Aldrien Gialon, Rainier Tagwalan and Guio Pasquil, fresh from their stints in the Malaysia International Junior Open, and Isabella Tabanas lead the cast of 105 players seeing action in the JGFP Christmas Junior Open at the Apo Golf and Country Club in Davao City on 1 December.

Gialon, the 18-year-old younger brother of professional Zanieboy, finished 23rd in his international debut. He had an impressive start, shooting one-over-par before fading with 78 and 81 in Malaysia.

Tagwalan, playing out of Brittannika Golf Course in South Cotabato, is expected to give Gialon a run for his money in the premier boys’ Class A division.

Pasquil is expected to contend in the boys’ Class B.

Meanwhile, Tabanas, a seasoned player from Cagayan de Oro City and a veteran of the IMG Junior World Championships, is a favorite in the girls’ Class B division.

Tabanas recently finished second in the APJGA Thailand Championship, and her impressive form makes her a strong contender in the upcoming tournament.

The other entries from Cagayan de Oro are siblings Cole and Claren Quino, Edward Guillermo, Louie Remolador, Michael Jude Albina and Dionysius Albina.

Among the players with international exposure in the field are Ethan Lago, Lucas Revilleza and Zooey Mascarinas.

The other prominent players in the field are Nino Villacencio, Adrian Bisera, AJ Wacan, Merry Rose Wacan, Isabella Gabi, Prince Bisera, Kimberly Barroquillo, Solana Jay Molde and Soleil Ian Molde.

The tournament will also feature a special appearance from Rianne Malixi, the World No. 3 amateur golfer and reigning champion of both the US Women’s Amateur and US Girls’ Championship. Malixi will grace the event at the invitation of Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines (JGFP) president Oliver Gan, who will attend the event with daughters Nicole and Stephanie.

In addition to players from South Cotabato and Cagayan de Oro City, the event has attracted participants from Bacolod City, Butuan City and General Santos City.

The JGFP Christmas Junior Open, presented by Gaisano and Ogan, promises to be an exciting showcase of the nation’s top junior golfing talent.

IN PHOTO: Isabella Tabanas is shown during her runner-up finish in Thailand.