As early as 6:00 in the morning of July 20, all roads led to the Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club for the Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI) "1st Golf Cup."

Present in the Tee Off ceremony were: PAMI Chair Engr. Felix M. Oca, former Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator VAdm. Robert Empedrad, former Joint Manning Group (JMG) Director Capt. Ronald Enrile, International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ) Manila Chief Representative Capt Shohei Teranishi and All-Japan Seamen's Union (AJSU) General Manager Mr. Masahiro Kondo.

A total of 76 golfers heeded PAMI’s call for this fundraising golf tournament.

"The pandemic calls everyone to be united, to be together, and sharing one goal. The dream of PAMI is to have a united maritime industry. In pursuit of this goal, we organized the PAMI 1st Golf Cup. Coming together is a sign that we are ready to face the new normal," said PAMI President, Sabino Czar C. Manglicmot II.

He told Marino World that PAMI would provide maritime college education scholarships initially with two beneficiaries (a male and a female), hence the tournament's theme "Palo para sa Bukas ni Toto at Neneng." Furthermore, scholarships would also be provided to deserving faculty and academic leaders for upscaling and re-tooling of skills.

"In this pandemic, students find it difficult to complete their academic requirements. Hopefully things will be back to normal. We are here to be pro-active. We hope to make this golf tournament an annual activity," he added.

Two more golf tournaments are slated leading to PAMI’s anniversary next year. PAMI Chairman Engr. Felix Oca mentioned that those who would participate in the three golf tournaments are already assured of a special prize.

To make the tournament more exciting for the golfers, PAMI also held a raffle event. Appliances, gift certificates, and cash were given away courtesy of the 50 sponsors and raffle donors. Since no one won the Php20,000 hole-in-one cash prize, it was also raffled off.

***Article and Photo by: Ben-Oliver M. Matias