Golf for Education

The Philippines as of this writing is at fifth place overall in the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

I have already written in my previous column that a third place finish overall would be a big one for the Pinoys, but we should not get too hopeful.

I am not being a defeatist, but the results show a spectacular performance by Singapore behind host Thailand and emerging power Vietnam.

Malaysia seems comfortable at fourth while Indonesia at sixth place looks rather odd for this regional competition considering that this southern neighbor of the Philippine for a long time reigned supreme in the SEAG.

There is still a very good chance for us to make it to the top three with the medal-rich judo, karatedo, taekwondo taking place in the next few days.

Let’s not lose hope and continue to pray for Team Philippines!

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If David Chan calls then it must either be about golf or the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

Last Monday, David called me up and I wasn’t wrong, he asked me if I could join them today at the Cebu Country Club for the “Golf for Education” tournament.

Unfortunately, I am not up for anything this week after learning of some problems with my spine that often leaves me limping due to severe pain, so I told David that it would be impossible to play, but then supporting this worthy cause would never be impossible.

This event is open even to those who are not members of Cebu Country Club and the entry fee is only P2,000.

With Callaway as partner of the tournament, David told me that the highlight of tonight’s awards ceremony will be a fashion show featuring Cebuana beauty queens Karla Bautista, Ana Marie Igpit, and Melanie Ediza.

Gary Lising is also set to do a stand-up comedy act, which shall be a special treat for the participants. 

David surely knows how to get me to the venue, but then I hope I won’t be in so much pain by then or I’ll have to bring a cane to the coverage, but then why not?

By the way, my doctors Tony San Juan and Mickey Morales have really been great and I hope that soon all this pain I’m suffering would be gone and I can play golf again.

Dr. Morales told me that I might have to modify my swing after he saw the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) results last Saturday.  My problem is that my swing already looks bad as it is how much more if I have to change it?

But I’d love to keep on playing no matter what.  I even amused myself while undergoing MRI by thinking I was playing the best golf of my life.  My score?  Well I was one-under-par but the technician told me that everything was up and I was still putting for birdie on the 17th hole.

At least I played well in my dreams maybe after this little problem will be fixed such dreams would come true.

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Registration for this weekend’s Christmas Fun Golf Classic at Alta Vista Golf and Country Club is still on with the entry fee pegged at P2,500.

Hole-in-one prizes are a Kia Picanto from Gateway Motors Corp (Kia Cebu), a Yamaha golf cart, a Yamaha motorcycle from Norkis and a residential lot from Sta. Lucia Realty.

Skygo is also offering a motorcycle for an eagle on all par-4 holes.

In case more than one player will win a particular prize, they will have to share them equally.

Giveaways for all participants will be a pair of Bolle golf shades with Eagle Vision lenses worth P6,000 each.

I’d really love to play if I won’t feel so much pain, if not, then see you at the awards ceremony on Sunday at the poolside.

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MILESTONES: Belated birthday greetings to my aunt Ofelia Quiñones-Gabbidon, who turned a year older yesterday.  Although she’s in New York, she reads my column on-line.

Belated greetings also to my high school classmate Kerrwin O. Sanchez, who also celebrated his birthday yesterday.

More power!