A love letter to Philippine football
MANILA, Philippines - Dear Philippine Football,
When I was a kid, I wanted to be an athlete, but I was fat and wimpy — the opposite of David Beckham — and any attempt at sports made people laugh or barf, or I don’t remember, probably both. But I was six years old when I first met you, football, and you said I could be myself with you. I can still feel the butterflies in my stomach, and I’m pretty sure it was love at first sight.
Nobody knows this, but I once bought a soccer ball with my allowance and I kept it hidden in the depths of my closet. Every night, I would sneak out of my bed and look at the soccer ball, whisper secrets, and pretend that you could hear me. I know it sounds mental and creepy, but I was a kid.
I was always on the lookout for ways to be with you and school became my excuse to know you better. Despite repeatedly falling down and embarrassing myself in front of my classmates, I didn’t mind for as long as you were with me. You made me smile, something only candies and video games would do. I was falling in love with you, but I was scared.
Romeo & Juliet
See, my friends and family didn’t know about you. They didn’t want you, either; they thought basketball was our country’s only sport. So, I kept our love a secret because I feared we’d end up like Romeo and Juliet. I distanced myself from you and decided to lock you in my memory. But I knew that one day our paths would cross again.
Years later, I saw you on TV during the 2010 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup. I couldn’t believe what I saw. You made the country proud. You made me proud. You made me realize that you never left; and that it’s possible — that we could be together again.
I’m ready for you now. Ready to be your knight in shining armor. Ready to stand beside you in victory and in defeat.
See, people are still judgmental and uncompromisingly critical. We feel their barbs whenever we lose. Critics focus on your mistakes; supporters question their allegiance because you didn’t meet their expectations. Haters laugh and say, “I knew it” or “I told you so,” and crush your self-esteem until you feel like there’s no place for you in the Philippines.
Highs & Lows
But I’m riding the highs and lows with you. I’ll help you spread your cause and create believers of the doubters. Look at me and you will realize that it only takes one person to believe in you to move forward. But there are more like me, and more like Dan Palami, and we can overcome challenges and turn weaknesses into strengths.
Before I end this letter, I want you to know this: Your real goal is to make a difference in the Philippines, and you have. You’ve changed my life, and you’re changing the lives of a generation of young kids because they can dream again. They can now compete at one of the world’s most favorite sports and excel at it.
It’s been said that “commitment is the secret ingredient,” and I am with you for the long haul. You bring out the best and worst in me, and in the process, I learn more about myself while knowing more about you.
And case you haven’t noticed it yet, I’ll say it again, I love you.
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The author is the marketing officer of the Global Football Club, and works behind-the-scenes at the Philippine Azkals. Tweet him @mijigonzales.
