Almost but not Kuwait.

Time: 1:24 p.m.
Where: In the study table.
Now Playing: "Amber" by 311.

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Well, still can't get over on what happened on last week where the Philippines vs. Kuwait match-up began and ended. It's better late than never. It's such that I am satisfied that the Azkals fought hard up to the very end and it was a very proud moment. Did their strategy throughout the two legs it's such that the Al-Azraq was too experienced and too good for us. It's not a shame to lose to an experienced squad like Kuwait who ranked 95th in the FIFA Rankings as of now comapred to the Azkals' 162nd spot.

First Leg Observation: I just noticed that the match opening up a bit between the two sides, especially in our side but the last line of defense were solid until they loosen up the grip and concede a goal in the 16th minute. Miscommunication between Sabio and Gier. Still blaming Sabio for getting out of the box. Another miscommunication happened in the second half, and again, it was in the central defense. Sabio did it again. Hay, scrambling in front of goal, still, the nifty right foot by the Kuwaiti defender, Neda, scored and put up a cushion, it was 2-0. The third goal was just pure skill on the Kuwaitis and showing the inexperienced of the Azkals in the defense. It was just collapsed out after being solid in the last 50 minutes.



Michael Weiss, the coach/manager of the Azkals, didn't trust his other players on the bench in the likes of Roel Gener, and Simon Greatwich, who were later substitutes in the last four minutes of the match. Another thing, we truly missed the presence of the armor of the central defense, Captain Aly Borromeo and the heart of the midfield, Stephan Schrock who mostly dictates the run offensively and a hardworker on taking on those forwards out. It was 3-0, in favor of Kuwait. Experience kills youth.

Second Leg Observation: The Azkals woke up and attacked the on Kuwait's half for all 45 minutes but it was the counter-attacking strategy of Kuwait that made the match competitive in both sides of the pitch. Al-Mutwa, who was silent in the fist leg, just rushed forward in the first half and I think 3 on-target attempts was close, either it hit the post or over the crossbar. Felt the prescence of Aly and Schrock again as they defend and control the pace of the game respectively. Chieffy was persevere to keep the possession throughout the first half and it was worth it. He passed the ball to Phil yet it was broken and the ball was on Schrock and he shocked and electrify the whole Rizal Memorial Stadium with a roar! What a stunning strike was that. Goosebumps every time I watched this video below. What a proud moment. At first, before kick-off, I just wish a goal for the Philippines, win or lose, qualified or not, against the mighty Kuwait and it happened. Thanks to Schrocki.



However, in the second half though, just like Leg 1, the center defense was just our main problem. Yes, more pressure applied in the second leg but it was just not enough to utilize the Kuwaitis from scoring. Etheridge did his best to get those loose balls in front of him but that second goal was just pure miscommunication, and on the opposite side, Kuwait's experience dominated the Azkals' youth. It was a nice game that thrilled the whole nation although it was a disappointing loss. It's understandable that the Azkals are still in the developing mode, getting the chemistry of the players, the system, the rotation, the proper formation in each fixture and hopes for Philippine football to grow.

Future of Philippine football

Now that football is back in the Philippines after being dominant in the sport in Asia half a century ago, I am hoping that the government or probably MVP, to build a huge, state-of-the-art football stadium. Probably, an 80,000+ capacity crowd inside supporting for the Azkals is more fun to watch than the previous matches. Also, the United Football League, our version of the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, etc., to grow and to be televised for the people to be aware about local club football plus, they will able to learn more about the beautiful game. Also, international exposure is the key on a higher FIFA ranking. We need to have international friendlies once in a while. Facing higher ranked teams will be good for us. It may lower our morale but every loss is a win, winning experience, that is. Grassroots development and continuous programs on football should be on the move as well. The Azkals management is also doing the search for fresh talent in Europe, U.S. and hopefully, they'll go to South America. I hope there will be Filipino-Brazilians, Filipino-Argentinians or Filipino-Uruguayans there to showcase their talent and play for our national team, playing with our colors. I wish the best of luck for Philippine football and as an avid football fan, I am happy that the Azkals existed and football was reborn here because of them. That's their main objective as well, to revive football, for football to be part of the list of Juan de la Cruz's favorite sports. Go Azkals Go!

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Time: 2:59 p.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "Doubt" by Delphic.

Talangka.

Time: 3:12 p.m.
Where: In my bedroom.
Now Playing: "My Shadow" by Keane.


People in the Philippines, especially those sports fans, known for having "crab mentality", "talangka". To get their happiness back, they must bash or criticize what they don't like. This is the issue right now that enrages me a lot and I actually want to kill these certain people right now ruining the Azkals' reputation. I am not a violent person but if these killjoys want to do their thing, then we, loyal football fans, going to go head-to-head just for the equality of the mainstream sports here in the country.



Just read several articles including this one from the violent sports writed in the name of Danny Simon (I don't reckon him as a "real" sports writer with these nonsense criticisms) and published publicly to the whole Philippines that are furious and angry as of the these time, by the one and the only "Talangka King", Recah Trinidad. Come on, last time, Nonito Donaire, now the Azkals? Give me a damn break, Mr. Trinidad.

The link of the said article I that I kept reading and kept enraging me, a lot.

Heroic Azkals: Not Everybody Happy

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Below is my own response to the article:

"-100 respect points to both Mr. Recah Trinidad and Mr. Simon. If you are a football purist, you will know that in our modern time today when it comes to sports, mixed nationalities in a national team are "definitely" natural. In basketball (yes), football (yes), even in boxing (lots). There's nothing wrong about it plus the fact that there are the so-called "Fil-shams" in this country. I don't even know what's race have to do on joining in a team, club or whatsoever. Probably on the talent on where did the athlete got it on a country he was based before coming to the country (THAT is the main thing people think of half-Pinoy athletes). I don't know if you are expressing your disappointment that the Azkals exist because they usually love a sport that you think is boring which I think and six billion people in the whole world think is a "beautiful sport" according to the great Pele. I don't know why certain people in this country don't have the mind of bringing pride and honor to the country by supporting the national teams of each discipline. The way I see it, these certain people have pride and honor to post their criticisms, I mean, hateful, bashing, violent criticisms to the people of the Philippines on how they feel especially with the Azkals and not so totally "CONSTRUCTIVE" criticisms. They mean it loud and proud which annoys me. Yes, including you, sir.

Of course, as a huge football fan, I am truly affected by this, actually all of the Azkals fans are affected, some didn't care, but greatly affected not because all of these statements you stated are true but because media bring the Azkals' name to promote football in the first place and the media will kill them as well. We are on the stage, why ruin people's happiness. Why are you so mad about the Azkals anyway? Like Mico Halili said, "I will not hate to make football fans happy". If you have great disappointment on the Azkals, just keep it on your head and don't publicize. Again, YOU SHOULD NOT HATE TO MAKE FOOTBALL FANS HAPPY. Same goes with other sports and vice-versa. Shame on people hating the Azkals because of their popularity. I know media is on the move whenever an Azkal is around and yeah, I know, they need to control on their publicity to focus on their trainings and stuff. Come on Philippines, this is unforgivable. Wala na kayong magawa kundi tumalak nang tumalak nang walang basehan at puro paninira lang ang ginagawa niyo sa Azkals na ang ginawa lang ay maibalik ang larong futbol sa bansa at magbigay ng karangaln sa bansa. Why be a BULLY? GROW UP and BE MATURE! Wala na nga kayong magawa at maitulong sa bansa, ganito pa gagawin ninyo mga buwisit sa lipunan!"



Seriously, for those who accuse us of being arrogant, snobs, or elitists, then I pity you. That just goes to show that they have either a shallow or no understanding at all of the beautiful game. Because the same way that fans are passionate in basketball, boxing, rugby, golf, baseball, or whatever sport they support, that’s how we feel too. I am not trying to pit football against any sport here. I am REALLY glad that the game I love so well is finally gaining the recognition it deserves. And although I still personally think that football is more suited to Filipinos, who am I to say that Filipinos should stop playing basketball? All i’m saying is give football a chance to grow in the Philippines. Because mark my words, when the time finally comes that the Philippine National Football Team qualify for the World Cup, you too will be one of us, screaming and celebrating with joy.

But at the moment, win or lose, it really doesn’t matter. WE WILL CELEBRATE. We celebrate the fact that FUTBOL is here and thriving in the country. We celebrate the journey, not the destination. We celebrate the players’ skill, sacrifice and the pride. We celebrate the dark ages of futbol’s irrelevancy in the Philippines, and we celebrate its popularity now.

And should you, Recah Trinidad, pass away (hopefully soon), I’ll celebrate that too like I celebrated on Osama bin Laden's death!

The last three paragraphs is not from me, it was from my fellow Azkals and football fans that are truly against these "talangka" journalists and the way they feel, is how I feel as well. As they say in Texas, "Don't mess with Texas" but here, "Don't mess with futbol!"

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Time: 3:35 p.m.
Where: Still here, very, very disappointed.
Now Playing: "All Alright" by Sigur Rós.

Azkals make Philippine football history.

Time: 6:02 p.m.
Where: In the living room, just finished watching the momentous game.
Now Playing: Nothing this time.

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Wow! Just wow! I've never been so thrilled like this before. As a long time football fan, I am always thrilled with every Manchester United goal but when your national team playing for pride and for country, you'll be thrilled three times more than your favorite club team. It was a blowout. 4-0. We truly gave it all to Sri Lanka.



What a match. When Emelio "Chieffy" Caligdong scored that important goal. I had "euphoria". Grabe, then Phil Younghusband added that controversial goal which is to me is legal. It's normal in football to jump over a goalkeeper when the ball is loose unless if the timing is bad, it'll be a yellow card to the keeper or the player inside the box. It's wither way. Phil did dodge it and scored. Guirado added more magic when he outsmarts the Sri Lankan keeper Fernando... not once, but twice. One of those elegant moves led to a goal. New Azkal sensation Stephan Schrock was tripped by one of Sri Lankan defender. Caused the game and it was a penalty. Phil Younghusband yet again took the penalty kick and scored. Almost a hat-trick.



That was the round-up of the goals but it was fierce and caused for Schrock and our captain, Borromeo to not play in the important Kuwait match for Round 2. They are vital players in CMF and DMF respectively. Grabe. Kinakabahan na nga ako na Kuwait makakalaban natin, then, these bookings happened.



Well, can't wait 'till July 23 and 28. Although nervous, I am so stoked about this match-up. Heart vs. Talent! Go Azkals! Live the World Cup dream!

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Time: 6:34 p.m.
Where: Still here, wearing my Azkals away kit.
Now Playing: Nothing.

Azkals' bid the 2014 World Cup starts tomorrow.

Time: 1:18 a.m.
Where: In our bedroom.
Now Playing: "Take Me Over" by Cut Copy.

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Well, I am so stoked about tomorrow's event. I think everyone is, as well. Either you're a basketball fan, or boxing fan, everyone will be focusing into football, to the Azkals. As they conquer Sri Lanka for the Round 1 fixtures of the FIFA World Cup 2014, Asian Zone Qualifiers on June 29 and July 3. If we win these fixtures by aggregate, we will face the mighty Kuwait. I am so nervous if we make it the Round 2 but at least if we win against Sri Lanka, we make history as we pass Round 1 for the first time in our long time campaign in the World Cup qualifiers in Asia, correct me if I'm wrong. Before this World Cup campaign of the national team, we last did it way back 2003, for the qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. As usual, we didn't pass Round 1. Four years after, we didn't even try to compete for the qualification for the recent FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa.



I guess this year, we can compete again because we have some good chances this time and at the right time that the sponsors and television exposure is great for our national team. I mean, the exposure to the sport, that people are aware that they are here. I hate when people only knew the Azkals because they are good-looking. C'mon, "FOOTBALL". Instead of football chants, I hear screaming girls. Gladly, there's the so-called "Kaholeros". Football chants will be great in a football match. That's why I love football so much because of the passionate game and the fans carry it on with their chants to the opposing team, the tradition, the history, the rivalries. Every goal is special in football, unlike basketball.

Here's my breakdown or my pre-match analysis of what will happen tomorrow afternoon in Colombo, Sri Lanka:

I watched a game of Sri Lanka vs. Maldives on YouTube in the 2008 SAFF Championship, the football competition in South Asia, it's like in South East Asia, the AFF Suzuki Cup, and I see, their strategy is the "Quick Counter". They put their men in defense and when intercepts, the attacking midfield surges and run like their is no tomorrow. Because of defense, they can have thru-balls as much as they want. I don't know if they still have that strategy because they have a new manager from China and they trained to Korea recently for this match. This was ued to be our strategy, the Azkals use this in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 and we got some great results, that's why we beat the hell out of the defending champions Vietnam that day. We used it also to Indonesia but their midfield is so sturdy, we can't get those passed in the box.



That's why in that game, not much counter attacks and we focused more on defense. Indonesia was great on defending plus their fans was pointing laser at Neil Etheridge which obviously did cause the game for us but that Gonazales goal, astounding no laser and stuff. Our fault. We grew as a team now and I think Coach Weiss has changed a lot from a defensive team to a full grown counter-attack squad. I can see that they will do the normal 4-4-2 formation or the 4-1-2-3 formation which are attacking-type formations. I prefer the 4-1-2-3 formation because it will suit their style as a team. The "Quick Counter" team in order to beat Sri Lanka. I hope that Coach Weiss taught his boys on defense, especially in the midfield. Also, the passing, is truly a must. That was one of main problems, especially in the Mongolia fixtures. We didn't get some accurate passes. They can still do the basic like passing in the opposing half's first. Passing through defenders first to maintain possesion and if they find some weak spots into their half, go on and take until we score. It's great that we will have chances if they keep it up tomorrow.

So here's my prediction:

I'd say,

Leg 1 in Colombo: 2-0, Philippines. Goals from Araneta and Guirado. Guirado has that capability of running defenders and yes, he is an attacking midfielder, while Araneta is a great left winger but can reach the box easily for the header. Caligdong and J. Younghusband can make great assist and can score as well. I must not forget P. Younghusband. He can score at any time around 90 minutes. I must also reckon the tight defense of the back 4. I hope they won't allow Sabio to the line-up because of his incosistency but if he does play, he must stepu-p and don't concede any corner kicks, or goals. I know it's hard.

Leg 2 in Manila: 3-1, Philippines. I don't know, probably a hat-trick from someone or it will be a team game. Gotta watch out.

Philippines will win 5-1 on aggregate. Yes, I predicted two lopsided wins for us. I have a feeling we can easily demolish Sri Lanka.

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I can't wait to see these guys play on the pitch once more. I'll wear my Azkals t-shirt come that day and I wish to buy their new kit on the Mizuno store come Sunday. I heard it's available right now. I wish they ship it early to Festival Mall ASAP. Here's the photo of the new Away kit.



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Good luck, Azkals!

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Time: 2:08 a.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "Fader" by The Temper Trap.

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"Papa" + "150": Be inspired by Rizal and our dads.

Time: 3:25 a.m.
Where: In our bedroom (people here are asleep).
Now Playing: "Nothing in My Way" by Keane.

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"Papa"

Today is the 19th of June. Six billion people knows that this day is Father's Day, where this day is especially made for our dads, because they are an inspiration to their children, including me. For their dedication on work or whatever they do best in order to give their family members whatever they need. They fill what's missing and I'd say, I can borrow the phrase "Moms know best" and changed it to "Dads knows best... too!" Not only moms. Actually, "Parents know best". Both of them. Some times, there are misunderstandings in our family, that may lead to a broken family if there is no communication between the members, I'll still try to make it up to them.

Anyway, my dad is still sleeping and I am a usual vampire but yesterday, he made us "Sinigang" and it was delicious. He is like the cook of the house, but yeah, my mom kept saying every time that she is the best cook in this house. LOL. That was just naturally what she's saying pero alam niya na gusto niya talaga luto ng Papa ko. My characteristics of my father? He's a joker, magaling sa mga banat. Well, I always see my father's humor in reunions and slightly in home. He can be serious at some times, but that serious as in, in vital situations, when he helps the three of us in our need. Minsan naawa din ako sa Papa ko kasi he's like a "Houseband" kahit nagtratrabaho siya but I do lend him a hand in daily chores pero siya sa mega weekend chores. Hindi kasi siya sanay na may tumutulong sa kanya even if we insist na tulungan siya. He always kept saying na "Magpahinga lang kayo, ako nang bahala". Even at his mid life, he's still doing the tough laundry, fixing eletronic appliances and stuff. Nakuha ko sa kanya ang pagiging sporty, I mean not physically, but being a huge sports fan. We both love basketball, PBA siya, NBA ako pero we're both Lakers and Gin Kings fans pero pag sa ibang games na hindi involve ang fave teams namin, I oppose what Papa supports. LOL. I am a huge fan of football a long time ago, Manchester United is the club to be exact (Take that Liverpool, City) pero it seems my dad likes it too since he saw the Azkals in action. Football was not that popular here when he saw the Azkals.

So, I am not that type of person who expresses affection in any place, especially here in the Internet world but I know he knows that we love my Papa and Papa love us. Again, Papa, thanks to all and Happy Father's Day.

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"150"

We see Jose Protacio Rizal in monuments, parks, textbooks and in the Internet. We are all familiar on his story, on what he did for our country. Because of his heart-wrenching words in his novels, poems and other forms of literature, he fought the Spaniards and after that, led to "The Revolution". Yes, we know all of that but after almost two centuries, did our country change? I mean in the aspects of economy, system and stuff. Why did I even ask this question? Because of Rizal's dedication to protect the Filipinos, also because of his mind, his words and his actions. "Sa isip, sa salita at sa gawa", ito ang dapat nating gawin. Rizal serves as an inspiration for a long, long time and we must not answer that we know Rizal that he is the guy in Luneta Park, the guy in the textbooks or the guy in school paintings, we must be proud that we are Filipinos. For me for example, I can be proud that I am a Filipino by buying Filipino-made products, supporting our local movie industry, following the rules, regulations and laws of the country and doing some good deeds, either small or big.

If Rizal fought for our country by doing those vital things step-by-step and sacrificed his life in order for the people to think that we can step out of the shadow and move as a nation. That Rizal blood in us is why we have this People Power, in 1986, and soon followed by other countries like South Korea, Tunisia, and recently, Egypt. We, Filipinos, are very expressive to issues and we fight for the right to freedom. That's why we are passionate because of Rizal. Today is his 150th birth anniversary. So make it special, do something good to help our country. Rizal might be happy. If Rizal lives at his 30's at this generation, we might witness a cruel world that he can change.

Maligayang Kaarawan, Rizal! ¡Feliz cumpleaños! Rizal!

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I'll make a blog on the Azkals' World Cup dream probably next week. Can't wait on their match.

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Time: 4:16 a.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "Get Some" by Lykke Li.

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Better Luck Next Time, Red Devils.

Time: 5:39 a.m.
Where: In the balcony.
Now Playing: "Karma Police" by Radiohead.

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Boy, I was waiting all month for this day, May 28th, the day of the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester United and Barcelona. Of course I was known to be a Red Devil and yet I am aware of what Barcelona's capable of. They are considered to be the best football club in the world right now and no doubt, they almost swept every club competitions they participated but they didn't win the Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup), which reigned by Real Madrid. Anyway, I watched the game and it was a bitter loss for us.



I thought we had it under control in the first half. Pedro scored first for Barca in the 27th minute and seven minutes after, Rooney came back with a stunning strike inside the box. I just thought we had the chance of coming back if we continue to have that mighty defense of our back four, leading by Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand but at the start of the second half, we just lost our rhythm and we saw the Barca that was most known for, their expertise in accurate passing inside the box without fail.



I am one of the millions of United fans who are disappointed on their second half showing but hats-off to them because they have the guts to fight back with heart but it was not enough. Barca has the skill and the heart. Much respect for Pep Guardiola's club. Pedro Pinto of CNN declaring earlier that this Barca team is the best he has seen after three decades, which is truly an astounding one.

This is another painful loss I know but with Van Der Sar's final game with some bitterness, I know Sir Alex can do something on finding a good keeper like Van Der Sar's strength and we will come back strong. I know it. We just need to go to the rebuilding process. Every team has a rebuilding process in order to go to that time called "glory days".



Again, congrats to Lionel Messi, David Villa and the rest of FC Barcelona for winning their second European Cup Championship in the last 3 years. I hope another rematch will occur sometime next year. I know we will get our revenge in July in the US Tour. No matter what happens, I will be a loyal supporter of the Red Devils. First at the perch! Glory, glory Man Utd! As the Reds go marching on, on, on!



Don't worry, Chicharito, you will get the hands of the Champions League trophy in the years to come. Rooney did it in '08. I know you're young, you can grow as a great footballer like Messi or Ronaldo or even Rooney. Good luck next football season, Red Devils.

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Time: 6:08 a.m.
Where: Still here in the balcony.
Now Playing: "The Fear" by Lily Allen.



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Manny Pacquiao to fight Mosley and poverty.

Time: 3:55 a.m.
Where: Outside the house.
Now Playing: "The Lovers are Losing" by Keane.

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Manny Pacquiao is just simply phenomenal. Whenever he has a fight, everyone here is just going nuts. I mean, there is no crime when there is a Pacquiao fight. All tuned in to their televisions. It's like watching a match in the World Cup with that massive aura in the whole country which does not happened everyday and this May 7th, Saturday in the United States, May 8th, Sunday morning here in the Philippines, the Pacquiao fever will come back yet again after 6 months. I also forgot to blog about the Margarito fight last November, you know, to put my official prediction and stuff. Anyway, I just watched the final press conference of the Manny Pacquiao-Shane Mosley fight and yeah, as always, you will see a very, very, humble Manny Pacquiao in front of the worldwide press.



He added a twist in his remarks during that night in the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV. He said that he wants to fight for poverty in our country, to end, to extinct, which is impossible at the moment it is merely because the fact that we are nearing into 100 million people, making to be the 12th largest population in the world and we are just occupying 300,000 square kilometers. Damn, that's so small to fill. Anyway, that's why Manny urged the fans (especially Pac-Man fans), to wear yellow, which is a symbol of unity, according to him, and I am definitely wearing yellow, if I have one, oh well, I gotta wear my Manchester United jersey though, it's unrelated though because I am discussing boxing and not my favorite football club.



On the fight itself that will happen on 2 days time. I am not a boxing analyst that has accurate predictions, scouting the fighters' styles, etc. but I am a huge boxing fan and probably this is my stepping stone to become a boxing analyst. Hopefully. Anyway, I will expect some fireworks out there in that ring come May 7th/8th. Exchange of power punches will occur but who is gonna the more mental, more conditioned, hungrier fighter?



Into mentality, I'll say Freddie Roach has done a great job on preparing Pacquiao on adjusting on things in every battle that they have together and into Shane's part, he just to have his fourth fight together with Nazeem Richardson and they know each others mentality enough but can they retain the focus come fight night. I don't think so. With Pacquiao so quick, so fast, they won't able to adjust and keep doing those powerful right hands but I know, Shane's got the experience so I think he needs to adapt on what Pacquiao's gotta deliver. If Manny lands five to six shots on Mosley, he needs to at least turn to his right in order to avoid the counter right of Mosley and at the same time, tire the old man and have his fatigue lowered. If he follows this continuously, he might get an late stoppage or an early stoppage but I want it to become early in order to impress Floyd Mayweather, wherever he is, he must watch the fight but in realization, Mosley is tough and cannot be knocked out easily, I am aware of that but it's a bonus if Manny can knocked him out in the 5th round or more.



The first four rounds for me at the measurements of the conditions of the fighters, very critical, especially in the part of Mosley where is already 39 years old at the moment, very slow now in the sport of boxing but he still has the power, I cannot argue with that but how much power when the fight comes? How much more to take in the side of Mosley to cause of very, very huge upset in the history of the sport? Can he shine that right hand to land on Pacquiao?

Whatever the outcome of this fight, I must say Mosley will forever be a warrior and can be a future Hall of Famer in the coming decades for what he have a spectacular career in the sport of boxing and Pacquiao should face Mayweather, win or lose.



Even the simulation doesn't lie. It will be an all-out slugfest but when it comes to all-out, Pacquiao sure has the advantage and Shane might have some unanswered punches when Pacquiao once gets his groove. I will just say, Go Manny! Go Pac-Man! Go make our country proud yet again! Manny! Manny! Manny!

My prediction: Pacquiao TKO 8

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Time: 4:50 a.m.
Where: Still outside.
Now Playing: "Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand.