Davao City, Philippines – The spirit of international camaraderie and competitive golf soared high as the Inaugural Davao Japan Friendship Golf Cup successfully concluded on December 6th, capping off two days of exceptional golf played across Davao’s premier courses. Managed by GARBO Events and presented by DHRSMA and the Department of Tourism through the Regional Tourism office, the event was heralded as a success, solidifying its place as an anticipated annual event in Davao golf landscape.
The tournament commenced on December 5th with the team competition, utilizing the challenging Best Ball format at the majestic South Pacific Golf & Leisure Estate. Team play was the premium on first day, as teams relied on strategic partnership, precision and patience, in coming up with a competitive score.
The competition continued on the next day, December 6th at the scenic Rancho Palos Verdes Golf & Country Club for the individual event. Intense heat was not able to dampen the spirit of 74 brave souls who finished the tourney. Tough pin placements and fast greens surprised most of the players, causing some changes in the leaderboard on the final day. Sportsmanship and friendship under competitive atmosphere however prevailed in the end.
After tallying the scores, the crowning moment in revealing the winners arrived.
The formidable tandem of Father and Son Joel and Reinz Yamyamin tallied 157 Molave points to showcase their masterclass in teamwork and consistency in claiming the Team Overall Gross Championship title. Joining them at center stage is the tandem of Rico Rebigan and Alexander Bernan (180), who were crowned as Team Overall Net Champions.
In the individual race, Kazuma Yamakawa from Japan bagged the Lowest Gross with his 48 points output while Jokim Lee (61) joined him on the podium in taking the overall net champion plum.
Edge Davao columnist Engr Chito Malabanan (44), meanwhile, scored 10 over par 82 to bag the Gross Champion crown for the Seniors Division. Malabanan also received the Class A Team net runner-up trophy for his partnership with fellow sports scribe Jon Develos.
The full list of winners is as follows:
INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY
Class A
Gross Champion – Joel Yamyamin (48)
Gross Runner Up – Jovanie Bacatcat (47)
Net Champion – Reinz Yamyamin (54)
Net Runner Up – Ken Libron (53)
Class B
Gross Champion – Rico Rebigan
Gross Runner Up – Robert Lim
Net Champion – Shingo Tsunoda
Net Runner Up – Ferdinand Taglucop
Class C
Gross Champion – Sherwin Paquingan
Gross Runner Up – Vince Batucan
Net Champion –JR Pineda
Net Runner Up – Paolo Aranas
Seniors
Gross Champion – Chito Malabanan
Gross Runner Up – Atty Ramon Edison “RED” Batacan
Net Champion –Marlon Tabanao
Net Runner Up – Dennis Asuncion
Ladies
Gross Champion – Monina Evangelista
Gross Runner Up – Jenny Taglucop
TEAM CATEGORY
Class A
Gross Champion – Shuji Masaoki-Kazuma Yamakawa
Gross Runner Up – Miguel Bautista-Andrew Bautista
Net Champion – Robert Lim- Jovanie Bacatcat
Net Runner Up – Chito Malabanan-Jon Develos
Class B
Gross Champion – Ken Libron-Herbie Doromal
Gross Runner Up – Kokoi Arrieta-Raul Cabrera
Net Champion – Jokin Lee-Ian Maningo
Net Runner Up – Shingo Tsunoda-Russel Montejas
Class C
Gross Champion – Johny Franco-Paolo Aranas
Gross Runner Up – JR Pineda-Dong Piasalan
Net Champion –Ervin Bautista- Sherwin Paquingan
Net Runner Up – Ramon Hinlog-Zack Yap Wrey
A Night of Celebration
The two-day golf festival culminated in style with the awarding ceremony held at Casino Filipino. The presentation of trophies to the winners were held in between a lively raffling of prizes which further enhanced the celebratory and collaborative atmosphere of the event.
“The success of this first staging proves the need for such an event, and we are looking forward for your attendance next year June 26-28, 2026 and as a gesture of appreciation, all participants of this this year’s tournament will be given a 50% discount for the registration fee next year. That’s’ a promise said Ms. Liza Gamo, the DHRSMA President on his closing welcome remarks during the fellowship and awards night.
Dept. of Tourism Regional Director Ms. Tanya Rabat Tan was joined by Ms. Liza Gamo, the DHRSMA President and Mr. Ono Hirotaka, the Consul General of Japan in awarding the trophies and prizes to the winners.
The organizers led by GARBO Events, DHRSMA, the Department of Tourism Region Office XI and tournament chairman Tommy Inigo expressed profound satisfaction with the outcome. “We are overwhelmed by the results and the spirit displayed by all participants,” said Inigo, who silently managed the competition on the two courses in coordination with Rayanne Arao of GARBO Events.
