The talk in Baguio City is not about which team will win the regular 72nd Fil-Am Men’s Invitational tournament.
“Manila Southwoods winning the crown is a foregone conclusion,” said Junjun Plana who will play for Time Cargo Logistics, one of a handful of teams in the premier Fil-championship roster.
“We’re only playing for second place.”
Since Southwoods has announced its powerhouse lineup made up of four national players and a member of the Korean national training team, rival squads have given up hope of ending the Carmona-based squad’s reign.
Nomura Cup veteran Kristoffer Arevalo heads the squad that includes Aidric Chan, Carl Corpus, Gab Manotoc, and Jeff Jung, the 18-year-old Korean.
It is nice to be in Thirdy Escano’s shoes.The long-time Southwoods captain has perhaps one of the strongest teams ever fielded for the Fil-Am Invitational.
Plana, who used to don the Southwoods uniform in the regular tournament, will spearhead Time Cargo Logistics which won the Am championship last year.
Returning to join Plana are Justin Tambunting, Gary Sales, and Ruel Cabral. A new addition is Manfred Guangco.
One of the teams expected to contend for second place is Forest Hills made up of Rodel Mangulabnan, Rocky Co, Gus Pacheco, Joshua Buenaventura, and Edison Tabalin.
Unlike Plana, Forest Hills general manager Raymond Bunquin is optimistic.
“We always field our strongest team and if all falls into place then we will be there,” Bunquin said. “Our guys practice and prepare not only for this event but on a weekly basis. Our long-time captain Raffy Garcia is always there for guidance.”
Meanwhile, Tommy Manotoc and Eddie Bagtas will spearhead Greenwater Meadows which is expected to join the Fil championship division.
The team reportedly will be reinforced by two Americans and a club player from Royal Northwoods.
Action in four regular divisions concluded this week.
Nueva Ecija Travellers captured the Fil-F division with 266, eight points clear of Redcore. Team Banh settled for third with 258 points.
In Fil-G, Maharlika Roast Beef pulled off a four-point win over Ismael CPA/Amigos, assembling 247 points.
Razcals Winaca bagged the Am-F crown with 290 followed by Team Foretee with 280 and Jasper 276.
In Am-G, Vancouver Horizon Golf Association scored a runaway win with 244. Baguio Blue Bloods Eagles was second with 211 and Baguio City Golf Team third with 202.
