Fun in the rain

To some it was brave, but to most it was simply crazy. Playing golf during heavy rain is fun if you are an amphibian, but not so much when you are human.

Despite heavy rain, I finished my wettest 18 holes of golf last Thursday playing in the event organized by UP Cebu High School Batch ‘84 at the Mactan Island Golf Club.  Of course, one reason that I pulled through despite the tough weather was the fact that I played alongside somebody I used to do squat thrusts and the rest of the army dozen back 24 years ago as plebes.

My mistah Dante Desuasido seem to have enjoyed the front nine as he played well despite the rain, but the weather took a turn for the worst in the homestretch drenching us and reminding us of how human we are.

But despite that, it was still fun knowing that the cause that we played for was to help deserving kids get “a shot at life’ through good college education.

The awards ceremony was also something different from what we usually have in golf tournaments here and other parts of the country. It must be because it is the only event, which has Tinago barangay councilman Joel Garganera as emcee.

Joel, who is a member of the host class headed by their president Rep. Pablo John Garcia of the 3rd District of Cebu Province, brought a lot of fun to what would have just been a night of raffles and awards.

I would like to congratulate my kuyas and ates from batch ‘84 (they are one class ahead of mine) for a job well done. Of course I have to mention the efforts of another mistah and fellow Deltan, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Jake Gallenero, who was co-tournament director with Mr. Cool, Arsenio ‘Dodong’ Pelicano.

There were also the hardworking Julie Itaas and Atty. Pamela Oliver, who relentlessly followed up on ticket sales, sponsorships, and many more. 

Other members of their class were also there to play, help in the various chores or simply give their moral support.

For bringing some sunshine despite the rain, I would like to congratulate UP Cebu High School Batch ‘84.

I may have been dripping wet after the game, but I think I really had lots of fun.

Other mistahs like Lt. Col. Michael Santos and the big winner of the tournament raffles, Lt. Col. Rene Sebastian, were also there to support Jeffrey’s high school class also enjoyed the event, most specially Rene, who also took home his first golf trophy.

See you again next year!

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If you want to watch the Davis Cup matches between the Philippines and Japan this March 4 to 6 at the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City, better get your tickets now before they run out.

Tickets are sold at P5,000 for the VIP area, P2,500 for a season pass while the free seating tickets are sold at P500 per day.

You can buy them at Nike Stadium at SM City Cebu, Planet Sports in Ayala Center Cebu, and the Lapu-Lapu City Hall.

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MILESTONES: Happy birthday greetings go to my neighbor and fellow UPian Dr. Serapio Salazar, Jr., Vic Reyes, Orly Cajegas, Sheila Florable Guimary, and Atty. Raymond Garcia, who are all turning a year older today.

Advance birthday greetings go to my fellow judoka and golfer Junrey Pelayo, columnist Ed Limtingco, Denise Valera, Lovella ‘Lab-lab’ Dahunacion-Aljo, Malou Ramirez-Villamala, Nanette Cavada, Leah Joy Dormitorio-Cabanban, and my classmate Noreen ‘Taki’ Davide-Salas, who are turning a year older tomorrow.

The same goes to my mother-in-law, Herminiana Gabuya-Reyes.

More power to all of you!