Mariano, Sajulga jungolf champs

MANILA, Philippines - Pamela Mariano of Xavier University High School and Jets Sajulga of Xavier High School highlighted the recent second ICTSI-JGFP Mindanao Inter-School championship with solid efforts to win their respective divisions in contrasting fashion at the Del Monte Golf Club and Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club.

Mariano started slow at Del Monte with a four-over-par 76 worth 50 points under the Molave system but came back with a two-under 70 worth 56 at Pueblo de Oro the next day for a 106 aggregate and a five-point win over rival Rainstar Roque in Girls 2 division.

Sajulga found Del Monte tough as well with just 49 points but his 56 at Pueblo de Oro sent him streaking to an 18-point win in Midgets 2 (Grades 3-5) in the tourney that drew 48 players from eight schools.

Mariano and Sajulga led six division winners who qualified for the December national finals where they will compete against standouts from the Metro Manila and the Visayas legs.

Golfing star Frankie Miñoza, whose foundation is at the forefront of talent development in Mindanao, said that events like the Inter-school is a big boost to their campaign in promoting the game in the region with the help of Pueblo de Oro and Del Monte.

His daughter Martina led a 1-2-3 finish by SME bets in Girls 3, posting 43-25-68 to win by seven over Marie Aparilla.

The other winners were Rolando Bregente Jr. also of SME who took the Midgets 2 crown by five over Hwang Seong-hyeon of Nanuri International School; JJ Gamolo of HS who beat Dominique Edward Canlas by seven in junior play and Carl Anabieza  who was unchallenged in the seniors division.

The series, sponsored by the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. and organized by the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines, is supported by Pancake House Group, Sizzlin’ Pepper, Yellow Cab and McDonald’s.