Not a normal day

Normally I would have preferred to start playing just as soon as the day breaks. Normally, I would have preferred being paired with my son and a few others. Normally, I would have been writing this piece in the office on a Friday afternoon.

Although I am doing this on a Friday the 13th, it is not the reason why I seem to have suddenly decided to do things differently, but definitely not abnormally.

Yesterday to the readers, which is today in my case as the writer, was spent in the island of Mactan. I rarely get to do this, but I made sure to file a leave so I could be with fellow alumni and friends from the golf community in the event organized by the University of the Philippines Cebu High School class of 1984.

While the usual golf tournaments in the clubs in Cebu make sure to give the players so much in terms of giveaways to make the entry fee worthwhile, the tournament that took place was something where the rewards are not earned today, but in the future.

Foremost among those who would benefit from the tournament are the scholars of UP Cebu High School Batch ’84 led by Rep. Pablo John Garcia of the 3rd District of Cebu Province.

Pabling, as he is fondly called by classmates and friends from our small school, was at the golf club the whole day yesterday, even if he doesn’t play the game.

He was there along with many of his high school classmates to support their effort of helping the less fortunate of our fellow alumni.

The tournament dubbed as ‘A Shot at Life’ is now on its third year and the number of participants is increasing.

Next year, this will only get bigger and the more we support we give would mean a better shot at life for the scholars.

As I look back to the day while watching the sun set from where I am writing, I can’t help but smile at the fact that I did not only get to enjoy playing the game with my cousins Rolando Acas and Patrick King, but more importantly I was able to do something good for others.

No wonder the day was not normal. It was special!

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Cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) are now in Cebu.

The members of PMA Class 2015 had a silent drill exhibition last Thursday at Camp Lapu-Lapu and did another one at Southwestern University yesterday afternoon.

If you want to watch the presentation, there is still one more scheduled this 2 p.m. at the University of San Jose Recoletos-Basak Campus.

Aside from hoping to encourage more to become cadets of the PMA, this visit, which is called the Southern Cruise also allows members of the community to interact with the cadets in the Host Parents Program.

For the second straight year, my family took part in the program and so did many others, who took time to do so.

Next year, another group of cadets will be visiting, those who want to join the program might be asked to sign up earlier.

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MILESTONES: Belated birthday greetings go to Fr. Rogel Anecito L. Abais, S.J., who celebrated yesterday.

Today’s greetings go to Pompeyo Davnar Almagro, Donald Madarang, Deltan Galeos, and my former neighbor Charina Fernandez-Lopez.

Advance greetings to those celebrating tomorrow like Madame Teqs Pontevedra and Geraldine Capacite-Consul.

More power to all of you!