WRITTEN BY VERNE AHYONG

GOLF ISN’T JUST A SPORT. IT’S A LIFESTYLE. You can’t step on a golf course wearing just anything. You need to look hip and trendy when golfing in the Philippines. And that’s where Loro Golf Apparel comes in. Loro is the newest and most famous golf clothing brand in the country today.

And now, I have the pleasure of interviewing Bon Roberto – marketing director of Loro. Read on to learn more about the successful clothing line as well as his insights on Philippine golf.

Verne Ahyong: Good afternoon, Bon. Could you share with us a bit of information on Loro?

Bon Roberto: Of course! Loro Golf Apparel began three years ago when Jennifer Rosales first approached my sister. Jennifer asked her to design a few sets of clothing which she could wear during golf tournaments here and abroad. My sister agreed, and Jennifer loved the clothes that were designed for her.

VA: Is this what made you two decide to start a clothing line for golfers?

BR: That’s right. A lot of people found out about the clothes my sister designed. They liked the striking colors and modern prints and began placing special orders for these. Fortunately, the orders kept on increasing, so we decided to turn it into a business.

VA: Loro is an interesting name. I was wondering how you guys came up with it?

BR: Actually, our company is named after my sister. You see, her name first name is Lora. So if you get the first two letters of Lora and Roberto, you get our company name – Loro.

VA: That’s cool. So, I see that you are now participating in Philippine golf expos. Does this mean your business is doing very well?

BR: It was our first time last year to get exposure by joining one of these shows. There was a very positive response, so we decided to come back. I believe that joining these expos is a better way of advertising the clothing brand because of the captured market [of golfers] here.

(A photograph of me interviewing Bon Roberto. You can see the Loro booth in the background.)

VA: But have you ever thought about advertising in newspapers or magazines?

BR: In addition to what I said, I believe joining expos is more cost effective. This is because when you advertise through print ads, you aren’t sure people will actually read it.

VA: Interesting. And aside from during golf expos and by special request, are there other places where you sell your golf apparel?

BR: We don’t have our own outlets, but Loro apparel is being sold in Golf Department, Golf Clinic in Shang [Shangri-la Plaza Mall], and Riviera in Orchard.

VA: Wow, your clothing line must really be selling well. As of now, what do you think is the biggest thing you and Lora have achieved with Loro?  

BR:  It is definitely the recognition we were able to gain in such a short amount of time. You see, my sister used to be part of the Philippine National Golf Team.  But she had to cut down on her tournaments, to concentrate on running the clothes shop. The business wouldn’t have done nearly as well without her.

VA: That’s a touching story. Now if you don’t mind my asking, how do you see state of golf tourism in the country right now?

BR: Good question. I think that more and more people are golfing in the Philippines. Not just in Manila, but all over the country. Hotel and transportation rates are very cheap. Take Cebu Pacific [airfare] rates, for example.

VA: And what do you think can be improved on?

BR: Well, more public courses would make the sport more accessible to golfers that aren’t very rich. Even playing golf in public courses isn’t that cheap. You will easily spend 1,000 pesos, plus the caddie fee.

VA: I see. So finally, why do you think that golfers love wearing clothes from Loro?

BR: Golf doesn’t have to be that expensive. If you want to look cool while playing golf, then you should wear Loro Golf Apparel. Our clothes are affordable, hip and trendy at the same time.

WRITTEN BY VERNE AHYONG

The Philippines is one of the best places in the world to play golf. But wouldn’t you love playing in the top courses around the world as well? Since January 2009, Urban Golf* has been making this dream a reality for golfers in the Metro. Filipinos and foreigners alike are enjoying rounds of golf in the most advanced golf simulators in the world.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Rowan Foggitt – the owner of Urban Golf – a few weeks back. And he had a lot to share about his indoor golf lounge, hi-tech golf simulators, and more!

Verne Ahyong: Good afternoon, Rowan. So can you give us a short introduction to Urban Golf?

Rowan Foggitt: Sure! Urban Golf is a place where you can enjoy the best golf simulators in a modern and relaxed environment. There, you can play in 45 of the world’s top golf courses using one of these simulators.

The weather in this country may be unpredictable, but rain or shine you can enjoy a good round of golf in Urban Golf. You can also take lessons from either of our professional golf coaches: Chris Guerrero and J3 Altea. This is a place where family and friends can all have fun.

VA: And how many simulators do you have?

RF: We currently have three hi-tech golf simulators you can use. Two of them are 1-screen simulators while the other is a 3-screen simulator. This third simulator also has 3D screens which can give you the most realistic virtual golf experience ever.

VA: That’s nice. So, are there any other services being offered by Urban Golf?

RF: Yes, we also serve food and drinks. In fact, we have a fully equipped kitchen to serve all your needs as you dine in our resto & bar. You can also come here with friends and family for a round of virtual golf.  Lots of people have been holding parties and corporate events in this venue as well.

VA: Very interesting. So how is your business doing so far? I heard you set up your business in the country just recently.

RF: That’s right! We just started our business in January 2009 and it’s already doing very well. We hold lots of events all the time for both kids and adults. For the kids, we hold junior golf lessons every Saturday morning. And adults can attend golf lessons at their leisure.

(Imagine having this golf simulator in your home. I know you want one!)

VA: So, Urban Golf seems to be a big hit with Philippine golfers?

RF: Filipinos really love playing golf. They love entertainment as well. And Urban Golf provides both. But we also have a lot of foreigners who come to Urban Golf, most especially Koreans.

VA: Now that you have established yourself in the country, what are your future plans for Urban Golf?

RF: Well, in the future we hope to start selling these golf simulators in the Philippines. We also plan to open Urban Golf to franchising.

VA: What about golf tournaments? Do you plan to hold any in the near future?

RF: Good question. We plan to hold a golf tournament in mid-September 2010. This will be a 2-month tournament with a brand new Ford Focus as the grand prize. We also plan to hold a separate pairs tournament at the end of September.

VA: So, why do you think golfers love going to Urban Golf?

RF: Overall, if you love being around golf playing buddies, enhancing your game, and meeting new people, Urban Golf is the place to be. Not only do we feature one of the top golf simulators in the country, we are conveniently located in Makati, making us a great after work hang out spot. Come by, check us out and have some fun.

MORE INFORMATION ON URBAN GOLF:

Located at: 12 Jupiter Street, Makati City

Times Of Operation: Open 11am - Midnight every day

Official Website: www.urbangolfmakati.com

BOOKING NUMBERS:

Telephone Number: 02-8964965

Cellular Phone Number: 0908-3785831

Visit this page for more information on Urban Golf.

HE IS CHANGING THE FACE OF PHILIPPINE GOLF one child at a time. Chris Guerrero- once a budding golf pro- is now one of the best golf coaches in the country. He has done a lot of great things for the sport. For example, he coached the Philippine International Golf Team and trained the likes of Kyna Rodriguez and Luis Manalo. Because of his expertise in the sport and his natural affinity towards children, Chris has been teaching young golfers in the Manila Polo Club, Urban Golf and in many other places.

But despite all his greatness, he was very friendly and humble when I interviewed him a few weeks back. I would love to have another interview with Chris.

Verne Ahyong: So Chris, when did you start playing golf?

Chris Guerrero: I actually only started playing golf when I was eleven. I graduated with a degree in BS Family Life and Child Development from the University of the Philippines. In the past, I used to work for event management companies Global Sports and the Professional Sports Management Group. My task was organizing sports events for them.

Right after that I decided to turn pro. It was pretty fun, but my true passion was really coaching. So I decided to be the best golf coach I could possibly be.

VA: And what made you decide to do that?

CG: Well, I do love teaching kids. That's why I took Child Development as my college course. So I thought I could teach kids and play golf at the same time by becoming a golf coach.

VA: Oh...I see. So tell us about more about your coach life. Where do you normally teach?

CG: In the beginning I taught for the Bong Lopez and Jack Nicklaus Academy. Then I coached the Philippine National Team in 2005. We even competed in the South East Asian Games World Championship when I was there...that was pretty fun. I also coached the Bong Lopez ICTSI Golf Team and became a certified US GTF [United States Golf Teachers Federation] golf instructor. And now I coach at the Manila Polo Club, Urban Golf, and South Point Alabang.

VA: Now would you mind sharing with us the names of your best students?

CG: Hmmm...I would say that my most famous students are Kyna Rodriguez, Marcel Puyat and Luis Manalo.

VA: How do you think the Philippine golf industry is doing right now, if you don't mind my asking?

CG: Good question. I honestly think the economic status of the country is hurting the golf industry. You can see how there are less golfers attending golf shows and other golf events. However, its good that sales for the golf brands are doing okay.

(A photograph of Chris Guerrero teaching me the proper golf grip)

VA: And have you participated in a golf show recently?

CG: Sure! I joined the International Golf Show in SMX. Urban Golf showed off their golf simulator using a hole-in-one contest. The coaches and I also helped by presenting our coaching program and coaching the golfers who joined the contest. Still, I wish there was a bigger crowd.

VA: Now don't be afraid to brag. But we want to know what you think your biggest contribution to golf is.

CG: I believe it's creating golf programs for kids.  I helped the Junior Golf Foundation by organizing tournaments for kids. To add to that, I also helped the Philippine Junior Golf Tour with their tournaments as well.

VA: You seem to be very fond of kids.

CG: Yes, I see the future of golf with kids. They’re the future market of the industry, so you should get as much kids into golf now. It's very important to make it [golf] accessible and affordable to them.

VA: How do you think the popularity of golf as a sport can be improved in the country?

CG: I seriously see the golf discount card as a very good concept. With the increasing cost of membership golf shares it’s interesting how people can still see buying golf shares as an investment.

VA: And what about the recent trend of golf clubs making their courses semi-public?

CG: I think that's a great idea! If this happens more and more people will get into golf—to play—not to invest. There should be more public courses...which is probably why some clubs are now operating semi-public.

VA: And finally...yes, this is the last question. Do you have any final message you would like to give to your fellow golfers?

CG: You know, golf is a very interesting game because it develops character and personality. It’s a game where anyone of any level can enjoy. They can start [playing golf] at any age, so I hope more and more people will get into the sport.

Thousands of golfers flocked to the SMX Convention Center from September 4 to 6 for the 14^th Philippine International Golf Show. This event was made possible by the efforts of Butch Halaguena and Raymund Atendido—both from the Golf Distributors Association of The Philippines (GDAP). And we here at GolfPh were one of the many happy exhibitors there.

One of the highlights of the Golf Show was the hole-in-one competition. Hundreds of golfers put their skills to the test in the most realistic and modern golf simulator hosted by Urban Golf. By Sunday, three golfers were able to get the hole-in-one. One lucky winner also won two round-trip business class plane tickets to and from anywhere in America.

Other golfers left the expo carrying with them brand new golf bags, golf clubs, and golf balls bought from exhibitors including Pacsports (Nike, Adams, Bridgestone, Precept, etc.) Transview (Maruman, Etonic, etc.) , and Electrobus Consolidated (Callaway) Makati. Parents were also able to learn about the wonders of Kinder Golf and how their children can have fun playing golf at an early age. There was just so much to see and do at the Golf Show. It was crazy! But in a good way.

And let’s not forget the golfers who visited the GolfPh booth during their visit to the Golf Show.  The event was a wonderful opportunity for us to spread the word about the first and best golf privilege card in the country. Some of them found our card so irresistible that they bought it for themselves right then and there. One golfer even bought five cards all at once.

We even had our share of celebrities visiting the booth including PBA star Vince Hizon, Actress Angelica dela Cruz, and model/actor Zanjoe Marudo.

Overall the Golf Show was a success. GDAP did a great job and we can't wait for next year!

Congratulations to the winners of the GolfPH raffle

held at the 14th Annual Philippine Golf Expo:

Overall Grand Prize: OGIO Golf Stand Bag (P6,500 value)

Jessica Santos

Friday...

Grand Prize (1): GolfPh Membership Card (P5,000 value)

Al Dela Cruz

Second Prize (2): Claw Daddy Gift Certificates (P1,000 value)

Ericsson Ong

Marco Lambio

Third Prize: (2): Merry Cooks Gift Certificates (P1,000 value) 

(for use in Azul, Bravo, Ice Vodka Bar, and Perks)            

Abigail Mauricio

                            Nelson Ang                             

Saturday...

Grand Prize: GolfPh Membership Card (P5,000 value)

Jun Fojas

Second Prize(2): Museum Cafe Gift Certificates (P1500 value)

Louella Martiha

Alvin Avelianosa

Third prize(2): Manny O Wine (P1000 value)

Alex Montano

Webster Uy

Sunday...

Grand Prize: GolfPh Membership Card (P5,000 value)

Philip Wong

Second Prize (1): Chelsea Gift Certificate (P1500 value)

Mikaela Reyes

Third prize (2): Manny O Wine (P1000 value) 

Sirus Garcia

Francis Javala

ALL second and third prize winners will also be given cereal and granola bars - the most delicious and affordable in the Philippines - from the MUSELI-GRANOLA BAKESHOP. Want to order some of these affordable and delicious treats? You can get in touch with Celia B. Elumba through their telefax (632 426 1096) or email address ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). 

To claim your prize, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 759-4076 for details.