. They promised to introduce more interesting gadgets in the future.

The event wouldn't be successful without our co presenters Tobi Group of Companies, Don Bosco Golf Club, and the Baguio Country Club.

Our beloved media partners Impact Magazine, Real Sports, Business Mirror, 105.9 Radio High, Inquirer Golf, Business World and Ariel Javelosa Photography who covered the event.

54

October 2013

Marcelino Yu of Ambrose Ind. James Jin VC International Manager, Junno Kim VC CEO , Wilbert Uy VC Philippines Distributor

55