Azkals: International Flavor

The current roster of the Philippine National Foortball Team: could it be a testament to the success of our country's policy on migration and deployment of workers (or expats)?

It may seem so.  Maybe its the reverse brain drain we are looking for?

I don't want to take this discussion into one about the financial benefits and social costs of migration, so lets just focus on "the beautiful game".

I found this interview (make clickie the link) of Neil Etheridge, Azkals goal keeper, on Youtube.  It looks like one made prior to their AFF Suzuki Cup stint.

Some snippets: 

"It took me a long time to decide (to play for the Philippines).  Obviously, every boy’s dream is to play for England at the highest level.  But I thought, why not play for the Philippines?..."

At Fulham, Etheridge looks to get more playing time on the field

She (mum) was really pleased especially when I got the call up and I accepted to play.” 

“If we have more games, and we played together more often, we can definitely go up the rankings, and people will start to notice us.”  

Neil Etheridge

And from their performance at the Suzuki Cup, attention is indeed what they now have.

My friends (thanks, Adrian) are also salivating over the prospect of Bayern Munich midfielder David Alaba playing for the Azkals.  

He's played for Austria but current rules will allow him to play for PH.  He's got an invitation from the PFF (he said so in an interview) but Nigeria hasn't given him a ring (goooood).  So, here's hoping he follows the example of Etheridge and strut his stuff in PH.

XOXO, 

GeloCim

Manny Pacquiao on 60 Minutes

Smiling

Its been a while since Manny Pacquiao demolished the heftier Antonio Margarito in Dallas, but his legend remains fresh as if the fight was yesterday.  Now, there is news of his next fight, and its against another bigger albeit older opponent, Shane Mosley.

Bob Simon

So, that got me searching for some PacMan news, and I eventually came across this "60 Minutes" feature on the internet, right before his Margarito fight.  The interview is here, if you are interested to see the fighting congressman from Sarangani, (who obviously has brushed up on his English).
 
Come to think if it, we've all seen lots of boxers in our time.  At first glance, Mr. Pacquiao may not seem to be any different:

Poverty is his fuel to fight
Boxing is his ticket out of the slums
His family is his inspiration to continue

So, what makes him so special?

Bob Arum: "Death by a thousand left hands"

I believe it is his ability to reinvent himself.  From boxer to congressman, he's defeated the best of the best and his riches are ever growing.  His influence now extends beyond the ring.   

Manny Pacquiao seems to be a symbol for the Filipino everyman.  And, oh boy, this country desperately needs symbols that work.  Manny Pacquiao looks to be one. 

Anyway, I enjoyed the feature and the extras on the site.

I wait anxiously for his next fight.


XOXO,

GeloCim