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Where the real score is connection: Inside The Philippine STAR Golf Cup

Published May 05, 2026 3:00 pm

Ask anyone about their last round, and they won’t start with the score. What comes up are the laughs, the side bets, and the moments in between.

That same spirit defined the second year of The Philippine STAR Invitational Golf Cup Series.

On April 17, more than 100 partners and guests gathered at Mimosa Plus Golf Course in Pampanga for a relaxed day on the green.

“We invited you here not just to take a break and enjoy the game, but to come together in a space where golf reflects the values we share—integrity, discipline, and respect,” said STAR Automobile Business Lead Jeff Reyes.

“Through friendly but competitive rounds, we hope you build meaningful connections and conversations that inspire collaboration and innovation.”

For the love of the game
Mikio Tsukui, president, Isuzu Philippines Corporation, on the course with his flight

Players arrived at the venue even before sunrise.

Ahead of the ceremonial tee-off, Mimosa Plus Golf Course Director Rory Young explained the tournament rules, course layout, and the System 36 format.

(From left) Richard Lirio, consultant, Hyundai Quezon Avenue; Cecil Capacete, managing director, Hyundai Motor Philippines; Jiho Son, president, Hyundai Motor Philippines; and Leo San Juan, president, Hyundai Quezon Avenue

Each flight took on the 18-hole challenge, bonding with colleagues beyond the boardroom.

“The experience has been fantastic. What stands out most is the connection I’ve built with my flight mates. They’re amazing women, and it’s been a pleasure sharing the day with such great company,” shared Marianne Bustos, director for Business Development at Amare La Cucina Inc.

(From left) Sean Harley, professional athlete; Karen Ibasco, former beauty queen; Natalie Arcega, managing director, Arce Tours and Travel Inc.; and Ira Alido, professional golfer

“You meet all kinds of people in tournaments like this, and that’s what makes it truly special.”

(From left) Jeff Reyes, automotive business lead, The Philippine STAR; Rory Young, director, Mimosa Plus Golf Course; Marianne Bustos, overall net champion, ladies division; Lucien Dy Tioco, executive vice president, PhilSTAR Media Group; and Jay Sarmiento, vice president for sales and marketing, PhilSTAR Media Group
 (From left) Jeff Reyes, automotive business lead, The Philippine STAR; Rory Young, director, Mimosa Plus Golf Course; Christian Nepomuceno, overall net champion, men’s division; Lucien Dy Tioco, executive vice president, PhilSTAR Media Group; and Jay Sarmiento, vice president for sales and marketing, PhilSTAR Media Group

Bustos was crowned Best Nett Ladies Champion with 70 points, while Christian Nepomuceno claimed the Best Nett Champion title with 69 points.

Gentlemen from the 13th Tee Club
Victory on the fairway

The tournament also recognized top performers across three divisions.

(From left) Jeff Reyes, automotive business lead, the Philippine STAR; Rory Young, director, Mimosa Plus Golf Course; Lucien Dy Tioco, executive vice president, PhilSTAR Media Group; Anthony Cheng, Men’s Class A champion; Jay Sarmiento, vice president for sales and marketing, PhilSTAR Media Group; and RLC mascot
 (From left) Jay Sarmiento, vice president for sales and marketing, PhilSTAR Media Group; Larry Secreto, first runner-up, Men’s Class A division; and Lucien Dy Tioco, executive vice president, PhilSTAR Media Group
 (From left) Jay Sarmiento, vice president for sales and marketing, PhilSTAR Media Group; Gerry Doria, second runner-up, Men’s Class A division; and Lucien Dy Tioco, executive vice president, PhilSTAR Media Group

Anthony Cheng dominated Men’s Class A with 69, closely followed by Larry Secreto (69) and Gerry Doria (70). Romerico Macalintal took the Class B title, with both Jose Mari Carlos Garcia and Dan Carlo Torres scoring 74.

(From left) Jeff Reyes, automotive business lead, The Philippine STAR; Rory Young, director, Mimosa Plus Golf Course; Lucien Dy Tioco, executive vice president, PhilSTAR Media Group; Ely Cinyo, ladies champion; Jay Sarmiento, vice president for sales and marketing, PhilSTAR Media Group; and RLC mascot
(From left) Jay Sarmiento, vice president for sales and marketing, PhilSTAR Media Group; Ira Jornada, first runner-up, ladies division; and Lucien Dy Tioco, executive vice president, PhilSTAR Media Group
(From left) Jay Sarmiento, vice president for sales and marketing, PhilSTAR Media Group; Ynah Barretto, second runner-up, ladies division; and Lucien Dy Tioco, executive vice president, PhilSTAR Media Group

In the ladies’ division, Ely Cinyo led with 71, while Ira Jornada and Ynah Barretto followed with 72.

“I joined The Philippine STAR Golf Cup because the people from The STAR are my friends, and I can’t say no to them,” added Cheng, president and CEO of Matterhorn Motor Inc.

“They’ve supported our business through the years, so this is our way of giving back. It’s really all about relationships and friendship.”

 (From left) Babes Adriano, advertising manager, The Philippine STAR; Kim Duenas, winner, Nearest to the Pin – Fun Hole Award; and Mike Maneze, senior account manager, The Philippine STAR
(From left) Mike Maneze, senior account manager, The Philippine STAR; Ira Jornada, winner, Most Accurate – Fun Hole Award; and Babes Adriano, advertising manager, The Philippine STAR
 (From left) Mike Maneze, senior account manager, The Philippine STAR; PJ Dela Torre, winner, Longest Drive – Fun Hole Award; and Babes Adriano, advertising manager, The Philippine STAR

Fun awards added to the excitement, with Kim Duenas winning Nearest to the Pin, PJ Dela Torre taking Longest Drive, and Ira Jornada being honored for Most Accurate Drive.

Swing to relaxation

Guests relaxed after the game, enjoying live music and meals in a delightful atmosphere.

Sponsor booths around the venue also offered a variety of freebies, enhancing the experience and leaving everyone with lasting memories.

Avida treats guests to freebies while highlighting its lifestyle offerings at the event

“As a golfer who has participated in many tournaments, I truly appreciated how inclusive and welcoming The Philippine STAR made this event,” noted Cinyo, a representative from Exodus Time Industries Corp.

“It was inspiring to see so many women golfers in a sport traditionally dominated by men. It really elevated the experience to see how STAR, as a media organization, champions everyone.”

Bringing entertainment closer to guests, Casino Filipino presents its booth at the tournament

Ortigas Land showcases its developments and communities at the event

A closer look at Flanax and its role in powering the Golf Cup experience

MG complements its car display with a booth where guests can inquire about its offerings

There’s more entertainment after the game. At the Brittany booth, guests can enjoy freebies

RLC adds excitement with an interactive roulette game experience

On display: the venue partner that helps bring the STAR Invitational Golf Cup 2026 to life

Bringing entertainment closer to guests, Casino Filipino presents its booth at the tournament

Ortigas Land showcases its developments and communities at the event

A closer look at Flanax and its role in powering the Golf Cup experience

MG complements its car display with a booth where guests can inquire about its offerings

There’s more entertainment after the game. At the Brittany booth, guests can enjoy freebies

RLC adds excitement with an interactive roulette game experience

On display: the venue partner that helps bring the STAR Invitational Golf Cup 2026 to life

CLOSE

As the day concluded, the event buzzed with a sense of achievement and camaraderie.

The Philippine STAR Golf Cup was more than just a tournament—it was a celebration of community, empowerment, and shared values.

“Today’s gathering out here on the course is extra special because this year, we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Philippine STAR. This milestone belongs to every person who has walked this path with us—and that includes you,” concluded PhilSTAR Media Group Executive Vice President Lucien Dy Tioco.

“Like the game of golf, may we continue to move forward with purpose, precision, and steady resolve. Here’s to taking each next shot with the same passion that has brought us this far.”

Featured at the tournament are (from left) the Hongqi H5, BYD Seal U, and MG HS Plug-in Hybrid
 The JETOUR Ice Cream EV stands as a symbol of performance and sophistication on the course

The STAR Golf Cup: The Philippine STAR Golf Invitational 2026 is made possible through partnerships with Arce Tours and Travel Inc., BYD Pampanga, Department of Tourism, G-Shock, Mimosa Plus Golf Course, MG Motor Philippines, and RLC Residences. Hole-in-one sponsors include Hongqi, Jetour, Vespa, and Casino Filipino.

The event is also brought to you by Ford and Pag-IBIG Fund, with support from the Automobile Association of the Philippines, Avida Land Corp., Brittany, Colantotte Sports, EastWest Ageas Insurance, Taisho Pharmaceutical Philippines Inc., GolfX Philippines, JBL, Meralco, Messy Bessy, San Miguel Corporation, Torres Rhum, Philippine Airlines, SM Investments, and VIP Golf.

Additional support comes from ACDelco Philippines, NoFlatt by Atoy Customs, Ortigas Land, PartsPro, PHINMA Solar Energy Corporation, Universal Robina Corporation, Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Viva Communications Inc.