Having retired from playing professionally in 2013, the game hasn't ventured far from my vicinity. Between coaching two youth travel teams, the game remains a constant reminder of where it began. Although developing young aspiring players give me thrill of playing, there is nothing like knocking the ball around, getting a sweat in and playing with quality players. Since … [Read more...]
Philippines vs Hong Kong: Another Page in the Story
I was born to a Chinese father and a Filipino mother. I was raised in Chinatown New York City, in a predominantly Chinese household alongside my older sister and my Chinese grandparents. Chinese culture and traditions have been prevalent themes in my life and expressing myself through the use of both Chinese and English has always been somewhat familiar to me. Considering … [Read more...]
It’s Not the Number on Shirt but what the Shirt Represents
Over the last year, I have played for 2 very important teams that would change my life forever. It has always been a special part of any player's dream to bare his or her name on the back of a jersey. From the first jersey a player receives when they were a young child to the very last jersey they put on, having their name on the back is a dream realized no matter what level … [Read more...]
Puma the Official Outfitter of the Philippine Azkals
On June 4, 2012, the Philippines Men's National Team signed a 3 year contract with Puma at the Discover Suits Hotel in Manila. This was a big day of Philippines Football Federation along with their Senior Team, more commonly know as the "Azkals." For any teams, transitioning from one brand to another means a few changes in marketing but a huge surge in interest from the … [Read more...]
2012 UFL CUP: Dlophins
Kaya FC's last group stage match was against Dolphins FC. After having draw Green Archers in the first match and beating Forz FC in the second match, Kaya was faced with a familiar situation. WIth a head to head tie with Archers in first place of the group, the standings within the Group B now relied on goal differentials and goals scored. Kaya's difficulties in front of the … [Read more...]
2012 UFL CUP: Forza!
In Kaya FC's second group stage match up, they were set to play second division team Forza FC. With a change in venue both teams took the Sunday afternoon out in Nuvali. To most the match felt like a weekend camp tournament where youth teams from around the country gathered for a day of soccer. It reminds me of youth club team days, where friends and family gathered in a new … [Read more...]
2012 UFL CUP: Group Stage 1st Match
In the 2012 UFL Cup Campaign, Kaya FC kicked off with Green Archers in their group stage opening match. having drew a decent group, Kaya FC knew the mighty Green Archers were no push over squad. With fierce and heated games in previous match ups before, Kaya was in for a competitive cup opener. With Kaya's first game back since the end of the 2011-2012 UFL leagues season, … [Read more...]
2011-2012 Season Recap: Title on Points
After a successful undefeated second half of the season, Kaya FC managed to sneak back up the rankings to solidify a first place position by the last day of competition. With the title on the brink, Kaya FC's fate would lay in the hands of another team Gloal FC. Just having finished a long match against Stallions FC, the ecstatic Kaya Boys watched impatiently as they needed … [Read more...]
2011-2012 Season Recap: Luck of the Draw
The sudden cancellation of the Kaya FC versus Stallions UFL game, due to lighting and unplayable field conditions, caused much controversy about the league’s existing rules and regulations. The contentious decision to replay the match from the start, cause quite an uproar among the teams and supporters of the league, considering Kaya FC’s 1-0 lead in the second half of the … [Read more...]
2011-2012 Season Recap: Violence
Since I was introduced to the beautiful sport two decades ago, there has been a lot of memorable learning experiences that reach far beyond the technical and tactical aspects of the game. All the components of development and growth within learning any discipline is likewise prevalent in the success in football. The amount of discipline, persistence and strategic training … [Read more...]
