Warning: Attempt to read property "post_title" on null in /www/businessmirror_145/public/wp-content/plugins/better-image-credits/better-image-credits.php on line 227
SYDNEY—I have to admit I wouldn’t be here if not for Demosthenes “Bobby” Rosales, a distinguished deputy of Palawan Gov. Pepito Alvarez. Alvarez owns the Asian Carmakers Corp. (ACC) that imports/distributes BMWs in the Philippines. And, if I may add, ACC-BMW is just one of the Governor’s numerous business concerns, which also includes, among others, ownerships of other car companies like Kia of South Korea, Peugeot of France and the recently launched Mahindra of India.
And why Bobby wanted me to be in the BMW Golf Cup International World Final 2014, I haven’t the faintest of ideas.
But it began when Karl Magsuci, ACC’s marketing chief, reserved me a slot in the BMW Golf Cup Qualifying at Santa Elena late last year. Although I was merely a guest as the tournament is designed for BMW owners only, my participation gave me the thrill of a lifetime I will never ever forget.
Several days later, Karl gave me a ring. He said to me: “This is it, Sir. It’s now official. Sir Bobby wants you to be with us in the BMW World Finals in Sydney.”
How can I say no?
Middle of last year, Bobby, during a round of golf, had intimated to me we would go to Rio de Janeiro for the same tournament.
“If plans don’t go awry, please join us?” Bobby said to me then.
The venue would be later switched to Sydney upon the request of many participants that found Rio de Janeiro too far from where they will be coming from.
I kind of liked the switch, too, as Argentina is really that far. After I had captained the Philippine squad to the World Golf Team Championship in Santiago, Chile, in 1998, I told myself that, if I could help it, I would never go back to South America again.
Anyways, after the first round of this year’s BMW Golf and Cup International World Final 2014, our BMW bets Chino Raymundo, Ruel de Castro and Kaila Gardiola were in hot pursuit of early leader China by placing fifth among 43 countries.
As I write this, BMW PHL was just two points behind Mexico and five points off the third-running Japan, a standing that drew applause from Philippine delegation members Tomas C. Alvarez, Bobong Santos and Judie Gardiola, Kaila’s mother. Australia at second was 10 points off China.
The second and final round was to be played at St. Michael’s, a par-72 links course whose narrow fairways and postage-stamp-sized greens at Little Bay still offered a friendlier atmosphere compared to the up-and-down, wind-raked, par-72 New South Wales at nearby La Perouse, a championship course that regularly hosts the Australian Open.
If, by sheer twist of fate, Chino, Ruel and Kaila will proceed to win it, I wouldn’t be surprised one bit. But if they would wind up third, if not in the top 5, I will still take that anytime. I’ve seen their determination, and their grit to win showed during steak dinner on the eve of the final round. If looks could kill, I saw that in their eyes that night.
And, whichever way they’d finish, I should say Bobby couldn’t ask for more, guys.