The recently concluded CCP Golf Tournament which was held at the Manila Southwoods’ Legend course last June 10, 2011 proved to be a major success as CCP golf enthusiasts, guests, sponsors and even CCP non-golfers alike actively participated in both the golf tournament and the photo competition. It was a success in terms of attendance as nearly 60 members and guests graced the event. It was even more of a success in terms of President Armand Apuya’s objective of generating as much funds for the club as the event netted at least P200,000 from sponsors/donors and participating members. More importantly, every one had a great time as the day provided its participants with an enjoyable tournament, delicious food, beautiful trophies and raffle prizes, plus of course a photo competition for the non-golfers.
This success however did not come without its hardships and preparation anxieties.
We probees knew that we were going to be faced with logistical nightmares since the event was only a couple of weeks away. Aramand Apuya and Fred Yuson’s brainchild had to involve a lot of hard work and diligent preparation for it to become a success. Our first official probee meeting with the golf committee at Fred’s bar, Commons, presented us with several tasks ranging from invitations, raffle prizes, programs, logos etc., etc. Aaarghh! More work after the 8 to 5 grind. So this was what the newly inducted members meant by being a “probee” and having to do the nitty gritty of the club’s activities. What have we gotten ourselves into?? What do we know about organizing a golf tournament?? Ano ba yan! I was already imagining the task of having to call up 100+ members and inviting them to play golf. Oh well, I thought, … it’s part of being a probee… don’t complain! After tasks and deadlines were disseminated, the “fun” part of the night had started. Fred served us his delicious Commons pika pikas and drinks while he egged some of the probees to jam with the band. The probees also took the opportunity to bond with the regulars that night as we listened to some of their wacky stories of the club’s past. I even got some useful parenting advice from Mr. and Mrs. Bien Bautista, Armand, Fred, Juni Samson and JR Velasco. Hey… these guys ar fun to be with after all (dispelling the misconceptions I had that regulars are masungit or would treat probees as “aliping saguiguilids”.. hehehe). It was a fun night of bonding and merry-making with unfortunately had to come to an end.
Now the hard part begins. Close coordination headed by OIC Ed Banaga was key. Phone calls had to be made. Members had to be individually called on to play. Raffle prizes and sponsor’s donations had to be picked up. Etc etc etc. All was going well as the event’s date neared… except for one major problem… the sponsor’s logos for the tarpaulins weren’t completed yet and the deadline set for it to be prepared by designer Eric Cachero was drawing near. We had to add to the mess, some of the logos submitted were too small to be printed. Disaster!! Aaargh… might as well give up…. what’s 3 extra months extension as probees?
This was where the magic of camaraderie and teamwork came into play. Probees Ed Banaga and TJ Tan’s ears were already red as they followed up sponsors who took their time in submitting their company logos. But it was Jun del Valle’s mastery in computers partnered with Eric Cachero’s genius in graphic design that solved bigger part of the problem. To meet the deadline, I was told that both Eric and Jun did not sleep a wink. Aaargh.. too much pressure… too much hard work. Do I really need this after a pressure packed day at the office??? More pressure??? Long story short… it was a Photo Finish! The deadline was met.
June 9 – day before the even – news flash!! Bagyong signal #1 Dodong hits Manila! Patay! Ka-malas naman! Fred issues his final task to us probees via egroups. DON’T LET IT RAIN TOMORROW. Hmm iba na to. How do we accomplish this?? Mabuti na lang pala we had the God of Thunder in our probee roster… Bok Nap Venturina. He reported that he offered ostrich eggs at St. Patrick’s Cathedral (New York, USA) that same day.
June 10 – Thanks to Nap’s eggs and Sta. Clara.. Bagyong Dodong leaves the country. The event as I have said was a success!! Registration was a breez with Ed, TG, TJ, Rubbie, Mona and myself manning the tables. Mark Burgos’ prepared program went on as smooth as a baby’s behind while TG kept clicking away with the BTSs. Lito Cruz was a brilliant emcee with his hilarious jokes keeping the mood light. At the end of the day, it was King Reyno who lived up to his name as both King of the Course and King of the Raffle Prizes.
SUCCESS!!! Mr. President AA had cemented his legacy by bringing in the much needed funds for our club. Everyone seemed to go home happy. Tapos na!
Looking back, what struck me most in this exercise was a conversation I had with Eric Cachero during lunch at the event. I asked him, “how were you able to accomplish the task of designing all those logos in a short amount of time? Di ba talaga kayo natulog?” His answer was simple and with a smile… “anything for the love of the club”. WOW! Now the work didn’t seem hard at all. Now it was special.
After experiencing how Fred and Armand painstakingly called up sponsors to contribute to the club’s cause, how Eric and Jun sacrificed a night of sleep to finish designs, how Rey Ortiz came through with the tarpaulins, how Ed and even club secretary Rubbie rushed to Southwoods to beat the deadline, how Nesty Ocampo prepared the rules and guidelines for the photo contest, how JR solicited those AF1 coupons (yesss!!!) and how members donated cash and kind from their own pockets did I realize how special this club is and how privileged we probees are to be a part of it.
FOR THE LOVE OF THE CLUB!!!
This article was published at the July 2011 issue of the Viewfinder written by probee Jay Jaucian.
Photos courtesy of Patrick Uy and Marivic Silva.