One La Salle Perpetual Cup 2009 "The Ultimate Golf Party"
By: Dr. Roberto E. Salvador (USLS-Bacolod HS Batch ‘85)



The vision of bringing all La Sallians from all over the Philippines, to share in one dream, in one faith, in One La Salle, came into fruition with the culmination of the One La Salle Perpetual Cup Golf Tournament 2009 dubbed as the "Ultimate Golf Party" which was held at the Negros Occidental Golf & Country Club (Marapara) in Bacolod City last November 21-22, 2009. The event was hosted by the current Silver Jubilarians of University of St. La Salle Bacolod, High School Class of 1985. The participants were welcomed to the tournament with a festive and Mardi Gras-like atmosphere. At the entrance of the venue, the La Carlota Drumbeaters were playing their rhythmic beats while Hotel Management students were present to assist the guests. The participants were also treated to a loot bag containing various One La Salle paraphernalia. After short welcoming rites, the ceremonial tee-off was led by Bro. Ray Suplido, Chancellor of USLS-Bacolod, Bro. Bernie Oca, De La Salle Philippines' Vice Chancellor for the La Sallian Mission, Henry Atayde, De La Salle Alumni Association (Manila) President, and Raymund Locsin, USLS-Bacolod Alumni Association President. Perfect playing conditions welcomed the players. The sun was shining and the fairways and greens were in pristine condition. A golf cart driven by two lovely models was also sighted with a sign, "Beer & Tequila Shots." What more could a golfer ask for?

The tournament had a shotgun tee-off that started at 10AM. What made the event more unique in the team competition was that it instilled the spirit of La Sallian camaraderie by grouping players from the same high school batches belonging to different La Salle schools in one team. Another new twist to the tournament rules was the "Mulligan Putt", that gave new meaning to the phrase... "One more chance". The golf course was both friendly and challenging with the wind blowing and strategic sand traps present all over. These are what Marapara is famous for. Bad shots did not linger that long, as spirits were lifted up by the refreshing smiles of the USLS-Hotel Management students that served as markers for the different golf flights. After 18 holes of golf on the first day, it was relaxing to arrive at the club house with an open bar by Off-Shore Bar serving cold beer courtesy of "Beer Below Zero".

The second day started almost the same as the first, with Bro. Bernie Oca commenting, "Did you order this kind of weather? It's Beautiful!" The players were now familiar with each other and the banter and jokes came more freely. The beer flowed much faster and another 18 holes of golf breezed through under ideal conditions. The golfers, on their way back to the club house, were again greeted by loud music and the hypnotic beats of the La Carlota Drumbeaters that set the party-mood for the night's activities.

During the awarding ceremonies, the players were ushered to the second floor of the NOGCC clubhouse where they were greeted by lovely models wearing mysterious masks, a throwback to the Masskara festival celebrated in Bacolod last month. Gourmet dinner was served by Chef Pancho Bringas of the Sugarland Hotel, that kept everyone going back for second and third servings. The night became more exciting with the magnificent display of showmanship by the Boracay Fire Dancers, that was followed by the giving away of raffle prizes and the awarding of tournament winners. Over-all Individual Champion honors went to Ivan Villarosa, a promising youngster, who won a playing slot at the Rolex Cup 2010 in Singapore. The prize was made possible through the Dr. A.B. Monozca Foundation led by Paul Moñozca, an alumni of USLS Bacolod Batch '85. The awarding ceremonies was graced by the presence of Senator Miguel Zubiri, who handed out the trophies to the winners. The honorable gentleman was also one of the tournament's major sponsors. An additional playing slot for either the the Lexus Cup or the Barclays Open in Singapore was also raffled off through the generosity of Paul Moñozca and the Dr. A.B. Moñozca Foundation. The One La Salle Perpetual Cup trophy was won by Batch 1979 and Batch 1986, who were declared co-champions for this year. The latter was also last year's Perpetual Cup champion. The night ended with the Avatar band playing, the booze flowing, and the girls dancing. What a night! What a tournament! This truly was the "Ultimate Golf Party!" All the players and guests left with a smile on their faces, and that is why Bacolod is known as "The City of Smiles". See you next year for another round of golf and another round of drinks.

Animo La Salle!