After starting like a house on fire, the Azkals ended up collecting the ashes of their failed campaign to advance to the finals of the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup. But hey, that is no reason to feel bad. They may have been unsuccessful in their attempt to capture the championship title but they have certainly won the hearts of millions of Filipinos. They remained unfazed by many challenges, primarily the sorely lacking support from the government and proved that they can manage to bring glory to the country. Truly, they have fought a gallant fight, making everyone proud.
This is just the start for the Philippine National Football Team and without any shade of doubt, we can expect to see greater things unfold for them. It is my fervent wish, to see them one day, playing against the world's best football teams. 2022 in Qatar perhaps? Not far from reality. Their overflowing passion and unwavering dedication to the sport will bring them there, and probably a little support from the government, eh?
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It makes me exceedingly grateful to be given the opportunity to work with them this year on one of the things I am incredibly passionate about and that is education.
Members of the Azkals, together with their coaching staff and their Team Manager Dan Palami, who without a doubt, made things possible for the team in ways unimaginable, graced Global Xchange's 1Goal: Education for All Football Clinic which happened on August 7, 2010 at the University of San Carlos- Montessori Academy, Cebu City.
The event was attended by more than a hundred out-of-school youths from Cebu City and has been covered by various newspapers and media channels which evidently helped spread awareness about the global campaign for education.
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| Global Xchange Team 107: 1Goal Education for All Football Clinic |
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| The Azkals standing and (posing) in solidarity with GX volunteers for 1Goal: Education for All campaign |
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| Chippy Caligdong, all out in teaching this kid during the football clinic |
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| Great header from this kid. |
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| Chippy Caligdong and Patrick Dougherty during the exhibition match between the Azkals and Global Xchange. Fun times! |
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| The man himself, Dan Palami, trying to score a goal for the Azkals |
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| Paolo Pascual from the University of San Carlos, playing for Global Xchange. Phil Younghasband-esque, muy guapo! |
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| And of course, this is a joke. We were lambasted by the Azkals, cant remember the score but it was miles apart. |
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| With the participants, volunteers, and the Philippine National Football Team |
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"We may have lost the game but Team Pilipinas has gained the respect of many for the truly valiant stand against the footballing giants of the region. This is but the start of the Azkal's journey towards conquering greater challenges. Continue BELIEVING, and let's take that next step together. Go PILIPINAS!"-- Dan Palami, Team Manager, Azkals
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*Photos by JP Maunes
magandang bagay na nabibigyan ng atensyon ang mga indibidwal o grupo ng indibidwal na nagbibigay ng karangalan sa bansa. pero tulad ng mga pangako na aayusin ang kama pagkagising sa umaga, natatakot ako na baka ningas kugon lang yan. Sa simula lang makisig pero malilimutan na rin ang suporta pag tuluyan nang nahugasan ng panahon ang saya at "coolness" ng balita.
ReplyDeleteSana eh totoo na nga ito. At sana pati yung mga nasa administrasyon ay maging seryoso din dito - hindi yung puro photo-op lang ang habol.
We share the same sentiments. Now, I am quite keen about how the government will respond to the Azkals' unsuccessful campaign to bring home the title. Pareho tayo ng nararamdaman, andyan ang posibilidad na makalimutan silang muli ngunit andyan din naman ang pangako na mas paiigtingin pa nila ang kanilang husay sa paglalaro. Doon ako sa pangalawa mas nanalig. Ikaw?
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