By TJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN News
MANILA, Philippines -- For the first time since their successful win against Mongolia in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup qualifying match in Bacolod, the Philippine Azkals made a public appearance to meet their Metro Manila based fans.
Hosted by a Bacolod Inasal restaurant in SM Sta. Mesa, the Manila-based Azkals were in full force on Thursday to meet their fans, some of whom even skipped class and work to see their new sports idols in the flesh.
Minus Filipino-foreigners like Neil Etheridge, Jason de Jong, Rob Gier, Ray Johnson, among others, the Azkals still drew their loyal fans.
Although Phil and James Younghusband arrived late coming from a previous commitment, the crowd patiently waited and screamed in delight when they saw the Fil-Brits come down the escalators.
Young and old, the Azkals fans lined up to get their autographs and pictures with their idols. A group of students were even shy to show their face on camera because they cut class to be there, and a grand mother even said she can die now that she had seen Phil.
The Azkals also spoke to the press about their plans to prepare for the second leg against Mongolia and how they feel their popularity is now competing with basketball.
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14 hours ago
fans? most aren't real football fans. particularly the women, they're just their because they've got a crush on one of the players.
ReplyDeleteyeah, i saw all that when the YBros came down from 4th flr. Most fans who went there still don't know the local players' names. Even Aly just laughed when he heard everyone screamed for Phil and James.
ReplyDelete^ shut up anonymous!
ReplyDeletethat's the sad truth ..
ReplyDeleteso what dahil d ka gwapo, for me k lang gwapo ako eh.
ReplyDeleteIndonesia nga gusto sila kunin to attract fans from female, d lang naman football skills its a package type of player.We are very lucky to have them even lack of financial support from government, cguro ito na pagkakataun to ride on to their popularity, para mapansin naman ng mga walang alam sa fulbol.
WAG KAYONG GANYAN! I WAS THERE TOO! STOP BEING MEAN ''METRO MANILA PEOPLE''. MAS MALALA PA NGA ANG NANGYARI SA BACOLOD KESA DITO.
ReplyDeletethis is a good thing, if this popularity continues there will be more sponsors coming in for football. and the beautiful game will become more widespread across the country, providing more talent for the game. this is a good thing.
ReplyDelete