Miguel Tabuena’s hopes are high at playing again in the Philippine Open golf championship as he seeks his third title in this 2025 edition slated at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club in Carmona, Cavite.

The tournament, actually, holds a special place for the 30-year-old standout as he gained not only his first tournament crown but also his first Asian Tour win a decade ago.

His second PH Open title came in 2018.

“When I won my first PH Open title, I was 20 (years old) and that was very special because it was my first Asian Tour win also. I was very lucky that I was able to do it in my home country,” Tabuena, now 30, said.

Tabuena hopes to replicate that feat with the return of one of Asia’s oldest golf tournaments in the Tour calendar.

“Every tournament I play, I try to represent the Philippines, and it’s just a bit more special this week. I’m glad that I can sort of give it a shot again,” he said.

It was in 2023 since Tabuena last won an Asian Tour event. He came close last year with three third-place finishes in Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong and Qatar.

He hopes to open his Asian Tour campaign this year on a bright note.

But it is expected to be an uphill climb as the tournament boasts of a strong field composed of former winners and past Asian Tour Order of Merit champions.

Still, Tabuena, who is tipped to lead the Filipino charge in this $500,000 event, welcomes the challenge and the pressure that go along with it.

“I enjoy the pressure. I welcome it. Some people avoid the pressure, but I believe pressure is a privilege no matter what you’re doing because it will sort of elevate your game in a way,” he said.

“I’ve been dealing with pressure all my life since I turn pro. I’m still learning to handle it during home games like this. I have to treat every week like any other week or else, my preparation becomes different,” he added.