‘Go real, go large’

The New Year brings a lot of reasons to celebrate and look forward to the days ahead. That’s what Del Monte did to welcome 2014 — a grand showcase of its new Del Monte Juice Drink One-Liter Tetra Pak at an outdoor park in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The event, hosted by actor and model Victor Basa, was enjoyed by guests while sampling Del Monte’s four flavors: Pineapple, Pineapple-Orange, Mango and Four Seasons.

Del Monte’s #GoRealGoLarge campaign highlighted the night with an enormous 3D wall-mapping product showcase, which made the event a one-of-a-kind, larger-than-life experience. In this showcase, the walls came to life as animated 3D images of the juice drink were projected against the massive Del Monte building, just across the street from where the audience gathered.

Maxene Magalona said, “I will go real and go large by giving my time and undivided attention to my family. I will make them laugh and smile because they deserve to be happy.” On the other hand, Brent Javier pointed out, “…Go Real, Go Large by setting goals and blasting through them with my Del Monte in hand.”

Fun on the greens

Lino Magpantay and Monchu Nolasco ruled the 2013 Mabuhay Miles Elite Invitational held at the Tagaytay Midlands and Highlands courses.

Magpantay, veteran campaigner in the PAL Interclub with the Luisita senior team, and Nolasco, general manager of Shulman Air Freight, engaged in a tight duel at the Midlands’ East course, the first time the Invitational was played in a high-altitude setting.

After 18 holes, both finished in a dead heat with a gross 74.  But Magpantay’s lower handicap — five to his rival’s six — proved crucial as it enabled him to edge Nolasco by a stroke and capture the low-gross title, his third triumph after winning the low-net in 2010 and 2011. Nolasco, the defending low-net champion, settled for his second straight title with a 68 in a superb round spiked by a tournament-high four birdies. The two bested a field of 192 players — all Elite, Premier Elite and Million Miler members of Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay Miles program — in the event sponsored by MasterCard, Petron Corp. and Philippine National Bank.

Enerkons Inc. president and CEO Joey Solis banked on his familiarity with the course as a member of the club to nose out president of Production Village Corp. Luis Tabuena for the Class A crown. Solis won on the strength of superior pars, 10 to seven, as he and Tabuena both finished tied with net 70s. Mark Monk fired the only eagle of the day at the 16th to grab third with a 71. The tournament had as corporate sponsors Boeing, GE Aviation, Metrobank Card Corp., PeopleAsia and Panasonic Avionics Systems Corp.

Operations manager of Forgems Plus Technologies Ryan Joseph Rizada fired two birdies and five pars en route to a net 70 to bag Class B in a tie-break over Antonio Atienza Jr., owner of Goldenas Jewelry. Banker Wilfredo Maldia was a stroke back in third place. No one won the Toyota Camry 2.5 V A/T staked by Toyota Motor Philippines for a hole-in-one.  Century Park Hotel and Diamond Hotel Philippines were the official hotels of the tournament.

Over at the Highlands course, Class C was won by PNP finance officer Abraham Rojas, whose six pars trumped the two of American Resources Group Philippines president Magleo Adriano when they figured in a tie at net 70. Greenfield Development Corp. vice president Randolph Ang had a 72 for third place. BDO Unibank, Lufthansa Technik Philippines, Pacific Paint (Boysen) Philippines, Tanduay Distillers, Union Bank and Victorinox Travel Gear/World Traveller were the event’s minor sponsors.

Class D produced yet another tie at the top with trader Sergio Ong and ophthalmologist Ricardo Yang battling to a draw with net 71s. In the count-back, Ong’s lone birdie gave him the class title. Cypress Manufacturing finance director Henry Malicdem closed with a net 72 for third.

Loralie Roberto, director of garments firm PGI, retained her title in the Ladies division with a net 69 from a gross 82.  It was her third triumph overall.

The new Seniors division, introduced this year for male players 60 years old and up attracted 22 players in its maiden run, including eventual low-gross winner Magpantay. His elevation to overall honors opened the door for Sausalito, California-based “Million Miler” Emeterio Dikitanan, president of Snaps Reprographics, whose net 71 made him the inaugural Seniors champion. 

Director of Argee Development Corp. John Garcia won the Guest division.

Donors included Asia Brewery, Boracay Garden Resort, Clark Shoes UK, EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, InterContinental Manila, Kameraworld, Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Mandarin Oriental Manila, Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, Pan Pacific Manila and the San Miguel Group of Companies.

Sportscaster Sev Sarmenta hosted the awarding ceremonies, with entertainment provided by singers Rachel Alejandro and Sheree and retro band Spirit of ‘67.