When all of 150 golfers came to register for the First Annual Bellevue Cup at the Alabang Country Club, a far greater number than expected, organizers knew right away that this was going to be one memorable tournament. The sky was clear that day and everyone was in good spirits, just as the dignified and low-profile Johnny Chan and the formidable yet equally charming Bellevue GM Cyndy Tan-Jarabata would have it.
Aimed at fostering friendship, camaraderie and healthy fun among Alabang’s movers and shakers as well as The Bellevue’s loyal friends, the First Annual Bellevue Cup was Alabang’s golfing event of the year. What made it more special was that funds were raised for the Ospital ng Muntinlupa, in keeping with the hotel’s mission to be a reliable partner of the Muntinlupa City Government in its projects.
"The astounding success of the First Annual Bellevue Cup is dedicated to all those who helped make The Bellevue the premier social and business destination in the southern Metro Manila area," Cyndy commented. "It is from their unwavering support and friendship that we draw strength and inspiration."
The pre-tournament cocktails, held at the hotel’s well-appointed Lobby Lounge, familiarized players with the tournament rules. Guests marveled at product displays by presentors and major sponsors, as well as an exciting variety of raffle prizes and premium giveaways. The highly-anticipated tournament saw the active participation of North America Construction, Inc., Northwest Airlines, Volvo, Globe Telecom, IPVG, Save More Supermarket, Chinatrust Commercial Banking Corp., Transnational Diversified Group, American Express Travel, Las Palmas Furniture, Pisanti Golf, Arctic Vodka, The Heritage Park, Versia, Inc. and Gillette.
The tournament proper commenced with a ceremonial tee-off led by the dapper Johnny Chan together with top executives Karl Cottrell, Warner Manning, Donald Mika and Oscar Reyes. While golfers took their turns at the challenging 18-hole course, the hotel’s Laguna Ballroom was decorated to the nines for the awarding ceremonies. A heap of choice raffle prizes were given away, such as roundtrip tickets to New York by Northwest Airlines, Philips Home Theater Systems, digital cameras, CD players, high-tech vacuum cleaners and other perks. The event climaxed with an entertaining treat from the sultry Patricia Javier, who effortlessly eased the players’ fatigue with her seductive moves.
Among those who golfed their way to victory were Dave Floro for Low Gross and Beb Longa for Low Net. Also victorious were the Class A winners, champion Javier Quintos, first runner-up Hector Rivera, second runner-up Boying Soriano, third runner-up Danny Sarmiento and fourth runner-up Francis Laurel. For Class B, the awardees were champion Arnel Manganti, first runner-up Bong Guatno, second runner-up Rolly Enriquez, third runner-up Joe Ong and fourth runner up Donald Mika. Nearest to the Pin winner Banjo Madella, Longest Drive winner Pico Ching and Most Accurate Drive winner Joey Solis also took home exclusive gifts.
The First Annual Bellevue Cup was truly a success that as early as now, many have signified their interest in joining next year’s tournament! As tournament director, your columnist extends his thanks to my compadre Johnny, his two equally hardworking sons Ryan and Patrick Chan, and to the players who all emerged as winners because of their sportsmanship and support to Alabang’s venue of choice, The Bellevue Hotel.
Congratulations and see you at next year’s tournament!
Advance birthday greetings to Victoria Pantangco, Ambassador Victor Garcia and STAR columnist Philip Cu-Unjieng, April 12; FCCP’s Victoria Angping, April 14; Mimay Locsin, Alicia Flores of Silay and Cinderella’s Therese Coronel Santos, April 15; Bot delos Reyes, architect Ramon Antonio and gracious lady Gloria Angara, April 16; STAR’s dusky beauty and Lifestyle editor Millet Martinez-Mananquil, businessman Charlie Rufino, entertainer Nonoy Zuñiga and Splendido’s Katrina Ponce Enrile, April 17.
Happy wedding anniversary to Philip and Patricia Cu-Unjieng, April 12. May you both have many many more to come.
So, how was your week?
(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)