TPD-PH-01

Carl Jano Corpus gets doused with water at the 18th green of the Langer course after winning the National Stroke Play Championship organized by the National Golf Association of the Philippines held at the Riviera Golf Club in Silang, Cavite. (Inset) The champion with his proud parents Charlie and Claire and brothers.

Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club general manager Cyrus Angelo Castillo poses with the winners of the recent Junior Golf Tournament. CAGC Jungolf group, headed by Olive Zamuco, has a junior golf program in support of the country’s aim of producing more champions from the junior ranks.

TIM CONE: LOVIN’ THE GAME OF GOLF C

OACH , HOW did you get into the game of golf?

By accident actually. My really good friend, Fausto Preysler, I learned it here (Philippines) in my mid 30’s. We were in Calatagan, and he said “let’s play golf”. I told him I’ve never played golf before, but he insisted. He’s like a 5 handicapper. We also played with another friend of mine, Dondi Joseph who is also a first time golfer. So the three of us went out and played and we only rented one set. He would hit one way, then I’d hit the other way, so I was walking around hitting my 4 iron over and over again. But he was using all the clubs and the caddie was following him. I was all angry like “why isn’t the caddie following me?”. What was funny about it was that our friend Fausto, who is a 5 handicapper, was sitting on the green sitting with his hand under his chin waiting for us to get there. So that was my first experience playing golf. Then after that, it didn’t take long to get addicted”

What has been your best score so far?

“I hit 79 in Sta Elena. That was the first time I ever broke 80, and I remember playing three days later in Intramuros and I said “I know this game now, I got it down and under control” then I shot a 124 that day or something like that. The course was like a par 59? But golf is like that, if you start getting yabang it humbles you, you know? So within three days I went from 79 to 124, it was crazy. But normally a really good round for me is around the 80s.”

During a round of golf, when things aren’t working out, what’s a club you go to, to steady your game?

“Maybe my putter? Haha. Well I just try and warm up with my 7 iron. When I have that club in my hand I’m more comfortable to hit a better shot. Aside from that, all the clubs are really terrible. 7 is ok.”

Who are the players you like following among the pros?

Everybody always says Tiger Woods, are you also a Tiger Woods fan?

“Yes I’m a Tiger Woods fan too, I have to admit it. It’s hard not to be his fan. When

I grew up I was a big Arnold Palmer fan, I guess that shows my age. I hated Jack Nicklaus because he was pushing Arnold, and people were saying Jack was better than Arnold, and I reacted like “no way!”. Then when Tiger came in, everyone was saying he was better than Jack. So I was like “Yeaaaaah”. Tiger is the guy, but I also like Sergio Garcia a lot. I think you see a couple of guys playing well, and they catch your eye so you just keep following them. So I watched Sergio when he was young and I followed him through his career. Sure, he’s a bit of a tantrum guy, he likes the attention and he’s the guy where either you love him or hate him and I happen to be on the side of loving him. But Tiger and Sergio are the guys I really like watching.”

“Without a doubt. Like I said, I didn't pick it up til my late 30s, and again it just became so addictive once I’ve done it. I wish I had learned it when I was young, I was so locked in to Basketball and nothing was going to interrupt that. When I got older I started letting go of Basketball a little bit, started playing Tennis and I wanted something a little bit easier on my body. Turns out not so much, it still hurt my back. Golf was the one, you can’t beat being outdoors, feeling the wind and playing with friends. It’s almost like the perfect game, except you hate it at certain points in time. But mostly, overall, you love the game”

TEE IT UP

BY ANTHONY & KAEL SUNTAY

You’re obviously a strong advocate the game of basketball, would you do the same for the sport of golf?

It's almost like a perfect game, except you hate it at certain points in time. But mostly, overall, you love the game."

BACK WITH A BANG

By Adrian Flores

FOR TWO straight years, the Fil-Am Men’s Invitational became the buzz word in organized golf.

Co-organizers Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay staged it in 2021, during the time which the pandemic was still in alert mode, but on a lower scale in terms of participation of only 300. It worked perfectly fine and not one Covid-19 case was recorded. More important, it served as a test case if big tournaments could return the following year.

Last year, it hogged the limelight once more as the two-week golfest returned to usual numbers: 1,300 participants, eight Cocktail nights with raffle and two of the grandest awards ceremony capped by giving away two cars to boot. Indeed, the largest amateur event established in the Guinness Book of World Records is back to normalcy.

Fil-Am co-chairmen Anthony de Leon, general manager of BCC, and Jude Eustaquio, general manager of CJHGC, are happy to have the Fil-Am in its regular schedule. The numbers have been unbelievable, they said, and proof of that was a whopping 107 teams were on the wait list, which was more than enough to have another competition week.

Manila Southwoods, as expected, put up a helluva performance as they won the championship divisions by convincing fashion. Its first team of Carl Corpus,

Aidric Chan and Kristoffer Arevalo—national pool members—Jeff Jung and Gab Manotoc produced a huge winning margin of 68 points in the Fil champ while the second unit of Lanz Uy, Josh Jorge, Mac Lu, Leandro Bagtas and Shinichi Suzuki was even better with a 71.

This was the sixth time the Carmona-based squad swept both divisions and ninth straight time to bag the Fil championship trophy, a streak that began the year after Che’Lus ruled in 2013. In lieu of an official record list, these could prove useful information from hereon.

The last time, in recent memory, that Filipinos witnessed a winning streak was when the then amateur Jennifer Rosales was the queen of the Philippine Ladies Amateur Open. She won for five straight years from 1994 to 1998 that was quite a feat considering the abundance of great lady golfers during her reign.

Even before the first stroke was made, Manila Southwoods was the handsdown favorite to brush away the field due to the fact that it assembled whom one might consider elite gunners. They did not look formidable at first, though, struggling with their games. But once, everyone got going, there was no stopping them from steamrolling to their respective titles.

“They were jittery initially. That’s probably because of the long layoff from

team competition due to the Covid-19 virus. I understood the situation completely. We came in prepared as we always do. I just told them to settle down and play their usual games and eventually everything will be fine. And it did,” said Southwoods captain Thirdy Escaño.

When asked what’s the main reason for Southwoods’ success, Escaño replied: “We have a wonderful amateur and junior program in the club. And I thank chairman Bob Sobrepeña and the Southwoods Board for believing and trusting the system.”

Forest Hills rallied from four points down to edge SPES Team 1 for second place.

The Camp John Hay Golf Club Team 1 (Emilio Curran, Monet Garcia, Melchor Rabanes, Ranz Balay-Odao, George Punasen and Shean Bedi) stamped its class in Fil-A division after shooting 421 beating the 415 of Uragun Team 1 and 414 of Summit Point Team 1.

Time Cargo Logistics Team 2 ( Derek Ramsay, Joseph Tambunting, Theody Pascual, David Guangko, Rusty Bayani and Renie Floro) was the winner of Am-A with 409 followed by the 399 of Forest Hills Team 2 and 375 of X1R-Tipsy Pig-Miuzno.

Camp John

SOUTHWOODS SHAKES OFF JITTERY START, TRIUMPHS IN FIL-AM SENIORS

(REGULAR): Baguio Country Club Team 1 (Fil-B), Kumpadres (Fil-C), 3K Rock Engg (Fil-D), Isabela Leaders (Fil-E), Nueva Ecija Travelers (Fil-F), and Maharlika Roast Beef (Fil-G); Team Surigao Kairo (Am-B), Moto (Am-C), Uragun 2 (Am-D), Bibak NY/NJ/iGolfers Team 2 (AmE), Razcals Winaca (Am-F) and Vancouver Horizon (Am-G).

ONE week before the sweep of the youngsters, the Manila Southwoods and Luisita fought a close battle with the former retaining the seniors crown by beating the latter by 11 points.

Unlike in the regulars, Southwoods had to overcome a slow start. It even trailed after the first round when Luisita, all fired up and determined to win again, raced to a slim lead.

The last three rounds, however, saw the resurgence of the defending titlist as the Southwoods “rookies” took charge and guided the team to another victory.

“The rookies delivered when it mattered most,” said skipper Freddie Mendoza, referring to Nestor “Junjun” Plana and Manfred Guangko.

But Plana and Guangko are actually not rookies in the Fil-Am.

Plana was tasked to lead the seniors after serving the regular squad for many years as a leader and inspiration. Ditto with Guangko have had extensive Fil Am experience too.

“My first time to play with the seniors and it was fun,” Plana said.

Guangko was quite pleased with his performance

although he could have done better he says.

“I did everything to contribute,” added Guangko, who had an NDE (near death experience) at the par-3 No. 6 of Camp John Hay where he slipped to about 15 feet below the hole and was miraculously saved by a large branch that prevented him to slide down further.

Together with Theody Pascual, Atty. Judd Roy, Raul Miñoza, Southwoods carted away the premier Fil Championship title.

Alpha Phi Omega Golfers-Team Alpha, composed of Demy Saclot, Rey Talatala, Querubin Alcantara, Antonio Florida, Raul Lambino and Jack Punao, was the surprise winner of the Am Championship plum eventually averting a Southwoods sweep.

The roster in the Am Champ was filled with contenders. Srixon IMG of Bart Borja finished just five points behind to get runner up honors. Dugong Bughaw also put up a brave fight and seven down.

Former winners Southwoods Team-2 and Megafiber of Albert MG Garcia were also in the thick of the things. In fact, Megafiber took the opening day lead “We’ll go for it again in 2023,” stated Garcia, who missed the services of national seniors champion Rolly Viray due to conflict of schedule.

SENIORS: Camp John Hay Hotels (Fil-A), Camp John Hay Team 1 (Fil-B), Team City of Vallejo Team 1 (Fil-C) and Sarap Buhay Gang (Fil-D); and Baguio Blue Bloods (Am-A), MCGMimosa (Am-B), Baguio Country Club Team 2 (Am-C) and The Residences at Brent (Am-D).

INDIVIDUAL MEDALISTS

(REGULAR): Carl Corpus, Chris John Remata, Raymond Bunquin, George Punasen, Mars Mudon, Von Vernon Vargas, Chaharo Galeng, Roy Gayoba and Francis Calanio;

INDIVIDUAL MEDALISTS

(SENIORS) Junjun Plana, Herbert Donglasan, Yun Hur, Roberto Basco, Mar Bustos, Alexander Pumecha, Elly Coloma, Leonard Sab-It and Josef Lindermayer.

Ely Lagman,Freddie Mendoza, Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong, Jude Eustaquio and Anthony de Leon

Chad Borja

Tonton Gutierrez

Honor Mendoza

Alpha Phi Omega - Team Alpha

BCC general manager Anthony de Leon CJHGC general manger Jude Eustaquio

TEAM JANUARIUS may be a newcomer in the Fil-Am but it made an impact right away. It finished fourth in the Fil Championship division and seventh in Am-C division. The squad, headed by JHI President and CEO JJ Atencio, was composed of Paolo Cagalingan, Ray Sangil, RJ Rizada, Terence Macatangay, Kirby Lachica, Ivan Avena, Marco Olives, Blair Carabuena, Jet Manuel, Noel Estrella, Jens Knuttel and Jake Ong.

JANUARIUS JANUARIUS SPES SPES

TEAM SPES is a group what one may call a super squad. Composed of some of the best players in Luzon and Mindanao, the team was actually formed even sometime in 2018 and was ready to rumble for the 2020 Fil-Am. However, the participation was stalled as the pandemic struck. In December 2022, Fil-Am got back on its feet and went full speed that paved the way for participation in the 72md Fil-Am.

“This is a team based on friendship and camaraderie,” says SPES President Honor Mendoza. “Imagine Cebu and Bacolod players and us from Manila, who finally got their scheduled right and played in the Fil-Am for the first time. We planned this as early as 2018 and we are happy to realize our goal and produced a second runner finish in the Fil Championship.” Aside from Honor Mendoza, others in the roster were Justin Limjap, Marvin Mendoza, Bayani Garcia, Peter Tyler Po, Mark Dy, Nino Bascon, Matt Mendoza, Chiyo Raymundo, Bong de Silva, Martin Mendoza, Jay Pabalan, Blake Go and Anselmo Sinjian.

TEAM

TEAM

BONG PINEDA CUP

a Phenomenal Success

By Adrian Flores

H

OW DOES one gauge how his home club is? There are several factors to consider but a big part would focus on having a golf course in superb condition, amiable staff with sincere smiles and sound management with total satisfaction. But there is another point to ponder: unique events outside of the traditional box.

Imagine having more than 1,400 players squeezed in four days of fun and camaraderie setting. That’s totally mind-boggling if one puts in relation to the beautiful 27hole layout of the Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club but that was how many golfers who took part in the fourth edition of the Bong Pineda Cup.

The number, according to general manager Mike Singgaran, exceeded expectations way beyond what was planned. And who wouldn’t? It is probably the only tournament in the country that gives away impressive and expensive vehicles in the raffle.

The grand prize was the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 ZX that’s easily more than P5.3 million in the market; 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado estimated at around P4.5 million; a Toyota Vios and a Club Car golf cart. Aside from that, high end gadgets and laptops and top of the line appliances were raffled off as well.

To make sure of transparency during the awards ceremony, the club invited select VIPs and media personalities, who all witnessed the whole proceedings specifically the machines and the ping pong balls that were used that determined the winning number-combinations.

But more than prizes, Singgaran believes it is the love for “Tatay” Bong Pineda, to whom The Cup is dedicated to. “People are impressed by his humility, by his demeanor. He is approachable and always takes time to talk and be pleasant to everyone,” Singgaran proudly said.

STEHMEIER IS KING

King Stehmeier, a veteran of many premier club and team championships, won the overall crown after shooting a net 66.

John Michael Uy and reigning Valley Golf club champion Ruy Nodalo each scored 57 points in modified Stableford play but the former won via countback (6 birdies as against the latter’s five). Don Breganza checked in at third place just a point behind with 56.

The Class B was equally exciting as Rodel Matias, Ken Cabias and Aris Atienza were all tied with 37 points. Matias and Cabias both have equal nine and each made 8 bogeys so that winner was decided through toss coin. Matias was the luckier guy.

For Class C, the coin was once again used and Drew Uligan was declared the champ. Uligan, Ramil Dizon and Alfonso Loia came through with 28 points.

Rudy Amata, meanwhile, emerged as the winner in the seniors category with his 55 points. Steve McDonald signed for 53 points but his lone eagle gave him the runner up trophy over Rodel Mangulabnan who also had the same score.

Shiela Ward turned in 49 points and walked off with the ladies plum, beating Glenda Agudo by a point.

Tatay Bong Pineda blows the candle on his birthday cake

Tatay Bong Pineda (middle) with Pradera Verde General Manager Mike Singgaran and host Vince Hizon

Grand and Major Raffle Winners

Toyota LC ZX | CAMYLLE SALUNGA

Toyota LC Prado | DENNIS UY

Toyota Vios | LEE HWAN YUL

Club Car golf cart | CARLA MARIE LIM

Golfers Raffle

Iphone 14 Pro Max | RAPHAEL AGTAY

Iphone 14 Pro Max | JESUS MENDOZA

Ipad Air | PAUL SUNGA

Beko Dishwasher | JEAN ALIA ROBLES

JBL Harman Extreme 3 | ERIC EUDA

Sharp Air Purifier | JOHN PAUL CASEM

Hanabishi Ice Maker | DONATO SANTIAGO

Blakk Deep Fryer | BRIAN VILLARIN

Srixon Iron Set | TEDMUND LIM

Ipad Pro | ROMMEL SYTIN

King Tour MIM STL | JOHN LUMAYAG

LG TV 75” | RG ROCO

Samsung Refrigerator | RIONEL SIERA

Galaxy Z Flip | TRESE WENCESLAO

Cleveland Mens Launcher Iron Set | ADEL AMAR

Sony TV 65” | DENNIS GAN

LG TV 55” | JOSE RESUBAL

Apple Watch Series 8 | JOJO ALVAREZ

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 | JOEL ANGDAY

JBL Party Box | ROLAN GUNDRAN

LG Smart TV 43” | VICENTE MARQUEZ

winners gallery

A blockbuster return for BRAFE Golf

TEACHERS OPEN the door, but you must enter by yourself,” – Chinese Proverb.

Everyone has the right to education. That is a fact and precisely what Article 26 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights states. It is the key to a bright future because it opens up tons of opportunities for personal development. Sadly, despite the presence of a good study program, millions around the world who are eager to learn remain out of school simply because they cannot afford it.

To address this problem, a dedicated group composed of Founder Albert MG Garcia, Chairman Roy Peña, Past President Ben Jacinto plus Bong Africa, George Elazegui, Ting Yupangco and Randy Nonato opened their hearts and created the BRAFE Golf, an annual tournament in honor of Brother Rafael S. Donato, whose advocacy geared towards equal opportunities for quality education.

In fact, Brother Donato, or Bro. Brafe to the La Salle community, founded in 1956 a non-stock, non-profit organization that aims to provide underprivileged students, who are eager to learn but has no capacity to avail it, to be fully covered La Sallian education at De La Salle Lipa called the Foundation for Sharing La Sallian Education Inc. (FSLE), which is actually the sole beneficiary of BRAFE Golf.

The BRAFE Golf was launched in 2006 during Bro. Brafe’s 50th anniversary as a De La Salle Brother. It was a grand celebration as the participants spent half a day on the golf course playing their favorite sport then have had an enjoyable evening over dinner with sumptuous dish-

By Adrian Flores

es and dance. The birth of the first fundraising golf tournament paved the way for bigger celebration in the years to come.

After 15 stagings, the BRAFE Golf has generated a total of P9.3-million from proceeds earned in each tournament that translates to 29 scholars with four-year college degrees. In the 15th edition, which happened at the Forest Hills Golf and Country Club in Antipolo last October 3, 2022, fulfilled its mission and passion for helping others obtain proper education by handing a P750,000 check to FSLE.

“BRAFE Golf is happy to have continued our advocacy after being sidelined by the pandemic. I would like to thank everyone who supported the 15th edition,” said Garcia, who owns Megafiber, a Psyllium Fiber supplement.

The 15th BRAFE Golf began with an early registration that allowed players to have breakfast and the chance to mingle with their fellow golfers. At the end of the day, a wonderful awards ceremony followed as trophies were given to the winners and prizes to the lucky draw.

La Sallian Raymond Bunquin delivered clutch birdies in the last nine holes, shooting a gross 73 and was the overall champion. Lex Macaranas shot a 75 to win the Class A title, narrowly beating Splendido Taal Golf Club general manager Bobby Chico and Joemar Española, who both had 77.

The other winners were Lee Tajonera 87 (Class B), Uly Rosal 98 (Class C), Dondie Valdez 99 (Class D), Toti Umali 76 (seniors), Dave David 85 (super seniors) and Gina Flores 87 (ladies).

George Elazegui

Bobby Chico

Ray Bunquin, Henry Arabelo and Rex Goquingco

Ting Yupangco

Randy Santiago

By Himaya Perez

THE PERFECT DRIVE TO HAPPINESS

DRIVING ACROSS the panoramic countryside is among the simple but immeasurable simple joys road trip lovers can get. Quirino, the frontier province of the Cagayan Valley Region, is literally a road less traveled which will dazzle even the most jaded motorist.

Tucked within the Sierra Madre mountain ranges, it can be reached via Isabela or the more scenic Pacific seaboard road in Aurora. When it recently reopened for tourism, it has positioned itself as a “basket of happiness” with its diverse attractions which will surely bring pleasant experiences and memories.

Ganano Falls the most Instagrammable waterfalls located in Diffun boasts of a voluminous 100-foot drop and passes through the three minor cascades of Sabangaran, Nantugao and Sinipit, which have wide and deep cool basins. The trek commences at Baguio Village where visitors pass through Bagnes

Nature Park for a taste of authentic Kankanaey tribal specialties after the tour.

The Provincial Capitol Complex in Cabarroguis is a sprawling 110-hectare property which has plenty of spaces for environment-friendly development. Walk into the Provincial Museum and Library, or fill your basket with souvenirs and native snacks at the adjacent One Town, One Product (OTOP) Center.

Swing by the main dome-shaped Capitol Building where sunlight pierces through the monument of President Elpidio Quirino. At the upper portion is the Quirino Watersports Complex, a full-course world-class wakepark, and comes with cozy accommodations and a pavilion overlooking the infinity pool and the lagoon.

You can also bask in the greeneries of the Orchidarium, Tree for Legacy Park, Bamboo EcoPark, plant nurseries, and the tree-lined lake for a boating nirvana.

Spelunking is a must-do at the 101-hectare Aglipay Caves and Campsite, which has hollow and fragile draws, amazing drapers and stunning stalactites attesting to the rich biodiversity of the watershed and forrestal land. Eight chambers have been mapped, and are ideal even for newbies. For a complete adventure, cavers can pitch tent and sleep under the stars at the campsite.

Sink your teeth on organic food items, most notably dragon fruit home-made ice cream and dairy products at Quirino Experiment Station at a roadside farm in Aglipay which punctuated by an huge cow monument.

Governor’s Rapids in Maddela is the province’s poster image because of its amazing rockscape and whitewater for an adrenaline pumping two-hour canoe river cruise. Its natural features are majestic jagged limestone formations, and a 30-foot rock platform for diving, and a natural pool which serves as a pit stop in the river tour.

An alternative or supplementary recreation is whitewater tubing and kayaking which are as exciting as the boat ride along the Cagayan River tributary.

Located at the far end of Quirino, you can cruise along the tranquil Siitan River in Nagtipunan and marvel at the geological wonders along the way, most prominently the picturesque rock formation called “Bimmapor” because of its resemblance to a ship’s steel hull.

The Siitan River Park is a superb venue for live band performances, special events, motor camping and off-the-grid adventures.

Another must-see is Landingan Viewpoint, the town’s highest point which has a commanding view of the river, Sierra Madre mountain ranges, and neighboring Aurora province.

Outside the proverbial basket, you can still enjoy happy moments in other exciting spots such as the Diamond Cave in Nagtipunan which is filled with glittering stones, and Saguday’s fossilized flowers, which are unique home and office furnishings. You can also chase the seven waterfalls around Maddela which will test your agility. While touring, stop by the wayside and take time to sample the local food, native wines and concoctions.

Hotels, located mostly in Cabarroguis and Maddela, are quite basic, but Quirino’s natural wonders are more than enough to compensate for this shortcoming and make your trip the perfect drive to happiness.

Governor’s Rapids in Maddela

AIR ASIA PHILIPPINES LAUNCHES JAPAN ROUTE

35TH MANGO TEE AWARDS

AIRASIA, the world’s best low-cost airline, successfully launched its Japan route (Tokyo via Narita) last February 1, 2023 in time for various festivities this love month.

The maiden flight took off from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 at 4:15 am and arrived at the Narita International Airport at 9:45 am. The daily Tokyo via Narita flight, which is the second top-selling international destination for January 2023, is expected to revitalize Japan as among AirAsia’s top destinations in East Asia.

“Our maiden flight to Tokyo is just one of the many regional destinations we plan to open this first quarter of the year as we aim to fully restore our international capacity in coming months. Our commitment has always been about empowering Filipinos by providing them with best value deals to fulfill their travel goals,” said AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Ricky Isla said.

As a welcome treat, the World’s Best LowCost Airline is offering a PhP22 one-way base fare to Tokyo as part of the 2.2 Red Hot Sale. Other international destinations on sale include Osaka, Taipei, Hong Kong, Bali, Kaohsiung, and Caticlan, Tagbilaran, Bacolod, Cagayan, and Iloilo for domestic routes. The 2.2 Red Hot Sale is available for booking until 5 February for a travel period extending from now until 11 October 2023. aggage option can be purchased on all AirAsia channels - website, Super App, and via accredited travel agents.

Srixon Pro Shop Philippines

Opened its newest branch at the South Pacific Golf & Leisure Estates. The store carries major brands such as Srixon, Puma and Cobra, among others. South Pacific, a residential subdivision with an 18-hole golf course, is located along Ulas Catalunan Pequeno, Davao City.

Ryan Mendoza and Paulo Legaspi, overall champions

Paolo Cagalingan, Raymond Co, Arnel Paras, Golf Director Benjie Sumulong and TPDPH publisher Adrian Flores

Finina Tabuena and King Stehmeier

Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Class D runners up Gen. Abe Rojas and Sarah Medina and Tonito Payumo

Rodel Mangulabnan, Marvin Caparros, Finina Tabuena, Den de Castro, Sarah Medina and Christine Popp

Dr Ted Arcenas and Dr. Ches Heredia

Bobby Inigo, winner of Nissan Kicks