Cañizares Fires Dominant Run, Mendoza Stays Dialed In at Inaugural Alta Vista Jungolf Matchplay Championship

Yuki Cañizares and Eliana Mendoza carded flawless campaigns to emerge as the standout performers of the inaugural 2026 Alta Vista Jungolf Matchplay Championship, held June 10–11 at the picturesque Alta Vista Golf and Country Club, Cebu, Philippines.

Competing against some of Cebu’s brightest junior golfers, both young stars displayed poise under pressure, sharp course management, and a winning touch on the greens to claim their respective division crowns in convincing fashion.

In the Pre-Teens Girls Division (13-15), Cañizares delivered a masterclass in matchplay golf. Representing Child Learning Foundation, the 13-year-old wasted little time asserting her dominance, cruising to a 7-up semifinal victory before turning the championship match into a runaway affair with an emphatic 9-up triumph.

Her performance showcased a mature all-around game, highlighted by accurate tee shots, precise approach play, and a steady putting stroke that left her opponents struggling to keep pace. With every hole won, Cañizares tightened her grip on the championship and ultimately etched her name as the division’s first-ever champion.

The victory adds another impressive chapter to the young golfer’s rapidly growing résumé. Despite taking up the sport only three years ago, Cañizares has already established herself as one of Cebu’s most promising junior talents. Among her notable achievements was capturing the Ladies Division title at the prestigious AMO Cup in 2025 and the ladies net champion of the Alta Vista Monthly Medal last January.

The youngest daughter of Lester Cañizares and Dr. Emiko Bautista Cañizares continues to show the kind of composure and competitive edge that could make her a force on the junior golf circuit in the years ahead.

On the boys’ side of the Pre-Teens Division, Miguel Tan navigated a competitive bracket and delivered clutch performances when it mattered most, ultimately walking away with the championship trophy.

Meanwhile, Eliana Mendoza proved equally dominant in the Juniors Girls Division (10-12), displaying remarkable consistency from the opening tee shot to the final putt. Mendoza remained dialed in throughout the tournament, posting identical 6-up victories in both the semifinals and championship match.

Her steady ball-striking and disciplined matchplay strategy allowed her to stay in control of every contest, sealing the inaugural division crown in commanding fashion.

Romeo Aguilion emerged victorious in the Juniors Boys Division after a strong showing that highlighted both resilience and shot-making ability throughout the tournament.

The Seniors Division produced some of the most tightly contested battles of the championship. Candice Paca captured the Girls title after navigating a challenging field, while Emil Hernaez showcased nerves of steel down the stretch to edge out his opponent and secure the Boys championship.

Among the tournament’s youngest competitors, Mary Cassandra Yu claimed top honors in the Peewee Girls Division. Seven-year-old Caleb Chiongbian became one of the crowd favorites after displaying remarkable composure beyond his years. The young golfer stayed steady under pressure, winning both his semifinal and championship matches by 3-up margins to secure the Peewee Boys crown.

The successful launch of the Alta Vista Jungolf Matchplay Championship highlighted the growing depth of junior golf talent in Cebu and provided a valuable proving ground for aspiring golfers to test their skills in the demanding matchplay format, where every hole becomes a battle of strategy, confidence, and execution.

With champions crowned across all divisions and a host of rising stars making their mark, the inaugural tournament delivered a promising glimpse into the future of Cebu golf. If this year’s field is any indication, the fairways and greens of the region will continue to produce talented young golfers ready to compete at higher levels in the years to come.