PIDC 2015 Mabuhay Cup Charity Golf Tournament in Ontario Marks a Milestone

By Susan Llanera
Photos by Rory Elefano
Ontario-Canada
July 23, 2015



Fore !  With this "warning in the green", the highly- awaited Annual Mabuhay Cup Golf Tournament  teed-off, birdied and bogeyed to a successful finish on Sunday, July 19, 2015.


The 18-hole amateur golf competition, organized and hosted by the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC), under the leadership of president Norma Carpio, was held at the Granite Ridge Golf  Club in Milton, Ontario.

With 44 experienced and aspiring golfers from the Filipino Canadian community and other groups participating and targeting with great trepidation for an "eagle shot" to snatch the new-Honda Civic car major award, the annual tourney proved more of a playing challenge and fun-filled competition characterized by collegial fellowship and “kantiyawans”.

The fundraising event was in support of cultural performers, artists, models and volunteers at the PIDC Mabuhay Philippines Festival and Community Parade of Fiestas events on August 29-30 at David Pecaut Square, Toronto. Generously sponsored by TD Bank, WFG, Ontario Liberal Caucus, PNB Remittance Company Canada, Luminus Financial and Action Honda, with GM Rafael Nebres offering the very challenging "Hole-In-One" car prize. Donors of special prizes include: Mike Saavedra, Al Tupe, Mr. & Mrs. Manny & Karen Binaday, Suzy Llanera, Randy Bucao, Roy Start and Jun Villaruz.

Patiently but gamely enjoying the hot but breezy day, among the winners and best golfers were : Mike Saavedra (Longest Drive Winner) who was a big help tin the event; George De La Rosa, Gloria Sanders (Women’s Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive winner) , Anthony Osman and Chris Poole- all from Luminus Financial, who won the Low Gross Group of Just -3; Marinel Lozano- winning Women’s Low Gross while Freddie Santiago for Men’s; Susan S.J. Llanera-winning the Women's Most Honest Player while Bernie Sychangco for Men's; and Putting contest winner Pat De Oca with take home 50/50 cash.

The other highly- competitive golf players include: Manolo Arnaldo, Karen Pascual-Binaday , Manny Binaday,  Randy Bucao, Ed Butao, Norma Carpio, Zaldy Cuachon, Bernard Demetrio, Romy De Vera, Raddy De Veyra, Paul Ersando, Gerry Fauble, Susan S.J. Llanera, Ronel Manabat, Ramon Morales, Mann Nacario, Jean Pardo, Rene Querubin, Peter Quinsay, Ramon Regona, Ed Rock, Freddie Santiago, Ron Start, Aven Sto. Domingo, Bernie Sychangco, Bob Tachcher, Ed Tenorlas, Nanding Ticzon, Ricky Timbol,  Al Tupe,  Beverly Vergel and Manny Villamor. A foursome from London, Ontario :  Laura Beil, Brian Crompton, Neil Crompton, and Marie San Juan, also engagingly joined the tourney en gusto.

PIDC is proud of its hard-working and patient marshalls & volunteers, among them were: Virgilio (Verth) Bugtong, Aurora Ticzon Elefano,  Helen Pico Lao, Aimee Maravilla, Minda Neri,  Jesse Pacetes, Chyrell Samson, Roy Start, Nene Ticzon,  and Jun Villaruz. Those who graced the event were special guests: Miss Philippines PIDC 2015 Conida Marie Halley and her mother, Conservative MP Candidate for Mississauga Centre Julius Tiangson with his wife & daughter, Bill Quebral and Von Canton of Pinoy Radio.

Kudos  to the Granite Ridge Golf Club staff for a “par excellence” dinner spread and service. "My big congratulations to all the tournament winners and participants", said PIDC president Norma Carpio during the awards rite with all the supportive Council officers, directors, leaders and volunteers beaming with pride for a memorable "hit, search and putt" event. The 2015 golf tournament chief organizer, Randy Bucao in his usual Bisayan humor expressed daghang salamat sa inyo and  declared the tournament closed and see- you- all next year chant of paalam .(SSJL / tsj).