Wounded warrior and the singing Cielo

Despite being the tournament’s “one-footed swordsman,” Tiffany, her left foot shielded with a special shoe, did well in her PAL Media golf debut.

One was a wounded warrior plodding on relentlessly like the Karate Kid. Another was a singer plunging to war with perceived Paradiso powers.

“Unfortunately, I slipped just days ago and sprained my left ankle,” said Tiffany Neri before teeing off. “But I can fight with my will power.”

She did.

In Round One, Tiffany, 24, a former Ateneo de Manila varsity golf player, stayed relatively close to the leaders.

I was fortunate enough to have witnessed within breathing distance Tiffany’s determination as Tiffany and I were in the same flight with Davao SunStar columnist Imee Garcia and, oh yes, the PAL President/CEO himself, Jaime “Jimmy” J. Bautista.

But after hitting the ceremonial tee shot kicking off the PAL Interclub Media golf, Jimmy had to beg off playing with us as he was also set to fire the inaugural shot flagging off the 72nd PAL Interclub at the exclusive Cebu Country Club on March 3.

Despite being the tournament’s “one-footed swordsman,” Tiffany, her left foot shielded with a special shoe, did well in her PAL Media golf debut. She beat five others that included 1997 runner-up Jake P. Ayson and 2015 champion Nimrod Quiñones in Round One of the 18-strong field.

And, by any yardstick of excellence, Tiffany, grappling with pain and a subconscious that assaulted her brain with every hurtful stroke that she made, still finished decently overall.

She wound up in the middle of the tightly-knit pack, ahead of six other males that included the once highly-touted Lito Tacujan and 2018 champion Jun Engracia.

“I’m so happy with my performance,” said a beaming Tiffany. (Her father, JayJay, standing nearby, gave an approving smile.) “I hope to be back next year.”

JayJay, by the way, finished third behind winner Jong Arcano and Tommy Iñigo.

And who was our Paradiso player cum singer?

Cielo Villaluna, who else. After a so-so Round 1, Cielo, the charming PAL spokesperson, skipped Round 2. She probably felt that singing was more to her liking than golfing. I agree.

Her “Endless Love,” if not “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang,” made her an instant star during the PAL Media Golf awards.

Take a bow, Beng.