By Roselyn Monroyo
Reporter
Saipan Tribune
The Tournament of Champions is aiming to hold a tournament in memory of Father Manny Corcuera, an
avid golfer.
“We [TOC] would like to initiate holding a memorial golf classic in honor of Fr. Manny and invite golf clubs to
join the tournament dedicated to him,” TOC tournament director Ben Babauta said.
Corcuera, the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, passed away on Dec. 19 in Manila,
the Philippines, due to lung cancer. He was 65.
Besides the church community, golfers also mourned his passing.
“I was very saddened when I heard Father Manny had passed away last Sunday. I know how terrible cancer
can be and may happen to anyone. Just happened to a man, who was true to himself, dedicated his life to
serve the Lord and loved by many in the CNMI. He knew how to enjoy life as a Catholic priest and advocate
golfer. Father Manny played golf almost weekly. He enjoyed golf and made it his favorite leisure, and at the
same time shared words of wisdom to everyone who played with him, including myself,” Babauta said.
“I know that Father Manny played the Tournament of Champions and NMC Foundation Open every year and
makes it point that he supports other community efforts for beautification or education fundraiser. The last
time that I saw Fr. Manny was during the Docomo Golf Tournament, just a month after TOC last September.
He smiled at me and said, 'keep up the great work Ben.' I will remember Father Manny as one of most
respected men here; he was compassionate, had a great sense of humor, very patient, had good work-life
balance, and of course, enjoyed the pleasure of playing golf with anyone. He will be missed a lot by many,”
Babauta added.
Two other golf associations on Saipan-the Refaluwasch Golf Association and Fil-Taga-had a lot of good
words for Father Manny, who supported their respective tournaments.
“Father Manny is no stranger to RGA and all other clubs. I've known father as an avid and fast golfer. He
played charity tournaments throughout the CNMI and his presence on golf courses lifts the spirit of every
golfer. It was very sad to learn about father Manny's passing. Thus, he's spirit will live to play the game he
love, supporting fundraisers,” RGA outgoing president Jordon Kosam said.
“I enjoyed his presence and considered him as a blessing to all golfers. I believe Father Manny is the lone
priest with golf passion in our community. His passing is a great loss to the CNMI and moreover the golf
community. God bless his soul and may he continue to shine his blessings upon all, especially our
golfers,” Kosam added.
Like the TOC, Fil-Taga, where Corcuera was a member, also hopes to hold a tournament for the departed
priest.
“He was a very good golfer and very active member Fil-Taga. He was once named most improved golfer
with his consistency on his tee shots. Fil-Taga is mourning and extends our condolences to his family,” Fil-
Taga's Ted Malaran said.
“I will be calling on a board meeting to discuss if we could put up a tournament in his honor. Our Golfer of
the Year will be held on Jan. 16, 2011, of which he was one of the qualifiers, so perhaps we can put up an
open tour for that day in his honor,” Malaran added.
Corcuera won Fil-Taga's August Ace and two months later, he left Saipan to seek medical assistance in the
Philippines.
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The late Father Manny Corcuera is seen here watching his shot during
a fundraising tournament last year. (Contributed Photo)
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