FLORENCE BISERA prefers a path she’s always taken in past tournaments as she chases another crown in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Del Monte Championship that starts Tuesday.
‘I just want to maintain the game that made me win in the past-control my emotions, go pressure-free and enjoy the game,’ said Bisera as she shared the mindset that fueled her recent success in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT).
The rising Davaoeña star has quickly emerged as a formidable force, snatching the Negros Occidental crown from Korean standout Kim Seoyun before clinching an overseas breakthrough win in Thailand last month.
Those back-to-back triumphs boosted her confidence and sharpened her focus heading into the 54-hole event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.
‘The wins make my confidence high, but I don’t pressure myself,’ she said. ‘I expect my approach and strategy to put me in a good position in the next three days.’
Bisera’s return to Del Monte carries added intrigue-she placed third the last time the tour visited the tricky par-72 layout in 2023, a tournament won by Daniella Uy.
Since then, she has taken major strides and earned a local breakthrough at South Pacific late last year and added the Match Play Championship at The Country Club to her resume.
But a stacked lineup stands in her way.
Leading the charge is Uy herself, along with this season’s LPGT leg winners Mafy Singson (Eagle Ridge) and Chanelle Avaricio (Forest Hills)-veterans Sarah Ababa and Chihiro Ikeda are also coming in battle-ready.
Also under the spotlight is Harmie Constantino, who, despite dominating the LPGT circuit last year with four victories, has yet to regain her groove this season, making her both a contender and a wildcard in this P1 million championship sponsored by ICTSI.
Korean rookie Tiffany Lee, who impressed with a strong pro debut at Splendido Taal in 2024, will also be aiming for redemption after a string of underwhelming finishes.
Local hopefuls Pamela Mariano, Velinda Castil and amateur Zero Plete are also determined to defend home turf, while Marvi Monsalve returns to LPGT play seeking a strong showing. Promising young gun Kayla Nocum, meanwhile, is eyeing a breakthrough performance to claim her first professional win.
Despite the field’s depth, all signs still point to Bisera as the player to beat.
After her Thailand win, she flew straight home to Davao to resume training and step up preparations for the three-leg Mindanao swing, which concludes at South Pacific Golf and Residential Estates-her home course.