For love of country

Juvic Pagunsan failed to sustain his hot start in the WGC Cadillac Championship in Florida, but his finish in the middle of the field of over 70 players, wasn’t bad at all.

I was hoping he’d finish among the top ten at least, but golf in their level is played for four rounds and one good round can’t be used as a basis to predict what would happen on the next three.

Despite falling from a share of 5th to 35th, I’m sure that the experience taught Juvic much and the lessons could be very valuable in the Asian Tour.

I do hope to see him play more events in the United States very soon.

* * *

The Philippine Azkals have achieved so much more than our previous national teams, but it pains many of its fans to still see some people bash the team and consider the players from abroad, although definitely with Filipino blood as less Pinoy than us pure breeds.

Some say that we never heard of these players before. The very simple reason for that is we never had put this much work on building a national team in the past.

Having reached the semifinals of the AFC Challenge Cup in Kathmandu, Nepal is already historical for the national team.

The Azkals face Turkmenistan in the semifinals this Friday. The last time both squads clashed in the Challenge Cup three years ago, the Philippines got clobbered 0-5.

The Philippine team three years ago and today’s Philippine team are worlds apart. I am hoping that this would be payback time.

For those who still look differently upon the Philippine team for having many players with foreign blood, I hope you realize that these players are Filipinos just like us.

More than another win in Kathmandu, what I really hope for is that the Azkals overcome the challenges they are facing off the pitch.

* * *

I have observed that when the country calls, the world’s best football players would find a way to carry their nation’s colors in international tournaments.

This is not the case of basketball where many of the top stars have been known to shun national team duty for fear of injury that could jeopardize their lucrative professional careers.

In football, we always see the world’s best at the World Cup. No matter how many millions of Euros they are paid by their clubs, they always give their best for flag and country.

We have seen the same with the Azkals. Maybe many Filipinos still need to realize what sacrifices the players undergo to don the national colors and play not for money, but for country in these international tournaments.

Let us not allow crab mentality to pull us down. We have to work together as a people if we want to get better.

* * *

MILESTONES: Belated greetings to The FREEMAN copy editor Joeberth Ocao, who turned a year older yesterday.

Happy birthday greetings go to Lilibeth Ducut-abais, Balbino ‘Ka Bino’ Guerrero, and Joyce Sosoban, who are all turning a year older today.

Advance greetings go to tomorrow’s celebrants like Grace Quisido, Bomboy Loyola, Joe Espiritu, and Gia Reformina-abellana.

More power to all of you!