Who’s Your Favorite Azkal?
With just a few days away from the most anticipated Azkals game this year, fans are torn apart on who’s their favorite Pinoy footballer today. Well, who’s not when we have one of the best-looking football squads in the face of the planet? (It seems that aside from the skills, another important criterion in joining the national team would be the looks! Oh well, good bye to my ultimate dream of wearing a Philippines jersey…)
I tried to be fair in listing their names down so as not to arrange them in any significant order. Here’s the poll. You may post your comments if you want. Enjoy!
Where’s the friggin’ poll?! Click here. Or simply go to my sidebar on the right side of your screen. You know, WordPress is quite crappy sometimes. Thanks! MM
(Poll will close on February 9.)
An Addendum to My Pacquiao for President Post
Thank God!
A few days ago, some guy named Bob Arum told everybody that he’s certain Manny Pacquiao could be president when he reaches 42.
Pacquiao however, in one of the few things he has done right outside the ring, told my favorite [italics mine] sportscasters, Dyan Castillejo and no other than Ronnie Nathanielsz that he is not even thinking about presidency.
What a relief for me and the 90 million plus Filipinos. At least, straight from the horse’s mouth, we are assured that we will not have another Noynoy Aquino for the next ten years or so.
“Wala sa isip ko yan. Kung anong katungkulan ko ngayon, ‘yun ang nasa isip ko,” said the boxing superstar and lawmaker from Saranggani.
For the first time outside the ring, I can say that I’m proud of you, Manny. But you may want to look for another boxing promoter as Bob Arum will surely leave you just like how Kris Aquino dumped James Yap.
The eight-division champ added: “Makaserbisyo ng totoo, makatulong sa kapwa, maraming nangangailangan ng tulong na kelangan nating aksyunan.”
Thanks a lot, Pac! MM
Oooh, I Just Hate You, Ronnie
In a way, I didn’t like that ABS-CBN won the rights to televise not only the Azkals game against Mongolia on February 9, but ALL of their games in the next 12 months. Don’t get me wrong though, I have nothing against the Kapamilya network–well, except for the smiling white-haired guy above.
I’m a big fan of football and the Azkals. Like the thousands who climbed aboard the football bandwagon, I am really excited to watch the Azkals slug it out against the Mongolians in February. But unlike their stint in the AFF Suzuki Cup last month, their games will not be aired on Star Sports. After winning the bid against arch-rival GMA 7 and the bullish TV5 network backed by no other than Manny Pangilinan, ABS gained the rights to air the AFC Challenge Cup qualifying game between the Philippines and Mongolia. Which could mean only one thing: Ronnie Nathanielsz anchoring the broadcast.
I don’t want to sound disrespectful. Nathanielsz has been in the business twice, maybe even thrice as long as I am alive. But watching the reruns of Studio 23’s coverage of the Azkals’ games in the Suzuki Cup semis, the broadcast was really biased. Nathanielsz didn’t even know what he was talking about. Personally, I would rather watch the game with Tantaran-Chuchurut-churut as background music than listen to Nathanielsz blather on national TV.
But what made me hate this old guy more was when he started to write in his column that the Azkals games he had anchored rated better than the PBA games that week featuring a quarterfinals game between Air21 and San Miguel and an elims game between Meralco and Rain Or Shine. Obviously, there’s a hidden agenda in this and it surely started a holiday catfight between him and another renowned sports caster, Quinito Henson. Nathy’s write-ups seemed to light a fire under Quinito and the latter came out with his own column, calling Ronnie’s articles “a crass display of news manipulation to promote a hidden agenda,” and as Fire Quinito (no, not Henson, but Jaemark Tordecilla) wrote in his blog, “it was meant to embarass the PBA and its broadcast partner, Solar Sports”. You might say I am writing this in defense of the Philippine Basketball Association, but as what I’ve said before, I like the Azkals more than B-Meg, Meralco, Talk N Text or Yeng Guiao. I just don’t like it when well-respected people with a reputation as high as his hair is white, tells something untrue for his own personal interests. That’s lying, man!
One of my favorite sports blogs Fire Quinito further reports Ronnie’s involvement and lobbying for his mother network, ABS-CBN:
The point of [Nathanielsz’] articles was to build up ABS-CBN as the PBA’s new broadcasting partner, something that Nathanielsz has been lobbying for several years now. In these stories, he never seems to mention his chummy relationship with ABS-CBN Sports’ top brass or his connection to the broadcasts.
What a guy!
If that’s still not enough, well, in case you don’t know, Nathanielsz was a former Marcos crony and has been lobbying endlessly for his personal gain. I told you, he’s been in the business twice, maybe even thrice as long as I’ve been alive.
Wow. You made it this far? Congratulations. Just like you, I wish that ABSCBN gets an anchor who knows football more than old Nathy. (But please, not Dyan Castillejo!)
All together now: What a guy! MM
Azkals Captain Predicts 3-0 Blowout Over Mongolia
“It’s going to be 3-0 for the Azkals.”
A fearless forecast indeed for Azkals’ centerback and team captain Aly Borromeo as the once whipping boys of Southeast Asia take on a virtually unknown Mongolian squad on February 9 at the Panaad Sports Complex in Bacolod City.
The 27-year-old versatile defender (and obviously a hot-hot hunk, too!) also added that their focus is not only to win the game, but win it by as many goals as they can to gain as much advantage over the Mongolians come second leg of their AFC Challenge Cup qualifying showdown.
Mongolia as you probably know it, is not only famous for their Mongolian rice and barbecue, Genghis Khan, and the tongue-twisting name of their president (Tsakhjagin Elbegdorj), but is also well-known for their brutally cold and windy climate, especially in Ulaan Baatar, the venue for their home game against the Philippines.
It’s really crucial for the Azkals to win the game here in Panaad with a big lead since Mongolia will obviously have an advantage in the second leg playing not only in front of their cheering homecrowd but a bigger advantage playing in its favorite climate. (Unless the Azkals start training in a giant refrigerator.)
Borromeo, also the MVP of the recently concluded LBC United Football League, added that they have to prove that they’re better than the Mongols. While the Philippines is currently ranked very loooow by FIFA at 150, the Mongolians however are hell-deeper at 182. They also have the distinction of the only country to lose against Guam, a notoriously lackluster team in football.
Overconfidence really doesn’t have a place in the Azkals’ system. With so much preparation and millions of Filipinos’ high expectations tagged onto them, losing against Mongolia will not only disappoint the Filipino fans, but might kill the newfound budding interest of this country in football.
To Borromeo and the rest of the team: Pleeeease, don’t disappoint us. Beat the hell out of them and make us proud once again! MM
(Photo used with the permission of Paolo Dolina.)
Pacquiao To Be President at 42?
I know it sounds silly. But some people think it’s worth a try.
Top Rank chief promoter Bob Arum made an assertion in a recent interview by Examiner.com that boxing champ Manny Pacquiao is going to be the president of the Philippines after his 42nd birthday.
“I tell you, Pacquiao will become the president when he reaches 42,” said Arum. By the way, for those of you not familiar with him, he’s the old, fat man you always see kissing Pacquiao’s ass everytime Pacman wins a match.
I clicked on Examiner.com before writing this and no, it’s not a porn site. Maybe Bob Arum was just misquoted as saying “Manny Villar will become president when he reaches 42”. But as far as I know, Pacquiao is the only Manny who could ask Arum to come to his home in Gensan tonight and pluck his underarm hair. And if I’m not mistaken, Villar is in his 50’s already!
“He is a work in progress conceivably learning the arts and wiles of politics and I believe he is going to be very successful in what he does and what he will do as a politician to the best of the Philippines.”
Yeah right.
If Pacman’s gonna be a good president, then I’m a cauliflower.
What irks me more is when he said that he will be more than delighted if the extremely intelligent [italics mine] Sarangani congressman actually becomes president in the next decade.
I hate to think that Pacquiao’s such a dumbass that he would actually tag on to someone’s political/corporate/whatever ambitions for his/her own interest. Yes, Pacquiao helps the needy, but come on, being the most powerful person in this country requires some brains. Not to mention parents who were also politicians before.
Look, I love Pacquiao like I love the tinapa vendor’s daughter across the street. Though it took me some time (and tons of beer), I actually respected his decision to run for congress. Not because I was 2000% certain he would lose, but because if he really wants to help people, that’s his right.
But running a country is no joke. You could not just ask that tinapa vendor’s daughter to be president when she reaches 42. (Unless something really weird happens). Pacquiao is the best in the world in boxing. But not the best choice to be a leader to more than 100 million people.
For Arum, I know it was just his opinion. But please, if you’re that filthy rich and powerful in the world of sports, maybe you would want to watch your mouth next time. You know, we Filipinos take things seriously. If Manny wins in 2022 elections, it’s gonna be your fault.
Or if you were just a little drunk and tipsy when you said that, that’s understandable. I say a lot of filthy things too when I’m under the influence of alcohol. (But you’re still nuts!) MM
Busboy Got Game: Pinoy Shames LeBron, Bryant, and Other NBA Stars Like A Boss
Five NBA stars stood up to the challenge. Five men down.
One busboy proved to the world that we Filipinos really got some game… and he might have NBA teams rethinking their free agency plans, too!
Superstar after superstar, Ricardo “the Busboy” Reyes has been making not only waves, but triggering tsunamis in the sports limelight recently. In Jimmy Kimmel Live Gamenight, “The Busboy” is featured challenging not only NBA players, but NBA’s biggest stars in pop-a-shot.
Reyes first clobbered an unsuspecting LeBron James as he scored 72 points to whack the hell out of the most sought-after star in the sport today, who only scored 42.
Although looking like a 5th grader beside towering NBA greats, the 41-year-old Reyes is as hot as a shooter as he is as bald.
Charles Barkley, Kobe Bryant, and Lamar Odom then received the same beating as “the Busboy” displayed a blistering of a shooting clinic.
The Barney’s Beanery’s probably most famous employee today then took on Carmelo Anthony, and he too, bowed down to his greatness with Reyes taking home a spanking new 2011 Ford Mustang!
Shoutout to Smart Gilas: Get this guy before someone in the NBA signs him! MM
Meet the Pinoy Legend Who Changed the World of Football Forever
Long before the likes of Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo wowed the disciples of the beautiful game; even prior to the years when the name Diego Maradona became synonymous to football, there was someone every football fan in the world look up to. And get this: he’s a Pinoy.
As one of the very first football legends in the history of the sport, Paulino Alcantara accomplished feats that are unlikely to be surpassed by anyone in the near future. During his halcyon days wearing an FC Barcelona shirt from 1912 to the late 20’s, the Filipino-Spanish superstar scored an astonishing 357 goals in as many games! Now that’s what you call a friggin’ football god.
Born in Iloilo (which is coincidentally one of the football hotbeds in the country) to a Spanish military officer and a beautiful Ilongga, Alcantara, together with the whole family, left for Spain during his puberty years (assuming that he’s not a late bloomer). There, he chased the ball through the pitch for the very first time in an FC Galeno jersey. In 1912, at a not-so-ripe age of 15, a little-known and not so renowned club by the name of FC Barcelona signed him. Alcantara, in his debut match against Catala SC, made many jaws drop as he propelled his team to a modest 9-0 win. He topscored for Barca with a not so promising three goals (or what we call today a ‘hat trick’). Oh, did I mention that he did that in his debut? I guess I did.
Scoring goals was not really his thing. In fact, in a crazy moment during a game against France, he kicked the ball from outside the box; the doomed ball went in between the posts and THROUGH the net! Whew! Is he human? Well, maybe that was just a stroke of luck.
Fast forward to 1917, Alcantara came back to the Philippines to play in the Far Eastern Championship Games. His debut for the national team brought us our biggest win in the international stage–a stunning 15-2 thumping of Japan!
The Spaniards then selected him to represent their country in the 1920 Olympics. Alcantara however, chose to stay in Manila to take his final medical exams. (Also, maybe as a revenge to the hooliganism the Spaniards did during their brief 300-year stay in the country.)
But Alcantara finally made his debut for Espanya (the country, not the swampy road in Manila) in 1921 against Belgium. Spain wins, 2-0. Alcantara scored both goals.
He made 5 more appearances and scored 6 more goals between 1921 and 1923 for the Spanish NT.
In 1927, in an age when most football players are on their prime, Alcantara retired, 31 years old and still smokin’, to add an “M.D. ” at the end of his name.
After his playing days though, he still did not stray away from football. He became Barcelona’s director in 1931 and 1934. And in 1951, became the manager of the Spanish National Team.
All in all in the 15 years of his career, Alcantara helped Barcelona win Copa del Rey five times; Campionat de Catalunya 10 times; and brought home a silver for the Philippines in the Far Eastern Games.
Needless to say, he is not only Barca’s first superstar renown for his deadly shot and prowess in front of the goal–a reputation that went well beyond Barcelona’s borders. He is one of the greatest in the history of the game in the whole face of the planet. But most of all: he is a Filipino, and proud to be one. MM
I Bitch-slapped Arwind Santos After Finals Game 1
Talk N Text Tropang Texters drew first blood after shellacking Arwind Santos and the rest of the Beermen earlier this evening at the Victorias City Sports and Amusement Center in Negros Occidental.
Moments after the game, I phoned the former Far Eastern University standout pretending that I’m Patricia Bermudez-Hizon asking for an interview for Solar Sports.
Me: Hello Arwind!
Arwind: Teka lang bebs, pinapagalitan pa kami ni coach nandito pa kami sa dugout. Uuwi ako ng maaga may pasalubong akong danggit fresh from Negros…
M: Oh, uhm… well, this is Patricia Hizon of Solar Sports here. Sorry if I have disturbed you but may I ask for an interview about your game tonight? What are your thoughts about this game? You were ahead much of the game but you blew it late in the fourth quarter. Tell us what happened?
A: AY! Sorry about t-that. I thinked you are my wipe. C-c-can you t-t-talk Tagalog. You know… I not g-good in English. So…
M: ‘Di mo naman agad sinabi eh. Syempre, let’s talk in Tagalog na lang.
A: Eh paano ko sasabihin eh tanong ka na ng tanong kaagad, ‘di pa ako pumapayag magpainterbyu! Ano pala nangyari sa boses mo?
M: Maulan kasi rito sa Manila. Sinisipon lang ako. Sorry pala sa pagka-atribida ko. Pwede ba kitang mainterview Arwind?
A: Hindi mo ilalagay sa blog mo?
M: Errr… Sure.
A: Sige, sige pero sandali lang… TEKA LANG COACH! INTERBYU! Sorry pinagalitan ako ni coach. Dali, tanong na!
M: Lumalamang kayo earlier in the game pero what happened? Tinalo kayo ng Talk N Text by eight. Saan kayo nagkulang sa tingin mo?
A: Siguro… dahil bobo lang mga kakampi ko. Hihi. ARAY DONDON! MASAKET! Pasensiya ka na Patricia, narinig ni Dondon. Hihi.
M: So… hindi ba malaking balakid sa inyo si Jason Castro? You know, he scored like 16 points, and most of them in the shaded area.
A: Ah. ‘Yung bansot na pangit na ‘yun! Chamba lang! ‘Di ba Alex?!
M: But you only managed to score 13 points. Does this make you more bobo than him?
A: Ha?
M: Ay, sorry. Anyway, ano ang game plan niyo para sa game 2?
A: Game plan game plan pa! Nakakatamad kaya makinig kay coach!
M: Pressured ka ba for being one of the go-to guys ng team ninyo?
A: Actually, hindi. Madali lang naman ang basketball eh. Lalo na sa akin, matangkad ako, matalino, gwapo, shooter, mabait, mayaman, walang kayabang-yabang sa katawan, magaling pumasa…
M: Sige nga. Spell ‘actually’?
A: Chicken! A-C-T-U… U… Pwedeng ‘red’ na lang?
M: Eh what can you say… uhm… Anong masasabi mo na diyan sa Victorias ginawa ang laro? It’s been more than a decade bago nakapaglaro ulit ng Finals ang PBA outside Manila.
A: Like I care?!
M: Marunong ka pala mag-english, ‘teh!
A: Tetemon ka ‘teh? Moving on, you know… sige tagalog na lang ulit. Sa totoo lang, sana sa Araneta na lang nila ginawa ‘to. Kami pa sana ang nanalo! Ang init kaya ng gym nila! At napakalayo pa. Unlike sa Big Dome, walking distance lang ang Starbucks! At nakapanood pa sana si bebeh koh!
M: Oh. Okay. Bakit ka kalbo?
A: …
M: …
A: Bakit?
M: Mukha ka kayang alien! Anyway, tapusin na nga natin ang interview na ‘to! Last words? Invite the fans on your next game.
A: Invite ko sila? Ah… Nood kayo next game sa Wednesday. Dudurugin na namin ‘yang Talk N Text na ‘yan! Du’n ‘yun sa… saan nga ulit yung next game natin kuya Danny? Ah. Sa may Cuneta ‘yun. At least may malapit na Stabucks! Nood kayo!
M: Thank you for your time Arwind. Good luck on your next game. You’ll need that.
—————
So that was how I bitch-slapped Arwind Santos in all his bitchy glory…
…okay I made this one up. Arwind and I are actually good friends. In Patricia Hizon’s case however, that was random. I don’t hate these people. Maybe I was just disappointed that San Miguel lost tonight. MM
See? We’re close!
(Please don’t take this post seriously. This is a work of fiction although I admit the names of the characters and some events are not purely coincidental. So puh-leeaase, with cherry on top, don’t sue me!)
Meanwhile in the PBA…
I’m 400% certain that the Philippine Basketball Association felt the pinch when their fans joined the ride on the Azkals bandwagon. With the girls who went nuts for James Yap, Dondon Hontiveros, and Mark Caguioa now shrieking for the Younghusbands and company, it is a really weird time no one in Philippine sports has ever imagined–football is starting to take over the country!
But in fairness to the PBA, they are actually off to a banner year despite the the Azkals growing popularity. The Final Four series has reportedly drawn a whopping average gate receipt of P1.1 million in four game days, boosting this season’s running total to a more whopping P21 million!
But if you’re one of the tons of Azkals fan, I know you anticipate the Panaad showdown between the Philippines and Mongolia more than what’s happening in the PBA (and if James really has moved on after his breakup with Kris Aquino), I can tell you the past days has been quite exciting around the league.
Beermen, Tropang Texters clash on Philippine Cup Finals
In case you live under a rock or only read the entertainment section of your newspaper, the PBA Philippine Cup finals showdown will be between two real hungry teams–San Miguel Beermen and Talk N Text Tropang Texters. Will Alex Cabagnot do a repeat performance of his shooting clinic (especially with just 10 seconds left in the game)* or Jimmy Alapag, Kelly Williams and the rest of TNT make Manny V. Pangilinan feel like a real MVP at the end of the series?
San Miguel’s real edge here is their predictability. You know Jay Washington will perform; Danny I. is still as reliable at the post, and Cabagnot, Hontiveros, Dorian Pena and a lot others are threats waiting to explode in any game. But Talk N Text is known as a dangerous team. Athleticism is their trump card. Alapag will always be a danger man whether he scores 20-something or not. Williams, Harvey Carey, Jason Castro and the whole cast can also explode at any given moment. At any rate, this year’s all-Filipino finals is truly a PBA fan’s wetdream.
*Who can forget what Alex Cabagnot did against Ginebra in the semifinals which earned him the title ‘Ginebra’s Public Enemy #1’? When Cabagnot has the ball down the wire, good things happen for the Beermen. He would either sank a buzzer-beater or dish a bullet pass to one of his team mates for an easy trey.
Barako Bull out, Smart Gilas in
The perennial canon-fodders of the PBA, Barako Bull has finally threw in the towel. After a couple of season of half time and post-game tongue-lashing in the dugout, the management decided to call it quits, at least for the next two conferences. This gives the Smart Gilas-Pilipinas under Rajko Toroman a chance to play in the PBA. According to commissioner Chito Salud, unlike their last stint in the league a year ago, Gilas’ games would now bring bearing to the fate of other teams. Personally, Barako’s exit from the PBA is a good thing in raising the level of competitiveness in the league notches higher. It will also be good for our national team since playing against pro teams will make their bones stronger. This will also give them a chance to get back on track to the hearts of the fans and catch up with the growing popularity of the Azkals.
Mercado is now with Meralco
The Meralco Bolts hit the jackpot when they acquired Rain Or Shine hotshot Sol Mercado in a blockbuster deal in which they only had to give up Reed Juntilla, Beau Belga and some future draft picks. And not only they did get Mercado; Paolo Bugia and Erick Rodriguez will now also don the juicy orange colors of Meralco. The next season really looks bright for Meralco (pun intended) as Macmac Cardona will now have a partner in the back court. I hope we get a rollback on our electricity bills next month!
Rain Or Shine on the other hand gets slasher Ronjay Buenafe, Ronnie Matias, Belga, next draft’s top pick, and another first round draft pick in 2013 (if they survive the end of the world in 2012).
Former University of the Philippines standout Jay-R Reyes meanwhile goes to Air 21 along with Juntilla and a couple of first round draft picks in 2011 and 2013 (if, like RoS, they also make it through 2012).
See? We’re still a basketball country. It is still as exciting in the oldest pay-for-play league in Asia as ever. I just hope that football and basketball will grow harmoniously with each other. MM
Fantastic Eleven
Here’s my dream team 11 for the Azkals, tho some of them can’t play for the team YET.
Goalie: Neil Etheridge
He’s the man. He was actually one of the candidates for player of the tournament in the Suzuki Cup last month. He confirms he will join the team against Mongolia after his team in the English Premiere League, Fulham FC granted him permission to man the posts for the Philippines.
Back Four: Dennis Cagara, Aly Borromeo, Stephan Schrock and Anton del Rosario
With a loaded line of defense like this, we stand a chance against other football powerhouse in the region. Cagara also plays midfield and can cross the ball well and even score on the run. Schrocky on the other hand is a solid defender and we know Aly and Anton always give 200% in the pitch. (And hotness defined).
Midfield: James Younghusband, Jerry Lucena, Chris Greatwich, and Jonathan de Guzman
We know for a fact that this is the toughest position in the pitch. But with James and Jerry manning the wings while Chris Greatwich and de Guzman taking charge of the defending and attacking midfielder chores respectively, it will make things a lot easier for both offense and defense of the whole team.
Forward: Phil Younghusband and Denis Wolff
Problem over for the Azkals. This attacking duo completes the transformation of the whole team from being just defense-oriented to a score-first-and-make-them-make-mistakes squad. They both have a more-than-decent shooting skills and are good ball handlers as well. With these offensive-minded guys as strikers, it’s gonna be a long day for their opponent’s goalie.
And I also included the bench although in international games, only three substitutes are allowed.
Subs: Jason de Jong, Ian Araneta Iain Ramsay, Phil Greatwich, Roel Gener, Mark Drinkuth, Cristopher Camcam, Manny Ott, Patrick Herget, Rob Gier, and Ray Jonsson.
Gone are the days when we completely rely on our first eleven. When the bench is as loaded as the starters, it’s always exciting to watch this team pick on their foes one by one.
Thinking of this loaded and one hekuvva lineup, I just can’t help but be excited for the future of football in the Philippines. I can’t wait to play Greatwich, del Rosario and the rest of the Azkals in EA Sport’s FIFA ’14 or watch them boot the ball against the football superpowers of the world in the World Cup! MM
Bow-wow! The Tale of the Azkals (And their prepping up for the future)
Filipinos have now found the new poster boys of the Philippine sports scene–the National Football Team or what we endearingly call the ‘Azkals’.
After a surprising Cinderella-run in the AFF Suzuki Cup last December, the once little-known squad found their selves in the middle of the spotlight. The once basketball-mad nation of 90 million suddenly found interest in the ‘beautiful game’ and is now craving for more football!
Visiting numerous web forums and blogs gives you a peek to the Philippines’ budding affair with football. Fan bases sprouted like mushroom throughout the country and everybody is suddenly talking about the Azkals. What more can a football fan like me wish for? Oh wait, of course the World Cup!
And yes, the Philippine Football Federation is actually in high hopes and the guys up there are putting the pedal on the metal to prep up the Azkals for a number of international competitions and maybe, just maybe, the World Cup.
But first things first.
Although we had an impressive stint in the Suzuki Cup, beating Viet Nam 2-0, posting draws against Singapore and Myanmar, and reaching the semis (only to bow down to Indonesia), the Azkals’ performance, in let’s-get-real terms, is far from superb. Yes, the Azkals had some great moments in the pitch against our Southeast Asian neighbors, but we are still inferior to Asian giants like South Korea and Japan and–pardon me–we’re far far away from our German, Brazilian or English counterparts. Oh, sorry for sounding pessimistic but I can assure you I also dream of watching the Younghusband brothers slug it out against Messi, Ronaldo, and their fellow football gods in Rio in three years, Moscow in 2018, or Doha in 2022.
It is great to know that football in this country is experiencing it’s hey-day today. The Azkals, arguably one of the best looking squads in the world, are now the new superstars of Philippine sports. They now get their well-deserved attention, support, and sponsorships (money, money, money!) both from the government and the private sector and fans from all over the country, especially the girls, who now go gaga for Phil and James Younghusband, Neil Etheridge, Aly Borromeo and the rest of the team.
Prepping up for their next step, the PFF (now under a new and more honest leadership), has been bullish in calling footballers in Europe who have Filipino descent to come home and play for the Azkals. The Fil-For booters responded and are “glad to wear the Philippine jersey”. Among those are Danish league pro stars Jerry Lucena and Dennis Cagara (glad their names sound Filipino), German 2nd Bundesliga defender Stephan Schrock (unfortunately, he didn’t get the go-signal from his team in this time of their season), Mark Drinkuth, Manny Ott, Chris Greatwich’s brother Phil, and more. And if you’re asking if they’re as handsome: Absolutely.
Our homegrown talents a.k.a. pure Pinoys were also given a shot at becoming an Azkal. Around 40 hopefuls (both the locals and Fil-Foreign guys) showed up in the try outs just days ago.
But Simon McMenemy (or according to Ronnie Nathanielsz: Symen Mcnemeni), was recently sacked of his position as the Azkals head coach. Apparently, he has not completed the requirements to get his UEFA something license to be able to coach a NT. White-haired Hans Michael Weiss replaced him after Germany offered us help–cash and stuff–and the new head coach was the icing on the cake. Weiss move, PFF(?)
The good thing here is, everyone is now working together for the future of our once-unknown team. Team manager Dan Palami is not alone anymore in carrying the team. Telecoms big name Smart is cooperating with the PFF and has given its ‘all the way’ support with an initial 1 million peso-gift. Mizuno continues to outfit the Azkals to the tune of a 9 million peso contract. Fans meanwhile are all-out in cheering for the Philippine team and are expected to flock to Panaad Stadium in Bacolod to watch the AFC Challenge Cup showdown between the Azkals and Mongolia in February. For those who can’t come to Bacolod, don’t worry. No other than ABS CBN is set to televise the game live after winning the bid against GMA and TV5.
With a pesky frontline and an unformidable defense, the Philippine Team is now slowly changing its rep from polite to unforgiving. Backed by a nation of almost a hundred million, the stage is now set for the Azkals to conquer. MM
Heroes Among Us
Once again, it’s that time of the year when bloggers around the world come up with a review of the events that rocked the year.
So, here’s my very own list of the people who spelled the difference for mankind (Filipinos, at least) over the past 12 months:
(No thanks to websites like spot.PH, professional heckler, Yahoo! Fit to Post blogs and TV shows like Dokumentado, etc. for stealing their idea.)
1. Raissa Laurel, the bar exam blast victim – For being an inspiration and providing us a face of hope despite losing her legs in a grenade blast last Bar Exams in front of the De La Salle University in Taft Avenue, Manila.
2. Manny Pacquiao – Now considered as one of the greatest fighters of all time, the Pacman (aka Peoples’ Champ, Fighting Congressman, Pambansang Kamao, Wapakman) has once again made Filipinos proud as he brought home his eighth title, the most by an individual in different weight divisions so far, after an impressive win against Mexican Antonio Margarito. (And also for a remarkable song number in Jimmy Kimmel Live with no other than Will Ferrell!)
You be the judge!
3. Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) Machine – Despite technical problems, the PCOS machine has done its job in the very first full automated election in the country. Plus, Smartmatics’ Cesar Flores is one hot hunk. Congress, time to ammend the constitution to make the elections happen once every two weeks… and make Cesar Flores a naturalized Filipino citizen!
4. The PH Azkals and the Golden Boys in Asiad – Our athletes hit a buzzer-beater when Biboy Rivera, Dennis Orcollo, and Rey Saludar claimed the gold medals in their respective sport disciplines to save the day for the Philippines in the Guangzhou Asian Games.
And just before the year ended, the once underdogs Philippine Football Team did the unexpected when they upset defending champs Viet Nam, 2-0 and posted draws against Singapore and Myanmar to barge in for the first time in the semifinal knock out stage of the AFF Suzuki Cup.
The Azkals bowed however to Indonesia as Christian Gonzales scored a goal each in their two meetings that ended PH’s cinderella campaign in the biggest football tournament in the region.
But their impressive performance stirred the basketball-crazed nation as football (or soccer, as most of the Filipinos call the beautiful game) becomes more and more popular every day, urging the ‘higher guys’ to bid to host the next Suzuki Cup in 2012.
With gritty attackers and a formidable defense (and not to mention being the best looking squad in Asia), a bigger and brighter future awaits the Azkals. Their ultimate goal: 2016 world cup.
(Just in: The Philippines was awarded the Fair Play award in the AFF Suzuki Cup. Congratulations!)
5. Roel Dinglasan, entomologist
and biologist – Battling one of the deadliest diseases in the world, Roel Dinglasan made some waves in the medical community as he developed a vaccine against Malaria last January. Malaria kills one child every five seconds, mostly in Africa, and his vaccine is a major development in the field of medicine. Dinglasan works at John Hopkins University Hospital in Maryland, USA and was featured in Time Magazine for his big contribution in saving millions of lives.
Runner ups: Charice, Brillante Mendoza, Nonito Donaire, University of the Philippines – National Institute of Geological Science (UP-NIGS), Django Bustamante, and Cristeta Comerford. MM
EIGHTH WONDER: Pacquiao claims eighth title via brutal Margarito thrashing
Who’s next?
This has always been the question every time the Pacman climbs out of the boxing ring, grinning from ear to ear while his latest victim sits in one corner, a bloody mess more often than not, waiting for the stretcher to take him to the nearest hospital. Mexican Antonio Margarito became one of them a couple of weeks ago, and heck, Manny’s punches made him look more like a Chinese citizen than a Latin American gladiator in the ring.
It was a mismatch right from the beginning.
Filipino Manny Pacquiao once again made planets align as millions of boxing fans all over the world witness what could be one of the most brutal thrashings in the history of slugfest, as he demolished a bigger and physically stronger Margarito last November at the electric Cowboys Stadium in Texas.
The fighting congressman of Sarangani Province just added another belt to his growing collection of titles, grabbing the WBC Super Welterwight belt with the win.
Pacquiao’s beatdown of the Tijuana Tornado was as brutal as it was as impressive, considering the distractions and sideshows the Filipino pride has been facing during his training.
By the ninth round, the courageous but clearly outclassed Margarito looked more Chinese than Mexican as he absorbed an astounding 378 out of an equally astounding 713 power punches Pacquiao threw during the longest 12 roundsrounds of his boxing career.
“My opponent looked bad and I wanted the referee to stop the fight,” said the Pacman in the post fight interview. “You know, boxing is not about killing each other.”
True enough, the referee did not stop the fight, and neither the battered Mexican’s corner, which made Pacquiao’s trainer Freddy Roach describe them as the worst coaching staff in the world.
Margarito though said after the bout that he’s not gonna quit the fight. “I’m a Mexican and we fight to the end,” he quipped gallantly.
Without anyone else strong enough, fast enough, and gutsy enough to face Pacquiao, a Floyd Mayweather might be appearing under his radar. But if the noisy Mayweather succeeds once again in avoiding a mega fight with the Filipino through his endless excuses, Pacman assures us that he’s not going to retire unless the world witness who the best fighter today is. And that day would really be worth the fireworks.
REVIEW: Pacific Rims: Beermen ballin’ in flipflops and the Philippines’ Unlikely Love Affair with Basketball
The author of this book traveled more than 13,000 kilometers, crossed the largest ocean in the world and endured the sweltering heat of a tropical nation. All the way from the birth nation of basketball, Rafe Bartholomew did all this just to write about hoops in this country of 90 million so in love with the sport. The result: an outstanding literary piece that would have you stay up in the middle of the night.
The book is basically all about the basketball scene in the country—the PBA, PBL, UAAP, the now defunct MBA, barangay leagues, pick-up ball games, and everything Philippine basketball has to offer. But in telling the story of Pinoys and hoops, Bartholomew did not only tell us the story of the sport. What he wrote was more than that. His book is actually not only about basketball, but about the Philippines itself. Culture, politics, religion, traditions, everything.
What I like about this book is that it doesn’t only tell the story of how we play hoops in the 7,107 islands of our nation. It tells a story of a country, how basketball affects the culture, politics, and traditions of the Philippines among others, and vice versa. The author narrates his journey to some of the far flung provinces that even most of us Pinoys have not set foot on, and ironically finding a basketball court even in the middle of nowhere; the scenes in the dugout of the Philippine Basketball Association games, and a refresher course on Philippine history and geography.
His account of Alaska Aces’ trip to the PBA Finals is also one interesting story in his book. From the preparations, to the actual games, to the behind the scenes of the sport, Bartholomew provides us an insider’s perspective on the oldest professional play-for-pay league in Asia. But what endeared him and his book to Filipinos is his being so Pinoy. He speaks Tagalog, eats adobo, listens to Pinoy rock, and loves the country (more than some of us do). His love for the game has brought him to another love, the Philippines. He has proven that one does not have to be Pinoy to write something Filipinos will love. Pacific rims is a book about how a nation fell in love with basketball, and an author who fell in love with the nation.
(Photo of Rafe Bartholomew from gmanews.tv)
YESSIR! 
