The Seniors competition, limited to players 55 or older, took place  February 16 to 18, after which the centerpiece 60th Men’s Regular tournament takes over from February 21 to 24. PAL executives conceptualized the tournament in 1947 and launched it the following year.  Hosting the tourney are Pueblo de Oro Golf & Country Club, situated on a 350-meter plateau above this city, and Del Monte Golf and Country Club in nearby Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Concepcion did not seem overly concerned in missing this year’s affair  despite breaking a long standing and cherished yearly tradition of the Metro DC Golfers.  “We will concentrate instead on the annual November tournament in Baguio,  This is  listed in the Guiness Book as the largest amateur golf tournament in the world.  Concepcion describes it as one of the best tournaments they have ever attended.  It is well organized from the tournament itself to the food to the entertainment”  They will definitely take part in  next November‘s  staging.  Meanwhile they have  started a series of meeting for the launching of their 2007 League  which they plan to start next month.

Opposition Mounts  Against Pacquiao’s  Political Plans. Manny Pacuiao officially announced his bid for a congressional seat and said his chances are good against incumbent Darlene Antonino-Custodio  even as more and more people gave the thumbs down sign against  Manny  entering politics. “I like my chances”. says the flamboyant champion.  But  he faces a very difficult task of unseating Custodio  a member of a long standing political clan with an efficient voting machinery.

A jeepney driver when interviewed said that Manny is still his champion but he will not cast his vote for Manny  “Mabuti pa boxing lang muna siya.”  People like this jeepny driver are seemingly multiplying out of the woodwork.  It is a very unpopular move observes a sports afficionado.  In fact sports media people discern a very palpable opposition to Manny’s political ambition.   A letter in fact  has been circulating urging people to advise Manny to abandon his plans.

  Manny however says that he can do a good job as a fighter and as a congressman.  

“Wala namang batas na bawal ito“. .

@9PTLA = Frequent DC Visitor Leads RP Past Pakistan

Behind the efforts of Fil-American Cecil Mamiit, the Philippines got rid of Pakistan  and will next face New Zealand in its determined bid to regain its spot in Group 1 of the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Zone.

The 30-year-old Mamiit, who has endeared himself to the Filipinos since he won the gold in the 2005 Manila SEA Games, demolished Aqeel Jalil, 6-1, 6-3, 6-2, at the packed Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

The Philippines last made it to Group 1 in 1995 with players like Joseph Lizardo and Bobby Angelo. It’s been to the World Group, too, in 1991 behind Felix Barrientos and Roland So, and has emerged as Eastern Zonal champion in late ’50s and early ’60s behind Felicisimo Ampon. (Lizardo is now active in the DC area helping to develop Fil-Am Junior tennisters) With the entry of Mamiit and fellow Fil-American Eric Taino, and a sprinkling of homegrown talents like Johnny Arcilla and Tierro, regaining a spot in Group 1 has become a big possibility.

@9PTLA = Outdoor Sports Beckons in the Coming Months

With Spring and Summer looming not far behind outdoor sports will again take center stage.  In DC expect more golf tournaments to tee off urging people to take part in various fun golf fund raisers.  Tennis,  softball, and volleyball will be competing with soccer and flag football in various county parks.   Which reminds us that the Philippine Independence Day sports festival  is not that far off. After that harsh winter folks are sure eager to flock outdoors again.  What is your sports?

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