It was my first time to join the Coca-Cola Charity Golf Classic.
This year’s gathering of Coca-Cola’s key stakeholders—key customers, suppliers, industry leaders, corporate and government partners, media, and golfing friends—at Sta. Elena Golf Course and Country Club proved how partnerships and shared purpose can drive meaningful impact.
While I looked forward to a day of friendly competition on the fairways, I left with much more: the satisfaction of contributing to a cause that uplifts the communities Coca-Cola serves.
Knowing that my participation played a role in advancing these efforts made the experience not only enjoyable but deeply fulfilling. After all, this event embodies the spirit of Coca-Cola’s core principle of “Open Happiness.”
It was a true celebration of Everyday Greatness, embodying Coca-Cola’s mission to champion the small, meaningful actions that leave a lasting mark—not just on the sports field but also in life.
Gareth McGeown, CEO and President of Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI), announced the tournament’s incredible achievement of raising P4.5 million for the programs of the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc.
The amount included P3.5 million raised through the event, with CCBPI contributing an additional P1 million. These funds will support initiatives such as disaster response and education programs, including the company’s ongoing partnership with AHA Learning Center, a renowned non-profit organization that nurtures high-potential public-school students and shapes future Filipino leaders.
“At CCBPI, we believe we are only as strong as the communities we serve—a belief shared by all our partners. Every year at the Coca-Cola Golf Classic, we come together to enjoy an eventful day and witness the significant impact of our collective efforts in refreshing the Philippines and making a difference,” shared McGeown.
TEAMWORK
The tournament adopted the four-man scramble format, which emphasized teamwork as players worked together to achieve the best possible result. This collaborative style was a refreshing departure from the individual-focused System 36 format.
My own flight, led by Dino Datu of the Daily Tribune as our anchor, saw contributions from everyone. Marc Reyes of GMA News Online nearly won the nearest-to-pin award, and I was proud to contribute some efficient approaches to the greens.
The overall team champions were the group of Romeo Castro Jr., Mario Rafael Mañaol, Josef Andrew Mendoza, and Raymundo Juanchoe, who secured victory with a winning gross score of 59.
The event was graced by Filipina professional golfers Bianca Pagdanganan, an Olympic athlete, and Sam Bruce, the first Filipina nominated for the US NCAA Woman of the Year Award, adding prestige and inspiration to the day.
“We thank our partners and sponsors, who enable us to continue uplifting the lives of Filipinos through initiatives geared towards impactful community support,” shared Gareth McGeown, CEO and President of CCBPI.
The Coca-Cola Golf Classic 2024 was made possible by its valued sponsors: Gold sponsors Petron Corporation, and San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation; Silver sponsors Asia Brewery Inc., Indorama Ventures, Marsh Philippines, Inc., Hwangs, Inc., Lorenzo Shipping Line, Sucden Philippines, Inc., CWS Water Treatment Specialists, The Manila Times, and BusinessMirror; Bronze sponsors Isuzu Philippines Corporation, TEG Holdings (Go Golf Productions), Lamitek Systems Inc., PLDT, Medicard, Agro Bulk Marine Corporation, Premiere Travel & Tours Inc., and Aboitiz’s Advent Energy; Hole-in-One sponsors The Turf Company, Metrobank, Hannibal, Isla LPG, and Diamond Rent-a-Car; with special thanks to Gothong Southern Shipping Lines; Event snacks partners: Shakey’s Pizza and Potato Corner.
For 112 years, Coca-Cola has proudly called the Philippines home—recognizing its duty as a total beverage company with a vast footprint, driven by its strong commitment to uplift the lives of Filipinos and become an integral part of every community it serves.
