Perfect day on the greens

It was a perfect day for golfers and their families at the recent 2005 Ayala Greenfield Invitational, held in the rolling greens of the world-class, all-weather, 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. of the Ayala Greenfield Estates in Calamba, Laguna. The ceremonial tee-off was led by hardworking Ayala Greenfield Golf and Leisure Club GM Laurent Lamasuta and RPJ Development Corp. chairman Johnny Chan, while the shotgun tee-off was led by Sony Ericsson GM Dennis Manzano with your columnist as the tournament director. The tournament was presented by Ayala Greenfield, The Bellevue Manila, Smart and Sony Ericsson, and in part by Petron Phils., PLDT and San Miguel Corp.

The players, comprised of prominent executives and business leaders, enjoyed the fresh mountain air and picturesque terrain of the newly completed golf course as they engaged in friendly competition against each other.

The tournament concluded with a dinner and awards program at the Grand Ballroom of The Bellevue Manila, the finest business hotel south of Metro Manila. Everyone felt at home – thanks to The Bellevue Manila GM Patrick Chan and marketing and communications director Ryan Chan – as the appetizing and sumptuous food gained everyone’s thumbs-up. The vivacious Giselle Sanchez entertained the guests with her stand-up comedy and song routine, which had her getting the male guests, such as Philippine Airlines president Jimmy Bautista onstage, much to the delight of the spectators.

San Miguel Corp.’s Lourdes Guerrero and Joseph Larrazabal showed off their golfing prowess as they were awarded as part of the second runner-up team. The event was a big success indeed, thanks to the support of sponsors such as Petron Phils. president Khalid Al-Faddagh and Lufthansa Airlines’ marketing manager Minette Corpus.

The tournament was also supported by Fairways & Bluewater, The Farm at San Benito, Asian Spirit, Northwest Airlines, Diamond Motors Corp., Fridays Boracay, Palms Country Club, Escada, Titania Wine Cellar, The French Baker, Pearl Farm Beach Resort, PCSO, Taal Vista Hotel, HSBC, Johnnie Walker, Breadtalk, Franck Provost, Jewelmer, Oriental Spa, Silk Cocoon, Travel Club, Boracay Regency, BMW and media partners Philippine Daily Inquirer and Manila Bulletin. See you in next year’s tournament!