BAGUIO CITY — It’s going to be an action-packed week as the seniors competition and other divisions of the 74th Januarius Fil-Am Invitational fire off at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay Golf Club on Friday here.

Bannered by national mentor Abe Rosal and Benjie Sumulong, Luisita is heavily favored to make a repeat as it parades a solid crew of Chino Raymundo, Damas Wong and Ferdie Barbosa in this prestigious tourney that drew the participation of around 1,400 players from 260 teams.

Manila Southwoods, which came up short last year, is hoping to reclaim the crown as it banks on Jose Roy, Raul Miñoza, Theodore Pascual, Nestor Plana and Manfred Guangko.

Fil-Am co-chairman Jude Eustaquio said they are leaving no stone unturned in making sure that competitors, team officials and guests will have a tournament to remember as they gear up for their diamond edition next year.

Eustaquio said both the BCC and CJH courses have undergone some major renovations in preparation for one of the most-awaited amateur events in the country.

“Aside from being held in the City of Pines, where you can experience playing in ‘air-conditioned’ course close to the Yuletide season, there are some renovations done to give our players an ultimate experience,” said Eustaquio, a former national team member who now serves as general manager of the CJH Golf Club.

“We have done some improvements to make sure that it will truly be a tournament to remember as we prepare for our 75th anniversary next year.

Summit Point is the underdog in the division but definitely no pushover with club champs Ave Avena Montealto conniving with foreign teammates Roger Kidwell, Larry Webb and Scott Dennon.

Another team to watch out for is Forest Hills as it parades Fil-Am veterans Rodel Mangulabnan and Ronnie Littaua as well as Peter Young, Edgar Lee and Raffy Garcia.

In the Am Championship, Thirdy Escaño, Ryan Abdon, Monet Garcia, Raul Magpantay, Danny Samaniego and Joseph Tambunting are all set to power Manila Southwoods to its second straight crown.