Tashanah Balangauan (left) and John Rey Oro emerge champions in the premier 15-18 division of the ICTSI Bacolod Junior PGT Championship at Bacolod Golf and Country Club on Saturday (Sept. 20, 2025). They will join the other winners of the Visayas-Mindanao series in the finals. (Contributed photo)
John Rey Oro held steady under pressure to capture the premier boys’ 15-18 crown in the ICTSI Bacolod Junior PGT Championship on Saturday, edging Mhark Fernando III by four strokes at Bacolod Golf and Country Club.
Oro closed the 54-hole tournament with a two-over-par 72, completing his campaign with an eight-over 218. His twin brother, John Paul, carded a 75 and secured runner-up honors via countback after tying Fernando at 222. Fernando settled for third with a 76.
The victory marked the second straight win for the Oro brothers in the Visayas-Mindanao swing, with John Paul ruling the Negros Occidental leg earlier in the week. “I felt a bit pressured in the last few holes, but I knew I had a big lead, so it was okay,” John Rey said. “My putting was solid, and my driving and chipping were also on point.”
Despite the Oro twins’ strong showing, they missed out on a Finals berth after playing only two legs—one short of the requirement. Fernando, however, advanced to the Elite Junior Finals with 28 points, joining Alexis Nailga and Luciano Copok as Vis-Min representatives in the Ryder Cup-style North vs. South showdown set for Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 at The Country Club in Laguna.
In the girls’ division, Cebu’s Tashanah Balangauan fired a brilliant 70 to finish at 212, capturing the title by a commanding 13 strokes over Davao’s Precious Zaragosa, who ended at 225 after a 73. Breanna Rojas placed third at 253 with a 77.
Balangauan, who also dominated the Mactan and Marapara legs, credited her preparation and faith for her success. “I’m truly grateful for this experience. It’s humbling, and even more special because I started my JPGT campaign with three straight victories,” the 16-year-old said. “I give all the glory to God for these blessings. This achievement isn’t mine alone—it’s for my family and my support team.”
The seventh and final leg of the Visayas-Mindanao series also produced winners in other age groups, including siblings Rafella and Ralph Batican (11-14) and rising talents Ana Marie Aguilar and Lucas Revilleza (7-10). Rafella secured the last Finals berth in her category, while Ralph also booked his ticket.
