For my very first trip out to visit the new location of the Drop in center for the Fair Play for All Foundation, I had quite the travel experience. Day started with a short cab ride to the Ayala MRT Station, followed by a crowed rush-hour ride to North Ave. Once I was off the train, I jumped into another cab to St. Peter's Church on Commonwealth Ave, where I met up with FFA's … [Read more...]
New Hope for Football Development: Kaya FC Launches Youth Academy
On October 16, Kaya FC launched their Youth Academy at Manila's University of Makati. The morning was filled with excited children from every age group ready to hit the field. The day started early as parents anxiously registered players. By 9am, groups of players separated by age groups started to form, and distinct levels of players were beginning to show. It was surely an … [Read more...]
First Jeepney Ride in Manila!
My First Jeepney ride in the Philippines was a special experience. It was during a light afternoon on a quite route. We had the luxury of the entire space and only traveled a short distance. Quite the contrary of the realities of true Jeepney traveling. We even had the chance to snap a quick picture. SMILE! Now, my second Jeepney ride was extremely different. After getting … [Read more...]
Experiencing the Soccer Capital of the Philippines
Exactly one month after moving to the Philippines, I found myself on a flight to what was described to me as the "Football Capital" of the Philippines. Having trained with the team for a couple week prior to the training camp, I was excited and anxious to change the routine and really get down to work in another place. I didn't know what to expect or what think think about … [Read more...]
Streets that Guide an “Asong Kalye” To Be
I was born and raised in Chinatown, New York City to a Chinese Father and a Filipina Mother. Growing up in Chinatown with my older sister, we were brought up in a household that was for the most part traditionally Chinese, that included my parents and my grandmother and my late grandfather. Although my sister was born in the Philippines and spoke Tagalog at a young age, she and … [Read more...]
New Country New Club
So, I have been in the Philippines for about a month and a half now, and since arriving here so much has happened. I am beginning to feel as though recording and keeping up with my daily experiences is proving most difficult. Making a routine for my reflecting and introspection was something I thought would be easy and quite simple. It turns out, with a seemingly impossible … [Read more...]
First steps to the Philippines: Passport
Last year my soccer buddy and long time friend Nate Burkey had mentioned to me that he was about to embark on a new journey to the Philippines to play locally and try out for the national team. He had suggested I look into it and that I consider joining him on a new experience that would allow us to reunite with the Philippines in a way where we can incorporate the … [Read more...]
Short Stop in HK Airport Bring Flashs Back of Past Season
After arriving in Hong Kong in route to the Philippines, I realized how much I missed it there. Hearing the cantonese amoungst all the foreign travelers, on all the broadcasts, on all the escalators and knowing that I have landed on this tiny island I called home for a whole year brings back a lot of memories. Recently, I wrote a long description of my time playing in Hong Kong … [Read more...]
Keys to Coaching: The Trusty Notepad
Since the time I was old enough to write my dad always encouraged me to keep a journal. As a reluctant child that didn't quite enjoy reading or writing, my journals were often filled with "Today, I woke up and did..." capped off with the usual "I had a good day." Not the deepest introspection coming from a child, and I have to admit those entries looked pretty similar until I … [Read more...]
Starting with the “Small Ball”
"The 'Magic Pill' to finding your touch..." With a clear and focused mind ready to start training and jump back into the rhythms of pre-preseason and pre-season, I decided to use the "small-ball" as the main equipment to sharpen up my touch. Many of you might have experience, worked with or seen people training with this "small-ball." And if you haven't tried it yet, and you … [Read more...]
