The Governors Cup

CEBU, Philippines – A group of animal lovers and sports minded individuals, all members of an organization called CEOBSA (Cebu Equine Owners, Breeders and Sportsmen Association) organized a three-day fun filled event to promote, foster and improve on the skills of horsemen and horses.

The affair called The Governor's Cup Race and Competition was spearheaded by Cebu province's First Lady Governor Gwen Garcia.

The opening ceremonies started with a horse parade with no less than Governor Garcia, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and Eduard Loop, president of CEOBSA, leading the over 60 uniformed horsemen on their prancing steeds, to the Mandaue Reclamation Area where the race and competition were slated.

They were followed closely by 33 beautifully decorated horse-drawn tartanillas that represented the different major sponsors such as the Department of Tourism, The Province of Cebu, the city of Mandaue, M Lhuillier who provided the uniforms for CEOBSA members and Ralph's Wines and Spirits. Also in attendance were the different municipalities of Aloguinsan, Balamban, Bogo, Dumanjug, Ginatilan, Liloan, Mandaue, San Fernando, Santander, Sibonga, Tabogon and Tuburan. Adjudged winners were the municipalities of Carmen, San Francisco and Moalboal.

 The festival now on its 3rd year attracted a number of ranchers and equally driven horsemen from different associations. They included participants from Ormoc, Cagayan de Oro, Malaybalay, Impasugong in Bukidnon, Davao, Dumaguete and Cebu's two component cities, Naga and Talisay and the towns of Minglanilla and Borbon.

The activities had several competitions with different categories in men's, ladies and mixed divisions.

Winners in the Obstacle Race Expert division were Kobi Tan of Davao (1st) Joel Abalos of CEOBSA (2nd) and Niko Basubas of CEOBSA (3rd). In the Royal Men's level champions were Stewart Shur (1st) and Junjie Kawashima (2nd) both of CEOBSA and Bienvenido Aznar of Davao placed third. In the Intermediate division, first was Mark Constantino Fabello of Cagayan de Oro, Jun Miñoza of CEOBSA, 2nd and Empoy Tortola of Malaybalay 3rd.

 The Barrel Race competition in the Expert Division had Kobi Tan (1st ) and Andy Tan (2nd) from Davao and Bunny Sulogan from Malaybalay (3rd).In the Royal Division Patrick Tuazon of Davao was first followed by Eduard Loop of CEOBSA second and Bienvenido Aznar of Davao third. In the Intermediate Division winners were Terence dela Cerna (1st) and Rj Landingin (2nd) both from Malaybalay. Mike Merilles of CEOBSA came in third.   

The festivities culminated with a lively cowboy themed fellowship dinner at the Cebu International and Convention Center. Plaques were given to the winners with the CEOBSA TEAM from Cebu reaping the Governors Cup trophy.

It was an exciting, successful affair that definitely promoted the awareness of horses and horsemanship .

Riding is now becoming truly appreciated not only because it is a sporting and leisure activity but also because it acts as a therapy for those who want to improve their skills of coordination, balance, alertness and concentration.