After weeks of relentless rain, the skies finally cleared on September 12, 2025—just in time for the 8th John Clements CEO Golf Classic. Held at the prestigious Manila Golf Club, the event welcomed a day of friendly competition, camaraderie, and unforgettable swings.
Early Tee-Off and Tech Showcases
At 6:00 AM sharp, 102 CEOs and business leaders teed off. Before heading to the greens, participants checked in, enjoyed a hearty breakfast, and explored sponsor booths and a tech showcase of John Clements AI partners: Uniphore, Q for Recruiting, CrossKnowledge, and Recruitment Smart. Our academic partner, Khan Academy, also drew attention with its Adopt-A-School program.
To help loosen up, the Esquire Team, led by Dan Sais, offered warm-up sessions at the putting green and driving range. As the event progressed, many came to appreciate these sessions—especially those who, having set aside their clubs for months, were now rediscovering the joy of the game.
Ceremonial Tee-Off and Legendary Guests
The tournament officially opened with a warm welcome from our President and CEO, Carol Dominguez. She was joined by golf legends Abe Rosal, celebrity golfers Richard Yap, and Marvin Agustin for the ceremonial tee-off.
To kick things off, a group photo captured the morning’s energy before players headed to their assigned holes. Throughout the next four hours of perfect weather, birdies were chased and rivalries rekindled.
Lunch, Liquor, and Lighthearted Laughs
Once the final putt dropped, players gathered for a well-deserved buffet lunch. The awarding ceremony was made extra special by our exclusive liquor partner, Diageo, and the presence of Janine Gutierrez, one of the country’s top celebrities and a talent of LVD Management.
Singleton, Mortlach, and Johnnie Walker Blue were poured generously. For those pacing themselves, the refreshing Singleton Sour cocktail was a hit.
Adding to the fun, Dan Sais hosted his annual swing analysis. Selected golfers were put under the spotlight for some lighthearted critiques—always a crowd favorite.
Big Swings and Big Wins
The competition concluded with champions crowned in every division:
- May Neri triumphed in the Women’s Division, demonstrating grace and grit
- Carlo Lao won the Class C title (this is unexpected, really – author)
- JJ Romualdo won Class B, showing unwavering consistency
- Abe Rosal claimed the Overall Champion title, thanks to his exceptional performance and composure under pressure
The competition also had standout performances across various skill challenges. Rahul Sharma unleashed a powerful 269-yard drive to secure the men’s longest drive title. In the women’s category, Lorna Tabuena impressed with a 183-yard drive and also landed nearest to the pin at just 3 feet 3 inches. Carol Dominguez demonstrated remarkable accuracy, driving within a foot of the line. Meanwhile, James Ileto delivered the longest putt of the day, sinking a 24-footer with finesse.
Raffle Surprises and Luxury Treats
The excitement didn’t end with the trophies. Guests had the chance to win incredible raffle prizes:
- Luxury villa stay worth ₱300,000 from ARAW Hospitality
- A $1,000 Delta Airlines voucher
- A rare 25-year Singleton bottle from Diageo
- Premium treats from Subic Golf International Club, Shangri-La the Fort, Admiral Hotel, and more
Thank You to Our Sponsors
This unforgettable day wouldn’t have been possible without our generous sponsors:
Gold Sponsors:
CXS Analytics, iCare, Lockton, Monde Nissin, Subic International Golf Club, Uniphore
Silver Sponsors:
BPI Private Wealth, GAC Motors, Likha, Persol, SGV, Slimmers World, The Firm – VA Law, Xoxoday
Bronze Sponsors:
Asia Cargo Container Line, Inc., Delta Airlines, Leechiu Property Consultants, Inc., Malayan Insurance, R.G. Manabat & Co. (KPMG), Security Bank
Hole-in-One Sponsors:
GolfCarts PH, New Canaan Insurance Agency, Inc.
Exclusive Liquor Partner:
Diageo
Until Next Year…
The 8th John Clements CEO Golf Classic wasn’t just about golf—it was about connection, celebration, and a little friendly rivalry under the Manila sun. Beginning with the first tee and culminating in the final toast, the day unfolded seamlessly. Moreover, at each moment, it consistently reminded us that, in essence, business and leisure can indeed coexist harmoniously.
Reflecting on the energy and turnout of this year’s tournament, it’s clear that the 9th CEO Golf Classic is shaping up to be an even bigger swing.
This is your Tournament Director, Carlo Lao, Swinging Out!
Leadership Beyond the Fairway
The CEO Golf Classic is just one of the many ways John Clements brings leaders together. From high-impact executive forums to transformative leadership programs, we create spaces where visionaries connect, grow, and lead with purpose.
Explore how we can support your leadership journey. Contact Us to learn more about our upcoming events, strategic partnerships, and executive development initiatives.
📸 More golf photos here for viewing! 🎥 See it in action—watch the highlights unfold!
