How these Azkals make it work

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Football team, popularly known as the Azkals, continues to rise in the international football scene. Their recent victories  in the recent qualifying match for the AFC Challenge cup are unprecedented. The team cannot seem to get enough of showing off their national pride.

In a recent awarding ceremony, Azkals players Emilio Caligdong and Eduard Sacapaño wore Memo to the Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards where they both received the Mr. Football Award.  Memo embodies the can-do attitude of making it work; like Chieffy and Edward, the workwear brand represents the strong determination and willingness to overcome the challenges they face in the game.

Emilio Caligdong, better known as Chieffy, plays as midfielder and team captain for the Azkals. This Iloilo native’s childhood dream has always been to become a football player. When he first started, critics questioned his 5’5” height claiming that he may not be big enough to outmatch his opponents. However, this did not stop the player’s determination in reaching his goal and eventually proved his detractors wrong, “Passion plays an important role in achieving your dreams. I’ve always wanted to be a football player since I first held the ball when I was young,” says Chieffy.

Eduard Scapaño, also known as EdSa, fills the role of goalkeeper for the Philippine Azkals. Besides being part of the Philippine national football team, he also serves as corporal in the Philippine army where he also started his football career. Eduard replaced Filipino-Brit Neil Etheridge during the AFF Suzuki Cup as the team’s goal keeper. When he was called in to join the team, he was being compared to Etheridge and he understood the apprehension of the public when he was pushed in to the limelight. “In football, you don’t need to be tall and big; physical fitness, endurance and being smart wins the game which is what I like about the sport.” says Eduard.

These two footballers face their challenges with pure determination to reach the success they have achieved so far. Chieffy uses his agility and ability to dodge opponents on the field which proves that size doesn’t really matter. Eduard proves that although he is no Etheridge, he has his own style of blocking the opponent’s attempts at scoring a goal. 

Where did these footballers get their names? Chieffy says that his grandfather was a former police chief in his native Batac and he was also promoted to team captain for the Azkals. Eduard got his nickname from the first two letters of his first and last name. He muses it was appropriate since he is there to traffic the ball away from the goal.

Outside the game, Chieffy spends time with his family and also teaches kids football at the European International School. Eduard continues to train with the Philippine army but enjoys his time as part of the Azkals team.

Off the field, both players want to live up to their reputation as members of the national team by looking presentable and professional during public appearances. This is where Memo comes in. Chieffy says that Memo has the pieces that suit his tastes and fashion preference. The clothes fit well, look professional but not boring.

On the other hand, Eduard says that Memo is a great brand and it fits him perfectly. “I also like the way it is easy on the eyes. Its great to find clothes that make you look like a success anywhere.” added Eduard.

For a rising football team in the international scene of competitive football, these footballers agree that Memo shares the same passion and determination to succeed. In any game, they know that these are the qualities that help them make it work.