Jason Day's photo with his autograph signed on his 24th birthday Nov 12, 2011

It would have been a great birthday present for him had he won on the final day, Sunday. But being tied for fourth place was great for the youngest Fil-Aussie professional golfer, who is currently ranked world’s number 7.

For four days I was there watching Jason and the rest of the big names practicing putting, pitching and driving using short irons to the driver, and during the actual competition. It was really an opportunity to see those international golfing legends assembled there, nine out of 20 of the world’s top best golfers. This will never happen again.

During the first and second rounds, Jason was paired with his idol, Tiger Woods, along with Robert Allenby. He seemed less intimated and very comfortable, had few mistakes, scored a minus-7, and was two strokes behind Woods who led at minus-9.

I tried to get Jason’s autograph before playing on the first day but the caddy-minder said he signed only after the game. But he finished 5:30pm on that day and I was already gone.

On the second round, Jason started early and finished 12:30 noon, and that was the time we had the chance to join the line for his signature. Unfortunately, we were snubbed and he did not sign at all.

It was only after playing good on the third round, finishing at minus-4 that he signed autographs, perhaps because it was his 24th birthday. As he signed his autograph for me, I greeted him: “Happy birthday, Jason, and good luck tomorrow.”

I noticed I was the only one carrying his photo. All the other fans were using caps, balls, club heads and souvenir programs for autographs.

Pogi Golf club members headed by Chris Caraballo (3rd from left - back)

Some of my golfing friends and associates were there mainly to support Jason and to see Tiger. From the Fil-Oz Golf Club we had Carlos Perez, Nick Coronel, Philip Ranoso, Tony Salalila, Tony Vivero and Bernie Balagtas. The Pogi group headed by Chris Caraballo was also there to support Jason.

Personally, the event that happened on the final day was due mainly to “experience” as it was extremely in a very gutsy condition. Jason rallied late on the opening nine to join Chalmers, one of a dynamic series of leaderboard changes and collapses featuring some of the biggest names in golf.

Jason Day's mother, Dening with me

Jason and Greg Chalmers stood firm amid all the drama. They were the only golfers who did not lose five strokes. However, Jason was one of the two top guns who had final score of 2-over-par during the day. This he will charge to experience and perhaps learn not to become too influenced by his frustrations.

By chance, I was able to meet Jason’s mother, Dening, his two sisters and two nephews. Dening was a down-to-earth woman, petite, and would not stand out in the crowd but for a Louis Vuitton bag on her shoulder, which is not common for fans on a golf course.

I asked her if Jason had ever been to the Philippines and she answered: “Hindi, kasi walang pera, eh”.

Then I asked her to pose for a photograph with me.

The Wikipedia recounts Jason Days early life and golfing career as follows:

Jason’s Early Life

Jason was born on November 12, 1987 in Beaudesert, Queensland, to an Australian father Alvin, and Filipino mother Dening from Leyte. He started hitting golf balls when he was six years old at the Beaudesert Golf Club. He was allowed to play only six holes every day. At the age of eight, his family moved to Rockhampton, and during this period Jason started to win events in the surrounding districts.

When Jason was 11, his father was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Four months later, Alvin passed away, leaving Jason with his mother and two other children, Yanna and Kim.

Jason took this tragedy very hard, and it showed when his commitment for the sport began to die. As a single mother, Dening sent Jason to Kooralbyn International School, a 30-minute drive south of Beaudesert, where the school had a golf course.

Later he went to Hills International College where it had a golf academy. This move was at the behest of his coach, Col Swatton, who had moved there when Kooralbyn school closed down.

Jason borrowed a book about Tiger Woods from his roommate and was inspired by it to improve his golf by practicing in the early morning, at lunch time, and in the evening.

Jason’s first big win was at the age of 13 at the 2000 Australian Masters Junior event on the Gold Coast.

Jason’s Golfing Career

As an amateur, Jason was twice awarded the Australian Junior Order of Merit. He finished seventh and was leading amateur at the Queensland open. His amateur success extended to the United States where he won the Boys 15-17 division at the 2004 Callaway World Junior Championship and was runner-up in the 2005 Porter cup.

He turned professional in July 2006 after winning the Green Jacket at the NEC Master of the Amateurs and immediately began playing PGA Tour events. He made the cut in five of his first six PGA Tour events as a pro with a best finish of 11th at the Reno-Tahoe Open with official winnings of over $160,000. He entered PGA Tour qualifying or Q-School but was fifteen shots higher than the score needed to qualify.

He was given conditional status on the Nationwide Tour for 2007. He won his first Nationwide Tour event in July 2007 at the Legend Financial Group Classic, becoming the youngest man to win on any of the PGA Tour’s three tours. The win jumped him to eighth on the Nationwide Tour’s money list. He ended up finishing 5th on the money list to earn his PGA Tour card for 2008. A second place finish at the Puerto Rico Open helped his retain his card for 2010, and he finished 69th in the money list.

In May 2010, he became the youngest Australian to win a PGA Tour event, winning the HP Byron Nelson Championship. He gained entry into his first ever major championship at the 2010 Open Championship after Greg Norman withdrew. In August of the same year, he made his first appearance at the PGA Championship where a 66 on Saturday helped him to finish seven under par for the tournament and earn his first top-10 in a major. This was followed by series of top-five finishes at two FedEx Cup playoffs. He ended the 2010 season ranked 21st on the PGA Tour money list.

At the 2011 Masters Tournament, he tied for second with Adam Scott at -12 setting the Masters record for the lowest score by a first time participant. In June 2011, he participated at Congressional for the 2011 US Open, his maiden appearance in the US Open and finishing alone in the second. He shot the equal lowest round of the week on Saturday of 65 to jump up the leaderboard. As a result of his major performances, he moved into the Official World Golf Ranking top 10 for the first time in his career. In July 2011, He rose to world number seven, his highest world ranking position to date.

Jason Day will play at the 2011 Presidents Cup in Melbourne this weekend representing the International team, which includes five Australians, after having earned first in the points standing.

Knights Cup Golf champion, Obet Bolina (2nd from right) after receiving his trophies and cash prize from Sir Philip Ranoso (far left) Knight Commander, Sir Ralph Posadas, (2nd from left) Pursuivant and golf tournament chairman, whilst Sir Ric de Vera (far right) Regional Commander for ANZO looks on.

Obet Bolina of Oakhurst took the overall championship title of the 13th Knights Cup golf day held at Fairfield Golf Course on Sunday, July 31, coordinated by the Order of the Knights of Rizal, Sydney Chapter.

Obet scored stunning 49 stableford points using his Fil-Oz handicap of 23 and ran away with $300 plus monumental trophy and the right to engrave his name in the perpetual trophy. “It was just one of those unpredictable days that everything went the right way” said the very happy Obet.

Division winners were Karl Fifita (A Div) for his 45 points, Mannix Gonzales (B Div) for his 48 points and Gert Ebing (C Div) for his 43 points.

Knights Cup Golf Division champions (L-R holding trophies) Gert Ebbing (C Div), Mannix Gonzales (B Div) and Karl Fifita (A Div) after receiving their trophies and cash prizes from Sir Philip Ranoso (far left) Knight Commander. Looking on are Sir Max Encomienda, Sir Boy delos Santos and Sir Ralph Posadas (3rd, 2nd and far right) Committee members.

All division winners received $100 each in cash and trophy. Division runners-up were Carlos Perez for “A” Div (44 points), Chris Sitchon for “B” Div (46 points) and Alex Cruz for “C” Div (42 points). All runners up received $75 each for their 2nd best rank in their respective divisions.

Best lady golfer with score of 40 points using her 13 AGU handicap was Prescila Keogh of Avondale Golf Club. She received $75 and a trophy as her prize. Runner up was Laura Marquinez who scored 37 points using her 36 handicap from Pogi golf.

Feature winners were also given cash prizes of $25 each. These were the nearest the pins on hole no. 1 (Rey Saballa), hole no. 9 (Mark Webb) and hole no. 12 (Mannix Gonzales). Drive & pitch on hole no. 13 was taken by Chris Sitchon and longest drive on hole no. 11 was won by James Fatu.

For the first time, a record number of 62 golfers participated and battled for the cash prizes while enjoying the perfect weather.

Participants were given bottled water and sandwiches at midway courtesy of Francis delos Santos. After the tournament, a sumptuous BBQ lunch of angus beef with various gourmet sausages, buttered rolls, vegetable salads, desserts and soft drinks was served.

During the awards presentation, the golfers were warmly welcomed and sponsors were thanked by Chapter Commander Sir Philip Ranoso.

Kalayaan cup 2011 champion, Sam Akbar (centre) receiving his monumental trophy from Philippine Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis while Fil-Oz Social Golf Club president, Ric de Vera is waiting to hand over the Perpetual trophy and the return airfare to Manila courtesy of PAL

Mohammed “Sam” Akbar from Windsor Downs narrowly won last June 13 the 16th PAL Kalayaan Cup golf tournament held for the first time at the prestigious Macquarie Links International Golf Club.

Sam used his AGU handicap with Richmond GC of 16 and scored 42 points. He was excited to win and opted to take the PAL return airfare to Manila as his prize.

“It was a surprise for me as there were so many good scores during the day,” said the ecstatic Sam. “The greens were slower due to rain and it suited by putting.”

Other winners were Prescy Keogh (Div A) with her score of 39 points, Oscar Clemente (Div B) also scoring 39 points, Jimmy Gonzales (Div C) with 41 points, and Fr Severino Bustamante with 38 points.

Prescy Keogh is a lady golfer but opted to play under Div A using her 12 AGU handicap. The winners received trophies, golf balls and $100 cash each.

For the first time also in the history of this tournament, a back-to-back lady winner from Thai Golf association beat the rest of the eight ladies (except Prescy Keogh) who took part in the tournament.

Thai lady Khanita Yupongchay scored 32 points using her 24 handicap from her social club. She received the trophy donated by Dr Anton Andres, cash and golf balls.

Division runners up and their scores were Annamalai Gounden (Div A) with his score of 38 points, Carlos Perez of Fil-Oz (Div B) scored 39 points, Dan Sirisophon of Thai Golf (Div C) scored 40 points, and Jimmy Morales (Div D) with 37 points. Trophies, golf balls and $50 each were also awarded to the runner up winners.

Divisions A, B, C and D winners holding their trophies and prizes: Prescila Keogh, Oscar Clemente, Jimmy Gonzales, and Fr Severino Bustamante, with Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis and Fil-Oz Social Golf Club president Ric de Vera. Photo: Rey Manoto

Nearest the pin winners were Vince Galluzzo and Albert Nasralla on hole number 5, Sutti Sutontanyakorn on hole number 8, Carlos Perez and Prescy Keogh on hole number 11, and James Fatu on hole number 15. They each received either cash prize of $30 or golf voucher.

Meanwhile, in the putting competition, no one holed. Philip Ranoso and Fr Sevring Bustamante however putted equal closest of one foot. They shared in the consolation prize of $50.

For the first time also, there were 140 golfers who played and braved the continuous shower and cold breeze. The inclement weather did not dampen everyone’s enthusiasm and most of the winners scores were under par.

“There is no doubt that this is now considered the biggest and well attended golf tournament in the Filipino-Australian golfing community in New South Wales,” said Fil-Oz Social Golf Club president Ric de Vera, adding that he had to turn down some last minute bookings.

During the awards presentation and dinner, Mr De Vera welcomed the presence of the new Consul General Hon Anne Jalando-on Louis and her husband, Gerard. He also thanked the sponsors (Philippine Airlines, LBC Express, AICL Education, R.O. Biala, AyalaLand and I-Remit), the golfers for their continued support of the Kalayaan Cup, and the Macquarie Links Int’l Golf Club for the efficient handling of the logistics and for agreeing to serve buffet Filipino food.

Consul General Louis in her message congratulated Fil-Oz Social Golf Club for the successful holding of the event and articulated this year’s Philippine National Day theme of “Kalayaan – Paninindigan ng Bayan” and congratulated the winners. She also mentioned that the game of golf entails a lot of camaraderie, fellowship and sportsmanship, aside from being considered a gentleman’s game.

Entertainment numbers were supplied by the Carinosa dancers, composed of Elsa Collado, Serna Ladia, Millie Banan and Espie Pogson. Dads Morales, also a golfer, provided the emcee-ing.

Fil-Oz Social Golf Club is an active affiliate of the Philippine Community Council of NSW and member of SICGOC, whose aim is to develop its members into a more proactive golfer by organizing regular golf tournaments in Sydney and in the Philippines. // Reporting by Fil-Oz Golf Club; photos by Rey Manoto.

The event, named after UP’s popular icon, was participated in by fifty-five players who showcased their skills at the Fairfield Golf Course in Prairiewood, despite the rain.

Leading the pack were Ernie Mercado (overall champion), Louie Cuello (Grade A winner) and Rudy Neri (Grade B winner) with runners-up Prescila Keogh and Bert Bugayong (Grade A), and Gerry Mejia (Grade B). They each received a trophy and cash prize. Keogh and Neri were also among the “nearest to the pin” winners along with Aldrin Urfano and Lito Bantug.

This annual Easter Monday tournament, co-chaired by Engr. Ferdi and Dr. Cora Francisco, is the major fundraiser for the association’s Scholarship Grant which was established to assist poor but deserving students.

New scholars Mea Joy Avergonzado (B.S. Computer Science) from UP Davao, and Bernice Angeline Cortes (B.A. Social Science, major in Social Anthropology) from UP Baguio get the helping hand starting this year.

The Grant is approximately $2,000 to $3,000 per student, and covers school bills, monthly stipend as well as book and transportation allowances until graduation, provided the students satisfy the conditions in accordance with UP’s Scholarship rules.

Holding trophy is Nestor Jongko, president of the winning team [click image to enlarge]

“The primary mission of Perth WA Team is to enjoy and win the Interstate tournament this year. With proper coordination and motivation to enjoy and win, we eventually brought home the bacon,” said the ecstatic Nestor Jongko, WA team President.

This ended the winning streak of Australasian Golf club of Melbourne, who has been winning this tournament for the past four years, but now settled for second runner up with an less impressive 851 points.

“The ball is round and we wanted to give chance to other states,” conceded Buddy Espineda, President of the host club, Australasian Golf Club of Melbourne.

First runner up was Fil-Oz Sydney team having accumulated 872 final points or short by 27 points. There was so much excitement as the lead went down to as low as 6 points on the third day.

Holding trophy is Arnold Villamayor, team captain of Fil-Oz Sydney [click image to enlarge]

Fil-Oz team captain Arnold Villamor said “We tried very hard but could not really score well on the last day. Perhaps we are already tired”.

There were 64 golfers coming from Victoria (30), NSW (21), Western Australia (9) and ACT (4) who participated. Apologies were received from Queensland, South Australia and NT. One tourist bus and one coaster were used to transport the participants coming from Executive Plaza Hotel (Mabini St) by 7:00am and onto the golf courses for the scheduled 9:30am tee-off.

Individual daily and over-all winners were awarded trophies as follows:

Day One – Eagle Ridge (Aoki) Golf Club

Winners: Matt Nichols (40 pts) for A Div and Obet Bolina (40 pts) for B Div.

Runners up: Dom Ortiz (40 pts) for A Div and Victor Chang (40 pts) for B Div.

Day Two – Royal Northwoods Golf Club

Winners: Boy Espineda (38) for A and Jerry Valmeo (40) for B

Runners up: Leon Briones (37) for A and Nep Palomo (40) for B

Day Three – Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club

Winners Peter Chua (38) for A and Chris Segui (36) for B

Runners up: Mico Nepo (35) for A and Raul Luna (36) for B

Day Four – Ayala Greenfields Golf Club

Winners: Ray Ngai (44) for A and Boy Solas (44) for B

Runners up: Boy Abacan (35) for A and Rey Sapitola (32) for B

Matt Nichols (left) and Chris Segui [click image to enlarge]

Individual Champions

Over-all Champion – Chris Segui of WA (148 points for four days)

Over-all Runner up – Matt Nichols of ACT (143 points for four days)

Daily nearest the pins on four par three’s were recorded and awarded P500 each courtesy of Tavelaccess, the official travel agent of the group.

The Interstate Friendship Cup is now considered the biggest single golfing event by foreigners in the Philippines. Filcom Sports Club of ACT headed by Ariel Pattugalan will host the 18th series to be staged in Manila in February/March 2012. // Reports and photos by Ric de Vera, overall event coordinator – Interstate Friendship Golf Cup

Overall and Division champions after receiving their cash prize and trophy from Jim Yang (far left), AICL CEO, are (L to R) Ferdi Francisco (overall), Darren Robel (Div A), Tony Salalila (Div B) and Rey Montano (Div C). At far right is Aris Ortanez, AICL Marketing Director - Photo: Fil-Oz Social Golf Club

With superb performance, Ferdi Francisco easily won the 7th AICL Education Cup held last October 10 at Richmond Golf Club over 59 other golfers.

“It was just one of those days when all engines work well”, said the very ecstatic but confident Francisco who is Secretary of Jokers Social golf club.

Francisco received $200 plus a monumental trophy as his prize.

Division champions who received $150 each plus trophy were Darren Robel of ParE Golf Club for Division A, Tony Salalila for Division B and Rey Montano for Division C, both from Fil-Oz Social Golf Club.

Division runners up were Jeremy Licuanan from Hampaslupa for Division A, Tony Vivero from Fil-Oz Social Golf club for Division B and Rody Neri from Jokers for Division C. They received $100 each plus trophy for their second best scores under their respective divisions.

Hole winners who received $20 each plus trophy were Richard Dadat (longest drive), Jun Santos (nearest the pin), Aris Ortanez (drive & pitch), Romy Tablizo (drive & pitch), Ross Sandoval (longest drive), Cris Abalos (Drive & pitch), Hector Velasco (nearest the pin), Jeremy Licuanan (drive & pitch), Gerry Estalila (nearest the pin), Gert Ebing (nearest the pin), Frances Bondad (drive & pitch), Raul Luna (drive & pitch), Eric Natividad (nearest the pin), Jim Yang (longest drive), Darren Robel (drive & pitch) and Obet Bolina (drive & pitch). // Based on reporting by Ric de Vera, Fil-Oz Social Golf Club president.

Overall champion Clinton Meacham (2nd from left) receiving his perpetual trophy from Ric de Vera, the annual monumental trophy from LBC Country Manager Delfin Posada, and airfare ticket and cash from Col Roger Salvador (far right), representing the Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ernesto de Leon.

Clinton used his adjusted social handicap from Marsden Park of 19 to score unbeatable 38 points.

Being the overall champion, he ran away with economy class return airfare compliments of Philippine Airlines, $300 cash, annual monumental trophy and the right to engrave his name in the perpetual trophy. He was the only one, aside from the lady champion, who scored under par during the day.

Division champions were Theerayoth Supoltavanith (Thai) for Div A with his score of 36 points using 14 handicap, Carlos Perez from Fil-Oz for Div B using 18 handicap and net score of 36 points and Peter Anderson also from Fil-Oz for Div C using his AGU handicap with Twin Creek of 27 and net score of 33 points. These winners received annual trophies, $100 cash and sleeve of golf balls for their exceptional efforts.

Runners up in each division were Buddy Zabat of Fairgolf for Div A (35 points), Nuthapat Yupongchay from Thai Golf for Div B (35 points, CB) and Mark Webb of ParE Golf for Div C with 32 points, count back. They received trophies, $50 cash each and sleeve of golf balls as their prizes.

Lady golfers in tournament

For the first time this year, there were seven ladies who played courtesy of Kate Andres and Vangie Leones, who worked hard to encourage Filipino women to join by coming up with valuable prizes.

Ladies Division champion Kanita Yupongchay (2nd from right) receiving her trophy from Dr Anton Andres (Donor of Ladies division trophies), whilst Atty Kate Andres is waiting to hand over the Big Berta set of Irons she donated. Looking on at left is Fil-Oz President, Ric de Vera

Khanita Yupongchay grabs the overall champion trophy and a set of Callaway irons, using her handicap of 24 from Thai golf and a fantastic score of 38 points.

This was followed by Sonia Flores as first runner up with her score of 30 points using her handicap with North Ryde of 30. Sonia received a trophy, Callaway Big Berta No 5 wood and sleeve of golf balls for her great effort.

The second runner up went to Raquel San Juan with her score of 28 points using her social handicap of 28. Raquel received Callaway Big Berta No 3 wood and sleeve of golf balls as her prize. All trophies for the ladies were donated by Dr. Anton Andres.

Novelty hole winners were Daki Falcon (hole #1, 5, 6 & 9), Kit Stabarbara (2 & 11), Jun Almario (3), K. Kularb (4), Bobby Reyes (7, 17 & 18), C. Thanasesvila (8), Mr. Axe (10 & 14), N. Yupongchay (12), Chris Sitchon (13), Arnold Villamayor (15) and James Fatu (16). All these golfers received $30 each for their great efforts in winning either nearest the pins, best drive & pitch and longest drives.

Today’s biggest Filipino Australian golf event

There were 110 golfers who joined the tournament, now considered the biggest golf event in the Filipino Australian golfing community.

Social golf clubs represented were Thai Social Golf Clubs who sent eighteen (18) of its members, NAGA (Tongan) Golf club, Marsden Park Golfers Association, Fairgolf, Divotees, ParX, Cabramatta Thai Group and Sicgoc member clubs.

For the first time, the Malaysian National Day organizing committee sent three of its members, including the chairman and Malaysian Trade Commissioner for Australia and Oceania.

*** Ric de Vera is president of Fil-Oz Social Golf club, an entrepreneur and an active participant in Filipino Australian community affairs.

Sixty-three players showcased their skills at the Fairfield Golf Course in Prairiewood, with Zaldy Capulong emerging as overall champion, Rene Uy (Grade A winner) and Joe Cura (Grade B winner) in tight competition.

Also hitting top marks were runners-up James Fatu (Grade A) and Willy Limjap (Grade B), “nearest to the pin” winners Roger de los Reyes, Bert Garcia and Bobby Lim as well as “drive and pitch” winner Bert Bugayong.

This annual Easter Monday event, held last 5 April and named after UP’s well-known icon, is chaired by Engr. Ferdi and Dr. Cora Francisco.

The tournament is just one of the events marking the association’s 30th anniversary.

The celebration continues with a seminar entitled “Beauty and the Beast”: Philippine Wildlife Conservation” to be presented by Dr. Corazon Catibog-Sinha on the 29th of May, 2:00PM at the Max Webber Library Function Centre in Blacktown.

Team members of Australasian Golf club of Melbourne beaming with pride for their 16th Interstate Friendship Golf cup win. Holding the trophy (centre) is the Team Captain, Poly Magpantay. In the middle of the group wearing black t-shirt is Dennis Bernal of DMCI Homes.

The domination by the Australasian Golf Club of Melbourne continues when it easily bagged the 16th series of the Interstate Friendship Golf cup held this month in the Philippines.

At the conclusion of the tournament which ran for four days from last 2-5 March, Ross Sandoval of New South Wales received the individual overall championship trophy. Fil-Com Sports Club of ACT also agreed to play host to next year’s tournament.

The recent win by the Melbourneans is their 4th consecutive win. They also fielded the most number of participants in the tournament, now considered the longest running and most attended golf tournament by interstate Filipino-Australians and their friends.

This year’s tournament saw participating golfers from the original state members, namely, Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory. Northern Territory who sent the most numbers of participants last year and was the host state opted to pass this year along with Western Australia.

Overall champions and winners

Individual overall champion was Ross Sandoval of New South Wales with his four days score of 139 points. He received a monumental trophy and P5000 for his exceptional play.

Individual overall champion, Ross Sandoval (centre) after receiving his trophy from Dennis Bernal (left) DMCI Homes International Manager and cash prize from Ric de Vera (right), Fil-oz President and coordinator of the 16th Interstate Friendship golf cup

Grade A overall champion was Mico Nepomuceno of Melbourne with total score of 137 points for the four days stint, winning by count back against Dino Francisco of Brisbane. He received a trophy and P1000 for his efforts.

Grade B overall champion was Leo Briones also of Melbourne with his total score of 138 points during the four days tournament. He also received trophy and P1000.

First day winners were Lito Magnaye (38 points) of Melbourne for Grade A and Jay delos Reyes (35 points) of Sydney for Grade B.

Second day winners were Noel Vega (39 points) for Grade A and Joe Aguila (36 points) for Grade B, both from Melbourne.

Third day winners were Kelly Maglalang (40 points) for Grade A and Mario Pedrola (37 points) for Grade B, also both from Melbourne.

Final day winners were Mico Nepomuceno with his 41 points for Grade A and Ely Marcelino (a visitor) with his unbeatable 45 points for Grade B. This was the day that all scores were very high as it was played at Valley Golf & Country Club’s Executive course, the shortest course in the four-day sports competition.

All daily winners received trophies and P1000 each.

Four par three’s were chosen daily as nearest the pin (NTP) feature holes. Winners were awarded P300 each as consolation prizes. Mario Pedrola from Melbourne had the most number of NTP wins, followed by Noel Manansala from Sydney.

Friendship and sportsmanship

Judging from the comments and enthusiasm of the participants, the 16th Interstate Friendship golf cup had achieved its original goal and concept of improving the camaraderie, friendship and sportsmanship among Fil-Aussie golfers whilst playing the game of golf that they all loved.

All the visitors were in unison for agreeing and planned to join again next year.

This year’s Interstate Friendship Golf cup is sponsored by DMCI Homes represented by Dennis Bernal, International sales Manager for Australia and Oceania. DMCI donated all the trophies and t-shirts to all the participants.

Kalayaan and 2011 tournaments

Next year’s 17th Interstate Friendship golf cup series will be hosted by Fil-Com Sports Club of ACT, captained by Carlos Patindol. He promised to bring more participants and inject new ideas to the tournament for the benefit of all participants. Fil-Com president Ariel Pattugalan and former captain Toti Umali are expected to be back in action.

For next year, new golf courses would be explored and that there would be a one-day break in the four-day tournament.

Meanwhile, preparation is now under way for the 15th Kalayaan cup golf tournament to be held on 14 June, Monday long weekend at Richmond Golf Club Ltd.

The Kalayaan golf event is a regular celebration activity in Sydney of Philippine Independence.

*** Ric de Vera is Fil-oz President and coordinator of the 16th Interstate Friendship golf cup.

Proceeds from this year’s tournament will support the Association’s new scholar, Miko Masangkay, a B.S. in Agriculture student from UP Los Baños.

The event, named after UP’s famous icon, was held at the Woodville Golf Course in Guildford and was participated in by 69 players from different Sydney golf clubs.

Hitting the top this year were Sata Latu (overall champion), Jeremy Licuanan (Grade A winner), Dodee Leones (Grade B winner), Bernie Balagtas (Grade A runner-up) and Jerome Gaerlan (Grade B runner-up) who each received a trophy. Leones was also among the “nearest to the pin” winners along with Wil Badiola, Rey Garcia, Carlos Perez and BJ Villa.

Now held annually on Easter Monday, the Oblation Cup was chaired by Engr. Ferdi and Dr. Cora Francisco with support from community-based businesses and UPAAA-NSW members.