PRAIRIEWOOD, NSW. The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Australia – New South Wales Chapter (UPAAA-NSW) held its Fourth Oblation Cup Golf Tournament on the 25th of April to raise funds for the education of two new scholars (in the Philippines).
Despite the rain, the event, which is named after UP’s popular icon, was participated in by fifty-five players who showcased their skills at Fairfield Golf Course in Prairiewood. Leading the pack were Ernie Mercado (overall champion), Louie Cuello (Grade A winner) and Rudy Neri (Grade B winner) with runners-up Priscilla Keogh and Bert Bugayong (Grade A), and Gerry Mejia (Grade B). All of them received trophies and cash prizes. Keogh and Neri were also among the “nearest to the pin” winners along with Aldrin Urfano and Lito Bantug.
This Easter Monday tournament was co-chaired by Engineer Ferdi and Dr. Cora Francisco. It is the major fundraiser for the association’s Scholarship Grant which was established to assist poor but deserving students. New scholars Mea Joy Avergonzado (B.S. Computer Science) from UP Davao, and Bernice Angeline Cortes (B.A. Social Science, major in Social Anthropology) from UP Baguio will both get tuition assistance starting this school year.
The grant is approximately $2,000 to $3,000 per student, and covers school bills, monthly stipend as well as book and transportation allowances until graduation, provided the students satisfy the conditions in accordance with UP’s Scholarship rules.
This year’s event would not have been possible without the generosity of major sponsors Remi Biala, Dr. Roger Fabian and I-Remit. Gratitude also goes to the following sponsors/donors: Dr. Hossain Abdollahi, Ayala Land, Dr. Lorna Benedicto, Dr. Joy Bolina, Dr. Ophee and Engineer Mao De Vera, Dr. Marvin Drapeza, Dr. Merlie Gallardo, Priscilla Keogh, Drs. Joey and Mayet Languido, Geoff and Lolita Lewis, Rea Software, Zignal Travels and the association’s Immediate Past President Alicia Azucena who donated a UPAAA-NSW t-shirt for the overall champion.
For more information about UPAAA-NSW or to donate to the Scholarship Grant, please visit the websites: http://upaaanswchapter.multiply.com and http://www.facebook.com/pages/UP-Alumni-Association-of-Australia-NSW-Chapter , or email info.upaaansw@yahoo.com