Manama: The “Palo Para sa Kalayaan 2023 Golf Tournament” was organized by the Philippine Embassy in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in collaboration with the Filipino community organizations Pinoy Golfers sa Bahrain and Good Cause, on June 23, 2023, at the Royal Golf Club in Riffa, as part of its commemorative activities for the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
The tournament, which featured both individual and team competitions, attracted a total of 56 golfers. A total of 17 nations were represented by the golfers, who were split between 33 Filipinos and 23 foreigners from Bahrain, India, Thailand, Belgium, Japan, Indonesia, South Africa, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Malaysia, Italy, Myanmar, China, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines.
Among the dignitaries that participated in the tournament are Indonesian Ambassador Ardi Hermawan, Malaysian Ambassador Shazryll Zahiran, and Mr. Duaij Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Golf Association.
After the tournament, an Awarding Ceremony was held at the Wyndham Grand Hotel in Manama. In her remarks at the ceremony, H.E. Ambassador Anne Jalando-on Louis noted that the event brought together, not only Filipinos but also other nationals, in celebration of the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence. She further noted that the players were divided into teams named after various Philippine wildlife such as Agila, Pawikan, Butanding, Tamaraw, Kalaw, Alakdan, Binturong, Askal, Dugong, Lolong, Bayawak, Pilandok, Musang and Tarsier. She also thanked the players and all those who contributed to the success of the tournament.
In addition to Indonesian Ambassador Ardi Hermawan, Malaysian Ambassador Shazryll Zahiran, and Mr. Duaij Khalifa, Thai Ambassador Piyapak Sricharoen, Brunei Chargé d’ Affaires Nazirah HJ Zaini, Mr. Yusuf Lori, Director of Information and Follow-up of the Capital Governorate, and Mr. Gabriel Sota Sanz, Coach of the Bahrain National Golf Team, also graced the Awarding Ceremony.
H.E. Ambassador Anne Jalando-on Louis (14th from left) with other embassy officials and participants during the event.
During the program, video greetings were shown from golfers formerly based in Bahrain and from prominent personalities in the golfing community in the Philippines, such as journalist Mr. Arnold Clavio, actor Mr. Paolo Paraiso, Metro Golfers Union CEO Mr. Carl Dela Pena, and Philippine top-ranked golfer Mr. Juvic Pagunsan. A lucky player won a roundtrip ticket, Bahrain-Manila-Bahrain, courtesy of Gulf Air during the lucky draws at the Awarding Ceremony.
Following a similar event the previous year, the Embassy’s Independence Day golf tournament is back for a second time in 2023 under the title “Palo Para sa Kalayaan 2023”. In December 2021, the Embassy also initiated a “Palo sa Pasko.”
