The world’s top golfers, sports executives, and media gathered at the BP x ISPhilippines Press Conference on October 21, 2025, as BingoPlus officially welcomed the International Series Philippines (ISP), marking the start of a historic week for golf and sports tourism in the country.
Held at the Marriott Hotel Manila, the press conference set the tone for the four-day tournament happening from October 23 to 26, 2025, at Sta. Elena Golf & Country Club in Santa Rosa, Laguna. The event featured elite athletes from across the globe and key sports officials, all unified under one goal: to bring world-class golf closer to Filipino fans.
Seated on the panel were Jasper Vicencio, President of AB Leisure Exponent Inc. (BingoPlus); Rahul Singh, Head of the International Series; and Cho Minn Thant, Asian Tour Commissioner and CEO. They were joined by star golfers John Catlin, 2024 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner; Marc Leishman, LIV Golf standout and six-time PGA Tour champion; Taichi Kho, Asian Games gold medalist; and Peter Uihlein, a two-time International Series champion.
Vicencio opened the event by extending a warm Filipino welcome to the international players and guests, expressing pride in hosting a global competition on Philippine soil.
“Through the International Series, BingoPlus is not only celebrating golf — we’re celebrating Filipino pride and the country’s growing presence in world-class sports,” Vicencio said. “This partnership reflects our mission to inspire athletes, empower communities, and bring people together through excellence.”
International Series Head Rahul Singh spoke about the significance of the Philippine leg, noting that the Series is more than just a competition — it’s a bridge for cultural connection and opportunity.
“The International Series is not just a set of golf tournaments,” Singh explained. “It’s a new way to look at golf — where we celebrate our players, destinations, and the shared passion for the sport. The Philippines is a perfect example of that spirit.”
Singh also teased exciting off-course activities, including a music festival on October 25 at the Aseana City Open Grounds, featuring world-renowned DJ Alan Walker and Apl.de.Ap, made possible by BingoPlus.
Asian Tour Commissioner Cho Minn Thant echoed Singh’s excitement, highlighting the Philippines’ growing importance in the global golf scene.
“We’ve always admired the passion of Filipino fans and the country’s incredible golf courses. We’re thrilled to bring this level of competition here and look forward to seeing local talents like Miguel Tabuena take on the best in the world.”
The golfers themselves expressed eagerness to play in the Philippines, praising both the Sta. Elena course and the warm Filipino hospitality.
“It’s always special to play in a country where the fans are so passionate,” said Marc Leishman. “The atmosphere here is electric — it’s going to be an amazing week.”
“I’m looking forward to the challenge and to experiencing the Philippines for the first time,” added John Catlin. “The setup looks great, and the energy is just incredible.”
Taichi Kho and Peter Uihlein also noted how the International Series offers players a rare opportunity to engage with fans in emerging golf destinations, helping expand the sport’s reach.
As the event concluded, Vicencio reaffirmed BingoPlus’s long-term commitment to Philippine sports.
“We’re proud to stand behind this partnership with the International Series,” he said. “It’s about more than golf — it’s about nurturing talent, promoting tourism, and inspiring Filipinos to dream bigger.”
“With the success of The International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus —and our very own Filipino pride, Miguel Tabuena , claiming the historic win—we are thrilled to announce that we will continue our partnership with the International Series Philippines in 2026 ! Truly, we’ve set the standard this year, and we aim to elevate the experience even further next year. Through this collaboration, we aim to further uplift and empower the local sports community while bringing world-class golf entertainment closer to every Filipino.” – Rafael Jasper Vicencio, President of AB Leisure Exponent Inc. (game provider of BingoPlus)
With global golf icons, strong inter-agency support, and the promise of high-stakes competition, the BP x ISPhilippines Press Conference marked a powerful start to what promises to be one of the most exciting tournaments in Philippine sports history. The International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus runs from October 23–26, 2025, at Sta. Elena Golf & Country Club.
