The Homeless World Cup, an annual tournament that recognizes football as a catalyst for social change; unites players from around the world to give voice to homelessness, poverty, and exclusion. Every year, it is held in city centers or a country’s capital, in a public area where the majority of homeless people go, hoping to find jobs and opportunities for them, as well as to reach and impact more people on important social issues worldwide. On its ninth year, the iconic Eiffel Tower was the backdrop of this year’s action-packed games from 21-28 of August. Now on its fourth consecutive year, Urban Opportunities for Change Foundation, Inc., recognized as the official organizer of Team Philippines to the Homeless World Cup, sent a delegation of eight young men chosen from all over the country with differing colorful backgrounds to represent the Philippines.

A lovely sunny day welcomed all the participants at the match draw to determine the team’s groupings at the huge Stade de France, where the 1998 World Cup was held. The festive atmosphere continued at the parade of nations which started at the historic Trocadero Square down to the picturesque streets of Paris leading to the Eiffel Tower, until the last stop at the event arena in Champ de Mars where three pitches were set-up awaiting the 68 nations including 16 women’s team. During the opening ceremonies, a one-minute of silence was observed for the victims of the recent Norwegian tragedy and followed by Homeless World Cup president and co-founder Mel Young declaring the games open.

Since joining the tournament in 2008, this year, Team Philippines advanced in the second group stage, winning against football giants Ghana, USA, Switzerland, and Croatia in the preliminary round. And for the first time, the Philippines became part of the top half, which included ranked number one Portugal, defending champs Brazil, and this year’s big winner, Scotland. Armed with the team’s goal to surpass last year’s performance in Brazil; they finished an impressive 24^th place out of 48 men’s national street soccer teams, a notch higher from the Rio campaign last year.

Taking charge of the coaching duties for this year are Manila’s very own Rudy del Rosario, himself a former national team player for 10 years, and now on his second term as the head coach with his able assistant and 2010 Rio games alumni Mark Maravilla from Lucban, Quezon. The ever reliable co-captain Janrick Soriano, the striker from Talisay City, Negros Occidental led the team in scoring; backing him up is the little giant, and the darling of the crowd John “Potot” Celiz from Barotac Nuevo, Ilo-ilo. The twin towers, Ricardo Padilla of Lingayen, Pangasinan, and Jeffrey de Castro of Cainta, Rizal, showed excellent defense and added the much-needed goals. There is not a doubt that our hardworking goalkeepers Michael Rojo, also from Talisay City and Manila Boys Town’s Bert Anthony Sienes were effective in blocking the opponent’s trip to the goal. True to his nickname in their hometown Estancia, Ilo-ilo, and also the flag-bearer, Aljhonn “Big Boy” Matulac taught us that being short is not a liability on the pitch, unless you played with a big heart.

But a revelation for this year’s squad is the other captain, Jeffrey Guelas; he was picked from the slums of Leveriza, Manila who tried his luck for the second time to be part of the team. Guelas, the guy with the Mohawk blonde hair and with a very distinct smile became popular among the media, local and foreign alike, was even interviewed by CNN no less. Aside from his goal contributions, he epitomized leadership and shown true sportsman-like attitude on and off the playing field. Thus, after a heated game against Netherlands, Ronald Sinclair, an Australian referee, handed him the “Spirit of Sport” award.

Present in every Philippine game were the very supportive Filipino communities led by the Hiligaynon Association in Paris. The huge crowd that showed up, loud and animated to say the least was one of the highlights of the Paris games. The organizers, media, spectators, and the other teams were all but high praises and some were in awe at the overwhelming support of the Filipinos for Team Philippines. Win or lose, after every match, the Filipinos would gather in a nearby tent, they would ask for the players’ photos and autographs, or would just give them a hug, a high-five, a thumbs-up, or a “we are very proud of you” nod. Then the area would transform into a mini picnic ground; not minding which tiny island in the Philippines you were born, or what dialect your tongue has gotten used to speaking. A feast of a variety of homegrown dishes prepared by the Filipinos themselves would be served, and shared not only to the Pinoys there present, but to the other nationals as well. During one of the hearty lunches, with rice as the Philippines’ staple food, a thankful Japanese goalkeeper said that it was their team’s first decent meal since arriving in Paris.

The team showed camaraderie to the highest level with the other countries. After every match, the team would initiate to go to the center of the pitch, hold hands with the opposing team and would run and raise their hands to the crowd. They became good friends while staying at the same Fiap – Jean Monnet Hotel near the Glaciere metro train stop with teams Indonesia, Cambodia, Japan, Italy, Mexico, Uganda, Malawi, Kenya, and Nigeria. Coach Rudy also organized and hosted a mini-concert a night before the last day of the tournament, which gave the players a much-needed breather after days of non-stop competitive games. The lobby of their hotel was filled with laughter mixed with the beating of African traditional drums, and blended with beautiful voices complete with energetic dances of varying cultures ala “Fete de la Musique.” The Philippines even shared the same stage with team Indonesia for a couple of current rock tunes. Our players also gave their extra clothes, canned goods, biscuits, chocolates, hotel food-stubs to the other less-privileged teams. Those “extras” were the result of the Filipino communities’ generosity every playing day. The team would never leave the event arena without bags of presents, and one African player noticed and remarked, “Philippines went shopping again?”

Back at home, netizens trooped to our social networking sites, eagerly anticipating news and updates from our team whose gallant fight sent signals to the world that this team is one fierce and mighty bunch. Our Facebook and Twitter pages were flooded with well wishers from both football and non-sporting enthusiasts, our website visits rose dramatically. Despite the back-to-back losses in the second stage, fans still glued to their computer monitors and hi-tech phones still cheering them on. This enormous show of interest was clearly a sign that these people have come to understand the true meaning of this tournament, on what this team is actually representing, and on what difficult lives the players have gone through before becoming world-class athletes.

Our team left Paris with literally a baggage-full of “pasalubong;” gifts of appreciation to the courage shown by the team in the entire tournament and tokens for lifting up a nation whose problems of homelessness and poverty seemed to remain unresolved. But the organization is much more grateful and blessed with offers of support such as scholarship, employment, and livelihood opportunities for this year’s players.

An hour before midnight on August 30th, the team arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport with not much of a fanfare, but was welcomed by the two big rival TV networks with interviews and congratulations; the players were proudly wearing their respective medals along with a silver plate marked with “24th,” a reminder of the highest ranking our country has ever reached since joining in 2008 in Melbourne. With just a couple of hours rest, the team was featured guest the next day in a morning show. Three days after arriving in Manila, the boys showed up at the French Embassy, an obligatory visit to make sure there was not one player or delegate of the team illegally stayed in Paris after the tournament; that despite offers of a more comfortable life there, our players did not submit themselves to these pressures, which reflected the players’ high respect to the ideals of the organization.

The 2011 Paris Homeless World Cup may have already come to a close, but the memories will forever be etched in the hearts of all its participants; not only the organizers and the teams, but mostly to the Filipinos who tirelessly went out of their way, even skipping their work in Paris, stayed late checking updates in the Philippines and in other parts of the world, to show support for their countrymen.

Indeed, every Philippine game in the 2011 Paris Homeless World Cup is a celebration of the true Filipino spirit — resilient, sacrificial, generous, hopeful … united.

(team photo courtesy of Myles de Ocampo)

A woman literally came knocking on the door of the players’ dorm in Quezon City, Sunday afternoon, July 17, searching for her son who was separated from her for almost nine years. Virginia Sienes, mother of goalkeeper Bert Anthony Sienes from Manila Boys Town, reunites with her child in an emotional encounter that was witnessed by the whole team.

A relative saw Bert on TV featuring the team; in the interview, Bert wished that he could see his family before the team leaves for Paris. The relative informed Bert’s mom who then asked her best friend, Aileen Lucero, to search for “Manila Boys Town” and “Bert Sienes” on the net, and they landed on the Street Soccer Philippines website. Aileen got hold of Reah Medenilla, executive director of Urban Opportunities For Change Foundation, organizers of Team Philippines to the Homeless World Cup; and finally confirmed that it was indeed her best friend’s long-lost son they saw on TV who is now part of the national team that will play in the 2011 Paris Homeless World Cup. They then discussed over the phone how to reach Bert.

Scared for his young and frail body to suffer the same fate like his other family members from the hands of a violent father, Bert left home, he was barely 10 years old. For two months he roamed the streets of Metro Manila, begging for food, until an old lady managed to take care of him for two days and took him to Reception Action Center (RAC) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The center later transferred Bert to Manila Boys Town, which became his home for the last 8 years and where he also learned to play football.

It took awhile before he was able to register on his mind the face of a lady in front of her who fired one question after another — “Why did you leave home?” “Do you still remember me?” “Do you know me?”

Bert was visibly shocked and confused when he saw a woman claiming to be his mother. Until a question popped as if to confirm their connection, “Ikaw ba si Wenok?” (“Are you Wenok?”) Bert’s nickname when he was younger, and he answered “Opo” (“Yes”). Like a password for a magical place to be opened and on cue, they embraced each other and tears flowed like wine on their faces and all Bert could utter was “Mama,” over and over.

Bert was also reunited with his only sister Me-Ann, now 16 years old. The two were clearly delighted to finally see each other. Bert playfully and lovingly carried his sister on his back, reminiscent of their make believe horseback-riding childhood memories.

Our goalkeeper later found out that his abusive father initially searched for him too, but after he was almost hit by a car while looking for Bert and afflicted with a lung problem, the father decided to go back to his hometown in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental and demanded his wife and daughter join him, but he failed to convince them. He left the two ladies without anything.

The mother continued to search for her son but never succeeded in finding him. All these years, she kept with her an old photo of Bert, a constant reminder that she would still be able to find her boy someday. She never left their shanty in Taguig hoping for her son’s return, until they saw him on TV.

The Homeless World Cup research shows that 70% of its participants significantly changed their lives after joining in this event, for Bert, it was far better. An unexpected and heartwarming development happened a month before all the games in Paris started. Now Bert is all charged up to play harder for his family, especially for his mom who suffered a mild stroke in 2009. He said he’s never been this happy all his life.

An unknown author once said, “Never deprive someone of hope – it may be all they have.”  The Homeless World Cup never ceases to remind us of that.

——-    ——-    ——

Sweet Reunion!  Team Paris and Bert’s family at the players’ dorm in Quezon City last Sunday, July 17.

(seated: Bert with his mother Virginia, sister Me-Ann and Erwin Borja, Me-Ann’s boyfriend. Behind them are Team Paris with Coach Mark Maravilla (second from right) and Toniemark Arinal in white of the Rio Team. Photo courtesy of Ms. Aileen Lucero)

The announcement was made by Rudy del Rosario, head coach and project director of Team Philippines after the final tryouts last Saturday, April 30, held at the JCCV courts in Valley Golf, Cainta, attended by the players’ supporters, media, football enthusiasts, and former Homeless World Cup – Team Philippines players from the Milan and Rio games.

The 8 players chosen were:

• Jeffrey Guelas (22 y/o) – Leveriza, Manila
• Jeffrey de Castro (22) – Cainta, Rizal
• Bert Anthony Sienes (18) – Manila Boystown
• Janrick Soriano (21) – Talisay City, Negros Occidental
• Michael Rojo (26) – Talisay City, Negros Occidental
• Aljhonn Loui Matulac (18) – Estancia, Iloilo
• John Celiz (19) – Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo
• Ricardo Padilla (23) – Lingayen, Pangasinan

The panelists who handled the difficult task in evaluating the players’ performance include FIFA Committee member Ms. Cristy Ramos, Coach Roy Moore of Payatas-FC, Coach Mikee Carrion of KAYA-FC, Arielle Biteng Cruz of pinoyfootball.com, Vince Santos of MVP Sports Foundation, and Rene Comprendio, former football player and a staunch Homeless World Cup – Team Philippines supporter.

The new batch consists of two players who tried out for the Rio squad last year and this is also the first time that a representative from the football capital of the country, Barotac Nuevo, will be among the team.

The Philippine Team to the 2011 Paris Homeless World Cup, front row from left are: Bert Anthony Sienes of Manila Boystown, Aljhonn Loui Matulac of Estancia, Iloilo, John Celiz of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, and Jeffrey Guelas of Leveriza, Manila.  Standing from left to right are Michael Rojo of Talisay City, Negros Occidental, Jeffrey de Castro of Cainta, Rizal, Ricardo Padilla of Lingayen, Pangasinan, and Janrick Soriano also of Talisay City, Negros Occidental. (Photo courtesy of Asha Cajayon)

The “Shelter for Change Street Soccer Program” started this March in ten marginalized communities in Quezon City with the help and support of Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, who officially included this program in her sports enrichment initiative in the city, “Champs for Joy.”

Mark Rosales, part of the team who went to Milan in 2009 has been teaching the love and discipline of soccer to the troubled youth of Boys Town Center. It is also true with the Pasion twins Abdula and Hammid of the 2010 squad who went to Brazil; the dynamic duo have been teaching soccer to their fellow underprivileged boys in their hometown in Pagsanjan, Laguna. All of the 2010 players went to a community in Smokey Mountain to teach soccer to the kids being helped by Gawad Kalinga.

This activity promises to be fruitful as they will be in one “home field,” one united team, wherein both the players and the trainers can easily relate to each other as they came from the same background. They will get the chance to learn and enjoy the sport, in a country where it is usually played by the upper class of the society.

The good thing about street soccer is that it can be played anywhere with just a ball. Any basketball court or open spaces in each of these communities will turn into a “shelter for change” where these youth will be taught to learn and love the beautiful game. In the process, they will also learn discipline, value education, and love for the environment. Workshops and seminars for players, the kids, and community organizers will also be conducted.

This program is also a way to discover athletes in an early age in the depressed areas, as we believe that sport can turn them away from bad habits and can open doors of opportunity to them as well.

The players of Team Philippines to the Homeless World Cup have proven themselves that they not only have the skills to play, compete, and excel; they also have a testimony to share. The way their lives were changed because of a once in a lifetime opportunity given them also triggered their passion to help change the lives of others, especially among the youth.

Regular friendly tournaments are scheduled to give the trainees events to look forward to; the culminating event is slated on May 21st.

The “Shelter for Change Street Soccer Program” is organized by Urban Opportunities for Change Foundation through the partnership of Starbucks. To volunteer or donate, please email Reah Medenilla at ramedenilla@yahoo.com.

The Homeless World Cup is an international soccer tournament, where a homeless person gets a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country and change their life forever. This year, the tournament will be held in Paris, France from August 21-28.

We have completed three successful years. The Philippines has been represented in Melbourne and Milan. Last year, at the Rio games in Brazil, we brought home the Host Cup trophy, one of the 6 prestigious trophies given each year in the tournament.

Urban Opportunities for Change Foundation, Inc. began the selection process late last year in different provinces including Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and Quezon; to find players who will speak for their country, regarding the international issue of homelessness, using football as a tool.

The search for this year’s team is still ongoing. In line with this, we will be having the Manila leg try-out this Saturday, February 26, 1PM, at the Manila Boystown in Parang, Marikina. This event will be covered by Mr. Chino Trinidad of GMA 7′s 24-Oras.

Eight players will be chosen to represent the Philippines based on the following criteria:

1. Potential players must be 18 years of age, and with an NSO – authenticated birth certificate.

2. Potential players must be according to Homeless World Cup Rules on one of the following:

Homeless/Vulnerably Housed or
Orphan in an institution or
Street Dweller orInternally Displaced Refugee or
Currently in a drug rehab program and have been homeless in the past two years or
Indigenous Person who is not living in their tribal lands for reasons beyond their control, or is vulnerably living on their tribal lands or
Vendor of the Jeepney Magazine, the first “street paper” in the country and developing Asia.

3.  The potential player will be evaluated on their athletic ability and football skills.
4.  The potential player will be evaluated based on their current and/or past life story.
5. The potential player will be evaluated on what this opportunity can do for them and their community.6.  The potential player will be evaluated on their ability to communicate and speak for marginalized people.
7.  The potential player will be evaluated on his commitment and availability to the program.

This year, in the City of Light, we also want to see our three stars and our sun radiate proudly again among 64 national homeless teams. But most important of all, we want to see more lives change and shine among the brightest!

For additional information about the games, the selection committee, or other inquiries, please email our Project Director and head coach Rudy del Rosario at aburudz11@yahoo.com or contact him at 0920-2300486.

You can also partner with us and become part of a compelling and compassionate catalysts for change – inspiring Filipinos worldwide, while simultaneously moving the world to a greater awaremess and responsiveness to the issues of homelessness.

Help send our team to Paris, contact our Executive Director Reah Medenilla at ramedenilla@yahoo.com or at 0919-6761388.

Merci beaucoup!

“This is a childhood dream that I thought would never happen, and I thank Kaya Football Club for fulfilling a part of that dream,” said a teary-eyed Abdula Pasion who became one of the newest players of division one team Kaya FC.

Kaya FC, a semi-professional football team based in the Philippines, recently opened its doors to former squad members of Team Philippines to the Homeless World Cup (HWC).  The club competes in various men’s and women’s tournaments of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), including the prestigious United Football League (UFL).

Kaya FC held a series of rigorous try-outs at the Urdaneta Village Park in Makati last December 2010. More than 70 hopefuls showed up, among them, players from Africa, Iran, France, Spain, Brazil, and a couple of foreigners of Filipino descent.

Abdula and his twin brother, Hammid, and Lexter Maravilla officially signed their contract to play for Kaya FC for the UFL last week.

“I’m very happy and nervous at the same time with this new challenge in my life. I think the break for playing for Kaya FC came too fast but I’m up for the challenge,” said Hammid Pasion.

Fellow newcomer Lexter Maravilla also expressed his happiness in being chosen to play for Kaya FC, most especially since they would be receiving training allowance.

Kaya FC shareholders also promised to help the “homeless” players find full-time jobs that could help improve the lives of their family.

In a clear showcase of skills and talent, the diverse group of footballers competed to win slots and have the opportunity to play for Kaya FC. From those numbers, 18 were chosen to be regulars, and seven were made reserves. Revect Lagarto and Leopoldo Aragon of the 2010 Rio team, and Mark Rosales of the 2009 Milan squad are also included in Kaya’s training pool.

Aside from the coaching staff and trainers, the managers and shareholders of Kaya FC were present during the try-outs and gave all the players the much-needed push and encouragement.

The club also prides itself in having members from the Azkals, the Philippines’ national football team. Also present during the tryouts were RP team captain Ally Borromeo and fellow squad member Anton del Rosario who have had successful stints in the Suzuki Cup in Vietnam.

Mikee Carrion, Kaya FC assistant coach since 2008, said that recruiting poor and homeless but talented football players is the team’s way of giving back.  “It’s our version of ‘corporate social responsibility.’ I saw a lot of commitment, hard work, and heart from the HWC players who wanted to be part of the Kaya team.  I’m sure their drive and passion comes from the hard times that they have gone through in life,” said Carrion.

Coach Mikee advised the team to just follow their dreams and to dream big. He also wishes that his new wards would soon be the next ones to represent the country for the Philippine Azkals main team. He watched the game between the Azkals and Indonesia in the recent Suzuki Cup with them in an after-training get-together and he saw how happy the boys were watching the game. The coach said he could not imagine how they would even feel if they were the ones playing.

Kaya FC has a reputation as a formidable team in the local football community, with players as tough as nails. The team’s gesture, however, has shown their ‘soft spot’ for the less privileged but skillful players.

That night after the contract-signing and training, Leopoldo, a self-confessed fan of the Azkals, approached Anton and asked his permission to have a photo opportunity with him.

Anton gladly obliged and asked Leopoldo’s other HWC teammates to join them and followed with a warm and welcoming moral booster; “Come on guys, we’re teammates now!”

L-R: Homeless World Cup – Team Philippines coaching staff Sel Pimentel, Leopoldo Aragon, Anton del Rosario of the Azkals, with Lexter Maravilla, Abdula and Hammid Pasion of the 2010 Rio team.

***

In the second half it was our little Leopoldo, who settled the team and controlled the outcome. Norway scored on a penalty, but Toniemark sealed the win with a brilliant move and strike in the left corner of the net.

Team Philippines finishes the 2010 Homeless World Cup with seven consecutive wins. A 25th place finish, winner of the Host Cup and an 8-3 record. Two of their three losses came in the opening day against Brazil and Chile, the two premier teams of the tournament who battled it out for the Homeless World Cup trophy.  In the end, it was host country Brazil who emerged victorious.

There are many real champions of these games. Including the people in the home countries who are giving to marginalized people, making a difference in homeless peoples lives. As Mel Young says, “This game is a celebration of a year long effort by organizations around the world.”

It is a celebration. I celebrate this team with all my heart. They are a gift to the Philippine Nation and to all of us who have worked with them. But now, the finals played, the trophies won, it is time to let the game begin in earnest. Everyone needs a home!

The lyrics of the song talk of the change within the group and the courage and pride the team will take to the Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup, taking place at Capacabana Beach from the 19^th-26^th September 2010.

The track was produced by WM Communications, and the video, was filmed and produced as a donation by Manie Magbanua Jr. of Filipino Pictures Inc.

Team Philippines is very grateful to all the hero volunteers who have shared their time and talent for this MTV:

-From Filipino Pictures Inc., thank you to Bernice Ilagan, Bombi Plata, Mela Almonte, Misha Balangue, Harold Frejas, Jippy Pascua, Adonis dela Cruz, and Nestor Fuentes.

-Special thanks as well to Ivo Matthew Cruz, Jovesh Mendoza, Lawrence Zamora, and Paeng Gordovez of Kaya Green Band.

-We were also supported by Unitiima World Beat led by Ryan Barros, Jay Ambanta, and Christian Galang.

-Additional voices and instruments were provided by Govinda Marquesto, Tapati Tarongoy, Kevin Becira, Tristam Miravalles, Martin Miravalles, Ryan Guarina, Anabelle Ofalsa, and Reah Medenilla.

-Rap lyrics were in collaboration with Tristam Miravalles, Cecill Artates, and Ernie Cifra.

Team Philippines has been surprised at the generosity of the Bacolod community. Urban Board member Leo Arnaiz would say. “Welcome to Ilonggo hospitality.” But Sunday lunch was the most sacrificial and significant.

Team member’s Tonie Mark Arinal and Michael Quinlat’s families killed the “fatted calf ‘ for us. In a dwelling too small to fit us, and with resources too little to share, they provided us with more than we could hold. It did not seem like the feast would end. We started with rambutan and then rice, shrimp, crab, milkfish, clams, chicken, pork, roast duck, and finally Coach Onie’s favorite, brazo de mercedes!

This was the first time in the three years of organizing the Homeless World Cup Team that a team member’s family has invited us to their dwelling, served us, and fed us. It provides us organizers with a sense of gratitude and achievement. It also puts into perspective the art of sharing. An art perfected by the needy, and occasionally copied, poorly I may add, by the rest of us. They didn’t even ask for a receipt!

We will leave Bacolod with new family. What could be better than a relationship made lifelong, by roast duck. The bones sucked dry as we squat on our haunches in a hollow block dwelling, eating rice with our fingers and laughing with new Ilonggo friends.

On their arrival from Manila, a motorcade led them from the airport to a press conference hosted by Congressman Anthony Golez.

After Coach Rudy del Rosario and Urban Board member Leo Arnaiz spoke, the journalists asked to hear from a player. They got more than they expected. Abdula Pasion, communicated eloquently the change in his life because of a game, and dream he has yet to realize. He ended by saying, “We will our try our best to raise our country’s flag in Rio. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” The people present, led by the media, erupted in applause after he spoke.

The team visited Rafael B. Lacson Memorial High School in Talisay City, the school of Tonie Mark Arinal and Michael Quinlat. The players were mobbed in the assembly and the teachers struggled to get the students to return to their classes. Both Tonie Mark and Michael left their alma-mater with a troubled history. This return was an emotional redemption and a reinforcement of the change in their lives.

The need of people whose poverty has been generational is more than a job, a home or an event. It begins with a belief in their own value and significance. That belief has to be nurtured and fed and encouraged. In addition, people need to have trust in the society and people around them. The Homeless World Cup has provided for Filipinos an impetus for that to happen.

In 2009, the Scottish Homeless World Cup team picked the Philippines to give to, as the Scots had a goal to help someone less fortunate than themselves. This year we expect the Philippines to give to some other country. It may not be out of their physical excesses, but out of overflowing hearts.

This tour has not been without football challenges. West Negros University and Bacolod United generously played our team, to help prepare them for Rio. In rousing matches Team Philippines picked up two wins 6-5 and 7-6. It was a fitting climax for Michael Quinlat on Day One of the Bacolod tour. He scored the winning goal in both games.

On Day 4 Team Philippines played three back-to-back games. Talisay City, with Mayor Eric Saratan present, fielded three select teams, one of the players currently on the national side, helped his squad overcame a halftime deficit to hand Team Philippines their first loss 7-5. For Team Pilipinas, local heroes Tonie Mark Arinal and Leopoldo Aragon powered the team to a 2-1 record.

This event was made possible in part by the contribution of Cebu Pacific, who provided plane tickets for our team’s travel to Bacolod. To support Team Pilipinas, visit www.streetsoccerphilippines.com or call Rudy Del Rosario at 0920-230-0486.