THE German Ambassador’s Cup (GAC) 2017, organized by the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (GPCCI) together with the German Embassy in Manila, was a great success with a record number of 106 players.
Staged for the 15th time and played this year at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, the invitational charity golf tournament assembled entrepreneurs representing the German-Philippine trade and industry, leaders from the Philippine government and members of the diplomatic corps.
Having joined the GAC, sponsors and individual players supported the Palawan-based Katala Foundation in its efforts to protect the critically endangered Philippine cockatoo. Since 1998, the Katala Foundation implements the Philippine cockatoo conservation program together with local communities.
Forest destruction and wildlife poaching has brought the Philippine cockatoo to the brink of extinction. Through its conservation program, Katala Foundation helps communities, while specifically engaging former wildlife poachers to become guardians of the rare bird.
The rules of play were discussed by Tournament Director Klaus Schroeder, followed by the ceremonial tee-off with German Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Gordon Kricke, Defense Secretary Maj. Gen. Delfin N. Lorenzana, as well as Trade Undersecretary Rowel S. Barba. The players then proceeded to their assigned holes and enjoyed a morning of golf and socializing.
The tournament was followed by a spirited reception in the evening at the ambassador’s residence in Makati City. It served as an opportunity for the attendees to meet with representatives from the German Embassy, GPCCI, as well as decision-makers in the Philippine government.
Ambassador Kricke and GPCCI President Tristan Arwen Loveres welcomed the guests at the reception, then Katala Foundation representative Audrey Tan-Zubiri gave a short talk on the current status of the Philippine cockatoo and invited everyone to actively protect not only the country’s endemic wildlife, but also the environment in general.
Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy Dr. Roland Schissau and GPCCI Executive Director Peter Kompalla acknowledged the generosity of the event sponsors and partners from which a check donation was awarded to the Katala Foundation.
The reception also served as a venue to award winners of the GAC, led by Schroeder. Exciting prizes were also raffled off to the guests.
The tournament winners were Marvin Caparros (first runner-up for gross), Lao PDR Ambassador to the Philippines Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune (lowest gross), Joel Delmundo (second runner-up for net) and Lenell Lacson (runner-up for net).
Debbie Schenk brought home the GAC Championship trophy and was the first to sign the Berlin Buddy Bear, a tradition that was started this year. In the coming years, the Bear will be laced with the signatures of the proud winners of the GAC.
The evening was capped off by a delicious buffet dinner sponsored by the German Club.
Image credits: Michael Anthony Miranda