There are figures in every institution who operate away from the spotlight, yet hold the entire operation together with a quiet, steady grace. Jesus “Toto” Mabaquiao was precisely that kind of presence.
I first met Toto three years ago during preparations for the Durian Tee golf tournament where our paper, Edge Davao, served as a proud media partner. His gentle manner immediately struck me, a strong contrast with his imposing physical frame. He was a calm and unassuming anchor in a world often driven by high tension daily operations and corporate noise. Apo golf is the region’s top golf club where players of colorful personalities converge.
What made Toto remarkable wasn’t just his professional acumen; it was his relationship with the game itself. Remarkably, Toto didn’t play golf. Yet, his passion for the sport was unmistakable. It lived and breathed in his daily grind: the endless balancing act between managing day-to-day club operations at Apo Golf and Country Club from 2021 until early part of 2024 and navigating constant, often delicate meetings with the board.
He approached every challenge with a level head and a reassuring smile.
Even as he transitioned to his vital public service role as the Head Executive Assistant of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), his heart remained deeply tied to the community he served for years.
While tournament players and club members will certainly feel the void he leaves behind, the deepest grief belongs to those who worked alongside him in the club, the office staff, the ground crew, and the caddies. To them, Toto was more than a manager; he was a protector, a fair leader, and a constant presence who understood the human heartbeat of the club.
He steered Apo Golf through turbulent times, anchoring it with professionalism, unyielding dedication, and a deep sense of integrity. His departure feels sudden, and he is gone far too soon, but the legacy he carved out in the fairways and public service alike will endure.
Rest in peace, Toto. You will be deeply missed.
