Manila: Miguel Tabuena completed his strong showing by lifting the International Series (IS) Philippines trophy before his family and an ecstatic hometown crowd at Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club here. The 31-year-old Filipino fired a seven-under par 65 for a 24-under 264 total, beating Japanese competitors Kazuki Higa and Yosuke Asaji, who tied at 21-under.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tabuena, now ranked third in the Asian Tour, won USD360,000 (about PHP21 million). Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut and China’s Sampson Zheng, who co-led with Tabuena entering the final round, both submitted 69s to place joint third at 268.
“It was good to win an IS event, and I’m really, really glad that it was in the Philippines, my home country, in my home club, in front of my family, friends, and everyone who’s supporting me,” Tabuena said. He also shared that he wasn’t at his best form this week due to neck spasms, which had forced him to withdraw from an event the previous week. However, he managed to recover and adjust, drawing strength from the support of fans.
Tabuena dedicated his victory to his mother, who will turn 60 in December, expressing how meaningful it was to have her witness his win. “It meant everything to have her see me win. I just fell to my knees. It was hard to hold it together after such a long, emotional week. I had so much expectations — from others and from myself. This means everything,” he said.
The tournament saw two-time major champion Dustin Johnson of the United States finishing joint 15th with a score of 67-275. Other Filipino finishers included Justin Quiban, who ended at joint 20th with a score of 70-277, and veteran Angelo Que, who finished joint 30th with a score of 68-278.
This victory marked Tabuena’s fourth win, making him the most successful Filipino on the Asian Tour, surpassing Que’s three titles. The International Series Philippines was the sixth of nine elevated events on the 2025 Asian Tour schedule. The last three legs will be held in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia.
Tabuena is set to leave Monday for the USD2 million Link Hong Kong Open.
