Just give Sergio Ramos a hug.

Real Madrid’s remontada campaign fell short of one goal as the men in white lost 4-3 on aggregate in their semifinal match against Borussia Dortmund (hey, I like this team—I’d prefer them to win the Champions League versus whichever FCB team they’ll face in the final!). The vuelta of the semifinals saw a hungry Madrid team, attacking relentlessly in the first and last 15 minutes of the match… which may have well been the reason why they fell short.

Moreover, props to Jurgen Klopp’s men for effectively stifling Xabi Alonso—now you know who is key to Real Madrid’s victories apart from Cristiano Ronaldo. Apart from these two, Mesut Ozil was also largely ineffective. That said, you’ve got the likes of Luka Modric, Michael Essien, and Sergio Ramos stepping up.

Poor Sergio was inconsolable after. All I can say is, one year after being the butt of jokes for that missed penalty that saw Madrid bow out to Bayern Munich, he has been the hero of sorts, scoring a late second goal for Madrid. Throw at him all the yellow and red cards, but I’m damn proud that he’s stepped up in the captain’s role.

It’s been quite an emotional rollercoaster ride, and La Decima will have to wait for another year. In the meantime, here’s to the Copa del Rey final.

Perfection, once again.

Xabi Alonso in Emidio Tucci’s Spring 2013 collection is perfection personified once again. Classic, simple, elegant. How a man should dress up.

My personal favorite? The one where he’s in a crisp white shirt and jeans—because a man can actually look at his sexiest in casual wear (the power suit, however, remains on top of my list).

 

And here’s the video of the Spring 2013 collection. Muy jefe, muy sexy.

The Kids of Sulu

There are travels that leave you richer in your catalogue of reasons why the world is wonderful, and then there are travels that change you.

My trip to Sulu earlier this March fell could be filed under the latter. My purpose for that trip was to witness the turnover of new classrooms in Hadji Hassiman Elementary School in Jolo, Sulu. While I understood that my role for the trip was to share the story of this TEN Moves beneficiary community, little did I know that the kids I met are making me tell more stories about them—and how they have profoundly impacted upon me.

I admit to jumping at the thought of traveling to a place where social conflict is real and tangible. I admit to mentally freaking out upon landing at the Jolo airport (simply an uneven runway and a shack with an arch that welcomes travellers), with the sight of a battalion of Marines waiting. I admit to silently praying the most number of Our Fathers, Hail Marys, and Glory Bes since grade school, while I was sitting on the flatbed of a Marines truck, praying that nothing involving bullets would occur.

Beyond these initial fears and apprehensions, I once again understood what it meant to open up oneself to life experiences—and I had been reminded of this through the kids of Sulu.

My first memorable encounter of these kids was during a medical mission in Indanan, a town next to Jolo, where one had to ride through dense forest areas before reaching Pasil Elementary School (and yes, we were wearing bright yellow shirts—moving targets, anyone?). Since I didn’t really have a role in the medical mission (Lord knows that while I take my medicines liberally, giving them to other people is a different story altogether!), I did what I knew best—take photos of and with the kids, and play with them.

The perspective does change when you see these kids getting curious over commonplace gadgets like a camera, or a tablet, or an iPhone. The simple act of teaching them how to use these devices is quite a magical experience—it was as if you were witnessing their worlds open up. They were very good at framing their subjects. I told one of the girls that was fascinated with the camera to study hard, so she can study Film in UP—and I meant it. I don’t know if I will ever see that little girl again, but I do hope that she could create magic, somehow, someday.

As we were about to leave the school and head back to Camp Bud Datu, I was surprised by the affection that the girls showed, giving me hugs and kisses. I don’t know if I will ever see them again, but if anything, I have hopes and dreams for them. How could one ever forget those smiles?

Then there were the kids of Hadji Hassiman Elementary School, whose school burned down back in August 2012. Five classrooms were rebuilt through TEN Moves, but this is simply the start of their rebuilding process.

In a town where many adults look at you with suspicion, since they know you are an outsider, it was refreshing to see the kids smile and treat you with so much warmth. It was a Sunday morning, when we were jointly conducting Help-Portrait sessions and having the kids write Thank You notes to the donors. I see them gamely smiling for the camera and taking turns at the limited number of crayons I bought—they were grateful, even if what they have was next to none compared to the schools in Metro Manila.

I spoke with Principal Bakil, and he said that the next thing to be built would be the school library. Even the kids were looking forward to it, as I could read that many of them had asked for books in their Thank You cards.

This is my next project. I don’t know how soon I can go back to Sulu, but I will find a way to get books through to Hadji Hassiman Elementary School. I’ll be collecting books throughout April 2013, so if anyone has anything to share with these kids, please do let me know.

I wrote in my Manila Bulletin article that no child gets left behind, and I sincerely mean it. Let’s not forget these kids who live in a place where there is so much volatility and yes, violence. They deserve so much more.

Coming to Sulu, I had no expectations, just a bit of faith that I’ll be safe and secure. If anything, this trip made me understand that there was so much to the place than just security. There’s so much that needs to be done, to bridge social divides.

The Men in the Arena*

Originally posted in Pinoyfootball.

Philippine National Team captain and veteran defender Rob Gier summed up the match versus Turkmenistan quite succinctly during the post-match press conference.

“It was a tough game, it was totally, totally different from the Cambodia game,” he says, adding that the match versus Cambodia placed the limelight on the Philippines’ attackers. “(The Turkmenistan game) was all about the defenders. It just goes to show the different aspects of the team together, to be successful.”

“I think what’s special about this team is the team spirit,” Gier continues, pointing out that taking on the Turkmen demanded a lot from the Azkals, and the boys could not have done it if they didn’t get along. “We do it for the team, for the country, and for everyone that supports us.”

Indeed, it does take a very special group of people to achieve what these guys have achieved in quite a short span of time.

Consider 2012 a banner year for the Azkals with all the achievements and “firsts” they’ve managed to rack up—setting the stage quite nicely for a strong start in official matches this 2013. The 8-0 win versus Cambodia wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement.

And even that somewhat pales to the statement that was made when the Philippines finally beat Turkmenistan, 1-0.

Much has been and will be said about the match, including that particularly memorable shot by Phil Younghusband into the opening seconds of the game, how we started strongly, and managed to hold onto the lead despite being down to ten men.

All the credit goes to this team.

Credit Phil Younghusband for the goal, and credit him for all the times that he’s tried and missed and failed. He’ll keep fighting for those goals, as he had done with over 30 before. Credit him for the times he’s had to deal with one too many defenders eager to take him down.

Credit Javier Patiño for bringing the quality to the strike force that we had been badly missing and that Phil Younghusband needs to draw defenders away from him. Credit him for bringing the ball to the goal each chance he gets and for threatening opponents whenever he can.

Credit Jerry Lucena and Chris Greatwich for providing adequate defensive cover and finding the open men to attack.

Credit Carli de Murga and Angel Guirado for the Spanish flair that they bring to the right flank.

Credit Rob Gier and Juani Guirado for being staunch on defense, for giving us a sense of security even in those moments when momentum was turning in favor of Turkmenistan, in those moments when they tried their best to breach our back line.

Credit Roland Müller for the clean sheets he’s produced in these two very important games. Credit him for his solid, steady hands, for proving himself worthy of the starting spot in a position with several viable options. Credit him for no longer being defined as just a second choice.

Credit Dennis Cagara for his consistency. Against Turkmenistan, he effectively snuffed threats coming from his side. Credit him for playing a critical role in the play that led to Phil Younghusband’s goal to lift us past the Turkmen. Credit him for us having a dangerous left flank.

Credit Stephan Schröck for everything that he brings to this team. Credit him for always fighting for the ball, for managing a way out even when the opponents close down on spaces. Credit him for standing up a half-second later when he’s brought down, showing what tenacity is. Credit him for making things happen, not just for himself, but also for his teammates. Credit him for being a spark on the left flank, together with Cagara, relentless in attacking. Credit him for instilling in all of us a belief that we can overcome each opponent we are faced with.

Credit all the players that have seen limited or no playing time. Credit them for helping prepare this unit to achieve another milestone in Philippine football.

The match versus Turkmenistan proved to be a difficult hurdle—and one where lessons could be learned from hard work and experience. Credit the men in the arena for fighting tooth and nail for making another statement and for booking a place in Maldives in 2014.

*Title inspired by Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” quotation.

**And there is one man in that arena that I was particularly rooting for, largely because he has finally been given playing time in the national team. He had a nice little gesture the day after as well, and this is why I’ll continue supporting him.

Xabi Alonso is a vision in red.

Well, if I can’t see him anytime soon (or anymore) in Liverpool red, todo La Roja does it quite nicely, doesn’t it?

Also, by beating France 1-0, Spain is currently on top of Group I in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers. You can never write the campeones del mundo out of it.

Wet, Wild, and Everything in Between

Originally posted in Pinoyfootball.

“I didn’t know this game was on my bucket list until it happened,” my friend Ron enthuses, as we were cheering on a group of ball boys and girls scooping excess water from the sides of the pitch at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Indeed, who would have thought that the Philippines-Cambodia match was one for the books? Hubris aside, an easy victory was expected, but the style and manner by which the Azkals had won the match was certainly beyond expectations.

When Turkmenistan routed Cambodia last Friday, the 7-0 scoreline seemed to be a tall order for the Philippines to overcome, as we start our bid to top Group E in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers.

The first twenty or so minutes of the match revealed a seeming lack of cohesion among our boys. However, when Phil Younghusband began the scoring festivities with a scrappy goal at the 25^th minute, the proverbial floodgates opened up for the Azkals. Younghusband would score three more goals in the match, including one from a curling shot in the 30^th minute of the match.

Javier Patiño, in his debut for the Philippine national team, netted a brace, scoring in the 45^th and 57^th minutes. The Filipino-Spaniard proved to be an effective attacking option behind Younghusband, showing he could take matters into his own feet (pun intended) in front of the goal.

Stephan Schröck, who was tearing up the left flank all game long, was an absolute delight to watch, especially as he made mincemeat out of the Cambodian defense. Schröck himself would score a goal at the start of the second half, taking the Cambodians by surprise and reducing goalkeeper Samreth Seiha to pounding the ground out of frustration. (Schröck was my man of the match—the man was also creating opportunities for his teammates all day long, to top it all off.)

Carli de Murga secured the Philippines’ current place on top of the Group E standings with a goal in the 88^th minute, and in ninja-esque style.

In the post-match press conference, Stephan Schröck stated, “Everybody was happy. Coach gave us the right words.” Coach Hans Michael Weiss also congratulated the team for their achievement, pointing out the value that quality players bring with their individual skills.

Then there were the surprises apart from the goals.

A power outage occurred as the first half was about to end, leaving only a couple of floodlights to illuminate the pitch.

Earth Hour at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, anyone?

Even topping that was the temporary suspension of the match at the 65^th minute, with the crowd waiting it out for an hour before the play could resume. The credit goes to the rag-tag team of boys and girls that had to manually scoop out the water puddles on the sides and at certain portions of the pitch, armed with nothing but brooms, pails, and empty trash bins.

I really hope these guys were paid a bit more for all the effort they put into “unclogging” the pitch.

Sometimes, the label of “emerging football nation” doesn’t get any more blatant with this kind of pitch. Coach Weiss lamented it “an absolute embarrassment to play in these conditions”. Schröck added that the pitch was not as good as he had expected.

In any case, Sunday night proved to have been the stuff of lopsided matches, puddle-riddled pitches, and highly uncertain weather. The only thing that is certain is that there is so much to look forward to on Tuesday evening, as the Philippines and Turkmenistan battle it out for the top spot of Group E of the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers.

Easily my MOTM. Schröcky is (and continues to be) a beast.

Well, this happened.

If this doesn’t motivate Fernando Torres to get back in fighting form for a spot in the Spanish National Team, then I don’t know what will.

Feliz cumpleaños, El Niño!

 

One Item Off the Bucket List

And that item has to be that one time where I was the lone female in a panel of men. Don’t believe me? Read this: Setting Expectations: AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers.

Actually, I answered the questions while aboard a Marines vehicle in Sulu. Now that’s another item on my bucket list ticked off. I’ll tell you more about that next time.

Decimating Barcelona, once more.

Karim Benzema opened the scoring well into the first few minutes of the game, which was eventually cancelled out by Leo Messi’s fine individual skill in the 18th minute. Despite having the shakiest of games (someone caught in a siesta stupor?), Sergio Ramos managed to net a header off Luka Modric’s cross at the 82nd minute, sealing Real Madrid’s back-to-back wins over Barcelona in a span of five days.

Say what you want about possession, but it was Real Madrid that played with more purpose. Cristiano was a super substitute, having a couple of very close chances to get his name on the board. Jose Callejon was scrappy, and Alvaro Morata, in his first start in a Clásico, was simply superb—well worth the 90 minutes that the boy was on the pitch. (Cantera power!)

You can say that it was probably the game that mattered less for Real Madrid, but hey, any effort to close the gap in the Liga, as well as get on a psychological high prior to a Champions League match, is well worth the fight.

And I totally feel like Pepe here.

Decimating Barcelona.

Amidst the crazy week that was, I found time to catch the Copa del Rey semifinal between Barcelona and Real Madrid. The ida of this match up saw both teams draw 1-1 at the Bernabeu, and the vuelta had both teams playing not just for a spot at the final, but for pride and then some.

I suppose waking up at 4 a .m. was well worth it, when the final score at Camp Nou read 1-3, in favor of Madrid. The goals came from a Cristiano Ronaldo brace (one from the penalty spot and one cleanly slotting it in after Pinto blocked Angel DiMaria’s shot, only to bounce straight to our #7) and a powerful header from Raphael Varane—this kid is definitely Madrid’s future: a rock in defense, containing Leo Messi, and powerful in front of the goal. Jordi Alba netted for Barcelona at the 89th minute, which was hardly any consolation.

One other thing to note about this match: Madrid’s defense showed up. If he had played like this all the time, then there should not have been a gaping difference in points between these rivals.

As for Real Madrid, this win should boost the team’s confidence coming into the Liga match with Barcelona tonight at the Bernabeu, and more importantly, to get some much needed goals when they face Manchester United at Old Trafford next week.

 

 

As an added treat, here’s the video on the re-opening of the Adidas store at the Bernabeu. Xabi the Actor. Hehe.

And here’s a Nivea Men ad, starring Sergio Ramos in a leading role, and Marcelo, Gonzalo Higuain, and Alvaro Arbeloa in supporting roles.