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 now the Dream Cup, all of them are passing by at such a rapid pace. I almost wish I had more time to fully absorb, reflect and really contemplate on the experiences I have encountered thus far, but sometimes life cannot wait for you, and now I must focus on the task at hand and continue to excel.
When I caught light of a possible friendly match against the LA Galaxy, I didn’t think much of it. There are always rumors and talks about possibilities that seem more like wishful thinking, and I saved the thought of it and carried on with the more important events going on: tackling our International friendly matches and the Cup group stages. Now that training in preparation has begun, I needed to transition from our quarter final game into this Saturday’s match against the start-studded squad from Los Angeles.
Many people have been asking me how I feel about this match up and what I think about playing against David Beckham. When I look at this incredible opportunity to play the LA Galaxy, I see more than just the sensational icon we all have grown to love. What makes this match so special truly surpasses the Filipino fans’ love for their Azkals and David Beckham himself. Although these two crucial factors will in itself boost soccer frenzy and spread soccer fever throughout the country, there are some more subtle significances attached to the match up.
For me, it will be an honor and great privilege to step on the same field as these legendary players. Landon Donavan, Robbie Keane and David Beckham have all done tremendous things for their club and for their respective countries. Very few people in the world even get close to achieving what these players have produced in their lifetime. So, being able to experience this combination of quality and the magnitude of what they have contributed to the sport is truly humbling. With a stellar squad, the LA Galaxy, fresh off their 2011 MLS Cup win will host an impressive team, led by none other than Head Coach Bruce Arena, a former New York native that has displayed an impressive coaching career and has truly transformed soccer in the United States as we know it.
For me, the match will signify several things in the eyes of soccer in the United States and football in the Philippines. With my undying devotion to the development of soccer in America and my newfound dedication to the development of football in the Philippines, this game is a true testament to the strides that both countries have taken since their declaration of being Football Nations. As a Chinese–Filipino American, born and raised in New York City, growing up playing soccer through the developmental programs in the United States and representing the Philippines in the sport I have grown to love, this match up displays a few notable milestones on the progress of both countries. Less than 20 years in the making, to have a Major League Soccer team sign legendary players, keep local heroic icons, maintain a fantastic staff, and take a team on a world tour is to say the United States has now the infrastructure and the resources to produce high level players and teams. Quite young compared to the fully developed football countries in the world, the United States has made a vast stride in competing with top level nationals. It is exciting to see, and it is even more significant that I get to experience it as it happens.
Likewise, the Philippines has much to learn about the creation and implementation of such an infrastructure in the hopes to develop a competitive atmosphere for football in Asia. What is markedly different about the early stages of Philippine sports history was the masses’ commitment, passion and loyalty to a completely new sport. The embrace and willingness to accept a new sport are truly evident in football’s recent spike in popularity. Without other sports such as basketball, baseball, American football and many more sports that have seemed to overshadow soccer in the
United States, here in the Philippines, soccer is getting its much needed attention to shine and stride forward. I only hope it can continue on an upward rise as the United States has been slowly doing. My heart remains at the development and success of both countries, and this match is a culmination of all those emotions and feeling I have towards the sport we love and the forward direction I hope for it.
Great entry. I can really feel your love/passion for the sport. I’m really happy that you guys are playing against them tonight. It’s a great opportunity to learn from some of the best players in the world first hand.
Will be rooting for you all tonight (from home, sadly). Enjoy this night! Have fun!
hey great to finally meet you at our game this weekend! Thanks for making the trip! Hope to see you soon!
It was great to meet you finally too! Looking forward to your new entries here. Hope to see you soon as well (maybe if and when Nate and I get to do that sing-off?).
Happy holidays!
I love the way you write. Full of emotions yet it isn’t just that. There’s more to it than just being a football freak. You rock!
Thanks I really appreciate it… Many more to come, Stay tuned. plaaning to write about Kaya FC and Azkals season review and my experience playing for both over the last 5 months. thanks again!
Let me just say, you’re the first ever Pinoy athlete I know who can really write or talk sense. I covered college basketball in the past and I’ve met a few characters along the way, none of them has the ability to fully express whatever is on their minds. With the exception of one national player I guess but he’s a different story.
Anyway, I have been following you and the guys on Twitter so like every other followers, I do get entertained by your interactions with each other. You all are very funny, to be honest, but I like that sometimes you tweet stuff that looks so obvious but not quite. Like maybe you just want to let it all out but carefully word it so you don’t reveal too much. Cryptic but subtle. I’m not sure I know how to do that so hats off to you.
Looking forward to read more about your experiences here in the Philippines. How about something about Tagalog words you now know?
Happy new year to you and your girl and your fam!
Even though the Azkals lost, we showed the class of PHL football. Just wait and TIME will come that the PHL Football will rise above the rest! We continue to believe!!! Can’t wait for Real Madrid, Liverpool, and of course Manchester United to come here…I’ll sure catch it LIIIIIVEEE!!!
Thank you. Beautifully written. I was also there and had a wonderful, let me change that… an awesome time!!! I’m sure everyone present will remember it for the rest of their lives…..
On a different note, I was as heartbroken as you guys were at the out of of the games last night against Meralco. However, we can only learn from it and move on. I’m sure you guys will use this experience to be more stronger and wiser in the next round. Great job and God bless all of you.
Yes what a night for everybody… we owed it to our fans and supporters. The game could have turned out differently had the 1st second half goal not deflated the team. regardless it was a new step for football in the Philippines to have such a team play here.
and yes, the meralco game was such a bummer. as i mentioned, losing comes with the game, but handing over the game to the other team is another story. I will ceratinly write and entire article about that match this week…
cheers and thnaks for the great responses and support!