ON a calm Sunday afternoon at Sta. Elena Golf Club, Miguel Tabuena gave Philippine golf the kind of moment it had long been waiting for—a hometown hero standing tall against the world.
It was the final day that put together everything: a hole-in-one that earned him a brand-new car, near-flawless golf over four gruelling rounds, a trophy that glittered like destiny itself, a sea of fans waving the flag with pride, and a family that met him on the green in tears and triumph.
Against a star-studded international field that included US Open champions, LIV Golf standouts, and Asia’s finest, Tabuena rose above them all to dominate the International Series Philippines presented by Bingo Blus.
“It’s truly special. This is the biggest golf event the Philippines has ever hosted,” said the 31-year-old after sinking his final putt on the 18th. “To win it as a Filipino, in front of my people, is an incredible honor.”
Moments earlier, Tabuena dropped to his knees, overcome by emotion as the crowd roared. It was the image of a man who had fought through pain, pressure, and doubt—and finally conquered them all.
BINGO PLUS COMMITMENT
And through it all, one company with a heart stood out — Bingo Plus.
“With the success of The International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus —and our very own Filipino pride, Miguel Tabuena , claiming the historic win—we are thrilled to announce that we will continue our partnership with the International Series Philippines in 2026,” said Rafael Jasper Vicencio, President of AB Leisure Exponent Inc. (game provider of BingoPlus)
“Truly, we’ve set the standard this year, and we aim to elevate the experience even further next year. Through this collaboration, we aim to further uplift and empower the local sports community while bringing world-class golf entertainment closer to every Filipino.”
Playing on his home course, Tabuena delivered a masterclass performance throughout the week. Coming off a neck injury that forced him to withdraw from the SJM Macao Open just days earlier, he entered the BingoPlus-presented International Series Philippines unsure if his body would even hold up.
But something special was in the air at Sta. Elena.
With every swing, the Filipino ace found his rhythm and confidence. His bogey-free final round of 7-under-par 65 sealed the victory at 24-under total, three shots clear of Japan’s Kazuki Higa (65) and Yosuke Asaji (67), who shared second at 21-under.
The win, his fourth on the Asian Tour, made Tabuena the most successful Filipino golfer in the circuit’s history, surpassing Angelo Que’s record of three titles. It also pushed his career earnings past the US$3 million mark—a new milestone in an already stellar career.
A NATION’S CHEERS
The final day at Sta. Elena was electric. Every birdie was met with cheers that echoed across the fairways; every clutch putt drew applause from fans who knew they were witnessing history.
By the back nine, it felt less like a golf tournament and more like a national celebration. The chants of “Tabuena! Tabuena!” rolled through the Laguna air as he marched steadily toward glory.
Earlier in the tournament, his highlight reel already included a hole-in-one and a stunning eagle—shots that fueled the momentum leading into the decisive Sunday.
With the victory, Tabuena pocketed a record US$360,000 (₱20.16 million)—the largest winner’s purse ever awarded on Philippine soil. But the true prize came moments after the final putt dropped.
A FAMILY’S EMBRACE
As the crowd erupted, Tabuena was met on the 18th green by his family—his mother Lorna, wife Sandra, daughter, and father Luigi. Their emotional embrace said what words could not: this was more than a win; it was a lifetime of dreams fulfilled.
“My family and friends were there. My mom’s turning 60 this December, and it meant everything to have her see me win,” he said, his voice breaking slightly. “I just fell to my knees. It was hard to hold it together after such a long, emotional week. I had so many expectations—from others and from myself. This means everything.”
It was the image that summed up the heart of the sport—talent and triumph, yes, but also love, sacrifice, and home.
LOOKING AHEAD
With this monumental win, Tabuena not only made history but also reignited Filipino pride in the international golfing scene. And yet, even at the height of his triumph, he was already thinking ahead.
“For next week in Hong Kong, I wasn’t in the field at the beginning of the week, but I get in now based on my finish,” he said with a smile. “I’m just looking forward to playing there.”
Meanwhile, former world No. 1 Dustin Johnson, the tournament’s star attraction, closed with a 67 to finish tied for 15th at 13-under—proof of just how strong the field was that Tabuena overcame.
The BingoPlus-presented International Series Philippines was the sixth of nine elevated events on the 2025 Asian Tour schedule. From here, the Tour moves to Hong Kong for the US$2 million Link Hong Kong Open—but for now, all eyes, and hearts, remain on Sta. Elena, where a Filipino champion lifted not just a trophy, but an entire nation’s spirit.
