Marking its second edition, the student-led Monte Masters Tournament on June 27, Friday at Villamor Airbase Golf Course wasn’t just a rousing success for golf-loving teenagers; it was also a tee-rific day of giving.
Over 100 players gathered to show their support for the charity event organized by the high school golf team of the Adolescent Program of Maria Montessori Children’s School Foundation, Inc. (MMCSFI), a genuine Pre-K to 12 Montessori school established in 1971 in Merville Park, Paranaque.
Its founder Dr. Maria Montessori believed that “young people must have enough freedom to allow them to act on their individual initiative,” and with the guidance of a select few adults in the MMCSFI community, a few teenagers did just that.
Headed by Grade 11 and 12 golf co-captains Lucas Espiritu and Raph Fernandez, along with teammates, Grade 9 students Isabella Misa and Liana Pajarillo, the tournament built on the success of its first run.
The idea was born over a year ago when the students sought to raise funds for their guidance counselor, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and for whom they had successfully raised a significant amount.
This year, the young organizers expanded their mission, directing proceeds not only to their alma mater but also to the scholars of Centex schools through the Ayala Foundation. Before the school year ended, the team met with the foundation to learn more about its projects, ensuring their efforts would have a lasting impact through a partner they trusted and believed in.
As the school year ended, the team doubled down on their mission, pushing toward loftier fundraising goals of raising over a million pesos. Honing more than just their swing and form, the teens took on the challenge of marketing and fundraising, as if mirroring the game of golf in their pursuit of altruism with a strategy built on patience and heart.
With spirited competition, a shared commitment to service, teamwork, and compassion inherent in children and teens who grow up in Montessori environments, the 2nd Monte Masters Tournament has shown that sports can be a powerful force for good beyond self-mastery.
The Monte Golf Team wishes to thank its sponsors for believing in the power of the youth to contribute to society and community: Ayala Corporation, ACLogistics, ACMobility, Acclime, Alveo, Avida, ACEN, Ayala Land Premiere, ACHealth, Belo, Blue Bird Golf, BPI, BPI AIA, Bravado, CEB Car, Club United, Dunkin, Edades Farms, Evan’s Light, Felipe & Sons, Globe Platinum, Globe Telecom, Golf X, GT Industries Inc., Inquirer, Malayan Insurance, The Moment Group, Nono’s, Poliform, Target Studios, Tiger, Toyota Balintawak, Transview Inc., Shaheen Beauty, Solare X, OOMPI, Viu, and 3Strokes.
