(MENAFN - Arab Times) Away from the greens, members of the Filipino Golfers Association in Kuwait (FGA-K) and other golf enthusiasts attended on Friday the grand awarding ceremony at the Fusion Restaurant along the Gulf Road with Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Shulan O Primavera as the guest of honour.
FGA-K Vice-President Sonny Cajipe welcomed all the guests to the auspicious occasion as he congratulated all the golfers who won in the monthly tournaments organised by the FGA-K at the Kuwait International Golf and Country Club (KIGCC).
The awarding ceremony hosted by the vivacious duo, Ian Damasco and Sittie Guinomla kicked off with the handing of plaques of appreciation to all the supporters of FGA-K who have contributed to the success of their tournaments namely Ambassador Primavera, Golf Me - The First Pro-shop in Kuwait Managing Director Ali Al-Jazzaf and Retail Manager Alan Wilkie, Western Union - Sales & Marketing Manager Alpha Solutions Vangie Gernale, KIGCC Owners Amy Ikdal and Tessa Ikdal Boss, Michelle Fe Santiago (Arab Times) and Ben Garcia (Filipino Panorama).
The honorees upon receiving the plaques of appreciation delivered brief speeches thanking FGA-K and expressing their renewed support to the group.
Before the awarding of plaques of recognition to the outstanding golfers, Bien Dantes introduced Ambassador Primavera who delivered an inspirational speech, being one of the prime movers who pushed the Filipino golfers to be active in this sport.
"I would like to congratulate the Filipino golfers in Kuwait. I commend you all for promoting the sport to other Filipinos and bringing it closer to them, changing the perception that Golf is only for the elite. I wish you all the luck in your tournaments and other projects in the future," pointed out Ambassador Primavera who is also a veteran golfer.
During his speech, he also recounted his early golfing days in Kuwait and how FGA-K has grown now.
Breaking the ice, Filipino kid singing sensation Bradly Hao entertained the audience with his mellifluous rendition of Adele's 'Someone Like You' and an encore of the Broadway hit "Memory."
During the awarding ceremony, among the recipients of Special awards were Rico Episcope (Rookie of the year), Ray An Dumlao (Most improved player), Edd Zamora (Most improved player) and Mac Khalil (Most improved player).
Winners in the monthly tournaments were also handed plaques of recognition namely Lito Cazon (Winner May 2011), Emil Fernando (June 2011), Abdulhalim Langco (July 2011), Warly Faner (August 2011), Angelito Aligaen (September 2011), Edifredo Dabuet (October 2011), Sonny Cajipe (November 2011), Lito Cazon (December 2011), Warly Faner (January 2012), Enrico Episcope (February 2012), Sonny Cajipe (March 2012) and Angelito Aligaen (Winner April 2012).
Those with Best Net and Best Gross were also awarded. The best Net champion was Angelito Aligaen) followed by NET 1st runner-up (Emil Fernando), NET 2ND runner-up (Oral Knight), NET 3rd runner-up (Lito Cazon), Net 4th runner-up (Edifredo Dabuet). Best gross champion was Sonny Cajipe), Gross 1st runner-up (Warly Faner), Gross 2ND runner-up (Bong Gante), Gross 3RD runner-up (Erol Bautista) and Gross 4th runner-up (Joey Bartolome).
On the other hand, the Sportsmanship Award went to Willy Lao and Bien Dantes while FGA-K 2011-2012 Golf Season Champion was no other than the veteran golfer Sonny Cajipe.
FGA-K President Bong Gante congratulated all the winners as he announced the upcoming activities of FGA-K as he led a raffle draw for the benefit of the Mangyan tribe in Mindoro, Philippines. Lucky winners went home with various golf clubs and accessories.
