Tuesday, October 07, 2008 P1 million jackpot escapes Jaraula Cup diggers By Lynde Salgados
THE 2008 Oro Chamber Jaraula Cup Open golf tournament ended on a rainy Sunday with the P1-million cash prize for the hole-in-one jackpot slipping through the noses of over 300 parbusters finding their luck at par 72 world class all-weather championships Pueblo de Oro Golf Course.
"It's a big insult to the insurance company which takes a risk to cover the biggest stake in this tournament. Imagine, from among over 300 golfers from all over the country who came here to play, nobody conquers the pricey hole-in-one challenge," said host Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Constantino Jaraula in the awards rites that followed later at the Grand Caprice Restaurant.
Turning seriously, the sprightly Jaraula -- who virtually traipsed every small detail of the four-day golfest with his physical presence -- appeased the participants by reminding them the golfing affair could instead enrich them 10 million times in friendship and camaraderie.
"That's the beauty of a golf tournament with a cause," the mayor said, probably referring to the unfinished building of the Oro Chamber wherein the proceeds of the tourney will go.
The Jaraula Cup, undertaken for the first time by the Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, was not without drama as it marked for the first time it did produce a female winner.
"There's no P1-million taker yet, but I'm proud we had a new record to share," said event chairman, Noel Nalzaro.
While the ageless Yoyong Velez and Boy Olegario emerged as the biggest winners by taking the lowest gross and the lowest net honors, novice golfer Carol Jeun hugged the spotlight all the same when she made it to the elite class of so-called division champions.
Sporting a short straight hair modestly blonde-dyed, the 46-year-old Jeun bested closest pursuers Renie Sacay and Cesar Caraig with a total score of 43 points to clinch the Class D title.
Other division champions were Ronnie Canlas (Class A), Rene Gaid (Class B) and Augusto Dejos (Class C).
"I did not really expect to win `coz I only started to learn and play golf since May. And to tell you honestly, this is just my third golf competition. Suwerte lang gyod (Am just lucky). It's my husband who is good in golf. I'm only a beginner," said Jeun, owner of the Korean Restaurant in front of Pala¤a store in Barangay Lapasan highway.
With Nalzaro, in distributing the trophies to the winners and the raffled items were master of ceremonies Ralf Paguio and the amiable past event chairman, Edu Alaba.
There were being assisted by Miss Kagay-an Maria Jennifer Precious S. Gaston and her courts Joanne S. Galenzoga, Hazel Mari R. Go, Al Grace J.Mortola and Sybil S. Sarte.
2008 Jaraula Cup
Lowest Gross Yoyong Velez 41-35
Lowest Net Boy Olegario 83 pts
Class A
Champion Ronnie Canlas 40 pts (won via count back)
1st runner-up Boboy Jaraula 40 pts (won via count back)
2nd runner-up Banny Aba¤o 40 pts (won via count back)
Class B
Champion Rene Gaid 40 pts
1st runner-up Jung Lee Kweon 39 pts
2nd runner-up Nonong Evangelista 37 pts (won via count back)
Class C
Champion Augusto Dejos 39 pts (won via count back)
1st runner-up Jojo Yap 39 pts
2nd runner-up Kevin Lee 38 pts (won via count back)
Class D
Champion Carol Jeun 43 pts
1st runner-up Renie Sacay 39 pts (won via count back)
2nd runner-up Cesar Caraig 39 pts
