When tragedy strikes, it's effects reach far beyond it's immediate surrounds. The spirit of a nation is most closely tied to its effort to support it's people. On December 16th the Philipines was shook by yet another typhoon this season. Its blow to the country hit far deeper than the Mindinao Region. Its impact effected people across the world and the cries for help were far … [Read more...]
Long Teng Cup: An Azkals’ Historical Relevance (Part 2)
Continuation from Long Teng Cup: An Azkals’ Historical Relevance (Part 1) After years of playing with a unique group of Chinese players, my father and his friends had bonded over time and connected themselves to one another through a passion for soccer. This group was formed in a foreign country, in a far away place from home, by ethnicity, culture and love for the game. … [Read more...]
Long Teng Cup: An Azkals’ Historical Relevance (Part1)
Before I dive into the significance of the Long Teng Cup, I think it is important to uncover the history that brings us to this day in age where football has developed to its very critical turning point. To some people, this massive wave of Azkals frenzy might seem like an overnight explosion, and to others, I might seem like just a player that suddenly appeared from an … [Read more...]
Crossing Football Cultures: A Dream-Cup Come True
The last several months have been quite exciting and extremely busy for me. It seems like just a short while ago, I had landed in Manila for the first time. The day I landed, I encountered trials and signed with Kaya FC. Shortly thereafter, the Azkals’ training in preparation for the Long Teng Cup had started, and since then, between the UFL Cup, International Friendlies, and … [Read more...]
Kicking Out Cancer: I Can Serve Foundation Football Invitational
From September 19-24th the I Can Serve Foundation held a football invitational tournament to raise breast cancer awareness. The three teams selected to play in the charity showdown included Global FC, Kaya FA and the Philippine Azkals. There was much hype around the fixtures as Team Azkals finished their most successful World Cup Qualifying run in the county's history and both, … [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...]
