Fil-Am golfers chip in for typhoon victims

BAGUIO CITY–In the world of sports, golf is generally considered as a rich man’s game.

And those who took part in the first Seniors Division earlier this week at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay and those vying in the regular 55th Fil-Am Golf Invitational next week are no different.

Here’s why: During the Seniors’ awards ceremony, the 125 golfing elders as well as most of those playing in the regular event, showed they are compassionate and generous, too.

Even the Fil-Am executive committee headed by co-chair Anthony de Leon and Bong Vilchez, host Baguio Country Club, sportswriters and the caddies showed they also care.

The hat was passed around the Camp John Hay Auditorium and the golfers and others with long arms and deep pockets came up with P110,000 for the victims of killer typhoons "Winnie" and "Yoyong."

The players, led by the Chamorro Golf Club of Agana, Guam came up with P53,107, the Fil-Am excom gave P50,000 and BCC donated 250 new blankets and slightly caressed blankets.

Other donors were Greenwater Meadows, Fil-Am Golf of Chicago through Bert Roman, Windy Chicago team, tournament coordinator from BCC Nanette Filler, the sportswriters covering the event and the caddies of both clubs.

"We are more than glad to help the unfortunate victims," said Chamorro skipper John Camacho. He and his teammates were adjudged this year’s "Baguio Lucky Foreign Visitors" last week.

Fil-Am media committee chairman Nars Padilla initiated the fund drive. "I would like to thank all the donors," he said. "The donations will be given directly to the victims in coordination with ABS-CBN."

Players totaling 840 from 168 teams are competing in the 55th edition of the regular event with Smart Communications as presenter and Lucerne Jewelers, Royal Caribbean and Northwest Airlines as major sponsors.

Heritage Park, Caltex, Ottica Eyeware, Wilson Sports, San Miguel Beer, Ayala Lands, U-Bix Corporation, Lamoiyan’s Hapee Toothpaste, Aresi and Marinduque Club and Resorts are the other backers.