Negros Unites Behind Team Philippines

From the Mayors to the Congressman, to the teachers, to the students, to the footballers, to the people, Negros Province has reached out to the 2010 Team Philippines. With three of their community members on the squad, Tonie Mark Arinal, Leopoldo Aragon and Michael Quinlat, the team was embraced, encouraged and overwhelmed.

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.