Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Bowling When It Counts

     Bowling has been in the news a lot lately.  Unfortunately, it's more because of politicking by people who can barely play, and all that politicking, as we all know, amounts to nothing.  This week, though, the bowling world gets a chance to do things that really count.


     On Friday, January 30, 2009, the Xavier Bowling Team, together with the Xavier High School FACAMPA (the faculty and staff organization), in cooperation with BOSE speakers, presents the 6th Xavier Charity Bowl at the E-Lanes Bowling Center along Ortigas Avenue.  For the 6th consecutive year, the Xavier School family, consisting of students, teachers, parents and guests gather together to bowl in a friendly but nonetheless competitive tournament to raise funds for the Xavier School Educational Trust Fund (XSETF).  While no prizes except medals and donated goods are awarded to the winners, more and more people are joining the Charity Bowl to aid this noble cause.  This XSETF gives talented and deserving students a chance to receive a Xavier School education despite their financial handicap.  This year, the Xavier Bowling Team hopes to increase the funds raised, to continue its tradition of increasing the funds raised each and every year since the charity bowl's inception.  

     While the Xavier Charity Bowl is enjoyed by the entire Xavier family, everyone is invited to take part in the event, as competitors, spectators or even sponsors.  For more information, you may contact Coach Sharwin at plated_thrills@yahoo.com.

     Meanwhile, on Saturday January 31, 2009, bowling shifts to the Green Valley Bowling Center along C-5 as the bowling community urges everyone to participate in the Bayanihan Tournament.  SEA Games Gold Medallist and bowling hero Joonee Gatchalian was recently diagnosed with diabetes and glaucoma and he will be undergoing surgery to combat his blindness.  Unfortunately, only one eye may be saved due to the severity of his glaucoma.  With his medical bills piling up, Joonee needs help to defray these costs.  The Bayanihan Tournament hopes to raise funds, hoping that this time, the country that Joonee has served proudly as a national team member, comes together to serve him.

     The tournament features a simple 8 game with handicap format, with the winner taking a PhP 30, 000 first prize.  There are two squad times competitors can play in, namely the 1 p.m. and the 5 p.m. squad.  Those who cannot play but are willing to donate may do so at Green Valley on Saturday, where hopefully Joonee would be recovered enough from surgery to be there.  For more information please contact Louie Chuaquico at 0917 8120506.

     Both of these causes are very close to my heart and I am looking forward to participating in both these events.   I am hoping my brothers and sisters who bowl will too, and if you can't bowl, why not just come to support it?  I know I won't be the only one thankful for your support.

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