FVR, Thomas grace Phl-Bangladesh golf

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Fidel V. Ramos and US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas took time out and graced the first Bangladesh-Philippines Friendship golf tournament which drew a banner cast at the Manila Southwoods’ Legends course in Carmona, Cavite yesterday.

Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Consular Corps, officials of the Philippine government and businessmen also took part in the 18-hole tournament held to raise funds for the Religious of Notre Dame of the Mission (RNDM in  New Manila,  Quezon City.

They included Japan’s Toshinao Urabe, Pakistan’s Mohsin Razi, Singapore’s Hirubalan V. P., Norway’s Knut Solem, Papua New Guinea’s Christian Anthony Vihruti, Korea’s Lee Hyuk, the Vatican’s Msgr. Seamus Patrick Horgan, Vietnam’s Tran Le Phuong and Jordan’s Michael Ang.

Raymond Lacdao matched par 72 at the bunker-laden layout to capture the low gross honors while Rashedul Chowdhury topped the Class A division with an 82, nipping Juju Mantoya (83).

Dante Quindoza carded a 97 and edged James Salva by one to cop the Class B crown in the event organized by the Bangladesh Embassy in coordination with the Bangladesh business community in Manila.

“I would like to thank all our sponsors and those who participated in our first-ever golf tournament. I assure you that this will not be the last,” said organizer and Bangladesh Ambassador John Gomes.

Thomas also spoke of his fond memories of FVR and Bangladesh, his previous post before he was assigned in the Phl.

“I remember him (Ramos) visiting Bangladesh and I was then the ambassador, that’s where I first met him and he had this ability to lighten up the mood,” said Thomas, who like FVR is into sports, having been involved not just in golf but also in baseball, football and basketball.