MANILA, Philippines — The third week of November.
In the Calabarzon administrative region, including parts of Metro Manila, that time of the year and its succeeding three weeks are circled in red on physical or even digital calendars.
After all, it is Aboitiz Cup time.
Over four weekends, from November 23 to December 14, teams across age groups from Under-8 to Under-18 will compete, with the top U-16 and U-18 teams earning the opportunity to participate in an exhibition match in Cebu — the birthplace of the Aboitiz Football Cup.
Since this long-standing grassroots football festival moved to Lipa, Batangas after two decades in Cebu, it has attracted the attention of local teams including from top sides and schools in Metro Manila.
For one Lipa-based club, Lipa Football Academy, participation in the Aboitiz Cup is not only a must, but is eagerly anticipated.
“The kids and the parents are all aware of the significance of the Aboitiz Cup,” said club founder April Reyes during a press conference last Thursday, November 7, at the Lima Estate in Lipa. “Home field kasi and hometown tournament.”
“Since we began participating in the Aboitiz Cup and received media coverage for our efforts, our members, participation in tournaments, and results have been positive.”
The club has done well with multiple podium finishes in different tournaments and age groups U-9 to U-15.
There have been football festivals held recently in Tarlac with the Cebu and Davao legs yet to come.
“It shows the Aboitiz group’s commitment to grassroots football development including community development,” pointed out Clifford Academia, vice president for Luzon operations at Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates.
Academia added that since the Aboitiz Pitch at the Lima Estates was built, they have seen an increase in usage of the field not just by teams in the Calabarzon region, but even Metro Manila-based schools and clubs.
“It is really a field of dreams especially if it helps in a football player’s growth as they go to high school, college, and possibly even the national teams.”