07/07/2025
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In celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day, Mabuhay Golf, a newly established community of Filipino golf enthusiasts in Malaysia, successfully hosted the Kalayaan Cup 2025โa vibrant gathering that blended sport, patriotism, and cultural pride.
Anchored on the theme of the Department of Tourismโs โLove the Philippinesโ campaign, the event proudly promoted Philippine golf tourism, encouraging local Malaysian friends and fellow expatriates to explore the countryโs scenic and world-class golfing destinations. This was evident not only in the groupโs social media efforts but also in the event merchandise, including shirts featuring campaign-inspired visuals.
The tournament was graced by the presence of officials from the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, led by H.E. Ambassador Angela Ponce, Consul General Roussel Reyes, and Cultural Affairs Officer Hanna De Castro.
In her remarks, Ambassador Ponce highlighted the significance of celebrating not only national freedom but also personal expressions of freedom. โBeing free on what we want and being free spirit and that is what golf is giving us."
She also quoted golf legend Bobby Jones: โGolf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots. You get good breaks from bad shotsโbut you have to play the ball as it lies.โ
The Kalayaan Cup drew 65 golfers from across Malaysiaโs diverse golfing communities, creating a spirited yet friendly atmosphere of competition and camaraderie. The venue for this year is Bukit Unggul Golf and Country Club which also took the official responsibility of keeping records and determinng the winning participants.
In a fitting triumph for the host group, Mabuhay Golf Chairman Mr. Lito Payad claimed the Level A Champion title, while Vice Chairman ReneBoy Bautista secured 1st Runner-Up in Level B. In the Ladies Division, Ms. Juliet Alisangco emerged as Champion, with Rose Laguesma and Andrea Otilla finishing as 1st and 2nd Runners-Up respectively. Andrea also clinched the Longest Drive novelty award.
Malaysian participants also shone on the course, with Abhishek Singh having an eagle on hole no. 5 on the way to bagging the Lowest Gross and with Highest Nett awards going to Jason Tie.
As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, Mabuhay Golf announced that a portion of the event proceeds will be donated to charity. The Kalayaan Cup is now set to become an annual flagship event, with the goal of growing into one of the most anticipated golf tournaments in the local sporting calendar.
Complete list if Winners:
Lowest Gross - Abhishek Singh
Highest Nett - Jason Tie
LEVEL A
1. Lito Payad
2. โ Alfred
3. โ Dibakar Mitra
4. โ Yu Raja
5. โ Wan Razi
LEVEL B
1. Ravindran
2. โ Reneboy Bautista
3. โ Vinod Vijayan
4. โ Diamond Han
5. โ Dato Chin
LADIES DIVISION
1. Juliet Alisangco
2. โ Rose Lagesma
3. โ Andrea Otilla
4. โ Aby Nor
5. โ Meagan
NOVELTY WINNERS
1. Longest drive
front 9: Dr. Chandra
back 9: Andrea Otilla San Esteban
2. Nearest to the Pin
front 9: Gary Tan
back 9: Jason Tie
3. Nearest to the Line
front 9: Gobinathan
back 9: YunLong Chang
