Of Filipino Athletes and Soldiers

Posted: 10 August 2011

We’ve been hearing/reading news of accomplishments from our athletes, i.e. The Philippine Dragon Boat Team and 17-y/o Marvin Gabriel. I couldn’t help but be moved to tears as I read their stories, especially that of the former. What makes the story more poignant was that the team is mostly composed of soldiers, the Philippine Army.

Filipino soldiers have a special place in my heart. I spent 12 years in Fort Bonifacio and grew up knowing some soldiers from PA. I’ve heard many stories from our unsung heroes, so whenever I read or hear their achievements that bring honour to our country, all the more I become thankful.

Our soldiers strive to protect our country and bring honour to our nation, but they are usually neglected. Even so, they still do their best for the Philippines. It just makes me sad.

When I found out that the home-grown Azkals who played in 2010 Suzuki Cup were enlisted soldiers, I couldn’t help but be moved. I really wanted to speak to them personally, even embrace them, and thank them for what they’re doing for the Philippines. So when I got the chance to finally meet the Azkals, although just during their practice, in UMak the second people I looked for were the soldiers. The first was Sir Dan Palami, of course. I wanted to thank him for what he’s doing for Philippine Football, though just through the national team yet.

The national team staff noticed it, that I preferred to check on the locals. It’s because they’ve been there during the darkest moments of Philippine Football, although I found out that some foreign-based Filipinos had been playing for the NT even before last year. And now that the National Team is being noticed, most people’s attention are given to the foreign-based Filipinos. I feel bad about it that I sometimes feel contempt to those “bordeline stalkers” because they’re not appreciating the beautiful game nor the players but just the flesh and muscles of the athletes. It’s just not fair, but sometimes things are like that.

What makes me more upset about this negligence to the athletes, is people’s ignorance that they are also our soldiers. They’re serving the Philippines twice. But of course, this is not the general case. There are also Football fans, especially those who’s been following the sport even before the great upset of Vietnam, who truly appreciate the local-based Azkals. And I take comfort in that.