Panaad gets facelift ahead of AFC Cup

By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Following the successful staging of the inaugural Negros Island Region Athletic Association Meet last week, the Panaad Park and Stadium is set to make another history as it plays host to the 2016 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup Group Stage (Group E) on February 23 and May 10.
Panaad Stadium will host the matches of Negros Occidental pride and Bacolod City-based Ceres-La Salle FC, which will take visiting Selangor FA of Malaysia on February 23 and Bangladesh’s Lt. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Ltd. on May 10.
To meet the requirements set by the AFC, Panaad makes some improvements in its facility.
Among the visible enhancements at the stadium is the installation of fiber glass seats on the main grandstand for VIPs and the media tribune, as well as refurbishment of press box and VIP rooms wherein a VIP lounge and new air-conditioning units were installed.
The press conference room and the media working room also got some facelift. Free internet connections will also be installed.
Host-Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA) is also working on the improvement of the stadium’s floodlights illuminations. And as the event comes closer, more structures will be put in place to ensure safety of players, officials, and spectators.
NOFA President Ricky Yanson, Jr., who also heads the Philippine Football Federation’s Grassroots Committee, reiterated that the staging of this tournament will give opportunity for local football enthusiasts to witness high quality games at home and help boost the game among the grassroots./WDJ

http://www.watchmendaily.com/sports/panaad-gets-facelift-ahead-of-afc-cup/

Panaad Stadium gets facelift for AFC event

THREE weeks before the AFC President’s Cup officially kicks off in Bacolod City, the Negros Occidental-owned Panaad Park and Stadium is undergoing renovation and facelift to meet the requirements set by the Asean Football Confederation (AFC).

Nicolas Golez, chairman of Local Organizing Committee (LOC), said he has given the contractor 10 to 15 days to finish the needed repairs, rehabilitation and construction of required facilities under the AFC guidelines before the May 6 to 10 event.

“We have to work on the construction of two more dressing rooms with showers at the Panaad Stadium because we only have two. AFC requires at least four,” Golez said.

“We are also watering our pitch for the grass to grow and make it green in time for the President’s Cup. We are also maintaining our practice venues at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos and the Ceres-La Salle FC Mandalagan field,” he added.

As to the billeting of AFC officials and teams, Golez said everything is doing well. “We have five hotels primarily assigned for this event, namely: L’ Fisher Hotel Bacolod, Planta Centro Bacolod Hotel & Residences, Luxur Place, Sugarland Hotel, and O Hotel.

Ceres – La Salle FC, which will represent the country, is in Group B along with some of the strongest teams in the tournament namely: FC HTTU of Turkmenistan, Tatung Company of Chinese Taipei and Rimyongsu Club of the People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea). (HGD)

Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on April 15, 2014.

Panaad to host Long Teng Cup in October

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has tapped Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City as site for its planned hosting of the four-nation Long Teng Cu bootfest featuring Phl, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei and Macau.

PFF president Nonong Araneta said instead of holding it Manila, they have decided to bring the Long Teng to Bacolod as the City of Smiles is more feasible in terms of financial requirements.

Additionally, he said the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium's scheduled conversion into an artificial turf beginning next month may not be finished in time for the tourney, which the PFF targets to stage from Oct. 3-7.

"We are already communicating with Chinese Taipei, Macau and Hong Kong that if we'll host the Long Teng Cup, we'll hold it in Bacolod. If they're okay with it, then we'll go ahead (with the Cup) in Bacolod," said Araneta.

He said the hosting in Panaad, largely considered the birthplace of the Azkals, is estimated to cost P5-6 million, inclusive of food and accommodation of the delegates plus match officials, and logistical requirements such as security.

This amount, he explained, is substantially lower than the estimate if the tourney were to be staged in Manila.

"If we hold it in Manila, we'll reach P9 million, which includes P2-million plus on security alone. People in Bacolod said they can do the security at about P300,000 to P400,000 so we'll have substantial savings already on that item," said Araneta, who's confident to get sponsors for the event.

Another factor that swayed it to the side of Panaad is the availability of Rizal Memorial.

"We're not sure if constructions in Rizal will be finished by that time so I told the three (nations) that we'll do it in Bacolod. We're waiting for their approval because when they initially asked us to host, they mentioned Manila. But if they're willing to go to Bacolod, then it's a go," said Araneta.
The Long Teng Cup, or whatever the name the PFF will eventually use for the meet, should serve as one of the final build-up for the Azkals before they do battle in the AFF Suzuki Cup in late November.
"Hopefully, the Long Teng Cup this will be a good preparation for our actual team that will play in the Suzuki Cup," said Araneta.
The Azkals placed second to Hong Kong last year in the single-round-robin format Long Teng Cup in Kaoshiung, a one-spot improvement from their third place finish in the inaugural edition in 2010, also in Kaoshiung.

Philstar

Azkals battle Guam in Panaad tomorrow

By Butch Bacaoco

Monday, June 11, 2012

THE Philippine national men’s football team Azkals will rely on its much vaunted offense in their game against the national team of Guam at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Panaad Park and Stadium, Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

“We will attack early and put pressure on our opponents,” disclosed Azkals coach Michael Weiss during the press conference Sunday at Luxor Place, Bacolod City where the team is billeted.

With Weiss during the presscon were Azkals poster boys James and Phil Younghusband and Junie Lizares, president of the Visayas Football League which sponsors the event.

Lizares thanked Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo G. Marañon for his overwhelming support for football.

“Gov. Marañon has been very supportive of football and its development in Negros. Within his support, it is impossible for us to host such an event here in the province,” said Lizares.

The Younghusband brothers are very excited to play again in Panaad.

“The support, warmth and love of the fans here before, during and after the game give us greater stamina and strength,” the Younghusbands chorused when they were asked what their ‘homecoming’ in Bacolod means to them.

Tuesday’s game against Guam caps the Azkals’ three-nation friendly games.

Last June 1, the team held Southeast Asian Games and AFF Suzuki Cup champion Malaysian Tigers to a scoreless draw at the Shah Alam Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Azkals also settled for a 2-2 draw against the visiting Indonesians at the Rizal Memorial Stadium last June 5.

Guam is ranked number 194 by FIFA (International Federation of Football Association) while the Philippines is ranked number 149.

“We always respect our opponents. No match is won with words. The truth comes out in the football pitch,” said Weiss.

“We will take advantage of our strong offense but we will also focus on our defense,” citing the lapse which allowed Indonesia to score its second goal during their June 5 match. Weiss readily credited the Indons’ brilliant counterattack for their first goal.

The German coach said that the team has grown tremendously since he first handled the Azkals during the 2005 SEA Games here in Panaad but he concedes that there are still many areas to improve in the team’s game in preparation for the Suzuki Cup in November.

Among other event sponsors are ABS-CBN, Smart Communications, Pepsi Cola, Gatorade, Nature's Spring, Kia, SVG Fertiplus, Havainnas and Libresse.

Tickets for the game start at P200, P400, P600 and P1,000. Fans who opt for the P1,000 and P600 tickets are guaranteed with reserved seats at the grandstand.

“The tickets are just enough for the seating capacity of the stadium. We urge Negrense football fans to get your tickets early to ensure you have an available seat and that you don’t run out of tickets during the game itself,” said Lizares.

Tickets are available at Luxur Place, Mushu, Robinsons Place, Sky Cable, Seeds Outlets, Scrubbles at 888 China Town Square, Shakey's Lacson, Café Bobs, ABS CBN and the Provincial Tourism Office.

On game day, June 12, tickets will also be available for sale at Panaad starting 9 a.m.

Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on June 11, 2012.

Azkals battle Guam in Panaad on June 12

By Butch Bacaoco

Thursday, June 7, 2012

TO CAP its three-nation friendly games, the Philippine national football team Azkals will battle Guam's national team at the Panaad Park and Stadium, Mansilingan, Bacolod City, 7 p.m. of June 12.

This Independence Day football extravaganza is brought to football-crazy Negrense fans by the Visayas Football League headed by Junie Lizares, disclosed event organizer Pinky Abaño of Pink Idea Production.

Among other sponsors are ABS-CBN, Smart Communications, Pepsi Cola, Gatorade, Nature's Spring, Kia, SVG Fertiplus, Havainnas and Libresse.

Abano said the Azkals are expected to arrive on June 9, while the Guam shinbusters will plane in on the following day.

Tickets for the game start at P200, P400, P600 and P1,000. Fans who opt for the P1,000 and P600 tickets are guaranteed with reserved seats at the grandstand where they can have an unimpeded view of the Azkals vs Guam tussle.

Tickets are available at Luxur Place, Mushu, Robinsons Place, Sky Cable, Seeds Outlets, Scrubbles at 888 China Town Square, Shakey's Lacson, Café Bobs, ABS CBN and the Provincial Tourism Office.

On June 12, tickets will also be available for sale at Panaad starting 9 a.m.

In an earlier separate interview, Philippine Olympic Committee chairman Monico Puentevella opined that Negrense football fans will surely get a treat of the Azkals' scoring prowess, considering that Guam is not a very highly regarded team.

As of FIFA's June 2012 ranking, Guam's men's football team is listed at 194. The Azkals is at 149.

Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on June 07, 2012.

Azkals-Guam Tickets Now Available!

Submitted by James Toga 

Azkals’ team coordinator Patrick Ace Bright said that tickets for the Azkals-Guam friendly match on June 12, 2012 at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan will be available this week.
It will be sold by the Ticket World while the prices will be known as the tickets are already out, Bright added.
The Azkals-Guam match is another football offer from the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) to the Negrenses following the overwhelming support shown by the local fans to the national team.
This is the second time that the national squad will be facing a foreign squad in this stadium after the February 9, 2011 victory over Mongolia in their AFC Challenge Cup Pre-qualifying match. The nationals won 2-nil before the roaring 25,000 spectators watching in Panaad.
Meanwhile, in preparation for these friendly matches, the national team will be in San Carlos City to undergo a week-long training camp starting May 21.
It was also reported that not all Azkals standouts will be playing in this match due to their prior commitments. However, national team head coach Michael Wiess assured that he will still be fielding a strong team for this friendly match. He has tapped several top football players from the United Football League to boast the team.
Meanwhile, the Azkals are also scheduled to face Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur on June 1 and battles against Indonesia on June 5 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
In their match against Malaysia, ABS-CBN reported that the national team will be playing without striker Phil Younghusband, midfielder James Younghusband and first-choice goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.
This after the Younghusband siblings had prior commitments while Etheridge is serving a one-match suspension meted out by the Asian Football Confederation due to "unsportsmanlike conduct" during the AFC Challenge Cup last month.
Instead, Etheridge will be working as a guest analyst during the match coverage for ABS-CBN Sports.*
　
Negros Daily Bulletin

Panaad to host friendlies against Vietnam and Hong Kong

Philippine News Agency

ILOILO CITY – The Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City will host two friendly games featuring the Philippine national men’s football team this year.

Nonong Verdeflor, executive assistant for sports in Negros Occidental, said Panaad Stadium will be the venue for games slated June 5 to 8.

Football aficionados and Negrense fans will have the opportunity to personally witness their favorite Azkal players in Bacolod City.

Verdeflor said the Azkals will be pitted against Hong Kong and Vietnam in the friendly matches.


PIA News/Interaksyon

Azkals to hold camp in Bacolod, match at the Panaad not for free

Negrenses will once again have the chance to see the Philippine National Men’s Football Team Azkals play at the Panaad Stadium on September 13, but the Philippine Football Federation announced that the game will not be for free.

To support its various thrusts in strengthening football development in the country, the PFF will sell tickets to the Azkals versus Suzuki Cup Under 23 champion Ceres Negros Team, priced at P200, P100, and P50, the Provincial Sports Office said.

The Azkals are scheduled to arrive in Bacolod on September 8 and will hold camp until September 15 to scout for new breed of players who will be included in the team.

Under the supervision of coach Hans Michael Weiss, the Azkals camp in Bacolod City is intended to boost the national team’s chances in international competitions, especially in the South East Asian Games in Indonesia this November.

Confirming the arrival of the Azkals this week, Angel “Nonong” Verdeflor, Executive Assistant for Sports, said the team will is scheduled to hold tune-up games against the Korean-reinforced Central Philippine University squad from Iloilo on September 9, and against Global Manila on September 11. The tune-up games will be open to the public for free.

Verdeflor said that before the Azkals vs. Ceres – Negros U23 match on September 13, Real Negrense Football Club and Bacolod United will clash in the preliminaries.

Meanwhile, Azkals co-captain Emilio “Chieffy” Caligdong, expressed his appreciation to the city government of Talisay for inviting him to the opening of its Football Festival, Saturday.

In his message during the opening of the 7-a-side bootfest, Caligdong encouraged the players to remain dedicated in pursuing excellence in football.

He also thanked the Negrenses for their overwhelming support for the Azkals, stressing that they will continue to do their best to make the country proud of the national team.*NAB

Visayan Daily Star

Refund for unused Azkals tickets

SPORTING CHANCE By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star)

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano Araneta Jr. couldn’t estimate how many fans with paid tickets were turned away by police when the Panaad Stadium was filled to more than capacity for the national football team’s 2-0 win over Mongolia here Wednesday night.

But one thing is sure, there were irate fans who couldn’t get in despite paying P300 for their tickets. And Araneta promised to refund those who can show paid tickets with undetached stubs.

Araneta described the Azkals’ performance as “a spectacle” and said a lot of lessons were learned from managing the affair, particularly in relation to crowd control. “To many of us or maybe, all of us, this was our first experience of handling an event of this magnitude,” said Araneta. “We’ll learn a lot from this.”

There were 18,000 tickets distributed for the match but only 4,000 were for sale. The others were given away free of charge, including 2,200 for VIPs. When the game got going at 7 p.m., PFF officials said at least 20,000 fans surrounded the pitch in the roofed and open stands. It was free sitting all around – first come, first served – with no numbered seats. The roofed section overflowed with fans that some stationed themselves in front of the railings, obstructing the view of those sitting in the first few rows.

A huge screen was mounted outside Panaad to show the action live for fans unable to make their way into the stadium. The ABS-CBN telecast, complete with replays, was shown on the screen. No big screen was installed inside the venue. Under Asian Football Confederation (AFC) rules, a video screen may be mounted inside the stadium but it can only show live coverage – without replays. If a replay is shown and a mistake by any of the referees is projected on a big screen inside the stadium, all hell could break loose – a situation the AFC will want to avoid since a referee’s call is not reversible.

-------------------------------------


The absence of a digital scoreboard and a clock or any kind of timing device was conspicuous during the match. An antiquated scoreboard was used with a person manually displaying large numbered placards to show each team’s score. Without a clock, fans were kept guessing as to how much time was left in the match. Even when injury time kicked in, fans were not informed.

Aisles were clogged by fans all over the stadium as there were no ushers to clear space for any eventuality or emergency. Despite the bedlam, everyone had fun at Panaad. The atmosphere was both electric and festive. The match was dramatic with both the Azkals’ goals coming in the closing minutes of the first and second halves.

Smart Sports director Patrick Gregorio, who is set to be appointed senior vice president for business development at Maynilad and executive vice president of the MVP Sports Foundation, cited three compelling reasons why football is such a thriller to watch in the stands. First, the physical nature of the game is more evident when the action unfolds before your eyes, in particular the banging of bodies. Second, the ambiance is electrifying – you won’t experience it unless you’re in the stadium. And third, every attempt to score is as exciting as scoring a goal, meaning it’s a thrill a minute.



philstar

Scalpers make a killing from Azkals-Mongolia tickets

MANILA, Philippines – Thousands of Filipino fans lined up at the entrance of the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City early Wednesday morning to secure tickets for the football match between the Philippine Azkals and the Mongolian Blue Wolves in the evening.

However, many of them went home empty handed as there were no longer any “free tickets” for the Asian Football Federation (AFC) Challenge Cup qualifier.

‘”Everybody is still trying to find tickets to be able to come over here at the Panaad Stadium,” reported ABS-CBN sports anchor Boyet Sison on the ABS-CBN News Channel's (ANC) Dateline Philippines.

Some of the football fans came from as far as Cebu and Iloilo with hopes of seeing their idols play, in what many say is the country’s biggest football event in years.

“A lot of people came over here to the Panaad stadium hoping to get their hands on tickets for today’s game. The lines were long this morning, but unfortunately, there were no more tickets available,” said Sison.

The event’s organizers had said the free tickets would be handed out on Wednesday on a first-come, first-served basis.

Scalpers

Scalpers have reportedly been selling some of the tickets, which were supposed to be free.

“We heard that there are scalpers… some are selling the tickets for P1,000, P1,500 [each]. We're talking about the tickets that are supposed to be given for free,” said Sison.

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) earlier said they printed 18,200 tickets for the game.

At total of 10,000 are free tickets for general admission; 2,000 free tickets for the grandstand section; 2,200 reserved seats for VIPs; and, 4,000 tickets for sale at P300 each.

PFF president Mariano Araneta said the tickets were “allocated properly.”

The free tickets were reportedly handed over to the local government unit, which was tasked to distribute the tickets on Wednesday.

Local organizers plan to remove the people crowding out the stadium.

More than 1,000 police officers and soldiers have been deployed inside and around the Panaad Stadium.

Bacolod City officials also redirected vehicular traffic on roads leading to the stadium. -- With reports from Ragie Arellano and Yasmin Dormido, ABS-CBN News Negros, and The Philippine Star

Panaad capacity to double

By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star) MANILA, Philippines - A P200 million budget is being proposed to double the viewing capacity of the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman Monico Puentevella said yesterday a big source of funds will be assured if only PAGCOR remits five percent of its gross income to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) as mandated by R. A. 6847.

Panaad is the venue for the national football team’s match against Mongolia in the opener of their Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup qualifying home-and-away series tonight.

Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano Araneta Jr., who arrived in Bacolod City from Manila the other night, said 18,200 tickets were printed for the match with this distribution – 10,000 general admission free to the public, 2,000 grandstand section free to the public, 2,200 reserved seats for VIPs and 4,000 for sale at P300 each. Araneta said the tickets were “allocated properly.”

To meet the AFC’s lighting requirements, an additional 300 lux was installed at Panaad last Thursday. The fixtures came from the Paglaum Stadium nearby and brought Panaad’s lighting capacity to 800 lux which was the level for the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup matches in Vietnam last year. PSC chairman Richie Garcia arranged the transfer of the lights to Panaad after receiving the go-signal from Department of Education secretary Br. Armin Luistro. The PSC purchased the lights for Paglaum which is owned by the Department of Education. Panaad is owned by the Negros Occidental provincial government.

Panaad was built in 1998 during the term of Gov. Lito Coscolluela to host the Centennial Palaro. Puentevella was then a PSC commissioner. Now, it’s ready for a refurbishing.

Puentevella said the budget to boost Panaad’s capacity could be easily raised if FIFA, generous Middle East countries, the national government and a corporate sponsor like PLDT contribute to the fund.

PLDT chairman Manny V. Pangilinan went to Panaad two weeks ago on Puentevella’s invitation. Pangilinan was in Bacolod to witness Game 1 of the recent PBA Philippine Cup finals between Talk ‘N’ Text and San Miguel Beer.

“It’s a national effort,” said Puentevella. “PLDT will sit down with Gov. (Alfredo) Maranon’s staff to discuss coordination points. If only PAGCOR remits what it is supposed to by law to the PSC, there shouldn’t be a problem raising the funds.”

Puentevella said the PSC Act of 1990 mandates PAGCOR to remit five percent of its gross income to the PSC but during President Ramos’ administration, the contribution was slashed in half. The remittance never went back to the original five percent during the terms of Presidents Estrada and Arroyo.

“In fairness, President Ramos made up for the cut-back by providing funds over and above the five percent when the national government was asked to support our international competitions,” said Puentevella. “If PAGCOR follows the law, the PSC should be getting about P1.2 billion a year instead of only P600 million. With what it’s supposed to get, the PSC could easily allocate about P100 million to refurbish Panaad. If countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar can build national football stadiums up to AFC standards, why can’t we?”

Puentevella said Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri is batting for Panaad’s upgrade.

“The idea is not to build from scratch,” said Puentevella. “Let’s look at the available stadiums. We’ve checked out the Rizal Memorial, University of Makati, PhilSports, Iloilo and Cebu and none can compare with Panaad which has the potential to increase viewing capacity to 32,000. Panaad also has adequate lighting and parking space.”

Puentevella said Panaad now has a seating capacity of close to 16,000. A P200 million budget could build another roofed grandstand on the opposite side of the field and seats behind the two goals to increase the capacity to 32,000.

According to Zubiri, FIFA has 10 prerequisites for a stadium to be considered for international matches – pre-construction decisions such as location, field orientation and multi-purpose facilities, safety, parking, playing area, players and match officials – dressing rooms, media rooms, showers, spectators, hospitality, media, lighting and power supply and communication and additional areas.

The Philippines failed to get a go-signal from the AFF to host a Suzuki Cup semifinal game last year because no venue could meet international standards.

“Let’s hope we never get embarrassed again,” said Puentevella. “The Negros Occidental chapter of the United Architects Association of the Philippines has made an initial survey and came up with a P200 million budget to refurbish Panaad.”

Zubiri is expected to attend the Azkals’ game tonight.

“I just could not believe that a country like ours has no accredited facility to host an international football game,” said Zubiri in a recent privilege speech at the Senate. “It seems that we are so predisposed to the fact that our football teams cannot win and therefore, we need not prepare our stadiums for championships. That’s a shame as our smaller neighbors like Cambodia and Laos have accredited facilities and we do not have any.”

PSC: Panaad ready for football

BY CARLA GOMEZ

The Panaad Park and Sports Stadium in Bacolod City is all set for Wednesday’s football match between the Philippine and Mongolian teams, but the two floodlight panels needed for the night encounter will be held up by cranes since there is not enough time to mount them on permanent structures, Philippine Sport Commission chairman Ricardo “Richie” Garcia said yesterday.

Garcia said the transfer of two sets of floodlight panels from the Paglaum Sports Complex in Bacolod City to the provincial government owned-Panaad Sports Stadium for Wednesday’s game will cost P2 million. Each panel has 22 floodlights.

The P2 million, however, does not cover the permanent structures needed to mount the lights when the game is over, that will be up to the Negros Occidental provincial government to do that, Garcia said.

They are hoping the contractor tasked with transferring the floodlight will lower the P2 million it is charging, Garcia said.

He said Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. plans to also transfer the two other floodlight panels still at the Paglaum to the Panaad later.

The Panaad shower rooms were also upgraded to both shower rooms and dressing rooms with airconditioners, carabao grass and two lawnmowers have been purchased to improve the grounds at the stadium, and the VIP lounge has been renovated and painted, as well as the comfort rooms, Ian de Ramos, Panaad park administrator, said.

He said P290,000 was allocated by the Philippine Football Federation for all these renovations and the amount has not totally been used up.

Garcia said the funds for the preparations at the Stadium have been advanced by the Philippine Sports Commission that has asked for a P6 million allocation from the Office of the President for Wednesday’s match.

Her said the request for the P 6 million has not been approved yet and he does not know if it will come from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp or the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.*CPG

Visayan Daily Star

Panaad floodlights ready by Feb. 9

By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.

PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee chairman Monico Puentevella on Monday assured Negrenses that the floodlights from Paglaum Sports Complex will be installed at Panaad Stadium within five days and will be ready for the 2011 AFC-Challenge Cup qualifying next week, February 9.


Puentevella said that as soon as these floodlights are in place, the required 800 lux lighting system capacity needed for the live broadcast of the game from Bacolod for airing all over Asia will definitely be met.

Currently, Panaad has just 500 luminous lights.

Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Football Association (Nofa) coordinator Pauline Javelona said they are temporarily suspending acceptance of ticket reservations for the upcoming game.

Javelona stressed that, unless the Philippine Football Federation turns over the tickets to her, she will not gamble on accepting further reservations for it might cause problems on the day of the competition.

On the other hand, the Philippine Football Team Azkals will face another test tomorrow against a team from Iloilo featuring Korean booters. Showtime will be 4 p.m. at the Panaad Stadium.


Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on February 02, 2011.

Football Organizer Told to Respect City Admin

By Edith B. Colmo

It is a laudable move to bring big events to Bacolod City like the upcoming football match between the Phl Azkals and Mongolia on February 9, 2011. However, as of this time, no official communication or coordination so far reached the local officials of the city.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said, he welcomes activities to the city, but he has not received any official communication about the Panaad footbal match here.

Councilor Caesar Distrito is even urging Bacolodnons to support this event. However, it is sad to note that the organizer of this event forgot to coordinate with city officials.

Whatever happens during the event, the image of Bacolod City is at stake.

There are some football enthusiasts from outside Bacolod who called up City Hall regarding the event, but were surprised to know the failure of the organizer to coordinate with the city officials.

Allegedly, the only contact person referred by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is the Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA), whose contact person can not give full details of the event.

City officials said, what they need from the organizer is respect to the authority of the city, not necessarily the person. Political idiocyncracy must be taken out already, but credence and professionalism should prevail, Distrito stressed.*

Negros Daily Bulletin

Transfer of Paglaum floodlights to Panaad set today

NEGROS Occidental High School (NOHS) Principal Mario Amaca yesterday confirmed that the national office of the Department of Education has already given go signal for the transfer of the floodlights from Paglaum Sports Complex to Panaad Stadium, as part of the upgrading of Panaad's lighting system for the upcoming AFC-Challenge Cup scheduled February 9, 2011.

Amaca said that, after he received the order from DepEd-Negros Occidental Supt. Rizalino Tortosa to oversee the undertaking, he immediately communicated with the Dynamic Builders & Construction Company for the transfer of the lighting equipment.

"We will have this transfer recorded as compliance with the existing rules and regulations on the transfer of government properties," Amaca explained.


In the communication sent to Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Ricardo Garcia, DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro stated that DepEd has no objection to the PSC's request for the transfer of all Paglaum's available floodlights, including its accessories, to Panaad Stadium, provided that the existing rules and regulations for the transfer of property are strictly followed.

Meanwhile, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman Monico Puentevella reiterated that PLDT and SMART Communication chairman Manny Pangilinan has signified his intention to assist the province for the possible expansion of the Panaad Stadium in preparation for future international football competitions.

Puentevella said that Pangilinan will talk to Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and will see what his companies can do, particularly in expanding the stadium's existing structure which can accommodate 20,000 spectators. (Jerome S. Galunan Jr.)

Sun Star Bacolod

Stadium preps for Azkals game hit snag

MANILA, Philippines – With barely 2 weeks left before the much awaited game between the Philippine Azkals and Mongolia, organizers have yet to finish preparing the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City which will host the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup qualifier.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman Monico Puentevella said they have yet to complete the installation of additional lights in Panaad as requested by the AFC for live television coverage of the night games.

The additional lighting will come from the nearby Paglaum Sports Complex, which is also located in Bacolod City.

He, however, said that organizers were being given a hard time in transferring the lights.

“Sa approval ng pag-gamit ng lights, sana huwag na kaming pahirapan,” said an irritated Puentevella.

He said they were already granted permission by the Department of Education (DepEd), which manages the Paglaum Sports complex.

Philippine Azkals team manager Dan Palami hopes the problem will be solved soon.

“It’s sad for the team, you know, these things like lights and preparation of the pitch will not be ready come game time because at the end of the day it will be Bacolod who will be affected, I think,” he said.

The Azkals will face a younger Mongolia squad on February 9 for a home-and-away qualifying series for the AFC Challenge Cup.

Azkals continue training

The Azkals, meanwhile, continue their training in secret venues to keep away from the fans.

Palami said that their preparations are sometimes hampered by die-hard Azkals fans.

“As long as they maintain the distance from the players, where it becomes obtrusive, then we will have no problem with that because some fans will go to the pitch,” he said.

Local players also had to adjust with their new teammates, mostly Filipino-Europeans, because of their thick English accents.

Ilonggo booter Reymak Palmes said that sometimes, they resort to sign language.

“Dinadala na lang namin sa sign language kung minsan. Ang mas importante, mabuild up ang team at mapabuti pa ang komunikasyon sa isa't isa,” he said. -- With a report from Ragie Arellano, ABS-CBN News Iloilo


ABS CBN News

Panaad Stadium expansion mulled

A possible expansion of the Panaad Stadium, in preparation for future international football competitions, is being considered after Manny Pangilinan, chairman of the PLDT and SMART Communications visited the site, Saturday.

Pangilinan said he will see what his companies can do to help expand the stadium with more seats to be added in the existing structure.

With Philippine Sports Commission chairman Ricardo “Richie” Garcia, Pangilinan visited the Stadium to check the venue for the Feb. 9 Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup 2012 Qualifiers Play-off match between the Philippines and Mongolia.

As one of the benefactors of the Azkals, Pangilinan recently turned over a P1 million check to the team during a courtesy visit at the Smart Communications head office in Makati City.

The team presented to Pangilinan a football signed by the Azkals as a token of appreciation for the Smart-PLDT Chairman’s support for the group.

Pangilinan, who was in Bacolod City over the weekend for the Game One showdown between his Talk ‘n Text team and San Miguel Beer in their best-of-seven final series in the PBA, said he will come back next month for the Azkals vs. Mongolia game.

Meanwhile, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday assured those who are coming to Bacolod for the AFC Challenge Cup game that hotels rooms are still available for their accommodations.

The mayor said he talked to one of the hotel owners in the city and was told that their hotels are not yet fully booked, contrary to reports being circulated that all the hotels in Bacolod are full.

The reports, he said were premature and might not be very positive for us since it might discourage others from booking for a trip to Bacolod, Leonardia said.

“Bacolod is ready in terms of accommodation and security. We know it is another event for Bacolod and when there are big events like this one, we are on alert,” Leonardia added.*NAB/CGS

Visayan Daily Star

MVP surprise visit at Panaad Stadium

PLDT and Smart Telecommunications' Manuel V. Pangilinan led several basketball honchos in visiting the AFC Challenge Cup's venue, the Panaad Sports Stadium, over the weekend.

Pangilinan, who was joined by Ricky Vargas, Pato Gregorio and Metro Pacific's Ramon Fernandez, had his time taking a look at the sports facilities and confirming attendance in the much awaited football match between Philippine Football team Azkals and Mongolia next month, February 9.

He likewise promised to help finance the upcoming game including the sponsorship of the National Inter City Club Cup to be held nationwide in the coming months. Furthermore, Pangilinan also offered ABC Channel 5 for live coverage of the international football matches in the future.

Meanwhile, PBA Commissioner Chito Salud along with Willie Marcial and Negros Basketball Association president Oscar Bascon also had a surprise visit at Panaad last Friday during trying out of the lighting system led by POC Chairman and former Bacolod City Representative Monico Puentevella.

The POC official further stressed that even though Panaad lightings have passed PFF requirements but has to put up additional lights to support the existing facilities.


Puentevella also disclosed that the Asian Football Federation in Jakarta has offered Panaad two months to host the next Suzuki Cup in 2012, as long as the requirements for bigger space for the spectators, lighting system for broadcast satellite, and security measures are in place.


Meanwhile, PFF President Mariano Araneta has expressed his appreciation to the football aficionados who have expressed their support for the Azkals. Iloilo and Cebu football fanatics are expected to join the crowd in Bacolod during the game.


Graeme Mckinnon, who gave Cebu a name in local football several years ago and who is now residing in Australia has saved all his money and again be the cheerleader as what he did during the 2005 SEA Games.

Tickets

Pauline Javelona of Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA) yesterday said that for those Negrenses and Bacoleños who are interested to buy tickets for the said games and have their reservations may contact 0922-8210466.
Bearers of these tickets will earn their sets at the main grand stand.

Meanwhile, Araneta has been wary that even the 10,000 free admission tickets in the bleachers may not be enough to cover the overwhelming crowd experienced in 2005, especially with the thousands coming from Manila, Cebu, Dumaguete, Panay, and many parts of Mindanao. (Jerome S. Galunan Jr.)

Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on January 24, 2011.

Limpag: Challenge Cup tickets and PNoy in Panaad

By Mike Limpag

WHEN the Philippine Football Federation announced the final date and venue for the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup game against Mongolia, it got deluged with ticket inquiries.

When the PFF announced the details on how to secure tickets, the torrent became a flood, and not a few fans, disappointed by a lack of response from the PFF for their inquiries, are venting their frustrations, online.

Relax, folks. There’s no need to panic.

And, for the first time as a sports writer I’m going to say this, give the PFF a break.

The guys there know their job, and, having spent three years under you-know-who, they know what it feels like to be frustrated by the lack of response from the PFF.

So, have a little patience.

They know the Feb. 9 game is not just for the Azkals, it’s the chance for Philippine football and the fans, that’s why I’m pretty sure they are going to work hard to make sure that every one of those who sent in ticket requests, will get them.

Why the delay, though? You have to understand, all ticket reservations are done online and according to Ernest Nierras, the PFF e-mail is filled to capacity.

As an experiment, I timed myself answering hypothetical reservations. On average, it took me 71 seconds to read a ticket request, reply with a standard, “Good day, your request for two tickets have been approved, please check instructions for payment details,” plus “copy-paste” a four-line instruction.

For 1,000 e-mails, that’s 71,000 seconds. Do you know how long that is?

Nineteen hours, 42 minutes plus change. That is if all you do is answer reservation inquiries non-stop. And since all reservations are addressed to one e-mail, only one person can do this job, at a time.

That’s just for 1,000 e-mails.

Based on experience, I think this admin is trying to answer all inquiries. Just a few days back, I got an e-mail from the PFF at five minutes to midnight! That means it’s either they are burning the midnight oil in the House of Football or are taking their office, at home.

And answering e-mails isn’t the only job of the PFF staff. I reckon taking care of the logistics for the Feb. 9 is just as daunting.

Now, what to do if you’ve already booked your airline tickets and hotel in Bacolod but still haven’t received word on your reservations?

Fret not, you still have 10,000 chances in the grandstand. Go to Panaad and since it’s not just a stadium, it’s also a park., spending a few hours there won’t be a bore.

It’s not time to panic yet, this PFF got our backs.

PNOY IN THE AUDIENCE. I was one of those who was rooting for P-Noy to watch the Azkals game but after reading about the experience of some Cebuanos when P-Noy watched the Sinulog, I’m starting to have doubts.

The PSG, as a rule, are paranoid. While I will probably ogle if Maria Sharapova runs naked, they’d see it as a diversion for an imminent attack.

But for the Feb. 9 game, I hope they dial down their paranoia a bit. Yes, pens, spoons and forks could be a threat, but certainly not in the hands of a feeble reporter, right?

(www.football.cebunetwork.com)

Verdeflor: repair of Panaad grounds continue

NEGROS Occidental Sports Coordinator and Executive Assistant Angel Verdeflor on Wednesday said that the Provincial Government is on hand in preparing the Panaad Stadium's football ground for the forthcoming AFC Challenge Cup match between the Azkals-Philippine Football team and Mongolia on February 9, 2011.


Verdeflor said that they are now repairing some parts of the stadium's pitch by planting grasses on areas, which were destroyed during the previous competitions.

On the other hand, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman and former Bacolod Representative Monico Puentevella earlier disclosed that after conducting inspection on the stadium's lightings, he assessed that the facilities' capacity will possibly pass the Asean Football Confederation's requirements.

Puentevella, who is also a member of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Advisory Council, also added that he will meet with PFF President Mariano Araneta and other PFF officers to give a report on the present situation of the stadium to Gov. Alfredo Marañon, who has been giving his all out support to the preparation. (JSG)

Sun Star Bacolod