The AAA Golf Tournament: Hitting it big for charity

What I know about golf, which originated in Scotland, is that players “use various clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a course in as few strokes as possible.”

And that’s what I know about golf.

However, for the 20th Assumption Alumnae Association (AAA) Golf Tournament held at the Sta. Elena Golf Club in Laguna, I woke up unusually early to watch (albeit from a distance) men and women of stature hit balls under the hot sun like their lives depended on it.

Maru Sotto (representing major sponsor Eat Bulaga!).

Actually, the future of thousands of underprivileged students did, as the golf tournament was a fund raiser for the Assumption mission schools.

So, all those hits were for a cause. The players were swinging for charity. At the end of the day (by noontime, actually), over P1 million was raised for the mission schools. You could say, the tournament hit it big for charity.

(From left) Cecile David, Sister Marianne Araojo, r.a., Javi and Mike Toledo and Marlu Balmaceda.

The day started early, with registration kicking off at 5:30 a.m. AAA Golf committee head Cecile Sumulong David, who pulled all stops for the success of the tournament, welcomed the very first player to arrive, Shell dealer and businessman Ping Sotto. He was followed by those in his flight, all current and former executives of Shell, namely Ed Chua, Desi Tomacruz and Bobby Kanapi.

Shortly after, the event’s ceremonial tee shots were hit by Maribel Ongpin, Eat Bulaga!’s Maru Sotto, Lily Chan and Ana David.

Cecile David, Vince Hizon and Sister Marianne Araojo, r.a.

The day flew by as the ladies and gents conquered the fairways across different classes. But in the end, a handful of gifted players emerged victorious. After the game, the players converged at the clubhouse for a sumptuous lunch, awards and raffle prizes. The unique trophies, which were of metal dipped in silver leaf, were commissioned by Amaya Bengzon.

AAA president Marlu Balmaceda led the opening prayer and gave her welcome remarks.

Marit Yuchengco, Sister Marianne Araojo, r.a and Marlu Balmaceda.

At around lunchtime, the Class C winners were recognized. Leading the fray were Men’s Class C champion Tito Panlilio and Women’s Class C champion Maribel Ongpin. They were joined by runners-up Allen Copok (men) and MJ Ishihara (women).

For Class B, it was Rafael Pleno and Nelda Roguel of Forest Hills who were named champions in the men’s and women’s categories; while Alfonso Crucero and Gina de Guzman emerged as runners-up. They were given trophies, as well as gift certificates from Karada and Alterations Plus.

Sister Marianne Araojo, r.a. and Nelda Roguel.

Winners for the Class A bracket were the last to be announced, and Vince Hizon and Assumption’s own Therese Dabao were named champions. Class A runners-up, on the other hand, were Greg Yang and Marit Yuchengco. The winners also brought home trophies and gift certificates.

Rounding off the list of winners for the AAA Golf Tournament were Carina Ricamonte of Sta. Elena, who was named champion in the Lowest Gross category. She was awarded with a tall trophy and a playing certificate from East Ridge Golf & Country Club.

Cecile David and Carina Ricamonte.

Joining her was 21-year-old golfer Javi Toledo, who wowed with three pars and an eagle, making him the Lowest Net Champion. Javi received a trophy and playing certificate from Forest Hills Golf and Country Club.

Fun and prizes

Sister Maria Paz de Moreta, r.a. and MJ Ishihara.

While no players made a hole-in-one and win golf sets from Puma/Cobra and Miura Golf, the day yielded a group of “FunHole” winners who managed to make it nearest to the pin. They were Greg Yang, Jay Enrile, Bobby Kanapi and Martin Vonau.

Attendees were also in for a treat with the abundance of raffle prizes given away during the course of the tournament. Among the prizes raffled off were a travelling gym, microwave oven, vacuum cleaner, foot spa unit, stand fan and refrigerator

(Seated, from left) Ateneo alumni Joel Ferrer, Rafael Misa, Mike Roces and Pancho Escaler; (standing) AAA’s Marfina Teodoro and the author.

An overnight stay at Seda (from Ayala Land) and playing certificates from the Luisita Golf & Country Club were also given away. Gift certificates from NONO’s and French Baker were also given to some lucky winners.

The surprise of the afternoon came at the end though, as guests found more prizes hidden underneath some chairs. Among them were prizes from Anvaya Cove Golf & Sports Club, a FujiDenso Refrigerator and a Samsung TV.

(From left) Shell’s Ed Chua, early bird prize winner Ping Sotto, Desi Tomacruz and Bobby Kanapi.

The tournament was sponsored by Metrobank Foundation, Starbucks, K-Servico, 10 Acacia, Meralco, Let’s Save the Brain Foundation, Prudential Guarantee & Assurance, PLDT Home, Globe Telecom and Hydration Nation.

In addition, donations by Belo, Hi-Precision Diagnostics, Coca-Cola FEMSA, Panaderia Pantoja, Rebisco, Champion and YSA helped make the tournament one of the best yet. Sen. Loren Legarda, Tessie Sy Coson, Rep. Eileen Buhain, Jessie Soriano, Gina de Venecia, Marilou Tantoco Pineda and Chinit Rufino made personal donations as well.

Event emcees Ana David and Malu Gamboa.

The AAA golf tournament was a big hit!

(You may e-mail me at [email protected]. Follow me on Instagram @joanneraeramirez.)