The United Print Media Group successfully staged the first UPMG Cup Night Golf tournament at the Intramuros Golf Club recently with a mix of corporate executives, media personalities, VIPs and special guests taking part in an 18-hole fun event.

From left, UPMG President Barbie Atienza (Manila Bulletin), VP Jay Sarmiento (The Philippine Star), PRO/Event Head Dir. Jong Arcano (Philippine Daily Inquirer), Mr. Ricardo Javier Cortez, Sec. Hermogenes Esperon Jr., The Manila Times Chairman Mr. Dante “Klink” Ang II, Auditor Roda Alonzo Zabat (The Manila Times) and Treasurer Sherly Ojo Baula (Chinese Commercial News).

Seventy players teed off and negotiated the fairways and greens under a unique setup – having DJs playing music on several holes, as well as food and drinks being served all over.

“It was a golf party more than anything else and all the guests had so much fun being part of this inaugural UPMG Cup. We wish to thank those who supported the event by way of sponsorships and participation,” said UPMG President Barbie Atienza.

San Miguel Corp. and the Ad Standardization Council were the presenting sponsors of the tournament. Proceeds will be used to help fund the many advocacies of UPMG.

Toyota Motor Philippines, United Asia Automotive Group, Inc./Chery, Shang Properties, Bingo Plus, Shang Properties and Fuji Films were minor sponsors while Kool-Shotz, X-1R, Pag-Ibig, Meralco, Japan Tobacco, Inc., Megaworld, Smart Communications, Converge, Veterans Bank and Out-of-Home Advertising Association of the Philippines served as hole sponsors.

Prize donors were G&W Club Shares, Globe, Mimosa Plus Golf and Quest Plus Hotel, Golf X, Pin High Golf, The Manila Hotel, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Belmont, Rizal Park Hotel, Holiday Inn, Belmont Hotel, Luisita Golf and Country Club, Caliraya Springs Golf Club, South Forbes Golf Club, Forest Hills Golf and Country Club. Angel’s Burger and Goto Box were food donors while Club Marinduque/Staffmasters and Destileria Limtuaco were bar sponsors.

Gary Sales and Tin Popp posted 61 and 62 to emerge as tournament winners with low gross and low net, respectively. Class A was won by Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. after edging Daryl Abueva in the countback after both finished with net 63s, Felix Cortez beat Hyundai executive Hong Chik Shin by two strokes with his 64 while Class C was also settled via a tiebreak with Anthony del Rosario winning over Don Pajarillo. Marienelle Sales scored a 62 to win the ladies division with Jane Llanes placed second after finishing three strokes behind.