AZKAL PUPPIES OF CANDUMAN (1ST litter)

Some of the first litter of AZKAL puppies of the ADOPT A SCHOOL program of the M. Lhuillier Sports Development Foundation (MLSDF) in Canduman Cebu. Under the guidance of youth coach Mario Ceniza these boys aged 8-9 years of age are showing potential even at this early age.  

THE PAINT WAS FLOWING

There was paint aplenty in preparation for the game against Malaysia. 7 year old Enzo Ceniza became the youngest AZKALERO. 

THE PAINT WAS FLOWING (contd)

. . . at the Draft Bar the paint was flowing alongwith enough fluid to keep parched throats lubricated for the game... 

THE PAINT WAS FLOWING (etc)

. . . at the AZKAL kennel (DRAFT Bar) the owner had all the good jobs painting a masterpiece on a pretty palette, all in the name of AZKAL passion  

GOOD LUCK AZKALS

Bancha the official cheer leader of Thailand wished the AZKALS good luck through Azkalero Ceburoo and Enzo Ceniza pior to the Malaysia game . . . 

GOOD LUCK AZKALS (contd)

. . . Bancha was a crowd favorite when Thailand were playing (except against the AZKALS). 

GMA WAS THERE ALSO

GMA looks at her notes and maybe suggested to Cong. Monico Puentevella that at the next election he could organize a football match for the AZKALS because with the crowd that was there to watch the game it would be the ideal time for her to announce a national grassroots football program . . .  

GMA WAS THERE ALSO

. . . Cong. Monico Puentevella obviously agrees with the suggestion. 

DO OR DIE v MALAYSIA

The AZKALS walk out onto Panaad Stadium for their make or break game against Malaysia 

THE FINAL LINEUP v MALAYSIA

The AZKALS line up for the obligatory pre-game photographs before the commencement of the game against Malaysia. 

LET'S GET ON WITH THE GAME

AZKAL Captain Ali Borromeo takes the Malaysian pennant back to the AZKAL bench after the toss of the coin in the final game of the SEAG against Malaysia. 

OH NO NOT THE START WE WANTED.

Ali Borromeo (L) was drawn out of the middle of the defence which left AZKAL goalie Michael Casas no physical cover in the middle of the defence to deal with the aerial presence of the Malaysian striker who got his header in first. . .  

OH NO NOT THE START WE WANTED (contd)

. . . the Malaysian striker watches as the glancing header is goalbound and AZKAL goalie Michael Casas crashes to the ground.  

PANAAD STADIUM JAMPACKED.

There is no better setting for a stadium in the Philippines that Panaad Stadium in Bacolod.  

PANAAD STADIUM JAMPACKED (contd)

The SEAG has brought floodlighting to Panaad Stadium now giving the versatility of having top international football played in the coolness of the afternoon and early evening  

PANAAD STADIUM JAMPACKED (contd)

. . . Panaad Stadium is the premier football arena in the Philippines. Combined with the fanatical support of the Bacolod football fans and the Philippines Football Federation (PFF) should make Panaad the home of Philippine International football. There can never be an exuse from the PFF again that football in the Philippines does not have enough spectator support 

PANAAD STADIUM JAMPACKED (contd)

. . . if there was a space or a crack that someone could see the game through it was immediately taken by the football fanatics of Bacolod. 

PANAAD STADIUM JAM PACKED (cont'd)

. . . the crowd took up any vantage point to watch the game 

CURRENT NATIONALS MEET FUTURE NATIONAL

Seven year old Lorenzo "Enzo" Ceniza caught up with Philip and James Younghusband at the after match dinner. Enzo, son of former National player Mario Ceniza, is seen in Cebu as a prospect for future national honors. If dedication to pratice is a criteria then Enzo will definitely wear the AZKAL blue. Before his seventh birthday he was already juggling the ball over 100 times with his feet. How many 7 year olds are there in the Philippines who could claim that sort of score? 

THE AZKALS KENNEL

In Bacolod, the Draft Bar on 21st was the AZKALEROS kennel for the games post mortems. After the Malaysia game the AZKALS came home also to talk with the supporters. 

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

The AZKALS were of the highest pedigree both on and off the field. It was an honor for those of us lucky enough to be close to the team to be able to mingle with them at practice and post match functions. They were pefect gentlemen and very accomodating, signing endless requests for autographs anytime, anywhere. Congratulations to ARIS CASLIB who handled the pressure of coaching at home with dignity. It is not easy to coach at home especially when the majority of the nation were waiting for the AZKALS to be whipped by the opposition. That it did not happen is a credit to Aris, his coaching staff and the players themselves. 

GO AZKALS GO

Thanks Azkals for the ride of our lifetime. The results and the way you played were what we had hoped for but more than we had expected. You brought a newfound respectability to Philippine football and we salute you for that. We will be expecting more of the same the next time you get together because we've seen you can do it and we will all be there with you, if not in person then in spirit.  

PHILFOOTBALL WAS THERE

SCFC#4 (blue shirt and suglasses) and futballera cinco from the philfootball forum were there among the flags and color of the game. 

FOOTBALL FEVER IN BACOLOD

The flags were flying as the crowd supported te AZKALS in the game against Cambodia. 

FANASTIC CROWD SUPPORT FOR THE AZKALS

 

they sat on anything to get a view of the AZKALS playing 

part of the estimated 20,000 who watched the game.  

TEAM LINEUP BEFORE THE CAMBODIA GAME

The AZKALS line up before the start of the Cambodia game.
The AZKALS had a photographer supporter right there in the front line of the mass of photographers to capture the team before the Cambodia game. 

DEPTH IN DEFENCE

The AZKALS depth in defence proved too much for this Cambodian attack which was nullified and quickly cleared from the danger zone. 

CLOSE BUT NOT CLOSE ENOUGH

Ali Borromeo struck fear into the Cambodian defence and was close to his first goal of the SEAG 205 campaign 

THE GOALSCORER

James Younghusband (15) is congratulated by his team mates and acknowledges the crowds support following his first goal against Cambodia. 

THE START OF AN HISTORIC WIN

The scoreboard begins to tell the story of the historic win of the AZKALS over Cambodia 4-2. The first goal was scored by James Younghusband. 

CAPTAIN'S PHYSICAL PRESENCE

AZKAL captain Ali Borromeo's (18) physical presence at both ends of the field was felt by many of te Cambodian team 

JUST TOO LATE

Chad Gould arrives just too late to prevent the Cambodian right full back from making a pass further upfield. 

ANOTHER CHANCE FOR THE AZKALS

Philip Younghusband (14), Chad Gould (30) both try to win the header close to goal while Braggio (6) watches the outcome. 

DOWN BUT WITH THE LAST LAUGH

James Younghusband hits the turf but is rewarded with a free kick as the referee blows the whistle for te illegal tackl. 

AZKAL TRICKS IN THE MIDFIELD

Philip Younghusband (14) shows some of his Chelsea skills as he pulls the ball back behind his left leg . . . 

AZKAL TRICKS IN THE MIDFIELD (contd)

... and catches the two Cambodian defendes going the wrong way. 

SLICK AZKAL DEFENCE

AZKAL left fullback cuts back inside the Cambodian attacker ... 

SLICK DEFENCE (contd)

... and the AZKAL defender leaves the Cambodian attacker in his wake. 

AZKAL FLIES HIGH

AZKAL Braggio flies high to win the aerial duel in the midfield 

HOLDING UP THE DEFENCE

Chad Gould holds up the Cambodian defence as Braggio (6) moves in on the ball 

HAIR RAISING

Playing for the AZKALS can be a hair raising experience 

OFFSIDE GOAL

Ali Borromeo's physical presence in the Cambodian penalty area always brought trepidation to the defenders. Although Ali buried the ball into the "old onion bag" he was unfortunately adjudged to have been offside. 

AERIAL DUEL

Philip Younghusband (L) and Chad Gould (R) lose out in this aerial duel for the ball 

AZKAL DEFENDER

AZKAL defender puts some bite in his tackle to dispossess the Cambodian attacker 

JUST WIDE

AZKAL captain Ali Borromeo heads wide in the first half against Cambodia. 

JUBILATION

Philip Greatwich who sored the go ahead goal is congratulated by his mother and fans 

A HAPPY MOTHER

Philip Greatwich is embraced by his mother after the game. 

FIRST KICK FOR MICHAEL

The first kick of the goalkeeper is always a confidence booster not only for the goalkeeper but also the nervous former coach in the grandstand. 

THE HUDDLE BEFORE THE START V THAILAND

Team solidarity before the start of the Thailand match 

PROUD MOMENT FOR THE COACH

Arnie Pasinabo (L) and Michael Casas (2nd R) of the MLSDF in Cebu being watched for the first time by their coach/photographer playing for the National team. 

PHILIPPINE AZKALS v THAILAND

The AZKALS face the flag during the playing of the National anthem. 

AZKAL BENCH

The AZKAL bench wearing the special AZKAL t-shirts produced by team captain Ali Borromeo. In fact the concerns prior to the games regarding the naming of the team AZKALS were totally unfounded with the players embracing the nick name. 

REUNION

Ceburoo caught up with one of his former players Blui Arriola at the Panaad Stadium during the SEAG 

CEBUANO MEETS CEBUANO

Michael Casas (22) and Arnie Pasinabo (ext right) learnt their football in Cebu and had no hesitiation in posing with Springdale Cebu youngsters. 

WITH THE FANS

JAMES YOUNGHUSBAND TOOK TIME OUT TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED WITH PLAYERS FROM SPRINGDALE CEBU 

THE MOST PHOTOGRAPHED AZKAL

Philip Younghusband was one of the most photographed players during the SEAG. Here he is the center of attention with some of the players from Springdale School in Cebu 

CHAD CRASHES A THUNDERBOLT

Chad Gould lets fly with a poweful shot from just inside the penalty area. Michael Casas (22) readies himself for the save while coach Aris looks on. 

ARNIE AT PRACTICE

Arnie Pasinabo centers the ball during practice at Panaad Stadium. 

YOUNGHUSBAND IN AZKAL BLUE

Philip Younghusband, normally in Chelsea blue, shoots during practice at the Panaad Stadium. With nifty arm and footwork, as displayed here, Philip could be invited back to the Philippines to do the tinikling! 

THE LONELINESS OF A FOOTBALL COACH

Azkal coach Aris Caslib watches over his team at practice at the Panaad Stadium prior to the start of the SEAG in Bacolod. 

BANCHA, THAI CHEER LEADER with CEBUROO

 

THAILAND v PHILIPPINES

 

AZKAERO WITH FANS

 

DIFFERNT CULTURES SAME PASSION

 

 

GILAS THE SEAG MASCOT

 

THE AZKALEROS

The 2005 South East Asian Games were hosted by the Philippines last November December. The football mens division was played in the city of smiles, BACOLOD.

The Philippine National team was given the nick name of AZKALS by a die hard group of fans from the philfootball.info forum.

I will endeavor to post some of the photos from our emorable stay in Bacolod and the exciting ride the AZKALS took us on before they were eventually eliminated by Malaysia.