I am still euphoric over the fact that the recent Lexus Invitational Golf was another smashing success; it drew a record field of 220 participants. It came at a time when Lexus sold a whopping 1,843 units last year from an anemic 861 performance in 2022, making Toyota’s big brother officially as the country’s No. 1 vehicle in the luxury segment.
In his warmly-applauded speech during the Awards ceremonies, Lexus Manila chairman Vince Socco spoke candidly of how it felt to be in the company of golfers—even if “I don’t play the game.” Here:
“Lexus Guests, partners, friends, ladies and gentlemen—good afternoon. I am Vince Socco, Chairman of Lexus Manila and it is our pleasure to host all of you for the 12th Lexus Invitational Golf Tournament here at Sta. Elena. Some of you have been with us before, some are with us for the first time…no matter, what’s important is that each one of you enjoyed your day out on the fairways and greens.
“Actually, I really feel special among all of you here—in an odd sort of way. For one, I am breaking tradition because it has been Alfred Ty that has been up here greeting all of you for the past 11 years. I am thankful, of course, that he has given me the chance to welcome you all. For another, you see, I am—unfortunately—a non-golfer in a room FULL of golfers. BUT I do know a thing or two about having fun and making the most of every moment. So I trust that we were able to make it worth your while to be a part of our Invitational event today.
12 years
“BEFORE anything else, allow me to acknowledge and thank the Sta. Elena Golf Club for graciously agreeing to be the home course for the Lexus Invitational for 12 years now. Our very special thanks to:
Bryan K. Cockrell
Chairman of the Board & Club Captain
Edward Y. Tiu President & Tournament Committee Chairman
Bienvenido “Rico” Tantoco, Jr. Treasurer
“May I invite everyone to join me in a special round of applause, please?
“We sincerely appreciate your warm club hospitality and for always making us feel like very special guests in your Club. Maraming salamat po.
“Today, we are hosting the largest number of participants since we started the Lexus Invitational back in 2010. This is a very clear testament to the growing community of Lexus owners in the Philippines and a source of great joy for us. This is YOUR tournament. It is our way of thanking all of you for your past and continuing trust in Lexus. On our first edition of the Lexus invitational, we hosted 88 Lexus golfers. Today, we are very pleased to be hosting over 200 players.
“I think I will soon need to be discussing with Bryan and Edward on how to super up-size this Invitational tournament.
“Thank you, everyone. Literally, this tournament would NEVER have been possible without YOU, each one of YOU.
Favorite
“ON a parallel note, I would also like to take a special moment to thank all of you for helping us achieve another very significant milestone in 2023. YOU made Lexus THE most preferred luxury automotive brand in the Philippines last year. Yes, YOUR BRAND OF CHOICE is now the country’s favorite, the country’s NUMBER ONE. Your resounding vote of trust is the best GIFT we could ever receive to celebrate our 15th year in the Philippines.
“Maraming salamat po. Domo arigatou gozaimasu. Thank you very much. We look forward to many more years of creating amazing moments, experiences and memories together with you.
“We are definitely continuing to grow our line-up of exciting and fine automobiles to meet your growing needs. Last year, we introduced our RZ Battery Electric Vehicle and it is now the best-seller in its class. Our hybrids have also proven to be a favorite choice of yours and we thank you for journeying with us towards electrified mobility. In fact, last year, 7 out of every 10 Lexus vehicles we delivered to your homes were Hybrid Electric.
LBX
“AND, yes, you heard it here FIRST…we will soon be introducing YOUR next best driving “BUDDY”—the Lexus LBX. And, after that, the new Lexus GX. We are convinced that they will be 2 more reasons for you to love your Lexus drive and ride.
“Later this year, we will be moving to a new address, just up the street from here. We promise you an even more amazing new HOME with the finest crafted guest experiences. We look forward to welcoming you there soon.
“Lots of exciting things to look forward to. Thank you for continuing to inspire us.
“Before I close, allow me to acknowledge our partners and sponsors—AXA Insurance, Asics and Grand Seiko. We really appreciate the added excitement you bring to the Lexus Invitational.
Tabuena
“OUR thanks, as well, to Lexus Ambassador, Miguel Tabuena, and Lexus coaches—J3 Altea and Glenn de leon—for joining us today.
“Finally, allow me to thank Mr. Hashimoto, President of Lexus Philippines for his unwavering support. And, of course, the ladies and gentlemen of Lexus Manila led by Mr. Rodriguez, President, and Carlo Ablaza, General Manager, for their relentless efforts in crafting our tournament today.
“Lexus Guests, it seems I am standing in the way of you and your lunch. I thank you once again for being with us today. Please enjoy the rest of the afternoon.
“Maraming salamat po.”
PEE STOP Love is still in the air and so, Happy Valentine!