JGFP president Oliver Gan (second from left) and daughter Stephanie (third from left) clinched the overall title in the JGFP New Year Scramble tournament at the Apo Golf and Country Club in Davao City on Monday. Also in photo are (from left) Stanley Loo, Nicole Gan, JGFP secretary general Ariel Vanguardia and Steve Gan. JGFP photo
JGFP parent-child event a chance for families to share love for golf
DAVAO CITY — Parent-child golf tournaments are more than just a day on the course — they’re about connection, laughter, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
The JGFP New Year Scramble was no exception.
The 36-hole event held at the Apo Golf and Country gave families a chance to share their love for golf while strengthening the bond between generations.
Sixty-three teams took part in the two-day tournament that started on Sunday using the alternate shot format. It ended on Monday with the team scramble.
JGFP president Oliver Gan and seven-year-old daughter Stephanie won the overall title following a closing four-under-par 68.
Stephanie, a pupil at the Immaculate Conception Academy, avoided a possible four-team playoff by sinking the winning putt from six feet.
Gan had secretly hoped that Stephanie would miss the putt to forge an exciting playoff, but her daughter had other plans.
The three other tandems — Merry Rose Wacan-Rodelio Wacan, Brittany Tamayo-John Paul Tamayo and Jon Ortega-Jhondie Quibol — consoled themselves by winning their respective categories.
“We need more of this tournament,” said Gan who organized the first parent-child event in Baguio two years ago.
“Golf has a way of teaching life lessons — patience, resilience and grace under pressure. In these tournaments, parents and kids experience those lessons together. Parents lead by example, while kids bring fresh energy and excitement to the game, making every swing a moment to cherish.
The other winners in the Category 1 and 2 divisions were Daniel de Luna-Ariel Vanguardia and Seth Bastes-John Louh.
The event also included a special category for professionals and junior golfers, creating memorable highlights that will endure long after the competition concludes.
Micah Shin, an Asian Tour winner paired with Johanna Blair Uyking, holed an eagle from 63 yards on the 10th hole to cap a closing 62 and a five-shot victory over Nicole Gan and former Philippine Open champion Elmer Salvador.
Nicole Gan had earlier planted her approach to tap-in distance to go 8-under for the day but Shin, using the event as part of his preparations for the Philippine Open, produced the spectacular shot
“I had a lot of fun playing with the kids,” said Shin who first picked up the game at the age of 14 in Davao City.
Jared Saban and his father Elmer completed the championship flight and finished 7-under.
The Country Club Match Play champion Florence Yvon Bisera and cousin Rory, and the tandem of Julienne Mabale and Celiano Bisera were the other Category 3 winners.
Superkit executive Stanley Loo, whose partnership with Aldrien Gialon produced a runner-up finish, vowed his company’s support for the JGFP.
“We will soon have a Superkit Series that will culminate in China,” said Loo, who hosted a chip-and-putt contest on the first day.
Kimberly Barroquillo, who finished fourth with coach Budok Alferez, summed up the sentiments of the participants.
“Thank you very much for supporting the junior golfers of Mindanao,” she said
What makes these tournaments truly special is the time spent together. Whether celebrating a great shot or laughing off a missed putt, it’s about enjoying the journey as a team. For many families, it’s a tradition that turns a simple game into a lasting legacy.
At the end of the day, it’s not about the trophies or the scores. It’s about the memories made, the lessons learned, and the joy of being together — because on the golf course, every moment shared is a win.
The top five performers in each category:
Overall — Stephanie Gan-Oliver Gan 147 (79-68), Jon Ortega-Jhondie Quibol 148 (81-67), Brittany Tamayo-John Paul Tamayo 148 (79-69), Merry Rose Wacan 148 (78-70), Aldrien Gialon-Stanley Loo 149 (78-71)
Category 1 (Division I) — Merry Rose Wacan-Rodelio Wacan 148 (78-70), AJ Wacan-Archie Wacan 150 (77-73), Vince Enzo Naranjo-Vincy Naranjo 152 (82-70), Kenly Wacan-Roy Wacan 163 (93-70), Gian Bullecer-Bates Bullecer 165 (92-73)
Category 1 (Division II) — Brittany Tamayo-John Paul Tamayo 148 (79-69), Guio Pasquil-Fraz Pasquil 158 (83-75), Laurence Saban-Jaime Saban 162 (88-74), Marco Senador-Doods Senador 164 (88-76), Kim Lorraine Panaguiton-Kim Panaguiton 173 (97-76)
Categopory 1 (Division III) — — Stephanie Gan-Oliver Gan 147 (79-68), Ethan Franco Lago-Carlo Lago 161 (88-73), Kassandra Morente-James Morente 166 (94-72), Raven John Jumawan-Roland Jumawan 181 (109-72), Chevy Hernandez-Gian Hernandez 187 (107-80).
Category 2 (Division I)– Jon Ortega-Jhondie Quibol 148 (81-67), Aldrien Gialon-Stanley Loo 149 (78-71), Nino Villacencio-Steve Gan 150 (81-69), Rainier Tagwalan-Joseph Ng 151 (78-73), Adrian Bisera-RJ Gopez 164 (94-70)
Category 2 (Division II)– Daniel de Luna-Ariel Vanguardia 186 (102-84).
Category 2 (Division III) — Seth Bastes-John Louh 181 (101-80).
Category 3 (Division I) — Julienne Mabale-Celiano Bisera 173 (96-77)
Category 3 (Division II) — Johanna Blair Uyking-Micah Shin 133 (71-62), Nicole Gan-Elmer Salvador 138 (74-64), Jared Saban-Elmer Saban 144 (79-65), Kim Barroquillo-Budok Alferez 147 (82-65), Felix Bulla III-Edgar Ababa 154 (86-68.
Categopry 3 (Division III) — Rory Bisera- Florence Yvon Bisera 153 (85-68), Lucas Revilleza-Roland Revilleza 153 (88-65).
