Boosting the economy

I was hoping for the best for the San Antonio Spurs, but the team could not stop the skid that came after a 20-game winning run was broken.

The Oklahoma City Thunder will advance to the NBA Finals against the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat.

Some sports fans take it badly when their teams lose. In my case, many did try to rub salt on the wounds after San Antonio bowed out.

To those who are rooting for the Thunder like my cousin Carlo Jann Quiñones and Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo, who called me up to ‘console’ me after the game 6 loss of the Spurs, I wish your team all the best.

I believe the Thunder will have a better chance of becoming NBA champion against the Celtics compared to the Heat.

But that is just my humble opinion.

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I was in the first coordination meeting for the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub Golf Tournament, which will return to Cebu next year.

The last time Cebu hosted the event was back in 2001 with Cebu Country Club and Club Filipino serving as hosts.

Next year’s tournament will be a first for the tournament. What makes it historic is that four golf courses will be used for the first time.

Alta Vista Golf and Country Club and Club Filipino will be hosting the seniors’ event, which is for players aged 55 years old and above.

Cebu Country Club and Mactan Island Golf Club will be hosting the men’s regular tournament.

The PAL Interclub organizers led by Atty. Domingo Duerme, who I had the chance to play many rounds of golf with the past 16 years during the annual event, went around the golf clubs Thursday for an ocular inspection.

I have covered this tournament without fail for the past 19 years and look forward to my 20th in my home turf.

The PAL Interclub is the country’s annual club championships and Cebuanos should welcome it with open arms.

Based on their estimates, the tournament brought in about P60 million into the Davao City economy during last February’s event.

I hope the various sectors would come forward to offer their support to Cebu’s hosting of the tournament in February 2013 as this will not only be a boon to golf, but the Cebu economy as well.

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Princess Superal and Sunshine Baraquiel gave the 49th Southern Ladies Golf Tournament at the Cebu Country Club a very exciting finish.

Three rounds of 54 holes were not enough to determine the winner. After one extra hole, Superal, 15, emerged as the champion.

It was great to once again cover this event, which had not been played in Cebu for several years.

It was also good to see Jake Ayson of the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP), who was here to run the tournament.

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MILESTONES: Belated happy birthday greetings to Tita Vicky Moraza, who matched par for the course yesterday. The same goes to Christelle Dychangco, youngest daughter of my compadre Oly, who turned 18 yesterday.

Today’s greetings go to my mistah Lt. Col. Sacayo Ali of the Air Force, my niece Aiko Lebumfacil, Renan Dalisay, and Sandy Chiongbian-Masangkay.

Advance greetings go to tomorrow’s celebrants like Atty. Haide Acuña and Milo Uytiepo.

More power to all of you!