Rolling fields of green set upon the blue skies above, sunlight racing through the trees that punctuate the serene landscape: such a glorious setting, fit only for a glorious event.
A testament to the grandeur of the celebrations for its 80th year, the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity once again organized a golf tournament to be enjoyed by brods and golf enthusiasts alike – the great Phi Cup – held at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club on the 8th of May 2013. Golfers from all over the Metro came together at the Legends Clubhouse, each looking forward to a day of healthy competition and camaraderie.
At 7 in the morning, things got under way as Brod Jose Joaquin Herrera Arroyo Φ2012 delivered his opening spiel as the members of the audience indulged on complimentary pastries and coffee. The opening invocation, led by Brod Timothy Carl Francisco Uy Φ2012, was soon followed by a few words from Brod Jack Domingo Gonzales Arroyo Jr. Φ1979A that set the tone for the day’s festivities. Guests were then asked to proceed to the greens for the ceremonial tee-off. Being the most senior of all brods in attendance, Brod Benito Rances Reverente Jr. Φ1950 took the opening shot, effectively smashing the ball off the tee with a swing that sent it flying to the waiting greens beyond. With that, the tournament was officially under way.
FORE! Brods Benny Reverente ’80 (left) and Charlie Lasa ’78 (right) displayed their perfect swing in the fairway.
For the next couple of hours, an intensity quite unlike any other took over all 18 holes of the golf course. Each determined to finish at the top of their respective flights, the golfers pounded shot after shot throughout the morning. By the time the last golfer completed all 18 of his holes, an air of uncertainty took over the festivities. There was no clear cut winner. The competition was all up in the air.
The players enjoyed the company of and the competitiveness in their respective flights.
Lunch was already served by the time the players returned to the clubhouse one flight after another. As the guests were finishing up their meals, Brod Waxx Arroyo took hold of the reins once more for the closing ceremonies. After raffling off various prizes from the organizers and the sponsors, the Vice Superior Exemplar, Brod Mark Terence Pua Mujer Φ2010, and Brod Pocholo Iñigo Bleza Morales Φ2009 went up the stage to present the trophies to the day’s victors. Upholding the tradition of excellence inherent in every Phi, Brod Antonio Roberto Marave Abaya Φ1981 claimed the top spot in his bracket, while brods Bilionario Januario Antonio Dolorico Veloso Jr. Φ1983 and Venancio Petate Garduce Φ1976 finished as second runners-up of Brackets A and B, respectively.
With their appetites satisfied, and their heads held high, the golfers departed from the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club in eager anticipation of the next golf tournament organized by the Fraternity.
Brods in attendance were: Benito Rances Reverente Jr. Φ1950, Fernando Basilio Florendo Piedad Φ1954, Venancio Petate Garduce Φ1976, Carlos Nicolai Imperial Lasa Φ1978, Enrico Pamintuan Ragaza Φ1978, Jack Domingo Gonzales Arroyo Jr. Φ1979A, Benjamin Avelino Medalla Abela Jr. Φ1979B, Peter Bautista Bernardo Φ1980, Adrian Estanislao Manapat Φ1980, Edwin Chiong Reyes Φ1980, Antonio Roberto Marave Abaya Φ1981, and Bilionario Januario Antonio Dolorico Veloso Jr. Φ1983.
BETTER PLAYED WITH BRODS. (From left to right) Brods Peter Bernardo ’80, Edwin Reyes ’80, Adrian Manapat ’80, Bimboy Garduce ’76, Benny Reverente ’50 and Nanding Piedad ’54
The success of this event would not have been achieved were it not for the efforts of the event heads; thus, it is only fitting to congratulate Brods Pocholo Iñigo Bleza Morales Φ2009, Mark Terence Pua Mujer Φ2010, Clemens Lee Mocorro Sabitsana Φ2011, and Jose Joaquin Herrera Arroyo Φ2012.
Proceeds of the Great Phi Cup will assist the recovery of our brod Venerable Preceptor Kenneth Roy Perez Mendoza Φ2010. All for PHI!
