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).

By Himaya Perez