The old Rizal Memorial Stadium is being readied for the FIFA World Cup qualifying game between the Philippine Azkals and Sri Lanka in June.
The 77-year-old stadium badly needs to be refurbished in time for the game between the Azkals and Sri Lanka for a chance to join the World Cup on July 3.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), which manages the stadium, is banking on diversifying conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to provide assistance in preparing the stadium meet the standards of FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association or International Federation of Association Football).
The Philippine Footbal Federation (PFF), which joined the SMC officials during a recent visit at the stadium, said they found no major problem in the venue except for some minor ground repairs.
Read more at ABS-CBN News
Friday, April 15, 2011
Visayas Football regional finals kick off in Dumaguete
Football fever grips Dumaguete City as the Visayas regional finals of the Suzuki Under 23 Football Tournament kicks off today at the Silliman University Ballfield.
Five teams from Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu, Dumaguete and Leyte will face off at the ballfield from April 15 to 19 from which two winning teams will earn the honor to represent Visayas during the Suzuki Under 23 National Cup on May 13 to 15.
The soft opening game saw the Cebu and Iloilo teams battling it out in the field at 8:00 am today.
Read more at PIA
Five teams from Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu, Dumaguete and Leyte will face off at the ballfield from April 15 to 19 from which two winning teams will earn the honor to represent Visayas during the Suzuki Under 23 National Cup on May 13 to 15.
The soft opening game saw the Cebu and Iloilo teams battling it out in the field at 8:00 am today.
Read more at PIA
Thursday, April 14, 2011
SMC to fund Rizal Stadium repair for Azkals game
IT’S official.
The Rizal Memorial Football Stadium will be the venue of the Philippine Azkals’ Asian World Cup qualifying series home game against Sri Lanka on July 3, according to Philippine Football Federation general secretary Chito Manuel.
Manuel said PFF president Mariano Araneta informed him of the decision last Wednesday evening, adding the match will start at 3:30 p.m. to do away with night lights.
The first game of the series will be played in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo on June 29.
Manuel said Araneta decided to hold the game at the Rizal Stadium after Philippine Sports Commission chief Richie Garcia furnished him with a report submitted by the Department of Public Works and Highways, whose engineers inspected the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, including the football stadium, last February.
"Based on the DPWH report and the recommended repairs on the stadium, the PFF has decided to hold the match in Manila," Manuel said, adding San Miguel Corp. has committed to fund repairs at the Stadium.
Read more at Malaya
The Rizal Memorial Football Stadium will be the venue of the Philippine Azkals’ Asian World Cup qualifying series home game against Sri Lanka on July 3, according to Philippine Football Federation general secretary Chito Manuel.
Manuel said PFF president Mariano Araneta informed him of the decision last Wednesday evening, adding the match will start at 3:30 p.m. to do away with night lights.
The first game of the series will be played in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo on June 29.
Manuel said Araneta decided to hold the game at the Rizal Stadium after Philippine Sports Commission chief Richie Garcia furnished him with a report submitted by the Department of Public Works and Highways, whose engineers inspected the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, including the football stadium, last February.
"Based on the DPWH report and the recommended repairs on the stadium, the PFF has decided to hold the match in Manila," Manuel said, adding San Miguel Corp. has committed to fund repairs at the Stadium.
Read more at Malaya
RMSC to host Azkals' home tie vs Sri Lanka
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano "Nonong" Araneta and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Ricardo Garcia confirmed on Thursday that the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex will be the venue of the Azkals' home tie against Sri Lanka on July 3.
The Azkals will play the first leg of their Asian qualifying round for the 2014 World Cup against Sri Lanka on June 29 in Colombo.
Araneta said San Miguel Corp. has promised to renovate RMSC's grandstand seats and score board in the historic stadium.
Garcia said SMC has the means for the renovations, including repainting, constructing additional locker rooms and a media center, with the cost expected to reach more than a million pesos.
"(RMSC) has a seating capacity of 22,000. The locker rooms and dugouts will also be renovated, but the PFF will look for a separate sponsor to take care of it," added Araneta.
The PFF president said they are hoping to start the renovations on the first week of May.
Garcia made the announcement that RMSC is fit to host the Azkals-Sri Lanka game after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) made an inspection of the 100-year-old sports stadium, which hosted the 1981 and 1991 Southeast Asian Games
Read more at GMA News
The Azkals will play the first leg of their Asian qualifying round for the 2014 World Cup against Sri Lanka on June 29 in Colombo.
Araneta said San Miguel Corp. has promised to renovate RMSC's grandstand seats and score board in the historic stadium.
Garcia said SMC has the means for the renovations, including repainting, constructing additional locker rooms and a media center, with the cost expected to reach more than a million pesos.
"(RMSC) has a seating capacity of 22,000. The locker rooms and dugouts will also be renovated, but the PFF will look for a separate sponsor to take care of it," added Araneta.
The PFF president said they are hoping to start the renovations on the first week of May.
Garcia made the announcement that RMSC is fit to host the Azkals-Sri Lanka game after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) made an inspection of the 100-year-old sports stadium, which hosted the 1981 and 1991 Southeast Asian Games
Read more at GMA News
Younghusband bros to teach football to Lanao kids in July
Football heartthrobs James and Phil Younghusband have committed to visit Lanao del Norte this coming July, 2011 as they continue to promote the sport of football here in the country.
Putting their new-found popularity to good use, the Younghusband brothers have established "The Younghusband Football Academy (TYFA)" with the aim of nurturing and developing the next generation of Filipino football players.
The TYFA has been teaching public school students and Physical Education teachers the basics of football--for free. To date, the brothers have already conducted clinics in Tarlac City and Paniqui in Tarlac, Puerto Princesa in Palawan and Taguig City in Metro Manila.
"We have seen how natural Filipinos are on the football field and this inspires us to transfer everything we have learned to them and see them achieve excellence," Philip, the younger of the Younghusband siblings said during the last PSA forum.
Read more at Sun Star Cagayan de Oro
Putting their new-found popularity to good use, the Younghusband brothers have established "The Younghusband Football Academy (TYFA)" with the aim of nurturing and developing the next generation of Filipino football players.
The TYFA has been teaching public school students and Physical Education teachers the basics of football--for free. To date, the brothers have already conducted clinics in Tarlac City and Paniqui in Tarlac, Puerto Princesa in Palawan and Taguig City in Metro Manila.
"We have seen how natural Filipinos are on the football field and this inspires us to transfer everything we have learned to them and see them achieve excellence," Philip, the younger of the Younghusband siblings said during the last PSA forum.
Read more at Sun Star Cagayan de Oro
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Azkals focused on game vs Sri Lanka, not FIFA ranking
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano "Nonong" Araneta said the men's national football team, more popularly known as the Azkals, is focused on having a strong showing in their World Cup qualifying round match against Sri Lanka and not on the country's FIFA world ranking.
Araneta said the FIFA ranking is the least of their problems.
"They (Azkals) are more focused on building a strong team and in their upcoming match against Sri Lanka," said Araneta.
The Philippines dropped four places in the latest FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association or International Federation of Association Football) world rankings, sliding down from 151st spot to 155.
Araneta said the country's 2-1 loss to Mongolia in the second leg of their playoff match in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup and the scoreless draw against Palestine in the group stages could be the reason behind the Philippines' slide to the 155th ranking.
Both Mongolia (179) and Palestine (170) are teams ranked lower than the Philippines. The country jumped to 151st spot last December after beating Vietnam (134) in a Group B match in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup.
Araneta said the Azkals won't take Sri Lanka lightly, even if it seems to be a weaker team, having failed to win a single match in Group D of the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal. The Philippines will visit Sri Lanka on June 29 for the first leg of their two-game series in Colombo.
Araneta said the FIFA ranking is the least of their problems.
"They (Azkals) are more focused on building a strong team and in their upcoming match against Sri Lanka," said Araneta.
The Philippines dropped four places in the latest FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association or International Federation of Association Football) world rankings, sliding down from 151st spot to 155.
Araneta said the country's 2-1 loss to Mongolia in the second leg of their playoff match in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup and the scoreless draw against Palestine in the group stages could be the reason behind the Philippines' slide to the 155th ranking.
Both Mongolia (179) and Palestine (170) are teams ranked lower than the Philippines. The country jumped to 151st spot last December after beating Vietnam (134) in a Group B match in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup.
Araneta said the Azkals won't take Sri Lanka lightly, even if it seems to be a weaker team, having failed to win a single match in Group D of the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal. The Philippines will visit Sri Lanka on June 29 for the first leg of their two-game series in Colombo.
Read more at GMA News
Philippine Azkals drop in FIFA world ranking
Despite the Azkals’ entry to the AFC Challenge Cup tournament proper last March, the Philippines fell 4 rungs in the latest FIFA world rankings.
In the ranking table published on FIFA’s website Wednesday, the Philippines fell to 155th from 151st place.
A Philippine Football Federation (PFF) official, however, told abs-cbnNEWS.com that it is unfazed by the development.
“The FIFA considered the strength of a team’s opponent as the most major aspect of the change in rankings,” PFF technical director Aris Caslib said.
“’Yung last 5 matches natin, we took on teams with lower rankings,” he added, referring to the Azkals' matches against Mongolia (formerly 181), Myanmar (161), Palestine (178) and Bangladesh (179).
In the said matches, the Philippines recorded 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. The Azkals then made it into the AFC Challenge Cup. Tournament proper that will be held next year.
Read more at ABS-CBN News
In the ranking table published on FIFA’s website Wednesday, the Philippines fell to 155th from 151st place.
A Philippine Football Federation (PFF) official, however, told abs-cbnNEWS.com that it is unfazed by the development.
“The FIFA considered the strength of a team’s opponent as the most major aspect of the change in rankings,” PFF technical director Aris Caslib said.
“’Yung last 5 matches natin, we took on teams with lower rankings,” he added, referring to the Azkals' matches against Mongolia (formerly 181), Myanmar (161), Palestine (178) and Bangladesh (179).
In the said matches, the Philippines recorded 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. The Azkals then made it into the AFC Challenge Cup. Tournament proper that will be held next year.
Read more at ABS-CBN News
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Phl Azkals mull WC buildup in Germany
With a training camp in Qatar and Australia no longer feasible, the Philippine Azkals are eyeing a stint in Germany as part of their preparations for their 2014 Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers matchup with Sri Lanka.
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Nonong Araneta said team manager Dan Palami and the Azkals’ German coach Michael Weiss are working out a possible session in Germany for their planned foreign training on June 7-17. This after Qatar and Australia could not guarantee available teams for tune-up matches.
“I’ve instructed Dan and coach Michael to check if we can get teams to play for tune-up games if we go to Germany,” Araneta told The STAR.
The Azkals were originally looking at Qatar for their buildup for June 29 away game and July 3 home match with Sri Lanka. Australia was another possible training site.
Read more at The Philippine Star
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Nonong Araneta said team manager Dan Palami and the Azkals’ German coach Michael Weiss are working out a possible session in Germany for their planned foreign training on June 7-17. This after Qatar and Australia could not guarantee available teams for tune-up matches.
“I’ve instructed Dan and coach Michael to check if we can get teams to play for tune-up games if we go to Germany,” Araneta told The STAR.
The Azkals were originally looking at Qatar for their buildup for June 29 away game and July 3 home match with Sri Lanka. Australia was another possible training site.
Read more at The Philippine Star
Heart supports Daniel's Azkals dream; Marian 'hides' sexy pictorial from Dingdong
Young star Heart Evangelista is giving boyfriend Daniel Matsunaga her full support in his wish to join the country’s popular football team, the Azkals—which, of course, includes popular Fil-Brit brothers Phil and James Younghusband.
“He’s very talented,” Evangelista revealed about her Brapanese boyfriend. “The other day he had this tie-up with a really, really nice company with sports web; they [shot a] video [of] his game. He’s doing well and sana matupad ang pangarap niya,” she related on “24 Oras,” April 12.
Evangelista also revealed that, as a couple, they have already talked about their future plans, which includes marriage. She stressed, though, that there are no plans yet to do so in the near future.
Read more at Manila Bulletin
“He’s very talented,” Evangelista revealed about her Brapanese boyfriend. “The other day he had this tie-up with a really, really nice company with sports web; they [shot a] video [of] his game. He’s doing well and sana matupad ang pangarap niya,” she related on “24 Oras,” April 12.
Evangelista also revealed that, as a couple, they have already talked about their future plans, which includes marriage. She stressed, though, that there are no plans yet to do so in the near future.
Read more at Manila Bulletin
Limpag: Araneta on the Azkals: One great barkada
SO,” I asked Ian Araneta. “What are the Azkals like off the field?”
“Ganito lang,” he said. “Parang barkada.”
“Ganyan lang?” I asked, while looking at the beer he had in his hand.
“Hinde. Ngayon lang to,” he said. “Simple lang kami, parang barkada lang.”
I met Ian for the first time when he dropped by Cebu together with Paolo Pascual, the PFF’s Ace Bright and one of the team coaches. I, together with MCB and CDG, was invited by Paolo’s dad, Joel, for a get-together at the Pascuals’ farmhouse up in Balamban.
Also present were Paolo’s sisters Carmel and Nina and the Pascuals’ family friend Albert Flores and son Miguel.
That two-day sojourn was Araneta’s first real vacation since the team started training for the second leg of the AFC Challenge Cup match in Mongolia more than a month ago.
And on the day he returned to Manila, he went straight to work, scoring for the Air Force Riders in their 3-0 win against Kaya FC in the United Football League.
Enlisted personnel like Ian, Emilio Caligdong and Yanti Barsales are rarely free since aside from national team duties, they have other responsibilities. Caligdong and the durable Barsales also scored in that 3-0 win over Kaya FC, Ali Borromeo’s club.
Read more at Sun Star Cebu
“Ganito lang,” he said. “Parang barkada.”
“Ganyan lang?” I asked, while looking at the beer he had in his hand.
“Hinde. Ngayon lang to,” he said. “Simple lang kami, parang barkada lang.”
I met Ian for the first time when he dropped by Cebu together with Paolo Pascual, the PFF’s Ace Bright and one of the team coaches. I, together with MCB and CDG, was invited by Paolo’s dad, Joel, for a get-together at the Pascuals’ farmhouse up in Balamban.
Also present were Paolo’s sisters Carmel and Nina and the Pascuals’ family friend Albert Flores and son Miguel.
That two-day sojourn was Araneta’s first real vacation since the team started training for the second leg of the AFC Challenge Cup match in Mongolia more than a month ago.
And on the day he returned to Manila, he went straight to work, scoring for the Air Force Riders in their 3-0 win against Kaya FC in the United Football League.
Enlisted personnel like Ian, Emilio Caligdong and Yanti Barsales are rarely free since aside from national team duties, they have other responsibilities. Caligdong and the durable Barsales also scored in that 3-0 win over Kaya FC, Ali Borromeo’s club.
Read more at Sun Star Cebu
Phl Azkals mull WC buildup in Germany
With a training camp in Qatar and Australia no longer feasible, the Philippine Azkals are eyeing a stint in Germany as part of their preparations for their 2014 Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers matchup with Sri Lanka.
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Nonong Araneta said team manager Dan Palami and the Azkals’ German coach Michael Weiss are working out a possible session in Germany for their planned foreign training on June 7-17. This after Qatar and Australia could not guarantee available teams for tune-up matches.
“I’ve instructed Dan and coach Michael to check if we can get teams to play for tune-up games if we go to Germany,” Araneta told The STAR.
The Azkals were originally looking at Qatar for their buildup for June 29 away game and July 3 home match with Sri Lanka. Australia was another possible training site.
Read more at ABS-CBN News
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Nonong Araneta said team manager Dan Palami and the Azkals’ German coach Michael Weiss are working out a possible session in Germany for their planned foreign training on June 7-17. This after Qatar and Australia could not guarantee available teams for tune-up matches.
“I’ve instructed Dan and coach Michael to check if we can get teams to play for tune-up games if we go to Germany,” Araneta told The STAR.
The Azkals were originally looking at Qatar for their buildup for June 29 away game and July 3 home match with Sri Lanka. Australia was another possible training site.
Read more at ABS-CBN News
When the Azkals rage is stilled - Response
ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Dear Mr. Inigo, thank you very much for ventilating your concerns over the decision to hold the World Cup qualifying game of the Philippine Azkals on July 3rd against Sri Lanka at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Rest assured that we are mindful of the expenses that will be incurred in the hosting of this game.This is a response to Mr. Manolo Inigo’s column entitled “When the Azkals rage is stilled” which appeared in the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
We would like, however, to correct the impression that the funds to be used to prepare for the game will be that of our hard-earned taxpayers. The Philippine Football Federation (PFF), which is a private non-profit organization, will be investing in the refurbishment of Rizal Memorial using funds which have generously been provided to us by our private sector partners who like us believe in the potential of the Filipino in eventually competing on the world stage in the sport of football.
We would also like to assure you that the decision to hold the World Cup qualifying game in Manila was not made on a whim. Several other potential host cities and provinces were considered during the selection process.
We are and will continue to be grateful to the city of Bacolod and the province of Negros Occidental for being gracious hosts of the Asian Challenge Cup qualifier at the Panaad Stadium. It is, however, also important to bear in mind that as we strive to gain a foothold in the consciousness of the Philippine sporting public, it is only proper that we consider other deserving locations for hosting events like this.
The Azkals are not ours; they belong to the Filipino people who they continuously strive to ably represent. As such, it is our obligation to share them with as many of our countrymen as possible by holding their matches at various locales. Panaad and other sites in the Philippines will continue to be considered for future fixtures of the Azkals as well as the other national football teams.
Read more at ladrido.net
Rizal stadium needs DPWH safety clearance for Azkals match vs Sri Lanka
The structural integrity of Rizal Memorial Stadium’s grandstand only needs the safety stamp of the Department of Public Works and Highways for it to become the venue of the Philippine football team’s next home game.
“If [it] is structurally sound, we will go for Rizal Memorial,” Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Tuesday night.
Read more at Philippine Daily Inquirer
“If [it] is structurally sound, we will go for Rizal Memorial,” Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Tuesday night.
Read more at Philippine Daily Inquirer
Corporate sponsors back PFF bid to refurbish Rizal Stadium
CORPORATE sponsors, including conglomerate San Miguel Corp., are interested to help the Philippine Football Federation refurbish the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium for the Azkals’ World Cup qualifying match against Sri Lanka on July 3, according to PFF president Mariano Araneta Jr.
Araneta, POC chairman Monico Puentevella, national team manager Dan Palami and SMC representative Noli Eala met with PSC chief Richie Garcia yesterday to discuss the availability of the venue.
"There are many sponsors who are willing to help us stage the Azkals’ match at the Rizal Memorial, and San Miguel is one of them," Araneta said during the meeting.
Eala, formerly the SBP executive director, declined to issue any statement, opting to leave the meeting to inspect the facility.
"If the PFF believes it can generate income by staging the match of the national team at Rizal, then let’s give it a try," said Puentevella.
Read more at Malaya
Araneta, POC chairman Monico Puentevella, national team manager Dan Palami and SMC representative Noli Eala met with PSC chief Richie Garcia yesterday to discuss the availability of the venue.
"There are many sponsors who are willing to help us stage the Azkals’ match at the Rizal Memorial, and San Miguel is one of them," Araneta said during the meeting.
Eala, formerly the SBP executive director, declined to issue any statement, opting to leave the meeting to inspect the facility.
"If the PFF believes it can generate income by staging the match of the national team at Rizal, then let’s give it a try," said Puentevella.
Read more at Malaya
Still no final venue for Azkals' home game vs Sri Lanka
The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) said they will wait for the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) report regarding the structural integrity of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex before deciding whether to use the historic venue for the Azkals' home game against Sri Lanka on July 3.
"We have all decided to wait for the DPWH to come up with their evaluation regarding the structural integrity of the venue. If the DPWH gives their approval, there is a strong chance that the Azkals' home game will be held at (RMSC)," said PFF president Mariano "Nonong" Araneta, after their meeting with Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) officials.
Sri Lanka will host the first game on June 29, while the Azkals will play the second leg of its World Cup Asian qualifying round on July 3. The winner of the series will advance to play Kuwait.
There are still unconfirmed reports that cracks were found at the grandstand bleachers that can endanger the Azkals' legion of fans, who would want to watch and cheer for them when they face Sri Lanka.
Read more at GMA News
"We have all decided to wait for the DPWH to come up with their evaluation regarding the structural integrity of the venue. If the DPWH gives their approval, there is a strong chance that the Azkals' home game will be held at (RMSC)," said PFF president Mariano "Nonong" Araneta, after their meeting with Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) officials.
Sri Lanka will host the first game on June 29, while the Azkals will play the second leg of its World Cup Asian qualifying round on July 3. The winner of the series will advance to play Kuwait.
There are still unconfirmed reports that cracks were found at the grandstand bleachers that can endanger the Azkals' legion of fans, who would want to watch and cheer for them when they face Sri Lanka.
Read more at GMA News
Pacman thrilled to have Azkals watch his bout
Manny Pacquiao sounded pleased after hearing reports that the Philippine Azkals wanted to watch his upcoming fight this May 7.
The boxing superstar said it's an honor to have the country's booters watch him, as he takes on "Sugar" Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"Manonood daw sila. Karangalan ko na nandoon sila, makasuporta sa akin," he told in an exclusive interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com.
Pacquiao is in the US preparing for his match against Mosley. He will be defending his World Boxing Organization welterweight belt from the American.
Pacquiao stressed that, like what the Azkals have been trying to do in their matches, he will again try to make the country proud during his fight abroad.
Read more at ABS-CBN
The boxing superstar said it's an honor to have the country's booters watch him, as he takes on "Sugar" Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"Manonood daw sila. Karangalan ko na nandoon sila, makasuporta sa akin," he told in an exclusive interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com.
Pacquiao is in the US preparing for his match against Mosley. He will be defending his World Boxing Organization welterweight belt from the American.
Pacquiao stressed that, like what the Azkals have been trying to do in their matches, he will again try to make the country proud during his fight abroad.
Read more at ABS-CBN
When the Azkals rage is stilled
This cash-starved country can save a lot of hard-earned taxpayers’ money if only local football officials, including that of the Philippine Sports Commission, will put on hold their plan to renovate the dilapidated Rizal Memorial Stadium as venue for the 2014 World Cup first-round match between the Philippines and Sri Lanka on July 3.
Please, don’t make this World Cup Qualifying so big and costly at the expense of millions of Filipinos during these hard and trying times. Give the football match back to Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City, which successfully hosted the AFC Challenge Cup qualifier between the Philippines and Mongolia last February.
Since the Panaad staged not only the AFC Challenge Cup and some other international soccer spectacle with flying colors, I see no reason why the forthcoming Philippines-Sri Lanka World Cup qualifying should be held at the outmoded Rizal Memorial football turf.
For the record, a crowd of more than 20,000 attended the February match at Panaad, even though the government did not spend so much.
Read more at Philippine Daily Inquirer
Please, don’t make this World Cup Qualifying so big and costly at the expense of millions of Filipinos during these hard and trying times. Give the football match back to Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City, which successfully hosted the AFC Challenge Cup qualifier between the Philippines and Mongolia last February.
Since the Panaad staged not only the AFC Challenge Cup and some other international soccer spectacle with flying colors, I see no reason why the forthcoming Philippines-Sri Lanka World Cup qualifying should be held at the outmoded Rizal Memorial football turf.
For the record, a crowd of more than 20,000 attended the February match at Panaad, even though the government did not spend so much.
Read more at Philippine Daily Inquirer
PFF pushes for PH-Sri Lanka match at Rizal Stadium
IF the Philippine Azkals’ home World Cup qualifying match against Sri Lanka is held at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium on June 3, it could draw a sellout crowd and generate as much as P5 to 6 million in gate receipts, according to Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta Jr.
"The demand for having the match at the Rizal Memorial stadium is high, and we are being swamped with inquiries even this early for tickets," Araneta said yesterday.
The Rizal Memorial Stadium is one of two options for the match, Araneta said, the other being the Panaad Sports Complex in Bacolod City.
"We hope to sell VIP tickets at the main grandstand for P1,000 each," he added, "while special areas in the open bleachers could fetch P500. "Altogether we are eyeing P5 to P6 million from the gate sales."
Araneta said unlike the Filipino booters’ match in Panaad last February, they will not give away free tickets since the association does not expect any subsidy from either the AFC or FIFA for the World Cup qualifier.
Read more at Malaya
"The demand for having the match at the Rizal Memorial stadium is high, and we are being swamped with inquiries even this early for tickets," Araneta said yesterday.
The Rizal Memorial Stadium is one of two options for the match, Araneta said, the other being the Panaad Sports Complex in Bacolod City.
"We hope to sell VIP tickets at the main grandstand for P1,000 each," he added, "while special areas in the open bleachers could fetch P500. "Altogether we are eyeing P5 to P6 million from the gate sales."
Araneta said unlike the Filipino booters’ match in Panaad last February, they will not give away free tickets since the association does not expect any subsidy from either the AFC or FIFA for the World Cup qualifier.
Read more at Malaya
Monday, April 11, 2011
Fil-Ams try out for Azkals
They came to the Bay Area for a chance to play for the flag -- the Philippine flag.
Some flew in from as far as the East Coast and Canada.
For one weekend, Gellert Park in Daly City has been their field of dreams.
“Filipino ako eh,” said 19-year-old Martin Rodil. “So [I’m] playing for a sport I love, but not only that, playing for my country. It’s a big reward sa buhay ko.”
“I have a lot of heart,” said 18-year-old football hopeful Dante Anderson. “On the wings, I could work hard for them.”
Martin and Dante are among the 37 Filipino-American athletes who tried out for the Philippine national football team.
Read more at ABS-CBN
Some flew in from as far as the East Coast and Canada.
For one weekend, Gellert Park in Daly City has been their field of dreams.
“Filipino ako eh,” said 19-year-old Martin Rodil. “So [I’m] playing for a sport I love, but not only that, playing for my country. It’s a big reward sa buhay ko.”
“I have a lot of heart,” said 18-year-old football hopeful Dante Anderson. “On the wings, I could work hard for them.”
Martin and Dante are among the 37 Filipino-American athletes who tried out for the Philippine national football team.
Read more at ABS-CBN
Fil-German ready to play for Azkals
Filipino-German Stephan Markus Schrock, a highly-touted right back who plays for the German second division side Greuther Fürth, has recovered from his knee injury and looks ready to play when the Philippine Azkals begin their ambitious quest to qualify in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The 24-year-old Schrock, who planed in the country last month to process his passport, was last seen attending the Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night while in crutches. But his fast recovery, he said, now allows him to jog and stay fit in time for the World Cup qualifiers this June.
"My recovery is much faster than I and the doctors first thought," Schrock, whose Filipina mother is from Cebu told the Bulletin in an e-mail yesterday.
"I do jogging for 10 days now although I have to build up some muscles around the right knee because I lost a lot of them in the last 12 weeks of my injury."
Read more at Manila Bulletin
The 24-year-old Schrock, who planed in the country last month to process his passport, was last seen attending the Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night while in crutches. But his fast recovery, he said, now allows him to jog and stay fit in time for the World Cup qualifiers this June.
"My recovery is much faster than I and the doctors first thought," Schrock, whose Filipina mother is from Cebu told the Bulletin in an e-mail yesterday.
"I do jogging for 10 days now although I have to build up some muscles around the right knee because I lost a lot of them in the last 12 weeks of my injury."
Read more at Manila Bulletin
Daly City park Azkals’ newest field of dreams
For Filipino-American players aspiring to be Azkals, the old Gellert Park in Daly City’s Serramonte neighborhood has become the newest field of dreams.
Skipper Aly Borromeo and defender Anton del Rosario, both Bay Area-based players of the Philippine national football team, are home to conduct tryouts for the Azkals at Gellert’s new-generation synthetic pitch this weekend.
Tryout times are at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday (Sunday in Manila) and 10 a.m. to noon or 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Soccer moms won’t be pacing the sidelines, but Borromeo and Del Rosario expect the Gellert turf, with the look but not the smell of grass, to attract a crowd when the duo, along with volunteer college coaches give prospects the once-over.
When I last talked to Del Rosario, he said 30 players and counting had indicated interest in displaying their soccer skills and talents for the coaching panel to evaluate.
The prospects got the word about the tryouts, mostly by way of the social media—Facebook, Twitter, blogs and through “connections and affiliations in the Philippine football community” stateside, he said.
Despite the short lead time and lack of a drum beat in the conventional media, response to the tryouts has been very good, he reports. “I have been keeping in touch with all the registrants and updating them. It’s going to be great and exciting. I’m fascinated to see what kind of players the tryouts will bring.”
Read more at Philippine Daily Inquirer
Skipper Aly Borromeo and defender Anton del Rosario, both Bay Area-based players of the Philippine national football team, are home to conduct tryouts for the Azkals at Gellert’s new-generation synthetic pitch this weekend.
Tryout times are at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday (Sunday in Manila) and 10 a.m. to noon or 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Soccer moms won’t be pacing the sidelines, but Borromeo and Del Rosario expect the Gellert turf, with the look but not the smell of grass, to attract a crowd when the duo, along with volunteer college coaches give prospects the once-over.
When I last talked to Del Rosario, he said 30 players and counting had indicated interest in displaying their soccer skills and talents for the coaching panel to evaluate.
The prospects got the word about the tryouts, mostly by way of the social media—Facebook, Twitter, blogs and through “connections and affiliations in the Philippine football community” stateside, he said.
Despite the short lead time and lack of a drum beat in the conventional media, response to the tryouts has been very good, he reports. “I have been keeping in touch with all the registrants and updating them. It’s going to be great and exciting. I’m fascinated to see what kind of players the tryouts will bring.”
Read more at Philippine Daily Inquirer
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Azkals’ Caligdong inspires young football players
Philippine Azkals footballer Chieffy Caligdong cheered on young football players competing in a tournament held in his home town of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.
The tournament was participated by children 11 years old and below.
“Ang mabibigay ko na advice, i-enjoy lang nila [ang laro],” said Caligdong, one of the full-blooded Filipino players in the Azkals’ line-up.
Read more at ABS-CBN News
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Phil on track to recovery
FILIPINO-BRITISH striker Phil Younghusband’s rehabilitation of his torn right hamstring is on track, according to Azkals fitness coach Sepp Malinay.
"He (Younghusband) has begun strengthening workouts on his hamstring, aqua therapy and core training," Malinay said yesterday of the 24-year-old national team mainstay, who suffered the injury in the Azkals’ 1-2 loss to Mongolia in the return match of their Asian Challenge Cup qualifying series in Ulan Bator early last month.
This forced Younghusband to miss the four-nation ACC group tournament in Myanmar later last month where the nationals advanced to the main draw after finishing second behind Palestine with one win and two draws.
"Phil has three hours of therapy thrice a week on his hamstring. He’s young so he is recovering fast," he added.
Read more at Malaya
"He (Younghusband) has begun strengthening workouts on his hamstring, aqua therapy and core training," Malinay said yesterday of the 24-year-old national team mainstay, who suffered the injury in the Azkals’ 1-2 loss to Mongolia in the return match of their Asian Challenge Cup qualifying series in Ulan Bator early last month.
This forced Younghusband to miss the four-nation ACC group tournament in Myanmar later last month where the nationals advanced to the main draw after finishing second behind Palestine with one win and two draws.
"Phil has three hours of therapy thrice a week on his hamstring. He’s young so he is recovering fast," he added.
Read more at Malaya
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
GATORADE engages Azkals into Sweat Test Program
The Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) recently conducted the Sweat Test Program to the members of the Philippine Football team, more known as the “Azkals", to ensure that all players are fit and properly hydrated before facing tight matches in the AFC Challenge Cup.
GSSI, Gatorade’s research facility, performs the Gatorade Sweat Test among various sports teams to check if the players are properly hydrated as they engage in sports. The information acquired is used by the team physicians to formulate proper hydration protocols and hydration plans which are customized for each athlete.
Steve Romasanta, Marketing Director of Gatorade, explains that the Sweat Test results are essential in helping the Azkals be on top of the games. “We are happy to engage the Azkals in this program. The goal of GSSI is to help improve athletes’ performance through research. I am sure that the results of the test will help them develop their hydration plans to further improve their performance in the field."
The Gatorade Sweat Test team visited the practice of the Azkals at the University of Makati before the team departed for Myanmar to administer the sweat test. Each member of the team submitted a urine sample, was weighed in and underwent the sweat patching procedure while doing their basic routines during practice.
Read more at GMA News
GSSI, Gatorade’s research facility, performs the Gatorade Sweat Test among various sports teams to check if the players are properly hydrated as they engage in sports. The information acquired is used by the team physicians to formulate proper hydration protocols and hydration plans which are customized for each athlete.
Steve Romasanta, Marketing Director of Gatorade, explains that the Sweat Test results are essential in helping the Azkals be on top of the games. “We are happy to engage the Azkals in this program. The goal of GSSI is to help improve athletes’ performance through research. I am sure that the results of the test will help them develop their hydration plans to further improve their performance in the field."
The Gatorade Sweat Test team visited the practice of the Azkals at the University of Makati before the team departed for Myanmar to administer the sweat test. Each member of the team submitted a urine sample, was weighed in and underwent the sweat patching procedure while doing their basic routines during practice.
Read more at GMA News
Monday, April 4, 2011
Azkals eye Fil-Spaniard for qualifier
Filipino-Spanish Juan Luis Guirado, a midfielder who plays in the Spanish Division III team Lermeno of Burgos, may join the Philippine Azkals in their bid to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Juan, 31, is the older brother of Angel, an attacking midfielder who helped the Filipino booters advanced in the finals of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup last month in Yangon, Myanmar.
Azkals coordinator Patrick Ace Bright said team manager Dan Palami is hoping to get the elder Guirado, who could be a big boost for the national football team seeking a huge victory in their World Cup qualifying first-round match against Sri Lanka on June 29.
“We’re hoping that he (Juan) could process his Filipino passport in time for the qualifier,” Bright said Monday.
Read more at Manila Bulletin
Juan, 31, is the older brother of Angel, an attacking midfielder who helped the Filipino booters advanced in the finals of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup last month in Yangon, Myanmar.
Azkals coordinator Patrick Ace Bright said team manager Dan Palami is hoping to get the elder Guirado, who could be a big boost for the national football team seeking a huge victory in their World Cup qualifying first-round match against Sri Lanka on June 29.
“We’re hoping that he (Juan) could process his Filipino passport in time for the qualifier,” Bright said Monday.
Read more at Manila Bulletin
Sunday, April 3, 2011
No free tickets in Azkals home match vs Sri Lanka
Bad news for Azkals fans: there will be no free tickets in the Philippine football team's home match against Sri Lanka for the FIFA World Cup 2014 first round qualifiers.
The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) made the announcement on the ASEAN Football Federation's official website on Sunday, saying that it will have to raise funds to cover for the expenses of hosting the event on July 3.
"What is certain is that there won't be any free seating for the public," said PFF president Mariano Araneta, adding, "We don't know if we can get any subsidy from FIFA for the hosting and we have to rent for the said field and shoulder other expenses."
Read more at ABS-CBN
The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) made the announcement on the ASEAN Football Federation's official website on Sunday, saying that it will have to raise funds to cover for the expenses of hosting the event on July 3.
"What is certain is that there won't be any free seating for the public," said PFF president Mariano Araneta, adding, "We don't know if we can get any subsidy from FIFA for the hosting and we have to rent for the said field and shoulder other expenses."
Read more at ABS-CBN
Fil-Dutch midfielder in hot water
UNLESS he plays it straight, Filipino-Dutch midfielder Jason de Jong may miss future assignments for the national team, according to coach Hans Michael Weiss.
"I don’t know if I will consider him (De Jong) because of lack of discipline," Weiss said shortly before leaving for Germany to personally recruit players for the Azkals’ Asian World Cup qualifying series against Sri Lanka in June.
"A player on the national team can’t behave like him," added Weiss of De Jong, 21, although he declined to elaborate what the problem was with the mid-fielder.
Playing as the "enforcer" in midfield, De Jong was a vital cog in the Azkals’ successful campaign in last year’s AFF Suzuki Cup where the country reached the semifinals of Southeast Asia’s men’s football championship for the first time in its 14-year history.
De Jong was also apparently giving problems to his Indonesian ballclub Persiba Balikpapan, which signed him up for $80,000 for the rest of the Indonesian Super League.
Read more at Malaya
"I don’t know if I will consider him (De Jong) because of lack of discipline," Weiss said shortly before leaving for Germany to personally recruit players for the Azkals’ Asian World Cup qualifying series against Sri Lanka in June.
"A player on the national team can’t behave like him," added Weiss of De Jong, 21, although he declined to elaborate what the problem was with the mid-fielder.
Playing as the "enforcer" in midfield, De Jong was a vital cog in the Azkals’ successful campaign in last year’s AFF Suzuki Cup where the country reached the semifinals of Southeast Asia’s men’s football championship for the first time in its 14-year history.
De Jong was also apparently giving problems to his Indonesian ballclub Persiba Balikpapan, which signed him up for $80,000 for the rest of the Indonesian Super League.
Read more at Malaya
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Azkals begin quest vs Sri Lankans
The Philippine Azkals will begin their step-by-step quest to qualify for the 2014 Fifa World Cup against Sri Lanka, a lower-ranked side they are confident of hurdling.
Ranked 151st in the world by the International Football Federation (Fifa), the Azkals got No. 173 Sri Lanka for their first round opponent in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers when the Asian Football Confederation conducted the official draw yesterday at its office in Malaysia.
The Azkals, currently on a break after securing a historic spot to the main draw of the AFC Challenge Cup last week, will take on Sri Lanka in the latter’s turf on June 29 and play host on July 3, either at the Rizal Memorial pitch in Manila or at Panaad stadium in Bacolod City.
Should they get past the Sri Lankans in the home-and-away encounter, the Azkals will advance to the second round against No. 103 Kuwait, a more established football nation that made one World Cup finals appearance (1982) and qualified for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Read more at The Philippine Star
Ranked 151st in the world by the International Football Federation (Fifa), the Azkals got No. 173 Sri Lanka for their first round opponent in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers when the Asian Football Confederation conducted the official draw yesterday at its office in Malaysia.
The Azkals, currently on a break after securing a historic spot to the main draw of the AFC Challenge Cup last week, will take on Sri Lanka in the latter’s turf on June 29 and play host on July 3, either at the Rizal Memorial pitch in Manila or at Panaad stadium in Bacolod City.
Should they get past the Sri Lankans in the home-and-away encounter, the Azkals will advance to the second round against No. 103 Kuwait, a more established football nation that made one World Cup finals appearance (1982) and qualified for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Read more at The Philippine Star
Phil on Angel: 'Sana may future kami'
In an interview with Cinema News and Push.com.ph last March 30, Phil Younghusband admitted that he invited Angel Locsin to attend a Christian church service and a dinner at Serendra last weekend.
“I invited her. I’m Catholic, but I do go to Christian churches. Maganda kasi maganda ang music. There’s more interaction sa Christian church. Pero nagutom kami [kaya kami nag-dinner]. We were very hungry so we needed to eat. Yes, I always enjoy Angel's company. Sobrang privileged ako. For Angel Locsin to give me attention, it’s a good feeling,” he said.
But aside from that, he refused to give any more details about their much-talked-about date to avoid further intrigues about their budding romance.
“Before, I expressed my admiration for Angel. Ngayon gusto ko tahimik, kasi now, merong details. Everyone wants to know what time we met, where we met, but I thought that should be kept quiet and secret. One thing is for sure, I’m not using Angel for publicity. It hurts that people think that I’m using her for publicity because I’m not,” said Younghusband.
Read more at ABS-CBN News
Friday, April 1, 2011
Azkals distribute goods to flood victims in Leyte
Several members of the Philippine Azkals on Friday visited the province of Leyte, which was badly hit by flooding during the past few weeks.
The Filipino booters distributed relief goods to the delight of flood victims in Tacloban, Leyte.
They also donated the bonuses they received following their successful stint in the recent Challenge Cup group stage.
Each Azkals player earlier received $1,000 from team manager Dan Palami for successfully qualifying in the 2012 Challenge Cup tournament proper.
Read more at ABS-CBN News
Know your Azkals: The Filipino in Anton
When Anton Del Rosario walked inside the coffee shop with his French-Filipina girlfriend, you would honestly think you landed on an episode of The Hills. But don’t let the foreign looks and American twang mislead you. Anton is just as Filipino as we are – well almost.
Anton’s Fil-Am dad visited Manila after the Vietnam War. Within three weeks, he met Anton’s mom, courted her and married her. They moved to San Francisco where Anton was born and raised along with his brothers.
“I grew up in San Francisco, but the Philippines is my home too," he says.
Anton has never lost touch with his roots here in Manila. His family used to visit the Philippines twice or thrice a year for vacation. He even played for De La Salle University’s football team for a year.
Although he trained with the Azkals for the 2000 World Cup Qualifiers, it wasn’t until the 2004 Tiger Cup that he seriously committed to playing for the country.
“It was the first tournament I joined with Aly, Ian, Chieffy and Chris. In 2004, we beat East Timor. It’s my fondest memory in the Azkals because it was the team’s first win in like 12 years," he says.
Read more at GMA News
Anton’s Fil-Am dad visited Manila after the Vietnam War. Within three weeks, he met Anton’s mom, courted her and married her. They moved to San Francisco where Anton was born and raised along with his brothers.
“I grew up in San Francisco, but the Philippines is my home too," he says.
Anton has never lost touch with his roots here in Manila. His family used to visit the Philippines twice or thrice a year for vacation. He even played for De La Salle University’s football team for a year.
Although he trained with the Azkals for the 2000 World Cup Qualifiers, it wasn’t until the 2004 Tiger Cup that he seriously committed to playing for the country.
“It was the first tournament I joined with Aly, Ian, Chieffy and Chris. In 2004, we beat East Timor. It’s my fondest memory in the Azkals because it was the team’s first win in like 12 years," he says.
Read more at GMA News
Azkal’s Greatwich meets Pacman
Azkals’ midfielder Simon Greatwich joined the pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao in his high altitude training here in this mountain resort last week.
Pacquiao opened his Wednesday work out with an early morning jog at the pristine Santa Lucia Estate together with Greatwich, who is fresh from Philippine National Football Team Azkals win in Myanmar.
Greatwich hopped on a bus Tuesday night and took a five-hour journey to the city to finally meet one of the country’s pride in sports.
Few weeks after the Azkals high altitude training in Baguio City and Benguet, the pound for pound king came back to Baguio for his own high altitude training in preparation for his title defense on May 7 against Sugar Shane Mosley for the World Boxing Organization welterweight belt.
Read more at Philippine Information Agency
Pacquiao opened his Wednesday work out with an early morning jog at the pristine Santa Lucia Estate together with Greatwich, who is fresh from Philippine National Football Team Azkals win in Myanmar.
Greatwich hopped on a bus Tuesday night and took a five-hour journey to the city to finally meet one of the country’s pride in sports.
Few weeks after the Azkals high altitude training in Baguio City and Benguet, the pound for pound king came back to Baguio for his own high altitude training in preparation for his title defense on May 7 against Sugar Shane Mosley for the World Boxing Organization welterweight belt.
Read more at Philippine Information Agency
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)