KUWAIT CITY, March 7: The Filipino Golfers Association in Kuwait (FGAK) organized on Saturday a golf tournament for a cause dubbed ‘Par for Pawa’ in the sprawling greens of the Kuwait International Golf & Country Club in Mina Abdullah along Wafra road, one of the favourite destinations of golf enthusiasts in Kuwait.
“We are holding this tournament for our less fortunate kababayan in Kuwait such as those who are sheltered temporarily at the Filipino Workers Resource Center (FWRC) and most importantly for Jakatia Pawa, the Filipina household service worker who is on the death row after the Court of Cassation upheld her death verdict,” disclosed FGAK President Bong Gante.
One of the participants, Philippine Embassy Shariah Lawyer Tomara Muamar Ayo, who handles the case of Pawa together with Ambassador Ricardo Endaya clarified that the golf tournament is not a fund-raising activity for Pawa but the event aimed at drumming up awareness and support for the OFW on the death row. “Par for Pawa is one way of enjoining our fellow Filipinos all over the world to continue praying for Pawa so she can be saved from the gallows,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Philippine Embassy Administrative Officer Mohamad Taha Guinomla pointed out that they are offering prayers and message of hope for Pawa and other distressed OFWs as they swing and hit the ball in the greens.
Armed with their golf clubs, 11 players namely Warly Faner, Edifredo Dabuet, Joey Bartolome, Abdulhalim Langco, Lito Cazon,  Sonny Cajipe,  Erol Bautista, Emil Fernando, Ayo, Guinomla and Gante headed to hole no 1 for the tee-off. Spotted also during the event was Amalia Ikdal of the Kuwait International Golf Company who welcomed the players and other guests to the golf course. The 9-hole golf tournament sponsored by Western Union will be held for two consecutive Saturdays.
“We are encouraging all Filipinos to play golf as well as other expatriates. This is a good sport. Gone are the days, when people used to think that golf is only for the elite. Anyone can play golf and it’s very affordable and we at FGAK are willing to teach anyone who is interested in learning how to play golf,” stated Gante.
“It feels good to be back in shape and play golf again,” said Fernando, one of the veteran Filipino golfers in Kuwait who came back after a time of hibernation.
On the other hand, Lancgo shared that playing golf is a great stress reliever. “Golf relaxes you, plus it gives you a chance to commune with nature with the breathtaking view of the green golf course, cascading miniature falls and pristine man-made lakes in the middle of the desert. It’s simply a perfect haven for golfers and their family,” he cited.