Manila: Filipino veteran Frankie Minoza showed he still has plenty of gas left in his tank after carding an opening five-under-par 67 to emerge as the second highest placed Filipino at the Resorts World Manila Masters on Thursday.

It was not the best of starts for the 56-year-old as he stumbled with an early bogey on the second hole at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club.

That bogey would however be the first and last of his round as Minoza charged back with three birdies on holes four, six and eight for an outward 34.

He then made a hat-trick of birdies starting from 14 for a round of 67.

It was an encouraging round which placed him just a shot back of Rufino Bayron and Clyde Mondilla at the richest golf tournament to be staged in the Philippines.

“I didn’t hit the ball that well today but I managed to putt well. My irons are good but same cannot be said for my driver.

“It was tough to read at line at times because when you are getting old, your eyesight tends to get poorer too! But I’m so happy I managed to finish at five-under,” said Minoza, who is a multiple winner in Asia, having won numerous titles across the region since the early 1980s.

Minoza’s last win on the Asian Tour came on home soil at his National Open in 2007.

While he still harbour thoughts of returning to the winner’s circle, the Filipino prefers to take life down a notch and enjoy its simplicities today.

“I’m getting old and I’m just want to enjoy life and play golf. I think I got lucky today but I hope this form will continue right through Sunday,” smiled Minoza.

Resorts World Manila Masters partners include Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, Marriott (Official Hotel Partner) and supported by Aristocrat, IGT, Konami, Scientific Games, Empire Automation, LJ Industries, Levelwear, RGB LTD, PLDT Alpha, Dalmore, Srixon and Bloomberg.