Asgc magazine 2013 by DOMCAR CALINAWAN LAGTO

56 Contents Secretaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message

DepEd: All systems go for ASEAN schools golf tourney Program of Activities Delegations The Arrival

7 14

PH lad climbs on top spot in the 2nd day of jungolf tourney; Thaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teams remain tough

Off the c ourse as they arrived DepEd: All systems go for ASEAN schools golf tourney

Opening

Thailand clinches 5th ASGC girls individual; boys and girls team secure titles

Team Senior editor: Nadina G. Gaton

33 64

Art director: Domcar C. Lagto bigdomcar03@yahoo.com http://issuu.com/domcar

Writers:

Homer A. Mendoza Michael T. Villaluna May C. Lagtu Nina D. Dayanghirang

Senior Photographer: Domcar C. Lagto Photographers: Rolly B. Caidic Michael T. Villaluna May C. Lagtu Advisers: Dir. Diosdado M. San Antonio Cesar Abalon Pacita Q. Lungcay Dr. Donato G. Bueno Consultant: ASec. Tonisito M. C. Umali, Esq.

27 25

The ASGC Magazine is the official sports publication of ASEAN Schools Golf Championship, November 23 - December 1, 2013 at Splendido Taal Country Club, Laurel Batangas and Chateau Royale, Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines. It features “pictures that tell stories” - themed shots of people in action, scenic places, winning moments, breathtaking nature, and all interesting views captured by our creative lenses with concise descriptive text. *free download **secured pdf http://issuu.com/domcar

Since the founding of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1967, our countries have been looking for ways to strengthen our ties in order to grow as a collective. Three pillars of the ASEAN were established: economic integration, security, and cultural integration.

Secretary’s

Welcome Message

A position the Philippines shares with the rest of the member nations is that intercultural activities strengthen ties between nations by creating connections between people. Athletic tournaments in our region does not only showcase the athletic prowess of each nation but also serves as an exercise of this cultural diplomacy.

The ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) displays the Education community’s commitment in the development and promotion of regional consciousness and cultural diplomacy among school- aged children. The ASG comes to the Philippines after one of the most painful natural disasters to ever hit the the Philippines, Typhoon Haiyan. Nevertheless we are proud to host this prestigious tournament. This year’s ASG Golf Championships is significant in two ways. The first way reaffirms commitment of the Filipino people to explore the expansion of all sports in order to better create avenues of crosscultural interaction. The second reaffirms our solidarity—that in the wake of Haiyan’s devastation, we stand as a strong, united ASEAN. This is only the beginning. We hope to see you all again next year as we host the 2014 ASEAN Schools Games. We pray that your stay in Taal, Batangas is pleasant and that your long hours of training and practice bear fruit. Good luck, mabuhay and welcome to the 2013 ASEAN Schools Golf Championship!

Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC Secretary

Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Foundation to co-manage the staging of the golf leg of the region-wide sporting event. The ASG Golf Championship will be held on November 25 to 29 at the Splendido Taal Golf Club. The governing council of the ASG has recently held a Chef-de-Mission meeting at the venue to check the on-going preparations and clarify any concerns. This early, the delegation from Thailand has expressed appreciation for the preparations being put in place.” The golf venue is beautiful, the food, the hotel and hospitality are all very good.” Another Thai delegate said: “The golf course has strong winds unlike in my country that is why I believe this is going to be an

Splendido Taal Golf Club, Laurel, Batangas Photo by: Domcar C. Lagto

exciting tournament.” Education Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali, who is directly in charge of tournament preparations, said that DepEd is ready to host the event and is looking forward to hosting the full ASG next year, “This ASG golf tournament will serve as a practice run for the full ASEAN Schools Games, which the Philippines will be hosting next year.” The Philippines, through DepEd, is an active member of the ASEAN Schools Sports Council, which conducts the annual ASG. It aims to enhance friendship among students around the ASEAN region and provide opportunities for school athletes to engage in sports and cultural exchange

SPLENDIDO TAAL GOLF CLUB and CHATEAU ROYALE Batangas, Philippines November 23 - December 1, 2013

DELEGATIONS BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

ROSLIN BIN SUHAILEE Team Manager

ABD KADIR BIN ABD GHANI Coach

ABDUL AZIM BIN ABD KADIR

MUHAMMAD IZZUDDIN BIN HASIM

MD IRWAN BIN HAJI ABDUL HAMID

MUHAMMAD AZIZI BIN JUNAIDI

INDONESIA

HERRY SAFARRY Coach (Male)

NIA ADRIANA Coach (Female)

WASHINTON GALINGGING Chef-‐de-‐Mission

MOHAMMED QAZZRI FAKHRI BIN HJ ASLIMON

AKHYAR MATRA Chef-‐de-‐Mission

THEARR

Junior golfers arrive for the 5th ASEAN Schools Golf Championship

By: Michael T. Villaluna Photo by: Rolly B. Caidic

he warmth of the Filipino hospitality was felt by the junior golfers of the ASEAN member countries when they arrived at Chateau Royale, Kaylaway Nasugbu Batangas as their billeting quarter for the 5th ASEAN Schools Golf Championship. Golfers-eighteen year old and below of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines will display their skills in the course from November 25 to 29 at Splendido Taal Golf Club seven minutes away from Chateau Royale. According to Mr. Cezar Abalon, Head of DepEd Schools Sports and Activities Unit, Philippines hosting of the ASG Golf Championship is a preparation for the 2014 ASEAN Schools Games to be hosted by the country next year which aims to enhance friendship and provide opportunities for school athletes to engage not only in sports but also in cultural exchange. ASEAN Schools Golf Championship is a part of ASEAN School Games being hosted by Vietnam which started in July this year but will stage in the country after the Philippines volunteered to be the host as jump-start of its participation in the ASEAN Schools Sports Council.

RIVAL

SAWASDEE KRAB. ASec. Tonisito Umali greets golfers from Thailand while loosening up at the billards hall shortly after the arrived in the afternoon.

The Arrival

Thailand

Chanya Pratherat – “My dad influenced me to play golf, he is a good golfer too.”

Philippines

Dan Emilio Cruz- I played basketball when I was in primary grade and I stopped when I engaged in golf. My father invited me to play golf and I enjoyed it and that was the start. Golf is more on mental ability, patience and luck.

Indonesia

Ribka Vania - I play golf for almost seven years. We saw the Taal Lake and it is so beautiful.

Singapore Lucius Toh Zheng Xian - I’ve been playing golf since I was 5 years old…my greatest achievement so far was the 2011 Singapore Juniors Open Tournament where I won the championship.

Bryan Teoh Wiyang - I was afraid to the traffic in Manila, but when I got here in Chateau Royale ,Nasugbu, it is far different because the place is beautiful and the weather is nice.

Brunei

Abdul Azim Bin Abd Kadim - My dad is my coach. Concentration and good discipline are necessary in playing golf.

s r

as t hey

arr ive d

Malaysia

Off the By: May C. Lagtu & Nadina G. Gaton Photo By: Michael T. Villaluna Rolly B. Caidic

Rupert Zaragoza tees off on 1 Photo By: Domcar C. Lagto

DepEd: All systems go for ASEAN schools golf tourney TAAL, BATANGAS – It is all systems go for the ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) Golf Championship to be hosted by the Philippines in November. This activity aims to further “cement the bond of sportsmanship and cultural exchange among student-athletes in South East Asia.” Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that all the necessary preparations and logistic support to ensure the smooth conduct of the annual ASG are in place. “We are confident that we can successfully host this event with the full support of our partners from the government and the private sector.” DepEd, the Philippine agency overseeing the ASEAN sports meet, has recently inked an agreement with the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Foundation to co-manage the staging of the golf leg of the region-wide sporting event. The ASG Golf Championship will be held on November 25 to 29 at the Splendido Taal Golf Club. The governing council of the ASG has recently held a Chefde-Mission meeting at the venue to check the on-going preparations and clarify any concerns.

This early, the delegation from Thailand has expressed appreciation for the preparations being put in place.” The golf venue is beautiful, the food, the hotel and hospitality are all very good.” Another Thai delegate said: “The golf course has strong winds unlike in my country that is why I believe this is going to be an exciting tournament.” Education Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali, who is directly in charge of tournament preparations, said that DepEd is ready to host the event and is looking forward to hosting the full ASG next year, “This ASG golf tournament will serve as a practice run for the full ASEAN Schools Games, which the Philippines will be hosting next year.” The Philippines, through DepEd, is an active member of the ASEAN Schools Sports Council, which conducts the annual ASG. It aims to enhance friendship among students around the ASEAN region and provide opportunities for school athletes to engage in sports and cultural exchange Communications Unit Office of the secretary Department of Education

ASEAN Schools Golf Championship dedicated to Yolanda survivors Nasugbu, Batangasâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;The Philippines, through the Department of Education (DepEd) formally opened the 2013 ASEAN Schools Games Golf Championship November 24. Filipino delegates, along with their counterparts from Brunei Darrusalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, celebrated the opening ceremony with a simple program. DepEd Assistant Secretary Tonisito M.C.Umali Esq., in his opening message, reaffirmed the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; involvement with the

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and praised the solidarity of the ASEAN region not only in times of abundance but also in times of need. The tournament was dedicated to Filipinos affected by the recent string of disasters including the earthquake that devastated the islands of Cebu and Bohol, and Super-typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) that struck the Visayas region earlier this month. Among the guests of honor who delivered their inspirational and congratulatory messages to the young athletes and their chefs-de-mission were Nasugbu Mayor Rosario Apacible, Laurel Mayor Randy Amo, and Batangas Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Donato Bueno. Jack Imperial of the Junior Golf Foundation was also introduced as the Tournament Director. The delegates set out to play a practice game yesterday at the Splendido Taal Golf Club as part of their final preparations before the tournament proper takes place today, November 26.

Lunch with the

GOVERNOR

wings were at their best…Shots were in good shape….the first impression was a good one and the mystifying game began to unfold as the 2013 ASGC tourney takes its course….

randiose continued when the doors opened to the kingdom of unexpected treasures … the feeling of gladness overflowed to the country of a thousand faces….

Glee poured out to the realm of truly Asia…. Great things delighted the place of infinite possibilities…. Graciousness amused the amazing kingdom… Ginormous flashes of brilliance enthralled the Pearl of the Orient Seas…

With much pleasure, the Provincial Governor of Batangas, Hon. Vilma Santos-Recto expressed her warm reception to the delegates of participating countries. â&#x20AC;Ś.My best wishes to all our participants

in this Golf Competition. May this school sport continue to serve as an effective instrument in promoting, sustaining and strengthening unity, solidarity and cooperation among our Asian schools. So again to all of you, welcome and please enjoy our province. To all of you good luck and again welcome to Batangas, Mabuhay at maraming, maraming salamat po! - Hon. VSRGood music and graceful moves from the DGB dancers completed the welcome lunch from the office of the governor with high hopes that the friendship shared will flourish beyond the golf course.

DepEd fetes ASEAN schools golf participants Nasugbu, Batangas – Culture and sports merge as the Department of Education (DepEd) hosted a Secretary’s Night where studentathletes from the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) schools showcase their culture through songs and dances – a sidelight to the on-going ASEAN Schools golf championship. The event was participated in by representatives from Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines. Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali represented Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC, who was still attending to the needs of typhoon Yolanda-affected areas. “In occasions like this, we become more exposed to our neighbors’ culture, we begin to understand the differences and the similarities, and that is the beginning of acceptance and deeper friendship,” said Umali, adding that the cultural night enables the participants to mingle with one another, talk openly and exchange gifts which could further strengthen the bond of friendship among them. One of the event’s highlights was the exchange of gifts among the participants. “When Filipinos visit other countries, they bring home tokens and souvenirs for their loved ones. We hope the souvenirs that you give and receive will remind you of the fond memories of the Philippine hosting of the ASEAN Schools Golf Tournament,” Umali explained. The Philippines, through the DepEd, is hosting the golf leg of the 2013 ASG from November 25 to 29, 2013 at the Splendido Taal Golf Club in Batangas. The country is also set to host the full ASG in 2014.

Unofficial results of the games can be viewed at www.pilipinasgolf.net/asean/ The Philippines is an active member of the ASEAN Schools Sports Council, which conducts the annual ASG. It aims to enhance friendship among students around the ASEAN region and provide opportunities for school athletes to engage in sports and cultural exchange.

LET’S PLAY. Batangas Province High School for Culture and Arts performs “Maglalatik”, one of the folk dances in the Philippines during the Courtesy Night with the Secretary at Chateau Royale, Nasugbu, Batangas, Nov. 27. (PHOTO BY: DOMCAR C. LAGTO)

Kristoffer Arevalo blasts out of the bunker on 18 in round 4. Photo By: Domcar C. Lagto

THE SPLENDIDO

TAAL GOLF CLUB T he Greg Norman designed, 18-hole; par 72 all-weather championship golf course was opened to its members in 2002. It is a truly majestic course sprawled on a 152-hectare man-made valley nestled amidst the mountain ridges of the Grand Taal, with a dramatic view of the Taal Volcano and lake. Surrounding the Splendido Taal golf course is the 87-hectare fairway lots and

residential enclaves of the Splendido Taal Residential Estates owned by JAKA Tagaytay Holdings Corporation. Leading architectural firm RR Payumo and Partners in collaboration with Steven Leach and Associates for the interiors designed the SpanishMediterranean-inspired Splendido Taal Golf Clubhouse. Source http://www.splendidotaalgolfclub.com/

a W e s r Cou Hole 1 – Comienzo Justo (Fair Start) A great hole to start the golfing round. Slight dogleg left, 512 yards, Par 5. The player is faced with a task that gives premium to a good drive. A small creek runs to the left and a natural hazard is located on the right. This hole presents a possible eagle opportunity for the better players and players long off the tee. Those who choose to lay up are faced with a tricky 3rd shot. A par would be a good start and this hole is set up for that. Hole 2 – Gran Ataque Blanco del Tiburón (Great White Shark Attack) What the first hole gave, the second hole takes back, and with a vengeance. Severe dogleg right, 538 yards, Par 5. The drive is intimidating, giving the player a choice of gambling for the risky two-on or the normal 3-shot strategy for the green, that is, if the player could get in on three. The player could choose to take a short cut through the right and face a blind landing area or choose for the more conservative approach left of the bunker. Just make sure you don’t have too much club and reach the hazard located past the fairway. The same

natural hazard located on hole number one is located on the right, running all the way through the green. A personal par should be more realistic for average players. Hole 3 – Precision (Precision) A fairly straight 130-yard Par 3, this short hole is no giveaway. When the wind comes into play it tends to blow madly. . One more warning to the wise, the green is about the size of a cup saucer. Hole 4 – Gambito (Gambit) Dogleg right, 340 yards, Par 4. Another make or break hole, a possible birdie hole or a bogey hole. The hole is set up as you see it, no surprises. A good average drive sets you up for a short club to the green. Fantastic views but please remember to add wind as a factor. Hole 5 – Estire Sus Piernas (Stretch Your Legs) Slight dogleg left, 443 yards, Par 4.This one is for the long hitters. All players would need two good shots to make this green. After you’ve hit the best drive of your life, the green may be eye level or nestled just

h g u o r h alk T below depending on the length of that drive. The green is protected by bunkers located on the left and the right side. Hole 6 – Cuesta Arriba (Uphill) Another hole that puts premium on accuracy is hole #6. Straight hole, 343 yards, Par 4. The second shot is crucial for allowing you another birdie opportunity. Watch out for the front bunker! Hole 7 – Cresta del Aguila (Eagle’s crest) Take out your driver on this one, you’re going to need it, again. Straight hole, 412 yards, Par 4. A fairly straight shot to the green. Watch out for the out of bounds markers to your right that runs all the way to the hole. This hole is a testament to the championship standards of the course. Hole 8 – Ultimo Ataque (Ultimate Attack) The signature hole of Splendido Taal Golf Club. 213 yards, Par 3. You’ll need to carry over the same ravine seen in hole #2. Approximately 190 yards in length, if you can cross it, watch out for the bunkers that guard the green.

Hole 9 – Agujero de la Esquina Exigente Pasado (Last Demanding Corner Hole) 418 yards, Par 4. A straight hole that demands a nice drive to set you up for a testy second shot to the green. Pot bunkers are laid-out to trap wayward shots. Hazards on this hole will rarely come into play. Hole 10 – Opinión Del Cliffside (Cliffside) 379 yards, Par 4. Dogleg left with two hazards going through from tee to green. Another precision hole that demands proper placement of your second shot. Hole 11 – El Punto Más Alto (Highest point) Dogleg left, 528 yards, Par 5. A chance for better players and longer hitters to go for it in two. An out-of-bounds marker is located all along the left hand side. For your second or third shot, a small lake guards the green to the left and a cluster of bunkers are strategically placed on the right. Hole 12 – Bombardéelo (Bomb it) Dogleg right, 428 yards, Par 4. Two bunkers are strategically placed on the right hand side close to the fairway to catch your drive. If you have the length off the tee, you could overpower those bunkers. More bunkers surround the green.

Hole 13 – Estratega (Strategist) Severe dogleg left, 415 yards, Par 4. This is one hole that you have to play with extreme caution. But if you hit it over 350 yards just cut across the bunkers for an easy wedge to the pin. The danger with cutting the corner is a large acacia tree located left of the fairway that guards the green, coming up short will put you in front of that tree. For most golfers you may want to play short of the bunkers and play a long iron second shot to the green. The most conservative approach should be playing right off the bunkers, and prepare for a 180 to 190 yard shot to the green. Hole 14 – Esencia del Nacional de Augusta (Essence of Augusta National) One of the most beautiful views without the Taal Volcano in sight. A straightaway, 349-yard Par 4. This straight hole is for golf purists. A driver or three wood would suffice to set you up for a decent second shot to the green. The green is guarded by a shallow creek and two bunkers. Hole 15 – Dejar el Hammerhead (Leaving Hammerhead) The best bet for a Hole-in-one. Short and sweet, 148 yards, Par 3. Watch out for the bunkers that surround the green. When you finally get to the green, watch out for the greenside slopes. Hole 16 – Acoplamientos (Links) This hole is the closest thing to a links design. Slight dogleg left, short at 361 yards but a very tricky Par 4. You will need to place your drive. If you tend to miss, miss it right. Also, for your second shot, play with some caution because the wind tends to be a factor. Hole 17 – Caballero (Knight) A respectable length at 164 yards, Par 3. The green is guarded by the lake on the left and by bunkers on the right and at the back. Wind also plays an important factor when judging which club to choose. Hole 18 – Milagro Pasado (Last Miracle) Magnificent finishing hole, possesses a commanding view over the entire golf course.

Slight dogleg right, 533 yards, Par 5. The player should use a driver or a three wood to get close enough to go for it in two. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to hit it over 300 yards or you might end up in the creek. A second shot to the green requires a nice hybrid club or a fairway wood that has the distance to get you there, yet float down softly to allow you to set up for an eagle putt. Should you choose to lay up, a lake patiently awaits for balls that go astray. The green is also guarded by bunkers that are overshadowed by the presence of the lake. Source http://www.splendidotaalgolfclub.com/ Photos By: Jon Tinga / Joey Zaballero

Amir Nazrin bin Jailani tees off on 2. Photo by: Michael T. Villaluna

Malaysian junior golfer seizes the first round of the 5th ASGC; Thai teams start strong By Michael T. Villaluna

AUREL, Batangas-- Malaysian junior golfer Amir Nazrin bin Jailani displayed dominance of the course in the first round of 5th ASEAN Schools Golf Championship ( ASGC) Boys Individual, while Thailand was strong enough to settle on the top spot of both Boys and Girls Team Division on November 26. The 16-year-old Nazrin Bin Jailani shot a 4 under 72 at Splendido Taal Golf Course, Laurel, Batangas, Philippines to have one-stroke lead against Nattawat Suvajanakkorn of Thailand who opened an eagle on par 5 first but double bogeyed on seventh. Suradit Yongcharoenchai also of Thailand birdied three straight holes from first to third and shared the third place with Rupert Zaragosa of the Philippines at 70. Meanwhile Thailand coach Pithsanu Arunyakanonta said that he is hopeful for Thailand’s boys and girls team to do better to remain on the top of the race as they scored even par 288 and 13 under 216 in the first day respectively. “They will show more of what they have tomorrow,” stressed Pithsanu

“They will show more of what they have tomorrow,” referring to Chothirunrungrueng Withcayanon, Yongcharoenchai Suradit, Thippong Nitithon, Suvajanakkorn Nattawat, Sridama Putt of boys team and Santiwiwatthanaphong Sherman, Prathetrat Chanyan, Sangchan Supamas and Chanachai Suthavee of girls team. In the second and third spot of boys’ team was Malaysia with 1 over par and the Philippines with 15 over 288. The Philippine girls’ team completed eight under par while Indonesia was 2 over 216 for the second and third spot. The golf leg of the region-wide sporting event scheduled for four rounds is co-managed by the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Foundation being tapped by the Department of Education, Philippines.

ASGC2013

round one

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel excited and also hope to lead the second round tomorrow,â&#x20AC;?

Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong blasts out of the bunker on practice area. Photo by: Domcar C. Lagto

Thailand’s lass starts heroic in the 5th ASEAN Schools Golf Championship By Michael T. Villaluna

AUREL, Batangas- Thailand’s emerging golf lady icon Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong heroically lifted Thailand Girls Team on top spot in the first day of the 5th ASEAN Schools Golf Championship at Splendido Taal Golf Club, November 26. The lady golfer Sherman, shot eight under 72 grabbing the solo lead of the Girls Individual and initiated girls team to accumulate 13 under 216, with a five-stroke lead against the Philippines team followed by Indonesia on the third at two over 216. “I feel excited and also hope to lead the second round tomorrow,” said Sherman during the interview after the first round. Seventeen- year-old Sherman, eagled twice on the first and second then birdied from sixth to eight to mark three stroke lead against Pauline Del Rosario of the Philippines. Suthavee Chanachai also of Thailand, was third on the list with 4 under 72. Sherman, who was influenced by his dad to play golf trumped professional rivals on the PTT Global Chemical Thailand Ladies Open last November 9, 2013 as she celebrated her 17th birthday.

round one

PH lad climbs on top spot in the 2nd day of jungolf tourney; Thai’s teams remain tough By Michael T. Villaluna Ruperto Zaragosa III of the Philippines climbed the top spot as he shot two under 72 in the second round of 5th ASEAN Schools Golf Championship here at Splendido Golf Club, Laurel Batangas, November 27. “I made some errors in putting, I still need more practice but I’m glad in today’s result,” said Zaragosa as he walked to the clubhouse. Zaragosa yesterday’s third place, birdied three straight holes from first to third but bogeyed in the fourth and fifth, luckier than Amir Nazrin bin Jailani who topped yesterday’s opening when the Malaysian tripled bogey in the fourth and bogeyed twice in the eighteenth. Sixteen years old Zaragoza carded four under for a two days total of 140 replacing Amir Nazrin bin Jailani of Malaysia who fell in the fifth place, while Thailand’s Nattawat Rupert Zaragosa and his caddie mull over his putt on 9 Photo by: Domcar C. Lagto

Suvajanakkorn, Withcayanon Chithirunrungrueng, Suradit Yongcharoenchai steadied in second to fourth place respectively to remain on the top spot of boys team division with 3 over 576 for the two days total followed by the Philippines (496), then Malaysia (597). Thai’s girls team got tougher than their boys counterpart when they marked 29 under 432 for two days accumulation, with 20 strokes advantage against the Philippines team. Indonesians stayed on third with 9 over 432. Chanya Pratherat led Thailand’s girls team as she delivered 8 under 64 today, with seven free strokes for the two days sum of 137 and settled next to fellow Thai Sherman Santiwiwatthanapong who stayed on the top of girls individual with 12 strokes adrift. Pauline Del Rosario of the Philippines shared the third at 5 under 144 with Supamas Sangchan also of Thailand both with one-stroke lead against the Philippines’ Princess Mary Superal.

All in Chateau Royale By: Nadina G. Gaton Photo By: Domcar C. Lagto

eaven meets earth and it happens here. He gradually kisses the earth as the night falls, inviting the guests to witness the sweetness of their love. With his white robe, he covers her until everything becomes sea of white cotton candy which makes guests leave them in their warmth embrace. Welcome to Chateau Royale where heaven kisses the earth. Where cool wind soothes the skin even at summertime. Where green is painted around the place. Where warmth and friendly faces becomes a perpetual companion. And where time stands still.

Chateau Royale, a twohour drive from Manila, is sprawling its magnificence in a fifteen-hectare land located in Nasugbu, Batangas. The chateau is a fusion of past and present as unraveled by the timeless grace and elegance of the place with the touch of the various Asian cultures. One feels the cool breeze of the wind as one sips coffee in the Veranda Café or Forest Bar. The enchanting green water of the Club Pool as reflected by the lush green forest of Batulao invites everyone to take a plunge. The place provides a venue for significant occasions in life, the

Grand Ball. This place caters up to 800 guests. To free oneself from a stressful work/ environment, Chateau offers spa. Log Cabins, the Ever Crest Gulod and the Skylight are the magnificent an array of choices of where to stay and still feels the comfort of one’s home. The greenhouses, minitheater, floating restaurant are some of the amenities the Chateau offers to its clientele. Guests need not to hop from one place to another just to get the services they need. Chateau Royale, the country’s leading nature and convention resort has them all.

ASGC2013

round two

ASGC2013

round three

PH teen captures ASGC boys individual By: Michael T. Villaluna Sixteen year old Filipino Rupert Zaragosa captured the title of the 2013 ASEAN Schools Golf Championship in Boys Individual as he sink his last putt for an 11 under 288 after four rounds against 29 players of six participating countries at Splendido Taal Golf Club, Laurel, Batangas, November 28. Struggling with one point deficit (five under 216) against Thailand’s Nattawat Suvanajakorn (six under 216) in the third round, Zaragosa managed to comeback in the final round. Don Bosco student Zaragosa, eagled in the second and birdied in six holes to overcome Suvanajakorn who double bogeyed in the first and bogeyed in the third and fourth which discarded the early three under par in the second to accumulate nine under 288. Settled in the third and fourth place is Suradit Yongcharoenchai (one over 288) and Withcayanon Chotthirunrungrueng (two over 288) also of Thailand. Amir Nazrin bin Jailani of Malaysia who lead the first round, ranked fifth at two over 288. “I’m very happy to have the title,” expressed Zaragosa after the final game. “I will continue to have more practice in preparation for the SEA Games in Myanmar.”

Team Philippines Photo by: Domcar C. Lagto

ASGC2013

round four

Thailand clinches 5th ASGC girls individual; boys and girls team secure titles By: Michael T. Villaluna Photos by: May C. Lagtu Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong of Thailand secured her first victory after the Thailand Ladies Open. The 17-year-old Santiwiwatthanaphong played rusty in the final round to shot a one over 72 but her first three days standing helped reached 11-under 288 to clinched the 5th ASEAN Schools Golf Championship girls individual at Splendido Golf Club, Laurel, Batangas. “ I’m a bit nervous, I did not perform well today because of some bad shots,” expressed Sherman during an interview in the clubhouse. Santiwiwatthanaphong won the PTT Global Chemical Thailand Ladies Open trophy in which he trumped other professional golfers earlier this month. After opening with a 72, she had a 64 -- the best round of the four rounds match with the 20-player event. Her second day was 4 under 144 and an even par in the third round to have a three-stroke lead against her teammate Suthavee Chanachai who stayed in second spot while Supamas Sangchan also of Thailand with 7 under288 clinched the third. Meanwhile, Thailand’s boys and girls team remained unfazed in the top spot from round one to the final for the title. In four days, Thai girls team scored 34 under 864 followed by the Philippines, 10 under 864 and Indonesia with 18 over 864, while Thailand boys accumulated 4 over 576, Philippines 20-over 576 and Malaysia 21-over 576.

“ I’m a bit nervous, I did not perform well today because of some bad shots,”

Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong

round four

Talking points of Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali Closing Ceremony of ASEAN Schools Golf Championship Salutations] The ASEAN Schools Games, especially the Golf Championship, had opened a lot of opportunities to everyone- to discover new things, share cultures, and develop friendship among the players and among countries. Playing golf required full concentration and patience. You have to gauge the force in teeing off the ball for it to be in the most strategic place; you also have to get a grip on the landscape of the golf course; and the strong winds in Batangas added to the challenge of this tournament. Life is like playing golfâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; you are the one who is in control of what you are aiming for. Challenges will surely come in your way, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up to you on how are you going to surpass them all. The ball may fall on the sand or be lost in the woods or lake but still you must strike it again to put it back in track and into the goal. This analogy best describes the Filipino spirit, our innate golfer attitude. As you well know, the Philippines, our country was recently faced with calamities and tragedies that seem to be very hard for us to stand again and continue moving forward. But the Filipino people are resilient; we have forge ahead despite our losses and struggle and continued to tread the path to normalcy, and eventually to our goal. Undeniably, Filipinos are athletes/golfers by heart. However, this will not be possible without the help of ASEAN countries. Indeed, we stand as one ASEAN, tirelessly helping each other and learning from each other.

We have come to the end of the ASEAN Schools Golf Championship; I hope that the experiences everyone obtained from this tournament will become learnings that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll keep for a lifetime. This event solidified the relationship among ASEAN countries through comradeship and sportsmanship. The healthy competition among you, the students, the coaches, and the chef-de-missions proved to be a fundamental ingredient to our unceasing vigorous relationship. It is with this that I say that ASEAN schools games in 2014 will be as good as this one; or maybe even better. This is only the beginning. We hope to see you all again next year as we

host the 2014 ASEAN Schools Games. We pray that your stay in Taal, Batangas is pleasant and that your long hours of training and practice bear fruit. On behalf of the Department, the Secretary of Education and the Republic of the Philippines, I congratulate all the players, especially the winners. Surely, this unforgettable experience will remain in you. Let us also thank all our sponsors: Platinum: ICTSI Foundation Bronze: Planet Sports and the TAF Inc. and the Coca Cola Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for making this event possible.

Rupert Zaragosa Rupert Zaragosa is a Filipino and a senior at Don Bosco in Canlubang Laguna. We sat down with him after the third round of 2013 ASGC at Splendido Country Club, Laurel Batangas, November 28. • What is one tournament you want to win in Asia/around the world? I want to win in Asian Amateur Tournament and if given a chance to compete around the world, I would probably want to be a champion in Agosta Master like Tiger Woods. • What is the best advice you received from your coach? My dad is my coach. He always reminds me to enjoy the game, try my best and stay focus. • How would you describe yourself as a golfer? People say that I’m small, yes I am but my height doesn’t matter to achieve my dream.

Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong

• Which golf course would you really want to play on? I want to play on St. Andrews in Scottland. • When you win a golf tournament, whom would you want to see when you sink the winning putt? My family, since I started, they support me all the way. They are my inspirations to do my best in evey shot. • What is the best advice you received as a golfer? Don’t lose hope and do your best in every game