Pinoy Golfer Blog

Christmas is upon us and another year is about to be consigned to the dustbin of our collective consciousness. It is the time to reflect and give thanks. I give thanks that (finally!) a Filipino is at the top of the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit. Too many years have passed since the era of Larry Montes, Celestino Tugot, Ben Arda, Paterno Braza and Rudy Labares. Filipinos can play this game and play it well and today, Juvic Pagunsan is proving that he is the next great Filipino golfer. May he continue to represent us well in his overseas campaigns and enjoy our unwavering support. We should all be thankful to all that are working to grow the game in the country. Enrique Razon for efforts in professional... Read More

The Veranda at CJH Golf Club is a great place to dine and make merry There’s so much that defines the ultimate golfing experience at Camp John Hay Golf Club; we’ve gone into the weather and that glorious golf course, but there’s also the rustic clubhouse, the expansive veranda with marvellous views of the sunset and oh yes; the food. The best thing that happened to Camp John Hay was Billy King moving there to handle the food. I’ve long been admirer of Chef King; when I moved back from the United States back in the early 90’s, the restaurant at which my coming home party was held was Le Souffle in the old Greenbelt of the Ayala Center. His food was exquisite then and it remains so to... Read More

In another sporting life, I was a runner. Not a casual, around the block runner but a serious 80k a week, sub-20 5k fanatic. I picked up running in school first as a school boy training for soccer and never stopped. I took my running kit everywhere I went and ran wherever my travels took me. The zenith of my running achievements was my participation in the first Manila International Marathon in 1980 when Bill Rogers and a handful of Kenyans showed us all how it was done. I managed to finish in less than 4 hours accomplishing the goal I set for myself. Osteoarthritis from injuries to my right ankle brought this passion to a screaming halt one day while training for a 5k race. The pain was so severe... Read More

As a photojournalist I go to my share of press conferences but none as unique and as much fun as the Crocs Amazing Feel Good Race. Now I must confess that I’m a big fan of Crocs’ ultra-comfortable line of footwear. Since developing osteoarthritis in my right ankle I use one pair of Crocs or another in my daily activities almost exclusively. They’re that comfortable. As you might imagine I was blown away by the fact that their new Duet clog and flipflop were touted as their most comfortable line yet. I just had to have a pair. It could only do my ailing ankle good. When I read the email with the details of the race, I was quite concerned. Any activity that involves racing has... Read More

The warm confines of The Tasting Room There’s nothing that tastes as good after a round of golf as a really cold beer. While you might already share that sentiment, perhaps you don’t know that besides the feel-good qualities imparted to the golfer, there are real health benefits to beer. Studies have shown that after a electrolyte loaded sports drink, beer is the next best thing you can imbibe after your round. After all, beers are made with malt and hops and naturally contain electrolytes and carbohydrates; things your body needs after exercise. Having lived abroad, I long for the variety of beers that I enjoyed then. I particularly miss the fresh craft beers that I savoured at the microbreweries... Read More

Microtel Inns and Suites is a relative newcomer in the Philippine hotel industry. Capitalizing on a gap in room availability in what industry insiders call the limited service niche, the upstart hotel group operated locally by the Phinma Group has expanded to 9 locations country wide in just 12 years. With just a couple of exceptions, most Microtels are located in close proximity to one or more golf courses making this chain the travelling golfer’s best friend. The newest and most unique member of the chain is the Microtel Mall of Asia. Ideally located right next to SMX and SM’s Mall of Asia, it’s the only Microtel in Metro Manila and with 150 rooms it is the largest property in the... Read More

On our travels to Calatagan, we have often been confronted by the question of where to spend a night or two. The golf at Calatagan Golf Club is so good, that it’s a sin to just drive down for the day. Matabunkay was the obvious first choice given the number of restaurants and resorts there, but it’s a bit out of the way, particularly if you take the Balayan-Calatagan road. Lago de Oro is convenient because it’s within the Calatagan Township just five minutes from the golf club. We’d driven by the low cement wall that borders the resort with the lake and cables beyond, but hadn’t considered looking inside for food and board. It’s a common mistake, one that many have made and it’s... Read More

The Mini was one of the seminal cars of my youth. I grew up going to slaloms and drag races with my father watching Conrado “Dodo” Ayuyao in his Mini Cooper 1275 S duking it out with Pocholo Ramirez in his Toyota Corolla and Chito Monserrat in his Ford Escort. The Mini Cooper was very competitive and often won those duels; it became the dream car of a car crazed youth. I had mixed feelings when the brand was eventually acquired by BMW in 2001. I was afraid that the Mini would go the way of so many other brands whose fate was doomed by a merger or acquisition, but BMW is an enthusiast’s car company and I was needlessly concerned. The new car is faithful to the original but slightly bigger... Read More