Tied with local bets Hilmi Rahman, Leonard Chin and Muhammad Irwan of Malaysia with 72s in the first round, Fernando broke away with birdies on Nos. 2, 4 and 8 for a 33 before scrambling for an even par 36 on two birdies against the same number of bogeys at the tough par-72 layout.

With a 141 aggregate, Fernando seized a two-stroke lead over a charging compatriot Ferdie Aunzo, who matched the former’s 69 with his own version of 35-34 round, highlighted by two birdies in the last six holes, as he bounced back from an atrocious opening 74 to move up to second with a 143.

But while Aunzo, chasing a second straight crown after coming from behind to win the Karambunai Amateur Open last week, sizzled, ICTSI teammate Tonton Asistio fumbled with a 77, no thanks from an opening 40, to tumble from fifth to joint 12th at 150.

Nicholas Fung, Malaysia’s top amateur, also fought back from a 77 with a three-under 69 as he grabbed solo third with a 146, five strokes behind Fernando, a product of the National Caddies Open in Calatagan.

Sonny Gialon matched par to be at fourth with a 147 while Chin Jun Nian and Wilson Choo, both of Malaysia, carded identical 75s for joint fifth with Irwan, who shot a 76, at 148.

In the ladies’ side, Cyna Rodriguez boosted her bid for a second straight crown after topping last week’s Karambunai Open with a 74 and forced a three-way tie for the lead with teammate Anya Tanpinco (77) and Regina De Guzman (78) at 152, two strokes clear of Sarah Jane Ababa, who had a 154 after a 75.