At the conclusion of the Philippine Ladies Open last February, the top three local finishers earned the privilege of representing the country at The Queen Sirikit Cup this month.
Recognized as the most prestigious ladies amateur team golf competition in the region, the 46th Queen Sirikit Cup will be held from May 13 to 16 at Sentul Highlands Golf Club in Bogor, Indonesia.
This annual golf competition which began in 1979 pits teams of three lady amateurs from the Asia-Pacific—this year, the Philippine team will be composed of Lisa Sarines, Precious Zaragoza and Junia Gabasa.
The Queen Sirikit Cup has produced some of the best lady golfers in the world, including 2018 champion Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand, former world No. 1, and currently at No. 2.
As for the Philippines, while we haven’t won the Cup, we captured the individual honors in 2011, courtesy of then amateur Dottie Ardina.
The Queen Sirikit Cup is played annually, with each member country taking turns hosting the tournament. The Philippines last hosted in 2023, at the Manila Southwoods.
As the only recognized local organization by the Queen Sirikit Cup, the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines (WGAP) is tasked with sending participants to the annual meet.
Making the team depends on how our local amateurs finish in the Philippine Ladies Open. This year, Junia Gabasa and Precious Zaragoza tied for third, with Lisa Sarines finishing fifth—making them the top three Filipinas.
Their finish guaranteed their spots for the Queen Sirikit Cup where the format is three to play, two to count.
I was fortunate enough to get a few words from our girls on their processes and preparation for the Queen Sirikit Cup later this month,
BusinessMirror
Congratulations on qualifying to represent the Philippines at the upcoming Queen Sirikit Cup in Indonesia. What special preparations are you making for this prestigious amateur team competition? Also, being used to playing individually, will playing as a team require changes in how you approach the competition?
Precious Zaragoza
It’s a big honor to represent the Philippines at the Queen Sirikit Cup. Right now, I’m focusing on improving consistency in my game, especially my short game and decision-making. I’m also working on staying mentally strong and composed so I can handle the pressure of an international competition.
Yes, it’s a bit different since I’m used to playing individually. Now, I’m more focused on contributing to the team and staying positive throughout the round. It motivates me to be more disciplined and make smart decisions because every score matters for the team.
Junia Gabasa
I’m very grateful to have been chosen by the WGAP to represent the Philippines in such a prestigious event. In preparing for tournaments, I try to keep my practice routine as consistent as possible. That consistency helps me stay composed and confident, and allows me to perform with the same mindset under competition.
My time as a student-athlete at Texas State has taught me the value of trusting and believing in my teammates. In team competitions, mistakes can sometimes feel more significant, but it’s important to remember that we got each other’s backs and we all have the ability to make a difference in the team score. Personally, I find it meaningful to give my best for something bigger than myself.
BusinessMirror
As the only member of Team Philippines to have had experience playing in The Queen Sirikit Cup previously, how will you help your teammates prepare? Were there any valuable lessons you picked up on your previous participation?
Lisa Sarines
I am happy to be able to represent the Philippines in this prestigious tournament. I don’t think there are any special preparations. I’m just doing what I’ve been doing for the past few months, just practicing really hard, both on the golf side and the mental side, and just trying to get my game to another level.
I think playing as a team is going to be pretty different because again we’re all used to playing individually so we’re really gonna have to get to know each other’s games and how we work together and strategize.
I have full belief that my teammates will be able to play well. Participating in last year’s Queen Sirikit made me understand the value of teamwork, knowing each other’s strengths and weaknesses, being able to communicate amongst each other and strategize is some of the valuable lessons that I can share with Ate Junia and Ate Precious.
Along with WGAP president Cielo Fregil, team captain and WGAP board member Cookie Castillo will be ensuring that our lady amateurs head for the Queen Sirikit Cup with the best fighting chance.
The team has presenting sponsors SkyFlakes and the Philippine Sports Commission and is also supported by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., CherryLume and Philippine Airlines.
As featured in BusinessMirror, the Philippines’ top lady amateur golfers are set to compete in the prestigious Queen Sirikit Cup, with Lisa Sarines, Precious Zaragoza, and Junia Gabasa representing the country—marking another proud moment for Philippine golf on the regional stage.
