by Moses Billacura
The 2nd Phoenix Cup, an open golf tournament, tees off on March 6 at the Rancho Palos Golf and Country Club.
Dennis A. Uy, president and CEO of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc., approved the holding of the golfest to benefit the charitable organizations being supported under the Phoenix Philippines Foundation, Inc.
Pioneer Insurance and Surety Corporation, the flagship company of the Pioneer Group, has joined the list of sponsors of the tournament because they believe in the charitable work of Phoenix.
To make the Phoenix Cup more attractive, Pioneer Insurance chipped in P1-million as hole-in-one prize.
I missed the first edition of the tournament. Edge Davao columnist Alex C. Roldan did not. I hope other media golfers like Neil Bravo, Paul Palo, Jon Develos and Roy Geonzon will be able to join the tournament.
Jon has booked a schedule at the Golf Master Driving Range managed by lawyer Manny Nitorreda. When are we going to hit those balls, Jon?
By the way, Rancho Palos Golf and Country Club manager Albert Casenas has been inviting us guys to play on their beautiful course.
I think it’s time for me to report to teaching professional Gil Estomata, Alex’s mentor, who is now based at a new driving range alongside a river. Nice spot for a driving range (unless the ball lands in the water, of course — which is a no-no).
I hope our media golfers can find time to play. No San Miguel Beer, this time, Jon. It’s time to prepare, too, for the PAL Interclub media golf tournament in Bacolod.
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Most valuable player Jade Sablas led the Lt. C. Villafuerte Elementary School to victory again when they bagged the elementary division title of the 5th Davao City Baseball Cup last Feb.6 at the UM-Matina diamond.
Calinan Central Elementary School lost by a mere run, 5-6, to the eventual champion. Jeson Carbon, Jade’s teammate, emerged as the home run king. Baguio Central Elementary School landed in third spot.
In the high school division, Calinan National High clinched the title for the second time at the expense of Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, 16-9. Crossing Bayabas National High placed third.
Reydel Liton of Calinan High took the best best pitcher and home run king awards while Mitchel Manalac of Nikkei Jin Kai went home with the MVP award.
Thanks to the hard-working organizing committee composed of Ines P. Mallari, coach Yusuke Uchida, baseball patron Tatsuo “Otosan” Uchida and Joaquin “Boy” Sarabia for a successful tournament.
Many thanks, also, to University of Mindanao president Guillermo “WT” Torres Jr. for providing us the venue and to the officials of the Tokyo Kichijoji Lions Club for coming to Davao to spend quality time with the young baseball players, their coaches and parents.
The fifth edition of the tournament was organized by the Datu Uchida Development Foundation, Tokyo Kichijoji Lions Club and Davao City Baseball Association with the backing of Nitten Company, Kazuma Sports, Yakult Philippines, Probiotics, Inc., Frezcon Air Conditioning and General Services, Stanfilco-Dole Philippines, Inc., Tadakuma Japanese Restaurant, Crystal Clear Water, Margaja-Mascardo Dental Clinic, Engineer Arnold Sarabia, Anita Pereyras-Sarabia, Ma. Eva “Babang” Mendez, coach Hidetoshi Suzuki, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and Department of Education (DepEd)-Davao City.
