A drug-free Philippines, this is the dream of Philippine National Police Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.
This dream is definitely not far fetched because last January 14 and 15, 2017 at the Malarayat Golf and Country Club, in Lipa City, what a lovely and picturesque scenes it were , resembling something straight out of a movie, armed with their clubs and dressed in full golf regalia, with their hearts coming together for the greater good. golf lovers participate and unite in the FIRST BATO GOLF CUP.
The Bato Golf Cup is a special sports undertaking that utilized the gentlemanly sports of golf for a higher purpose – that is to raise funds for the projects and activities of the good hearted general who is fully committed in preserving the peace and order in the country.
The public, by now, has grown accustomed to the amiable and accessible General Dela Rosa. Under his leadership, the Philippine National Police continues its drive against drugs to bring true and lasting peace and order to a nation that has long been dreaming of an environment where we feel safe from lawless elements and people. General Dela Rosa has become the embodiment of decisiveness and sturdiness, making him the voice and the persona who has compassion and the no-nonsense resolve to get things done. Truly, an action man!
“If you build it, they will come, ” so goes an iconic line from Field of Dreams starring Kevin Costner. To paraphrase it, “when a gathering of organizations call out to every one, people who love golf, peace and serenity will not think twice.”
General Dela Rosa led the opening of the golf competition with the ceremonial tee-off. He stayed the whole Saturday afternoon to play. He was also most grateful to the people who joined the event and made sure that it was a resounding success.
With work of art trophies designed by renowned artist Carlo Magno, the winners of the First Bato Golf Cup are, starting with special awardees during the first day:Dong Mendoza for Nearest To The Pin hole (one foot), Captain Pol Salvador (Most Accurate Drive On The Line) and Ivan Avena (Longest Drive, 324 yards.)
Day Two special awardees include Jere Fregil (Longest Drive, 32 yards), Bong Agojo (Nearest To The Pinhole 41/2 foot).and Hermie Perez (Most Accurate Drive.)
For the Tournament Proper, the victors are: Ladies Division – Second Runner Up is Evelyn Quinsay, First Runner Up – Margorie Lupingco, and the Champion is Glydel Mercado.
For Class D, Men’s Division, winners: Col. Ludy dela Paz (Second Runner Up), Morell Manaig (First Runner Up) and Lito Magsino (Champion). For Class C, Men;s Division, winners: Cote Thor (Second Runner Up), Joseph Garcia, (First Runner Up), and Noli Alcantara (Champion). For Class B, Men’s Division, winners: Jess Bartolome (Second Runner Up), Bong Agojo, (First Runner Up) and Manolo Agojo (Champion).
The Men’s Division. Class A Winners are: Elmer Gardiola (Second Runner Up), Teody Pascual (First Runner Up) and Gerald Katigbak (Champion) Other major winners include Ivan Avena (Lowest Net) and Ayi Beech (Lowest Gross).
Present in the First Bato Golf Cup are Mr. Edwin Gardiola. Chairman and Organizing Committee Head, Lipa City Mayor Meynardo Sabili, multi-awarded actor and actress, husband and wife Tonton Gutierrez and Glydel Mercado, showbiz royal Vandolph Quizon, and popular musical composer Lito Camo.
The very successful first Bato Golf Cup culminated in a night of fun, food, music, and raffle prizes including the grand prize of a brand-new P2.3 million Kia car, and with l performances from The Brothers Unlimited and Reo Brothers bands.
The two-day golf tournament was also made possible through the kindness of generous partners such as EG group of companies and the Gardiola Family; Mighty Corporation, Pacific Union Insurance, DDT Konstract, JAM Liner, Philtranco, Fastcat, SMDC, SM Prime, Mizuno, Edison Builders, Toreja Construction, RGB, Scientific Games, Aristocrat, Zitro, Lydia’s Lechon, MNTC, CIGNAL, Maynilad, Filinvest Development Corp., Peugeot Lipa, MVP Kia Molino, SBYC, Asia Cargo Container, Phoenix Petroleum, Newington Builders, Toyota Philippines, Philpost, Atomy Philippines, FWIL, Kilton Group of Companies, Belle Corp., BMW Philippines (ACC), KIA Philippines (CAC), Mahindra, CATS Motors, Autohub, MOSVELDTT law firm, Ayala Land Premier, MVPTech, Volares Audio, Atoy Customs, Category 7, Dreamwave, New Canaan Insurance, Choi Garden, Pax Libera Mining Inc., Genie Magic KTV and Goodlife Reflex Zone; and various companies and individuals who made valuable contributions. They are certainly an amazing group of organizations that willingly threw in their support to this laudable endeavor.
The Bato Golf Cup is now set as a yearly tournament; with the next one promising to be even bigger. This is indeed a great way to show love and support to the Sport and to the Country!