Romero plans bigger polo event next year

MANILA, Philippines - Buoyed by the success of the two-day polo festival he sponsored, sportsman  Mikee Romero of Globalport plans to launch a bigger and tougher international tournament next year – the Philippine Open 2014.

“For sure, it’s going to be a much bigger tournament, and of course, a tougher one,” said Romero. “Patrons from the China, Singapore and Thailand have called up yesterday expressing their desire to come and play competitive polo in the country.”

The historic back-to-back event held at the Alabang Country Club field, according to Romero, has given the patrons a clear idea that the sport of polo in the country is fast gaining popularity.

Organizing committee chair Sheila Romero and Hollywood producer Jun Juban, chair of Alabang’s polo committee, can attest to the rise of the sport of the country.

“We have now so many emerging players these days and we have a big Sunday crowd,” the charming wife of Globalport owner said. “Varied crowd came to witness the exciting match.”

Among those who watched the Globalport 900’s International Sultan Cup last Sunday were DLSU vice-chancellor Bro. Bernie Oca, Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia, Argentina Ambassador Joaquin Daniel-Otero, Bacolod Rep. Charlie Cojuangco, Cagayan’s Cong. Benjo Benaldo, Tim Yap, Fashion King Inno Sotto, Pepito Albert, Folded and Hung’s Ronald Pineda, Shoemart’s Kenner Chua and members UAAP women’s volleyball champion La Salle.

The event, including the AirAsia Crystal Cup last Saturday, was presented by Maserati, Jaguar, Land Rover, Royal Salute, Medical City and Gatorade.

Thailand’s Kingpower Duty Free owner and 2007 SEAG bronze medalist Apichet Srivadraprabhana, responsible for bringing in three exciting Argentinian pros, vowed to come next year for the planned 10-day event where four to six teams will be vying for supremacy in a 12-14 goal tournament.

Others who have confirmed their participation in the grand event next year are China’s Tang Polo headed by China’s best polo player Shilai Lai and Singapore’s Ronnie Lee.

Also invited are Hong Kong’s Harilela family and Shanghai’s Brian Xiu.