BUILD for LIFE

Lush green scenery. Perfect sunny weather. 55 avid golfers. Love for the sport and the noble cause that brought everyone together. These describe best the recently concluded BFL Golf Tournament 2023.

Excited players arrived early morning of December 7 at Hallow Ridge, San Pedro, Laguna to register, claim mulligans, score cards, cart assignments, and raffle tickets.

Blessed with great weather, the tournament kicked off with a ceremonial tee-off led by Build for Life Foundation, Inc. Chairman Leo Santos, CotK Bishop Ariel Santos, and Gold Sponsor Asia Integrated Machine, Inc. representative, Mr. Kerwin Wong. Players were divided into 17 flight assignments: Flights 1-10 started at Hole #10 and flights 11-17 started at Hole #1. The players, who were a unique blend of different nationalities namely Filipinos, Danish, Americans, South Africans, New Zealanders, Singaporeans, and Indians each took their swings at all 18 holes which lasted more than four hours. They were then treated to a sumptuous meal of creamy pumpkin soup, fish fillet in ginger & leeks, beef with mushroom, grilled pork belly in cinnamon, chicken cordon bleu, and buko pandan for dessert. Members of CGI Philippines' Photography Club also delighted players in action as they took candid shots and gave away free printed copies of these photos in BFL Golf Tournament 2023 photo frame as souvenirs. Energetic Golfer Al Santiago animatedly hosted the program that ensued, eliciting heartfelt laughter from the delighted audience.

In between giving away minor and major raffle prizes, wooden trophies exquisitely designed by BFL volunteer Danelle David were awarded to Voltaire Tupaz for Nearest to the Pin (hole #12), Jun Develos for Most Accurate Drive (Hole #4), and Mark Way for Longest Drive (Hole #4). Other awardees were Ladies Division Champion Florie Abbot; Class C Champion Francis Granado, 1st Runner Up Gilbert Reyes & 2nd Runner Up Luis Espina; Class B Champion Azer Granado, 1st Runner Up Karlo Santiago & 2nd Runner Up David Abbot, assisted by BFL Chairman Leo Santos, Executive Director Sherwin Torres, and CGI Philippines' CSR Head Lani Miguel. Certificates of Appreciation were also given to the gold, silver, and bronze sponsors. Also acknowledged were donors who gave cash and in-kind donations.

The finale was the recognition of Class A Champion Ireneo Arbues, 1st Runner Up Lee Tee Chong & 2nd Runner Up Scott Pontifex with the highest awards given to Low Net Champion Voltaire Tupaz and Low Gross Champion Kerwin Wong. The program was capped with a raffle of a pricey golf bag as the major prize donated by G&W Club Shares and won by no less than CotK's Bishop Ariel Santos! A same-day edited AVP of the highlights of the day's event was also shown, again, courtesy of CGI Philippines' Photography Club.

The day was indeed long and hard but not a single golfer went home empty-handed, thanks to the magnanimity of our sponsors and donors. Certainly, every heart was full as evidenced by the joy on everyone's faces not only because old acquaintances were rekindled but also because new friendships were forged - all for the love of golf and the willingness to help those in need.

To paraphrase the words of seasoned golfer, Rommel San Pedro who was also one of the participants:

Golf is one sport that deeply impacts the player's heart, soul, mind, and strength. It lets him appreciate God's creativity through the magnificent sun, clear blue skies, lush green trees, verdant turf grass, chirping birds, and colorful fishes in ponds - which depict paradise as His ordained habitation for man – to calm his heart and relax his soul. It takes his mind and strength to play the game - whether good or bad. Most importantly, it brings out the best in him because he sees other golfers not as rivals but as friends to whom he can extend his support whenever needed.

Big words. No wonder, golfers are always willing to help when asked to do so. Indeed, it is true that golf enthusiasts are among the happiest in the world.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our sponsors and donors; volunteers Leo Santos, Sherwin Torres, Marjorie David, Lourdes Lim, Connie Santos, Fr. Jun Miguel, Danelle David, Rhea Caya, Myrasol Amor Caya-Macuha, Sylvia Noble, Miguel Family, David Family, Nasya Sison, Chat Jandayan, and Engr. Jun Develos from Build for Life Foundation, Inc., Bishop Ariel Santos of Cathedral of the King; Lani Miguel, Nadine Gayle Fabre, Christian Oliver Labrador, Amelia Nolasco, Grace Bertos from CGI Philippines, as well as volunteers Rolando Nolasco and Mikaela Tarle, BFL friends & supporters, and last but not least, newfound friends, Mr. Al Santiago and Mr. Joey Palma. We look forward to organizing more tournaments in the future together to support our initiatives in helping the less fortunate. Kudos to one and all!