That 68 was the best-ever score off the blue tees at Calatagan, according to assistant manager Dave Hernandez.

Amateur golfer Abe Rosal shot a 65 a few years back, but did it on the white tees.

The long-hitting Balasabas collected five birdies inside 15 feet against a missed green bogey.

"Maganda ang putting ko pati driving. Sana tuloy tuloy na ito hanggang sa final round sa Wack Wack," said the 23-year-old leader.

The tournament moves to Canlubang Golf and Country for the third round Thursday.

Balasabas was eliminated in the third round last year, but made amends with steady, if not brilliant rounds in the first two days.

He missed two makeable birdie putts in the front nine and saved par thrice, including a 30-yard wedge shot that secured a par on the killer 17th hole.

Despite ideal conditions, Balasabas was the only player to return with a sub-par round.

Bayron, who opened with even par 72 Tuesday, struggled with a 76 to trail Balasabas by four shots at solo second.

The younger brother of national player Jay Bayron birdied three of the first four holes, but his game deteriorated as the round wore on. He made consecutive bogeys and dropped two shots on the par-5, 13th hole.

Bayron said it is too early to panic.

"Marami pa ang mangyayari sa final 36 holes. Hindi pa nakakasiguro ang nasa unahan," said Bayron who is aiming to match par at Canlubang to get back on top.

"Pag nagawa ko yun (scoring a 72) sa third round, balik tayo sa itaas," said Bayron.

Mark Fernando, a member of the Canlubang team that won the Philippine Airlines Interclub title last month, turned in a second straight 76 to move up to third at 152, eight shots off the pace.

Rodel Revilleza and Efren Robles shot a 79 and 75, respectively to tie for fourth at 157, a shot ahead of Paul Echarverz (82), Zanie Boy Gialon (82) and Israel Bisera (76).