BAGUIO—An exciting news came 72nd Fil-Am Men’s Invitational’s way as six teams with equal talent and skills entered the Fil-Championship division, thus, making this year’s chase for the premier title at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay Golf Club courses wide open.
Manila Southwoods will parade a formidable cast of national team members Carl Corpuz, Kristoffer Arevalo and Aidric Chan and, together with Gabriel Manotoc and Jeff Jung, the Carmona, Cavite-based squad is the clear favorite to defend the crown.
The Januarius Team may be a newcomer, but its players Raymund Sangil, Marco Olives, RJ Rizada, Terence Macatangay and Kirby Lachica have had Fil-Am experience in the past. Playing captain Paolo Cagalingan is optimistic of a good showing given the extensive knowledge they have.
Forest Hills is another team with potential. Its core is a mix of young and veteran golfers especially with jungolfers Edison Tabalin and long-hitteer Joshua Buenaventura in the roster. Gus Pachieco, Iñigo Raymundo and Jose Rodelio Mangulabnan are there provide familiarity and scoring.
After leading Southwoods to the Seniors’ title, Jun Jun Plana is playing again in the regular for Time Cargo Logistics, which last year took home the Am-Championship tiara. With Plana is Manfred Guangko, the reliable Gary Sales, Justin Tambuntin and playing manager Ruel Cabral.
The Stehmeier Brothers King and Ace, two players with vast Fil-Am experience as well, will spearhead the X1R-Tipsy Pig-Mizuno charge, alongside Joaquin Tolentino, Feliciano Baron and Gab Macalagium.
The Mendoza brothers, Rep. Mark Llandro and Michael headline the Riviera-Batangas Barakos. They have a solid group with Erik Escalona, Eric Gozo, Gerald Katigbak and Rudy Amata.
SPES Team will be bannered by Bayani Garcia, Marvin Mendoza, Justin Limjap, Peter Tyler Po, Herman Bascon, Matt Merndoza and Chiyo Raymundo.