BY RIc de Vera A group of Filipino-Australian benevolent golfers headed by Dodee Leones of Golf ParE Social Club and Aris Ortanez of AICL Education spearheaded the Sydney Fundraising Golf event held at Richmond Golf Club on December 8 to raise funds for the victims of super typhoon Yolanda that recently devastated the Philippines with unprecedented fury.
There were 48 golfers coming from different sectors and social golf clubs who enjoyed the perfect weather while supporting this tournament for a good cause. The total amount of $4000 was raised coming from cash donations, golfers’ contributions, proceeds of auction of donated soft goods and golf umbrellas.
Maynard Tabungar from St Clair who normally plays with Par X Social club narrowly grabs the over-champion trophy by scoring stunning 44 stableford points using his social handicap of 28. He also received cash prize of $150. “I feel overwhelmed coz it’s my first trophy” said the ecstatic Maynard who donated back part of his cash prize.
Division champions and their scores were Ed Tenorio for A (39 points), Ding Sarmiento for B (43 points) and Noel Manansala for C (41 points). These division winners received trophies and cash prizes of $100 each, which were voluntarily donated back as part of the raised funds.
Division runners up and their scores were Carlos Gabila for A (38 points), Philip Punla for B (42 points) and Bert Garcia for C (40 points). These division runners up received trophies and cash prizes of $50 each, which were voluntarily donated back as part of the raised funds.
Major cash donors were Myron’s Chicharon (c/o Octavio Villamar) for $600, Kia Motors for $500, Travelaccess for $115 and G Insights P/L for $100. All trophies costing $100 were donated by Dr Raul Amor. Donations in kind were received from Good Guys (c/o Marvin Monzon) – electric drill, kettle & toaster; La Mesa Philippine Cuisine– two dinner vouchers value at $50 each; John Sabanal – 6 trays of 1.5 kilo lasagnia; Aldrin Urfano – golf shoe bag and Atoy Sayas – bottle of wine. Golf ParE also donated a Srixon golf bag. These were auctioned and converted into cash forming part of the raised funds.
The fund raising tournament was preceded by breakfast and followed by sumptuous lunch to the delight of all participants. “We enjoyed the game that we love and at the same time was able to help the victims of super typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines” said one happy Australian golfer.
During the presentation and program, Aris Ortanez acknowledged the support of various sponsors and donors as well as the participating golfers, for without them, the event would not have been a successful one. Dodee Leones on his part, specifically mentioned the continued support of various social clubs, namely Divo-t-ees, Fairgolf, Fil-oz, Hampas, Par X, Jokers, Marsden Park and the lead coordinator, Golf ParE Social club. Over-the-hill social golf club members participated for the first time.
As originally planned, the proceeds of $4000 would be turned over to Red Cross.
In another fund raiser golf event, the inaugural Grace/Media Golf Cup held on December 15 at Hudson Park golf course was won by retired Engineer Ferdinand Francisco from Bella Vista. He outscored the rest of the nine (9) golfers who enjoyed the perfect weather with only slight shower and ran away with the major prize of two nights superior room accommodation at The Grace Hotel with buffet breakfast for two, monumental trophy donated by Jim Pimentel and sleeve of golf balls donated by this writer. Runner up was Jun Gonzales winning by count back, who received a trophy and sleeve of golf balls donated by Travelaccess. Sponsors were The Grace Hotel (major), Travelaccess, PinOzInPlay, Hoopdreamz, Radio Dalisay and Revesby Press. The event netted $200 to be turned over to the newly formed Filipino Australian Basketball League.
Meanwhile, the 67th PAL Interclub golf tournament would be held in Bacolod City on Feb 17 to 23, 2014 for Senior’s and Feb 24 to Mar 2, 2014 for Men’s regular. Currently costed at $1600, inclusive of PAL airfares, travel taxes, seven (7) nights’ accommodation, four days golf and transfers to/from hotel/golf courses. This will be followed by the 20th Interstate Friendship golf cup in Manila on Mar 3-7, 2014 playing at Eagle Ridge (Norman course), Ayala Greenfields, Forest Hills and the Manila Southwoods Golf & Country clubs. Currently costed at $400 for four days golf inclusive of transfers, green fee, shared cart, caddie fee and lunch. Golf & twin sharing accommodation package would be $630 including daily buffet breakfast. All costing are book/pay basis and subject to availability or change. Please call this writer on 0416-466-351 or email me at ric.devera1243@yahoo.com.au for booking or enquiries.
Wishing all my readers a safe, joyful and happy golfing in 2014.