By J. Irving

The monument you see is composed of 111 boulders, cemented together as one, representing every member of the PMA Mapitagan class of 1980 (to include graduates of US service academies), men of Courage-Integrity-Loyalty, honed, in the course of time, to be rock solid, bonding together with one another, to signify their unity.

In the military circle, everybody knows that the sitting commander of the Air Force, who had this erected, belongs to the Mapitagan Class of 1980. A cataractophile, who loves the soothing and relaxing sounds of rushing waters. This is his gift and legacy for the class…

Thank you Larry!

Nevertheless, golfers outside the circle are wondering what is the meaning and significance of the word “MAPITAGAN” on the fountain wall at Villamor Air Base Golf Club, beside the snack bar near the tee-off mound for hole number ten, the back nine? They are not questioning the decorative intent of the marker, only the printed words.

A civilian player, an acquaintance, who is waiting for his flight, addressed me this question, as I was sitting on my golf car, also waiting for my turn on the tee. He saw from what I am wearing: the number 80 emblazoned on my black baseball cap (courtesy of Rainier Cruz), with matching black and blue shirt (courtesy of Emil Sarmiento), and black leather golf bag (courtesy of Bong DeAsis) glaringly tied at the back of the cart.

I told him, Mapitagan is the Tagalog word for “Gentleman” – a man who is courteous, respectful, and well-mannered. This is what golf is all about: a gentleman’s game. It is a reminder for us, golfers – to play that way! All players must observe the rules and etiquette of the game, even nobody is looking.

There is no need to mention and enumerate them because golfers know them by heart; and the word “Mapitagan” is a reminder – to play with courtesy and respect to fellow golfers, may he be a beginner or a pro …