Top firms back U-Bix golf

The U-Bix-Riviera National Pro-Am Golf Championship on Nov. 13-17 at the Riviera’s Langer course in Silang, Cavite, has drawn 18 big corporations thus far, organizing committee chairman Comm. Danny Pizarro said yesterday.

Led by Bert Bravo’s U-Bix/Konica conglomerate, the other giant corporate supporters of the nation’s most prestigious pro-am dating back to the 50’s include Herma Group through Hermie Esguerra, Mizuno Sports of Gopez Corp., DHL through chairman Rod Feliciano.

"Our friends from golf are very enthusiastic in extending their support to us," said Pizarro, president of host Riviera Golf & Country Club. "This early, we wish to express our gratitude to those who have sent their commitments to join us in this endeavor. To the would-be supporters like Pagcor and San Miguel our advance gratitude."

The other supporters of the event are Fortune Tobacco (care of Gen. Antonio Abaya), Mayor Joey Marquez of Parañaque City, Roche Pharmaceutical, Hermie Disini, Foremost, Coast Guard (courtesy of Adm. Reuben Lista), Cinnabon Rolls, Travel Bug through Vic Sotto, Solahart, Citgo and Cena.

The Celebrity Pro-Am will be held on Nov. 13, with the event by invitation only. Attractive prizes are at stake.

There are now a total of 37 pairs entered, led by former jungolf standout Gerard Cantada, who is paired with Kit Lopez. Also signing up among others, are Ramon Brobio-Arnold Brizuela, Vivencio Lascuña-Jay Bayron, Juanito Pagunsan-Juvic Pagunsan and Cassius Casas-Alex Ignacio.

"The tournament aims to revive one of the country’s most prestigious golf tournaments," Sec. Eduardo R. Ermita, Hon. Chair of the organizing National Golf Association of the Philippines. The Pro-Am has always been known as a unique tradition in Philippine golf lore."

A total of 80 teams will be screened before they are flagged off on Nov. 143, day 1 of the Pro-Am championship.