Barbeque Lunch with the Victorians: Flinders Slopes

After a much needed sleep after the hectic Induction Dinner Dance and a gruelling round of golf, the brethren and ladies met for a barbeque lunch at Flinders Slopes.

Thanks to Bro VP Louie Reyes who woke so early to reserve us a spot, notwithstanding that he was required at work later that day. He, together with Sis Marilyn was also assigned to provide the bread rolls and rice for lunch.

Good thing Bro Treasurer, Manny Santos came early as well to keep him company with the drinks (i.e., wine, beer and spirits). With storm weather forecasted for the weekend, I would not be surprised that these two warmed themselves, not with coffee but with red wine and WBro Bobby Briones’ JW Black Label. We did when I and Sis Irene arrived at about 9:30 AM. We could not wait for our guests to warm ourselves up.

The Victorian FilMasons present were Brothers Roy Esagunde, Chris Esagunde, Totie Mayo, Robert Pido and Greg Todio, our perennial guests from south of the border.

FilMasons NSW on hand were: Bro Louie and Sis Marilyn Reyes, Bro Manny and Sis Odeng Santos (who had lunch with us dashing from work), Bro Romy and Sis Ellen Nieto (who generously prepared the green salads), Bro Fidel and Sis Pen Pamplona (who not only hosted the five visitors but also prepared fruit salad), Bro Manny and Sis Do Placido (who brought in more fruits and cakes), Sis Mila Romerosa and the golfers, Bro Dick Palenzuela, Bro Julian Tan and Mr Joseph Schwarzkopf.

After much banter about the golf game, the brethren and the ladies partook of the barbeque and the sinigang broth with more gulps of wine and Bro Fidel’s brandy and Bro Bobby’s JW.

As per previous post about the golf by Bro Manny Maniago, the prizes were awarded to the winners and to make sure our Victorian brethren does not miss their flight back home, they were taken direct to the airport.

It was another “happy occasion” moments, with lots of pictures and fellowship.

Tradition Continues: 5 Oct Woodville Golf Course by VWBro Manny Maniago

Group photo of the players and their golf trophies. From left: Bro Dick, Bro Chris, Bro Rob, Bro Mar, Bro Roy, Bro Greg, Bro Totie and Bro Manny M. (Photo by Bro Romy Nieto)

After a late night of dancing from our Induction dinner dance, nine (9) avid golfers anxiously met at Woodville Golf Course , 118 Rawson Rd Guilford on the early hours of 7:00 AM. Tee off time was scheduled at 7:30 AM.

The weather was not so friendly with early showers and overcast. However, as true golfers this atrocious weather did not stop four brethren from Melbourne and five from Sydney in demonstrating their golfing prowess.

Victorian’s team consisted of Brothers Roy Esagunde, Totie Mayo, Rob Pido and Cris Esagunde, and the NSW’s team were Brothers Manny Maniago, Romy Nieto, Dick Palenzuela and Julian Tan. Joseph Schwarzkopf was a late addition to the Sydney team.

This golf game in my mind gave a good opportunity for friendly rivalry and at the same time enjoying the camaraderie and friendship of the brethren. The first group were Brothers Romy, Dick, Cris, and Totie who teed off at 7:45 AM. Then followed by Bros Roy, Manny, Julian and Rob. Just before walking to the first fairway Joseph a supporter of Filmasons joined the group.

The golf trophies and prizes organised by Bro Fidel Pamplona and Bro Manny Maniago. (Photo by Bro Romy Nieto)

Nearest to pin at hole 2 was taken by Bro Dick Palenzuela. Bro Manny Maniago had hole 5 while Bro Roy Esagunde took hole 7. Longest drive was garnered by Bro Romy Nieto at hole 3 while Bro Cris Esagunde had drive and pitch award at hole 4.

In between holes exchanges of jokes can be heard among the group. The "ohs" and "ahs" were mostly heard when a short putt was missed. Fortunately, there were no voices shouting "FORE" as the golf course was nearly deserted. Could have been the weather (which tradition requires us to blame on the visitors, of course!) or attributed to the Daylight Savings Time (DST) clock adjustment?

The first group was finished just before 10:00 AM while the second group completed the nine holes at 10:30 AM. After a few exchanges of jokes and taking the score cards the group proceeded to Flinders Slopes which is just a few minutes from the golf course.

Photo by Sis Do Placido.

Brothers Fidel Pamplona and Manny Santos were busy cooking the sumptuous barbeque lunch. Bro Manny Santos and Bro Louie went to Flinders Slopes early morning, 6:30 am to be precise, to secure the traditional sheltered tables and barbeque area.

Our heartfelt thanks go to these brothers for having insomnia and getting there early. After the stories and joking around, then came the awarding of trophies. The team winner was Melbourne. The overall champion on the day was awarded to Bro Manny Maniago who carded 12 over par on the nine holes played and Bro Roy Esagunde was the runner up on 14 over par. Bro Rob Pido was awarded the trophy for most improved player.

The ladies with Victorian brethren. (Photo by Bro Romy Nieto)

Golf balls were handed to the others, making sure that everyone was a winner. Of course, the reality is we all enjoyed the camaraderie, friendship and sportsmanship of those who participated in the game we all loved. Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all the brethren and the NSW ladies, the Amasons. Without you all the event would not have been a success. Thanks!

Moderator's Note: It has become a tradition for visiting brethren, whether from interstate or from overseas to have a friendly golf game with the brethren and at times with some of the ladies.

For Fil Masons NSW, this is usually preceded by a party the night or day before and concluded by a barbeque lunch after the game. This tradition has been going for years, the recent one is the above and the very recent overseas golf game was with the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, MW Bro Boy Aniag and His Excellency, Bro Ernesto De Leon, Philippine Ambassador to Australia. See post here.