A GOLF FELLOWSHIP TO REMEMBER
The 1st UBAFI Alumni Friendship Cup is the first-ever alumni-initiated golf tournament that took place at the Pinewoods Golf and Country Club, Suello Circumferential Road, Asin Road, Baguio City, last March 15, 2025. This is a Fellowship Golf event which aims to increase its resources in order to help sustain UBAFI’s Social Services and Scholarship programs.
Conceptualized by the Officers of the Foundation since 2017 and finally into a decision to push through during its Board meeting held last September 2024, this event aims to promote camaraderie and fellowship among the members of the Alumni and to create an avenue to expand its network and foster partnerships in promoting the goals of the UBAFI to realize its vision and mission aligned to the development and growth of the University of Baguio. The Friendship Cup aims to attract golfers from various backgrounds, including university alumni and friends.
Over 76 players swung in this engagement, with 27 players from the UB Alumni representing the Science High School, High School, Liberal Arts, Commerce, Criminology, Engineering and Architecture, Dentistry, and Law Departments. The 49 guests consisted of friends, sponsoring organizations from Manila, and various government offices in Baguio City.
The tournament was officially opened by the ceremonial tee-off at 7:00 AM, marking the start of a day filled with celebration and camaraderie by the Chairman of the Board of UB, Dr. Zorba Bnn Bautista, Cebu BIR Regional Director Douglas Rufino, Atty Philip Bautista, and former mayor Hon. Peter Ray Bautista, later joined by Hon Benjamin B. Magalong, current Mayor of the City of Baguio. The UBAFI was deeply honored to have had these esteemed individuals among the personalities to hit a ceremonial tee shot, contributing to the proud representation of our institution at this exciting event.
The results for the different events are as follows:
- LOWEST GROSS: SOC SUAYAN – 74 (GUEST)
- LOWEST NET: RUBI CUTA – 68 (GUEST)
UB Alumni Men’s Division
Class A
- Champion: DEREK BAUTISTA – 82 (Gross) | 70 (Net) – UB Science High School
- 1st Runner-Up: AHN SEONGNIM – 78 (Gross) | 71 (Net) – UB High School Grade 11
Class B
- Champion: PETER REY BAUTISTA – 88 (Gross) | 71 (Net) – UB Science High School
- 1st Runner-Up: MARIO BAUTISTA – 91 (Gross) | 72 (Net) – UB Science High School
Class C
- Champion: PHILIP BAUTISTA – 105 (Gross) | 77 (Net) – UB Science High School
- 1st Runner-Up: PARAISO BAUTISTA – 98 (Gross) | 79 (Net) – UB Science High School
Men’s Guest Division
- Class A Champion: RUBI CUTA – 81 (Gross) | 68 (Net)
- Class B Champion: TONY FERNANDEZ – 90 (Gross) | 72 (Net)
- Class C Champion: PAENG DING – 102 (Gross) | 75 (Net)
Ladies Guest Division
- Champion: MARIANNE BUSTOS – 81 (Gross) | 68 (Net)
- 1st Runner-Up: MELDZ CORTEZ – 102 (Gross) | 75 (Net)
Fun Holes
- Nearest to the Pin: IZZY MEDINA – 1.96 m
- Most Accurate Drive: MELDZ CORTEZ – 1 ft 7 in
- Longest Drive: NICK VENTURA – 285 yards
- Longest Putt: JOEL ABAD – 5.37 m
The day concluded with an awarding of event winners and raffle draws, where each of the participants received an inaugural event shirt and cap, together with souvenirs from the University of Baguio and products from donor-sponsors. A hearty and fun-filled luncheon and entertainment by the UB plug and play band followed shortly afterwards. The coverage of the whole event was made possible by the UB STELA BA Communications students.
The tournament would not have been possible without the dedicated work of the organizers. UBAFI thanks the tireless efforts of Tournament Chairperson and UBAFI Business Manager Randsted Jimenez (UBHS Class 90), Committee Members Engr. Paquito Marquez (UBAFI BOD) and Dr. William Occidental (EX-Officio UBAFI), and the Registration Committee consisting of Dr. Ruby Buccat (UBAFI Secretary) , SA Natalie Occeno (UBAFI Scholar), and SA KJen Poyaoan (UBAFI Scholar). The event was also supported by the work of the Secretariat (UBHS Alumni, Batch 90), who made sure the event was well coordinated, and Mr. Oliver Celi (RIECO Staff), who worked on the logo design.
A special thanks is also extended to the UB Linkages Office Alumni Affairs unit headed by Director Ms. Melanie Rulla Saro, Dr. Froilan Aspa (OSA Director and UBAFI VIP), Mr. Remedios Andrada (UBAFI Business Manager), and Engr. Ornan Vicente (UBAFI VIP) for facilitating the raffle draw. The Events Finance Committee, consisting of Mila Densen, Paulina Boc, and Engr. Antonio Bautista also played an integral role in ensuring the event went smoothly, along with the UB STELA BA Communication majors who made the coverage of the event possible.
Last but certainly not least, the Event Chairperson, Engr. Eleazar Demayo, is of course recognized for his outstanding role in bringing this project to life. His hard work in rallying the different committees and heading preparations has ensured the success of this first event.
The UBAFI, together with the different schools of the University of Baguio, plans to host more golfing events in the future as part of alumni engagement and homecoming, strengthening the connections between members of the UB community and fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship among its members.
