PAL Interclub friendship tag solid as ever

BEFORE I continue my nostalgic trip in the PAL Interclub, let me say first that the PAL Media Golf event will be held Feb. 2728 at Apo and Palos Verdes. To the uninitiated, this is also a yearly thing like the PAL Interclub. Journalists mostly covering the PAL Interclub are the chief participants.

Last year's order of finish in Angeles City, Pampanga: Noel Alipoyo ( 70- 71), Tommy Inigo ( 73- 69), Imee Garcia ( 67- 75), Jun Engracia ( 64- 79), yours truly ( 70- 74), Musong Castillo ( 70- 76), Ding Marcelo ( 72- 76), Rey Bancod ( 74- 75), Rene Baena ( 72- 81), Dodo Catacutan ( 78- 75), Ted Melendres ( 77- 77), Dante Navarro ( 78- 83), Adrian Flores ( 79- 86), Jake Ayson ( 77- 89), Lito delos Reyes ( 91- 80), Lito Tacujan ( 81- 91), Rey Fortaleza ( 78- 95), Jon Develos ( 93- 90), Roland Jumawan ( 96- 89) and Chito Manuel ( 88- 97).

Davao's Tommy and Imee had actually tied for second behind Saudi-based Noel. Jun, the first- day leader by three strokes, collapsed in the final round to place in front of me at fourth.

In the last round, Imee rallied with pars on 15 and 16, only to bogey the last two holes to lose by one to Noel.

That has always been the spirit behind the founding of the PAL Interclub: Lifetime friendship. The rest is gravy

“Not my day,” she said. “Maybe next year?”

OK, back to the PAL Interclub. Succeeding Domeng Abellanosa and Eking Santos in the PAL Interclub Golf hierarchy were, to the best of my recollection, Domeng Duerme and Rolly Estabillo, respectively. If there were others before the duo, my apologies.

If you are still wondering why Luzon was dropped as a regular host, “blame” the team captains: They only want the PAL Interclub held in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The team captains rule the PAL Interclub. Their word is the law.

They like it in the Visayas and Mindanao to escape Luzon's urban drudgery. They find the south conducive to renew ties with longlost brothers, and to forge friendship with complete strangers but would prove to be worth keeping.

Take Domeng Duerme and Rolly Estabillo. They have retired as PAL Interclub chair and Media chief, respectively, but up to this day, our friendship is as solid as ever. On the side, will I see Boyet Lim and Ken Angeles again--two dear friends of mine in Davao?

That has always been the spirit behind the founding of the PAL Interclub: Lifetime friendship.

The rest is gravy.