It was a sight to behold: Over 300 golfers representing over 65 hotels and resorts nationwide, pitting will and skill on the breathtaking greens of the Graham Marsh-designed Fairways and Bluewater in Boracay. The occasion was the Second Cebu Pacific-7107 Islands Hotels and Resorts Golf Tournament.
Organized by Cebu Pacific, the country’s fastest growing airline, and 7107 Islands Travellers’ Club, the golfing event was envisioned by the dynamic president and CEO of 7107 Islands, Steve Tajanlangit. The responsible Fairways GM Geb Bilbao, served as tournament director. Participating teams represented such prestigious hotels as Kalakbay awardee Mandarin Oriental Manila; the Century Park Hotel (led by dapper general manager Bobby Carpio); and the Boracay Regency.
The three-day tourney began with welcome cocktails and a fellowship dinner hosted by Northwest Airlines. In a special raffle, the lovely Northwest GM, Laurie Lofgren gave away a spectacular prize–a trip to the US.
The games opened with a ceremonial tee-off led by Manolo San Juan, the generous VP for sales and marketing of Cebu Pacific; the PTA’s Anthony Fernandez; Philippine Veterans Bank president Jun Balbido; and of course, Steve Tajanlangit.
To reward the hardworking golfers, Steve also conceptualized Boracay’s grandest buffet–the Second Boracay Food Festival, a 300-meter buffet arranged on the island’s famous stretch of sand from Sea Wind all the way to Willy’s. Ralph’s Wines and Spirits served beverages in the open bar as the Guarana band entertained hundreds of beach and food lovers with soothing bossa nova music.
And what a buffet! Eighteen of Boracay’s best restaurants, (representing the 18 holes of a golf course) set up a tantalizing array of lechon, specialty dishes, and food displays to create one of the longest buffets that Boracay has seen. In the spirit of friendly competition, all 18 vied for Best Buffet Display, and 12 of them whipped up entries for Best Dish.
At the awards night dinner held at the luxurious Boracay Regency Beach Resort, on hand were Boracay Regency president Henry Chusuey and resident manager Jade Estardo who made sure all went smoothly. Your columnist hosted the affair with the lovely Jackie Castillejo. Presenting the awards were Steve Tajanlangit; Cebu Pacific’s Manolo San Juan; Fairways’ Geb Bilbao; and the lone rose among the thorns, 2001 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Zorayda Andam.
The Mimosa Leisure Estate team–Remigio Leano, Nolito Noel, Charles Hotchkiss and Senen Quiambao–edged out Apo View Hotel and Balicasag Island Drive for the group champion trophy. In the individual category, Josefino Pascual of Maharajah Hotel prevailed. Special awards were handed out to Mark Vijar for the Longest Drive; Artemio Murakami, one of the Philippines’ best amateur golfers, for being nearest to the pin; and Jerome Delariarte, junior Philippine amateur champion, for having the lowest gross of 67 or five under par.
In the food fest competitions, Sea Wind Resort won the Best Buffet Display trophy with their large jars, lavish floral centerpiece, and grilled delicacies. The winner in the meat category was the spicy Chicken Rogan Josh prepared by True Food’s chef Bizay Kumar Lama. In the seafood category, Club Panoly’s Surf and Turf (a lobster salad) by chef Jeffrey Cervantes, tied with the Contemporary Mediterranean Fusion (three layers of luscious seafood varieties) of Friday’s chef Fortune Fulgar.
The prizes did not end there. New World Hotel raffled off an overnight stay while Boracay Regency, Century Park Hotel and 357 Resort Boracay each gave away a three-day, two-night stay with complimentary breakfast. Cebu Pacific presented round-trip business-class tickets to Hong Kong and Seoul. At the Mulligan’s raffle, Boracay Terraces’ Jocel Naranjo won a round-trip ticket to any US destination where Northwest Airlines flies.
After announcing the awards, Time and A Half Band made us forget our worries with terrific cuts from the ’70s and ’80s. Golfers and guests danced the night away.
The Second Cebu Pacific-7107 Islands Tournament helped foster friendship and cooperation among hotels and resorts and moved it closer to its goal of turning the Philippines into "one big hotel." Sponsors of the tournament were Northwest Airlines; Pepsi; The PTA; Taylor Made-Adidas; Ralph’s Wines and Spirits; 105.1 Crossover; Miascor Catering Services; Subic Bay Distribution, Inc.; Casino Filipino; MBRS Lines, Inc.; Federal Express; the Topnotch Group; and Myra 300-E.
Greetings
Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Ramon Atayde and Kitty Jacinto.
Advanced birthday greetings to Hyland Realty’s Rafael "Paing" Hechanova, business executive Andrew de los Reyes and Manila Jockey Club’s Alfonso Reyno Jr., July 8; UCPB president Edward Go and FCCP’s Cristina Ablaza, July 9; Cita Young and Cristina Bernasconi, July 10; lovely Viola player Ria Rebano and Trina Yujuico, July 12; ABS-CBN president Freddie Garcia, Villa Escudero’s Don Ado Escudero and Babbit Goudsmith, July 13.
Happy wedding anniversary to Emma and Oli Laperal, July 9. May you both have many, many more years of wedded bliss.
So, how was your week?
(Please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)