A Filipina based in Dubai has claimed the Overall Ladies Division Champion title at the 4th Filipino GCC Golf Cup, a major regional event held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club that brought together Filipino golfers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Remegia “Meng” Rina Din, who works as a Business Development Manager at Rollstud Middle East, described the moment as “a mix of pride, happiness, and pure gratitude.” She said representing the Filipino community and seeing her hard work pay off was an unforgettable experience. “Standing alongside amazing golfers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates at the awarding ceremony in the grand ballroom of Vogo Hotel Abu Dhabi made it even more special,” she shared.
Meng extended her appreciation to tournament organizers Victor Liwanag, Chilo Silvino, and Dr. Joey Villanueva, as well as event sponsors Basra Gateway Terminal by ICTSI, Philippine Airlines, GCash, and Rollstud Middle East Inc. She also expressed gratitude to H.E. Ambassador Alfonso Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, for gracing the event.
Originally from Oriental Mindoro, Meng has lived in the UAE for 21 years and has been with Rollstud for the past nine. She said the UAE has become her “second home,” a place where she has grown both professionally and personally, and where her passion for golf truly blossomed.
In her corporate role, Meng said she has learned to navigate challenges, build partnerships, and adapt to diverse business environments — qualities that she believes parallel her experiences on the golf course. “Both worlds demand focus, strategy, and consistency,” she said, adding that she takes pride in being able to represent both her profession and passion at a high level.
Her introduction to golf came through a charity event organized by her cousin Mike. “I ended up buying a used golf set in exchange for a plane ticket to help a fellow Filipina return to the Philippines,” she recalled. That moment of kindness opened the door to a lifelong pursuit. What started as curiosity became a passion for the discipline, challenge, and serenity that golf offers.
Meng said that reaching this level required not just technical skill but also mental resilience. She described facing rounds filled with “deep bunkers, water hazards on every side, and uneven greens,” where each shot tested her patience and focus. She overcame those challenges by staying committed, learning from mistakes, and appreciating the game itself. “That deep connection to the sport and the environment served as a constant source of motivation,” she said.
Balancing her professional life with her training schedule, Meng practices twice a week through Rollstud’s corporate membership at Jebel Ali Golf Resort and plays golf during her business trips abroad. “When the opportunity arises during these trips, I also make time to play golf, allowing me to continue improving while enjoying the game,” she said.
To her fellow Filipinas and overseas Filipino workers in the UAE, Meng offered a message of encouragement: “Don’t be afraid to try something new — especially in sports — or to chase a dream, no matter how distant it may seem. Whether it’s golf or any other passion, take that first step. It’s never too late to learn, to grow, and to achieve something you can be truly proud of.”
