Fil-Oz Social Golf club started in 1992 when a group of Filipino golfers headed by Roland Santos managed to bind together one Sunday afternoon after a round of golf at Riverwood (now Georges River) Golf Club in Henry Lawson Drive, Georges Hall.

Initially, the officers were Don Lopez (President), Chris Bacucang (Treasurer), Roland Santos (Secretary), Doc Torrevillas (PRO) and Gaddee Soriano (Captain). Original members were Alex Setosta, Benny de Guzman, Pong Mendoza, Benjie Franco, Art Stabarbara, Jun Mendoza, Ted Ramos, Rene Apacionado and (E and OE).

In June 1996 Fil-Oz took the initiative of organizing the first Philippine Independence golf cup at Dunheved Golf club. In June 1999 the name of the tournament was changed to Kalayaan Cup through the instigation of then Consul General Ariel Abadilla. In June 2002, Philippine Airlines started donating airfares to Manila for the champion and for raffle. Hence, the naming right was given to PAL and it was changed to PAL Kalayaan Cup golf tournament, now on its 13th year. Supporters of this tournament include golfers from Thai Social golf club, Samoan & Fiji golf clubs, golfers from other Asean consulates and the Filipino-Australian community.

In February 2001 Fil-Oz was represented at the Philippine Airlines 53rd Interclub Golf tournament in Cebu City, Philippines with ten golfers under Men’s Regular division. This continued up to now with its 62nd series to be held in Davao City, Philippines in February 2009 for both Senior’s and Men’s Regular divisions.

In February 2003 Fil-Oz started donating part of its funds to the St Teresa of Calcutta charity in Tayuman, Tondo, Manila for sick children with no parents. This is in line with its mission of helping the poor back home in the Philippines.

 A Gift From The Heart

 Fil-Oz Social Golf Club of Sydney found the true spirit of the season by sharing its blessings to the poorest of the poor in the Philippines.

On December 2, Fil-Oz President Ric de Vera, along with Treasurer Bernie Balagtas personally visited the Missionaries of Charity in Tayuman Street, Tondo Manila and handed over their Christmas gift.

 “It may not be big amount but it comes from our hearts” said Ric de Vera after handing the envelope containing P10,000 to Sister M. Anselm, MC who personally acknowledged the cash donation on behalf of the Regional Superior of the Missionaries of Charity, Inc.

Missionaries of Charity is an organization composed of Sisters who are descendants of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. One of their congregations is housed in Tondo, Manila where it is locally called “Home of Joy”. Inside the compound are sisters quarters, a holy chapel, wards for children (sick, handicapped and abandoned), a warehouse and a new presentable playground.

Currently there are seventy five (75) sick, handicapped and abandoned children being cared for in the wards, separated by glass partitions from each category. Some attendants/carers are teenage volunteers, mostly students from nearby medical school and working as part of their school curriculum. Full time assistants are also accepted in return for free food and lodging.

Unfortunately, photo shots are not allowed inside the compound. Hence, we have to go out and take some photos outside or behind the gate.

It was Ms Elita T. Montilla, Director and Senior producer of ABS-CBN who introduced me to this charitable institution seven years ago. “It’s only when you see the “house” and how the sisters operate that you will appreciate what they are doing” said Ms Montilla then. “You can see with your own two eyes where your donation is going” she finally said. I fully realized now that she was exactly right.

This December, instead of having a lavish Christmas party for Fil-Oz members, it was decided to have a simple get together dinner with a few drinks at a local Chinese restaurant.

Anyone who would like to make donations could contact the Missionaries of Charity directly at 1030 Tayuman St., Tondo, Manila, telephone no. (632) 255-0832. Official receipts are correspondingly issued for all monetary donations received.

HAPPY HOLIDAY TO ALL

 AICL cup 2011

FILOZ Monthly Awards n Plaque

 Kalayaan Cup 2011 Champion

 Kalayaan Cup 2011 Champion, Sam Akbar, receiving his monumental trophy from Philippine Consul General Honourable Anne Jalando-on Louis, while Fil-Oz President, Ric de Vera, is waiting to handover the perpetual trophy and prize of airfare to Manila courtesy of Philippine Airlines. Photo courtesy of Rey Manoto.

Kalayaan Cup 2011 Divisions A,B,C & D winner

Kalayaan Cup 2011 Divisions A,B,C & D winners are Prescila Keogh, Oscar Clemente, Jimmy Gonzales and Fr Severino Bustamante afte receiving their trophies from Honourable Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis (far left) and their prizes from Fil-Oz President Ric de Vera (far right). Photo courtesy of Rey Manoto.

Kalayaan Cup 2011 Divisions A,B,C & D Runner up

Kalayaan Cup 2011 Divisions A,B,C & D Runner up (L-R) Annamalai Gounden, Carlos Perez, Dan Sirisophon and Jimmy Morales holding their trophies, cash prizes and golf balls".

 17TH INTERSTATE GOLF

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