The 3rd RCM Cup

AT dawn’s first light, as mist kissed the manicured fairways of Sta. Elena Golf Club, a sense of camaraderie and quiet competition filled the air. Beneath the sprawling shade of Makiling’s trees, old friends reunited, new handshakes were exchanged, and a field of determined golfers prepared for a day not just of sport, but of purpose.

It was June 16, 2025 — the eagerly anticipated Third RCM Cup, the flagship golf tournament of the Rotary Club of Manila Foundation, Inc. (RCMFI), and a day that would blend athletic precision with Rotary’s enduring commitment to service and fellowship.

By 6:00 AM, golfers — attired in tournament shirts and armed with practiced swings — gathered for a light breakfast. Conversations mingled with the clink of coffee cups and the rustle of scorecards. As the sun crept over the Laguna de Bay horizon, players made their way to the Lower Veranda for the formal opening.

At precisely 7:30 AM, the invocation by Immediate Past President Wilfredo “Willie” Peliño gave solemnity to the affair, reminding everyone that beyond the game lay deeper causes. Just five minutes later, the tournament’s spirit was immortalized in a single frame — the group photo — a mosaic of Rotarians, sponsors, players, and friends.

A Sacred Beginning on the Lower Veranda

And then came the ceremonial tee-off at 7:40 AM, with Chairman John Nico “Micray” P. Valencia, RCM President Eduardo “Jujut” V. Enriquez III, and RCMFI President Michael Jaey “Mike” C. Albaña launching the day’s first drives in unison — a fitting echo of unity and drive, both literal and figurative.

The Battle on Makiling: Shotgun Start and the Molave Mindset

At 8:00 AM sharp, the game began in earnest. The Shotgun Start scattered players across the Makiling course, where every tee box became a front line in a friendly battle for Molave Points — a unique system that rewarded valor: one point for a double bogey, scaling all the way to a coveted seven for a double eagle. Triple bogeys were taboo, their silent “X” marks on scorecards reminders of lessons learned.

From white tees for the gentlemen to red tees for the ladies, each stroke became a measure of both mettle and mercy. Gimme putts inside 18 inches eased tensions, while the optional mulligans — two for Php500 — offered salvation on errant drives, though strictly off the greens.

Among the day’s highlights were the Fun Holes, those sprinkled across the course to reward precision: Hole 2 challenged players with a test of finesse — Nearest to the Pin. Hole 5 demanded laser-straight shots for the Most Accurate Drive. On the back nine, Hole 12 crowned the Longest Drive, while Hole 18 turned the final green into a stage for the Longest Putt.

And of course, the Hole-in-One temptations: Hole 7 offered up a gleaming Vespa S125, while Holes 2, 14, and 17 dangled Php20,000 cash prizes — sponsored by Autohub Group and RCM itself. Eyes narrowed, hands steadied — but the ball, as always, had its own will.

A Pause for Purpose: Lunch and Fellowship

By 1:00 PM, the last putts dropped, clubs were slotted back in bags, and the golfers ascended to the Hacienda Room on the second floor for a well-earned lunch. Between bites and banter, screens lit up with videos of generous sponsors and past tournament highlights — a visual tapestry of generosity and tradition.

RCM President Eduardo “Jujut” V. Enriquez III and RCMFI Trustee Antonilo “Noni” D.C. Mauricio welcomed guests warmly, while RCMFI President Michael Jaey “Mike” C. Albaña offered a heartfelt invocation. RCMFI Chairman Reginald “Reggie” T. Yu’s opening remarks set the tone for the awards ahead — one of celebration, gratitude, and Rotary fellowship.

Awards, Raffles, and Recognition

Amid warm applause, Joselito “Lito” H. Sibayan took the floor to honor the day’s sharpshooters in the Fun Hole contests. Their trophies, while small in stature, were heavy with pride:

Fun Hole Winners

Nearest to the Pin: Roy Rene, Noel Valdez

Most Accurate Drive: Lahiru Mendis

Longest Drive: Miguel Gumila

Longest Putt: Arthur Chung

Fun Hole Winner: Sophia Encarnacion

Then came the Tournament Awards, masterfully announced by Past Golf Chair Michael Raymond “Micray” L. Gonzales:

Ladies Division

Champion: Ting Yupangco

1st Runner-up: Sofia Encarnacion

2nd Runner-up: Angela Manese

Special Prize: AC Solar Panel – Jeremy Batimana

Super Senior Division

Champion: Fausto Preysler Jr.

1st Runner-up: Perry Sidiangco

2nd Runner-up: Delfin Lorenzana

Special Prizes: CWC Vitra Chair – Joseph L. Katigbak; CWC Nex Chair – Nicole Chan

Class C Division

Champion: Warren So

1st Runner-up: Enchong Formoso

2nd Runner-up: Christopher Jalgalado

Special Prizes: PAL Business Class (Domestic) – Christopher Jalgalado; PAL Business Class (Southeast Asia) – Rico Ramoso; Manam 5K GC – Stephanie Encarnacion

Class B Division

Champion: Waren Urriza

1st Runner-up: Gabe Borromeo

2nd Runner-up: Andy Li

Special Prize: Manam 15K GC – Angela Manese

Class A Division

Champion: Noli Gusi

1st Runner-up: Juan Paolo Martirez

2nd Runner-up: Roy Rene

Special Prizes: 5K Pickup Coffee Vouchers

Notable Players: Anna Cureg, Enzo Dizon, Jay D. Fernandez, PJ Garcia, Eric Nolasco, Sonny Paez, Mel Rivera, Warren Urriza

Overall Champion: Raymond Lacdao

As trophies were hoisted and smiles beamed, Light Cinema captured the tournament’s soul in an SDE (same-day edit) montage — a moving portrait of camaraderie and competition.

A Shower of Prizes: The Raffles

No RCM Cup would be complete without the thrill of the raffle, and this year’s lineup was nothing short of remarkable. Malaysia’s Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, presided over the Minor Raffle, distributing everything from hotel stays to generous GCs and coffee vouchers courtesy of Pickup Coffee and The Moment Group. Lucky winners of Microtel Hotel and Room Vouchers included:

Ricardo Jr. Abelardo, Sofia Encarnacion, Ricardo Fernandez, Edwin Hernandez, Romeo C. Nones, Gerry Punzalan, Anthony Teng, Normal Paul Turingan, Raveen Verdharshana

Then came the Major Raffle, led by RCMFI Chairman-Elect Alexander Cureg:

20K Cash Prizes: Hyubs Azarcon, Mon Yupangco

30K Cash Prize: Quiel Delgado

40K Cash Prize: William Co

50K Cash Prize: Raoul Creencia

But the most talked-about moment came during the Grand Raffle Draw, when none other than Willy Tee Ten — founder of Autohub Group and one of the event’s most generous benefactors — was called to pick the winning stub for the Vespa S125… only to draw his own name.

In a delightful twist of fate, the man who had donated the Vespa ended up winning it himself.

Amid laughter and cheers, Willy graciously accepted the prize — but in true Rotary spirit, he immediately turned the moment into a gesture of generosity by donating Php50,000 in cash to the next lucky raffle winner. It was a move that epitomized the day’s theme: generosity, joy, and good humor in equal measure.

Mulligans, Memories, and a Meaningful Farewell

In a touching act of goodwill, tournament organizers turned over Php64,500 in Mulligan fees — a gesture that underscored the day’s deeper intent: service above self.

As the day wound down with live entertainment and laughter echoing through Sta. Elena’s Hacienda Room, Golf Committee Chair John Nico P. Valencia delivered closing remarks. Finally, Wilfredo Peliño and Raoul C. Creencia drew the last grand prize, ending the program with cheers and gratitude.

By 5:00 PM, golf bags rolled toward waiting cars. But the spirit of the RCM Cup lingered — etched in every handshake, every photo, every heartfelt story shared between strangers-turned-friends.

More Than a Game

The 3rd RCM Golf Cup was not merely a tournament — it was a celebration of shared purpose. It proved that under the arcs of towering trees and above the whispers of rolling greens, sport can be a sanctuary. A place where service and play, charity and challenge, laughter and legacy converge.

And as the sun dipped below the Sta. Elena treetops, the RCM Cup stood triumphant — not just in scorecards or trophies, but in the quiet bonds it fostered, one swing at a time.