CESAFI SEMI-FINALS: USJ-R VS UC 2-0

Bend it like UC

Now way (San) Jose!

Hey ref, its a foul!

CESAFI SEMI-FINALS: USC VS USPF 5-0

UV DISQUALIFIED FROM CESAFI SEMIFINALS

Courtesy of CEBU DAILY NEWS (www.cebudailynews.com.ph)December 15, 2007 Saturday issue
By Jonas Panerio, Correspondent
Rick Gabuya, Sports Editor

The semifinal cast of the CESAFI football tournament will have a major overhaul after top-seed University of the Visayas was disqualified with the discovery of academic deficiencies on two of their players.

This was divulged by CESAFI Commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy Thursday afternoon after a meticulous investigation uncovered academic deficiencies for both Adrianne Calinawan and Jerson Omnos, resulting in the team’s disqualification.

UV’s ouster opened the door for the University of Cebu Webmasters to see action in the next round, which starts today at the University of San Carlos football field in Talamban. UC through, will have its hands full as it faces newly minted top seed and four-time champions University of San Jose – Recoletos Kicking Jaguars at 8 am.

USJ-R will be looking for a repeat of their 3-1 elimination round victory over UC. Fueling USJ-R’s bid Adrianne Mejaran, Marvin Abelgas, Paul dela Victoria and Robert Mamac.

The other semis pairing pits second seed University of Southern Philippines against defending champion University of San Carlos with both teams expected to go all out for a win following their 2-2 draw in the preliminaries./CORRESPONDENT JONAS PANERIO

FR. VIC UY: PHILIPPINE SPORTS CHAPLAIN

Courtesy of Sun Star Newspaper (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/)

Thursday, December 13, 2007 issue

by John Pages, Columnist - Match Point

CONGRATULATIONS to Cebu’s very own Fr. Vicente Uy for being appointed yesterday as the executive director of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

Next to PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez, his position wields the most power.

But Fr. Vic, one of the humblest people I’ve met, is not overawed. In an interview, he told Manila Bulletin’s Nick Giongco: “I don’t look at it as a position of power.”

At 7:15 p.m. yesterday, I got the chance to talk to Fr. Vic for a few minutes. I congratulated him and asked how his day went. “It’s only my second day so, as expected, I was very busy,” he said over the phone. “I’m at the airport now to welcome our SEA Games athletes who are returning home.”

I’ve known Fr. Vic Uy for many years now and it’s hard to find a nicer person. Here in Cebu, he yielded influence. At the University of San Carlos, he held one of the school’s highest positions as VP for Finance. To relinquish his role, he sought the permission of USC President Fr. Rod Salazar.

“I asked for a ‘leave of absence’ from USC,” I recall Fr. Vic, 58, telling me a few months back. “And good thing my colleagues at USC understood my mission to help RP sports.”

Here in Cebu, apart from his huge responsibility at USC, he was regional head of the PSC. During the 23rd SEA Games two years ago, he was overall chairperson of the Volunteers Committee.

Fr. Vic Uy’s favorite sport?

Tennis. I got the chance to play doubles with him a few times. Once, at the USC Main Campus court, we rallied against the pride of USC, the Siso siblings (Nino, Sally Mae, and Sallydine). On another occasion, we played doubles at the Casino Español. I remember that as memorable because we came from behind (trailing 4-7, I believe) before winning in a tiebreak.

When asked by Giongco if he’s aware of his big responsibility at the PSC, Fr. Vic responded in his usual no-nonsense but effective way: “As long as you uphold the law and do what is right, I don’t see any problem that will come our way.”

How about saying Mass? Is he still allowed?

“Under normal circumstances,” wrote Giongco, “Uy is not allowed to celebrate Mass but he is armed with a document from the head of the Catholic Church to continue holding services ‘only for the athletes.’ ”And so celebrate mass he did for the athletes.

“When I was in Thailand, I held Mass for three straight days with the athletes and officials,” said Fr. Vic. “The first was on the first Friday of the month, Immaculate Conception and Sunday in the presence of athletes, coaches and officials from the PSC and POC.”

For with Fr. Vic Uy, the PSC has one man with many talents: a proven leader, trustworthy servant, tennis-loving athlete, and, best of all, RP sports’ spiritual adviser.

SEMIFINALS NIXED AFTER CESAFI DISQUALIFIES UV PLAYERS

courtesy of SUN STAR DAILY Newspaper (www.sunstar.com.ph)December 9, 2007 Sunday issue
by Mike Limpag, Sports Editor &
Edri K. Aznar, Correspondent

IT WAS nothing short of throwing a monkey wrench down the machine.

What was supposed to be the start of the exciting semifinal round of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. football tournament was postponed yesterday after the office of the commissioner found two players from the University of the Visayas players to be ineligible to play.

The move comes almost a month after the event started and the players were screened.

A memo of the disqualification was written last Friday by the office of Felix Tiukinhoy, who is the Cesafi commissioner, but was handed to Sherwin Rodriguez, head of the football officials, only yesterday forcing the cancellation of the games.

If the disqualification pushes through, all of UV’s previous games will be nullified and the University of Cebu, which finished last, could get its spot in the semifinals.

However, UV head coach Eddie Buot isn’t giving up that easy.

Memo
Buot said they got a memo asking that the players complete there requirements last Dec. 5.

“The memo was written on Dec. 4, but I got it last Dec. 5 in the morning. In the afternoon I had Frederick Alazas (UV captain) comply with the requirements,” Buot said.

Among the questioned requirements were the grade of one player and the study load of the other.

“We have already complied. As to the grades, some of the teachers were not able to submit there grades last month (in time for the screening),” Buot said.

Buot said he will raise the issue with UV this Monday and is hoping that the incident is just a bad case of miscommunication among the Cesafi officials. (EKA, ML)

UV BOOTERS HOLD ON TO TOP SPOT

courtesy of CEBU DAILY NEWS (www.cebudailynews.com.ph)December 3, 2007 Monday issue
by Jonas Panerio, Correspondent
Rick Gabuya, Sports Editor
THE UNIVERSITY of the Visayas secured the top spot in the standings heading into next week’s semifinal round after beating the University of Southern Philippines, 2-0, in the Cesafi football tournament yesterday at the University of San Carlos field.

The win gave UV nine points with a 3-0-1 (win-loss-draw) slate.

A crucial span of five minutes in the second half proved to be USP’s undoing as it allowed Junard Aguilar to escape with a goal in the 67th minute. Frederick Alazas then sealed the deal for UV with a goal in the 72nd minute of the game.

Meanwhile, the defending champions University of San Carlos’ downward spiral continued yesterday as it lost to USJ-R, 1-0.

In spite of the loss, USC will still make it to the semifinal round as it has a higher goal difference against the University of Cebu, with whom they found themselves tied with. The semifinal pairing will pit UV against USC while USJ-R tackles USP next weekend./CORRESPONDENT JONAS PANERIO.

JAGUARS TRAMPLE USC, 1-0, IN CESAFI FOOTBALL

courtesy of SUN STAR DAILY Newspaper (www.sunstar.com.ph)December 3, 2007 Monday issue
by Edri K. Aznar, Correspondent

PLAYING in a muddy field amidst the strong downpour, the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) denied University of San Carlos (USC) another chance at earning three points with a 1-0 win yesterday in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. football tournament at the USC Technological Center football field.

The match saw a heated battle between a team aiming to be on top and a team struggling for its first victory.

With the rain and the mud making balance difficult, tempers flared, bodies banged and players slipped while another got sent out.

Marvin Abelgas of USJR struck the only goal of the game in the 67th minute and gave the former four-time champion its second win against a draw and a loss for a solid hold of the second spot.

USC settled for fourth place, two draws and two losses, finishing just three goals ahead of the University of Cebu.

Meanwhile, in the second game University of the Visayas (UV) remained undefeated and handed University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) its first loss of the tournament, 2-0 win.

UV finished the elimination round firmly at first with three wins and a draw, while USPF settled for third with a win, a draw and a loss.

Junard Aguilar scored his third goal for UV in the tournament in the 67th minute. And Frederick Alazas added in the 72nd for a 2-0 count.

In next week’s semifinals, UV will face the fourth-ranked USC in a battle of the last two champions and last year’s finalists, while USJ-R will face USPF.

USJ-R will miss the services of Arlon Sabal in the semifinal after he got two yellow cards in a five-minute span in the first half. Sabal got his first yellow in the 29th and another in the 34th. UV’s Jomar Labastida and USPF’s Christian Deck Pacana were also booked for yellow cards. (EKA)

USPF NAILS UC ON ZERO-WIN STATE IN CESAFI FOOTBALL

courtesy of SUN STAR DAILY Newspaper (www.sunstar.com.ph)December 2, 2007 Sunday issue
by Edri K. Aznar, Correspondent

UNIVERSITY of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) salvaged a 1-1 draw with the University of Cebu (UC) in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. football yesterday at the University of San Carlos Technological Center (USC-TC) football field.

UC is still winless and is on the brink of elimination. It has a 0-2-2 win-loss-draw record while USPF gunned its second draw of the tournament and has a 1-0-2 win-loss-draw record.

UC’s hopes for a semifinals slot rests in the hands of USC. If USC losses to USJR today by more than five goals then UC advances to the semifinals but if USC wins then UC will be eliminated from the tournament.

Rodney Gandionco of UC struck the first goal of the game in the 25th minute but was answered by an equalizer from USPF’s Mark Gallardo 17 minutes after. This is Gallardo’s second goal of the tournament.

Meanwhile, a yellow card was handed to Racen Saiton of USPF in the 40th minute.

Meanwhile, in the second game it was a scoreless battle of former champions as University of the Visayas (UV) and University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJR) fought to a 0-0 draw. UV had three players booked with yellow cards, Howard Dolino in the sixth Fredrick Alazas in the 44th and Josaphat Sacil in the 59th minute. (EKA)

UV HOLDS ON TO LEAD IN CESAFI FOOTBALL

courtesy of THE FREEMAN Newspaper (www.philstar.com)December 3, 2007 Monday issue
by Caecent No-ot Magsumbol, Staff Reporter

The University of the Visayas and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation, two leading contenders in the 2007 CESAFI football tournament, were held to draws by their respective rivals.

UV tried but couldn’t gain any headway against the University of San Jose-Recoletos while USPF and University of Cebu fought to a 1-1 deadlock.

The draw enabled UV to hold the top spot in the standings. USPF, on the hand, inch closer to tying USJ-R for the second spot.

UV, however, paid dearly in its physical game against USJ-R as three of its leading players were yellow carded. Howard Dolino got the first yellow card in just six minutes of the first half and teammates Frederick Alazas and Josaphat Sacil got the yellow cards in the 44th and 59th minute marks, respectively. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol

UV COLLEGE TEAM 2007

3rd Runner Up – 2006 CESAFI Football Tournament
2nd Runner Up – 2004 CESAFI Football Tournament

Team Line-Up:

Arriesgado, Jose #23; Aguilar, Junard #13; Alazas, Frederick #1; Aleo, Joshua #20; Buot, Marl #9; Calinawan, Adriane #21; Corona, Ron #2 (GK); Diao, Jose #10; Dolino, Howard #4; Fuertes, Joedel #3; Go, Hanzel #24; Gomora, Fritz #14; Gomora, Venjor #14; Labastida, Jomar #18; Lauron, Mervin #5; Omnos, Jerson #8; Rica, Fredie #15; Sacil, Josaphat #6; Sulib, John #7; Garciano, Gary #1 (GK)

Head Coach: Eddie Buot
Team Manager: Chris Mejarito

Maxi Maximo

PaBolFC.com

Tournament Managers

2007 CESAFI Football

UC HUNTS FOR 1ST WIN

courtesy of SUN STAR DAILY Newspaper (www.sunstar.com.ph)December 1, 2007 Saturday issue
by Edri K. Aznar, Correspondent

Still winless, the University of Cebu (UC) will try to grab its first victory of the tournament as they face University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) and escape being eliminated from the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) tournament at 1 p.m. today.

The crucial game will be played at the University of San Carlos Technological Center football field. If UC losses to USPF, they will automatically be eliminated from the tournament.

In the second game, it will be a battle of former champions as the undefeated University of the Visayas (UV) will face off with University of San Jose – Recoletos.

UV is in the top spot right now after winning all their games in this tournament. USJ-R, on the other hand, suffered an upset loss to USPF last week. EKA

UV SEEKS THIRD WIN IN FOOTBALL

courtesy of THE FREEMAN Newspaper (www.philstar.com)December 1, 2007 Saturday issue
by Caecent No-ot Magsombol, Staff Reporter

The University of the Visayas goes for its third straight victory when the football competition of CESAFI resumes today at the University of San Carlos Technological Center in Talamban, this city.

The match at 3 p.m. features two former champios. UV won the crown in 2005 while USJ-R had dominated collegiate football in since for a long time and last won the title in 2004.

So far, UV is on top of the standings with six points from its two wins. USJ-R is second with three points with 1-0-1 win-draw-loss card.

Spicing up the match is the game between the University of Cebu and University of Southern Philippines Foundation. UC has to win this particular match to stay in the tournament. That would, however, be easier said than done because UC will be without a key player in Daryl Tan who was red carded last week.

Tomorrow’s schedule pits USJ-R opposite USC and USPF versus UV. – Caecent No-ot Magsombol

UV DUMPS UC IN CESAFI FOOTBALL

courtesy of SUN STAR DAILY Newspaper (www.sunstar.com.ph)November 20, 2007 Tuesday issue
by Edri K. Aznar, Correspondent

THE University of the Visayas (UV) blanked the University of Cebu (UC), 4-0, to take its second straight victory in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. football tournament at the University of San Carlos-Technological Center (USC-TC) football field last Sunday.

Freddie Rica and Junard Aguilar scored the second goals of the tournament in UV’s second straight shutout win of the event.

Rica struck the first goal in the 46th minute and Aguilar added another in the 50th minute.

The two also scored the two goals for UV in their 2-0 victory over the defending champion USC in the first game last Saturday.

Eight minutes after UV’s second goal, Josaphat Sacil scored another and Frederick Alazas capped the rout in the 81st minute as UV handed UC its second loss in two games.

Meanwhile, in the second game the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) fought back from a two-goal deficit to salvage a 2-2 draw with USC.

Hubert Buot scored early for USC just six minutes into the game and Kyle Soriano gave USC a 2-0 advantage in the 26 minute.

USPF’s Christian Deck Pacana donned the hero’s cap and averted a shutout for the team as he scored twice in an 11-minute span.

Pacana got the team on the score sheet in the 77th and added the equalizer in the 88th minute to salvage the point.

On Nov. 24, the undefeated University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars will face USPF at 1 p.m. and USC will gun for its first win against the winless UC Webmasters still at the USC-TC football field. (EKA)

2007 CESAFI FOOTBALL

UV vs USC Nov 17 1PM game @ USC-TC Field. Defending champion USC lost 0-2 in its homecourt.

Short-lived Celebration. UC players celebrate as they made the equalizer 1-1 vs USJ-R. UC eventually lost to USJ-R 1-3 last Nov 17, 2007 3PM @ USC-TC Field, Cebu City

Maxi Maximo PaBolFC.com

UV DUMPS USC, 2-0

courtesy of SUN STAR DAILY Newspaper (www.sunstar.com.ph)November 18, 2007 Sunday issue
by Edri K. Aznar, Correspondent
It was a day for former champions in the opening of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation football event at the University of San Carlos Technological Center field.

The University of the Visayas (UV), the 2005 champions, humbled the current title holders, USC, 2-0, while four-time champion University of San Jose Recoletos opened its campaign on a strong note with a 3-1 win against the University of Cebu.

Junard Aguilar scored the first goal for UV in the 38th minute of the first half and Freddie Rica added another goal in the 72nd minute for the win.

The highly-favored USC football team is now without last year’s coach and former RP Team member Joshua Fegidero after Fegidero returned to Bacolod.

The youthful team now handled by Fegidero’s former assistant Gary Panagsagan, started its campaign on a wrong note after losing to UV in their first game.

In the second game, USJ-R, the champion from 2001 to 2004, overpowered the University of Cebu (UC), 3-1, to take its first win in the tournament.

Adrianne Mejaran struck first for the Jaguars in the 13th minute before Ariel Repeso equalized for UC seven minutes later.

The Jaguars got the go-ahead goal from Paul dela Victoria with only 10 minutes left before Robert Mamac added the insurance goal deep in injury time.

Today UV will face UC at 1 p.m. and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) will face off with USC at 3 p.m. still at the USC-TC football field. (EKA)

CESAFI FOOTBALL '07 OPENS THIS WEEKEND

courtesy of SUN STAR DAILY Newspaper (www.sunstar.com.ph)November 14, 2007 Wednesday issue
by Norvie S. Misa, Correspondent

DEFENDING Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) football champion University of San Carlos will start its title defense when it hosts the University of the Visayas in the opening game at 1 p.m. this Saturday.

After the opening match, last year’s runnerup and four-time champion University of San Jose-Recoletos will face the University of Cebu at 3 p.m.

Cesafi football tournament manager Jonathan Maximo yesterday told Sun.Star Cebu that the next round of games will be on Nov. 18 after the formal opening of the Cesafi other events at the New Cebu Coliseum.

On Sunday, 2005 champion University of the Visayas will face UC at 1 p.m., while USC will take on the University of Southern Philippines.

Maximo said that this year’s participants must pass the eligibility rules of the Cesafi to qualify for the event.

Each player must have at least 14 academic units and must also pass 60 percent of all their subjects.

Maximo also said that the screening was done by the Cesafi screening committee composed of athletic directors of all member schools.

He added that the screening committee will also provide the final lists of players this Friday after some players said that they did not receive yet their final grades.

“We will give them time, an extension on Friday to prove they’re qualified based on the Cesafi eligibility rules”, he said.

After this weekend’s games, the Cesafi football will resume on Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 2, 8 and 9. (NSM)

SHS-HJ GIRLS TEAM JOINS ALASKA CUP

courtesy of SUN STAR DAILY NEWSPAPER (www.sunstar.com.ph)November 9, 2007 Friday issue
by Marian C. Baring, Staff Reporter

THE Sacred Heart School-Hijas de Jesus Girls football team will be taking part in the Alaska Cup 2007 at the Alabang Country Club in Manila tomorrow.

PaBol top honcho Jonathan Maximo said he is bringing the same team to the Alaska Cup that competed last year in the Girls 16-Under division, where they managed to enter the quarterfinal round.

“Last year, the same team competed in the division, which was an older age group for them. This year, we are hopeful that with the right age-group for them, they will perform better,” said Maximo.

Leading the team is keeper Julienne Canoy, who was named the MVP in the 2007 San Roque Football Festival. She will be joined by Patti Liu, Bea Maximo, Erika Casas, Banban Yu, Lea Ann Calejesan, Jackie Ting, Nicole Chanlim, Mara Dado, Maris Ting, Renee Songalia and Karina Hilado.

They will be going up against Makati FC, St. Scholastica (Bacolod), Davao United FC, Bene FC A, Bene FC B, Faith Academy, Flames FC, St. Pedro Poveda A and B, Pampanga Agricultural College, Xavier Alumni FC, Perpetual Help (Las Piñas), Miriam College, De la Salle (Lipa), Westfield (Angeles City), La Salle College (Antipolo), Southville International School and British School Manila. (MCB)

SACRED HEART LOSES TO POVEDA ANEW

Courtesy of SUN STAR DAILY Newspaper (www.sunstar.com.ph)October 28, 2007 Issue
by Marian C. Baring, Staff Reporter

THE Sacred Heart School Hijas de Jesus settled for the last spot in the 2007 Pintaflores Football Festival after bowing to Poveda, 1-3, yesterday at the Center Mall Fields in San Carlos City.

PaBol chief Jonathan Maximo said that it was not a bad thing for his troop as they were only after the experience and that the battle for third saw a more improved Sacred Heart team.

“The team improved a lot. In the elimination, they lost to Poveda, 5-0. now they were able to score and keep Poveda’s scoring minimal,” Maximo said.

Yesterday, Erin Yap scored the lone goal for Sacred Heart. Earlier on, the team also bowed to San Carlos City, which is a selection of the city’s top 17 years old and under players, 1-7. It was Grazel Galeos, who banged in Sacred Heart’s lone goal.

“We were up against better teams. Our team is school-based and is composed mostly of new players,” Maximo added.

This team, according to Maximo, is the school’s team B. SHS-HJ’s premier team A will be leaving for Manila of Nov. 10 for the Alaska Cup, which is just one of the competitions lined up for the team.

They have a scheduled tournament in Manila on January, Cagayan de Oro in February and Bukidnon in May. (MCB)

POVEDA BURIES PABOL 5-0

Courtesy of SUN STAR DAILY Newspaper (www.sunstar.com.ph)October 28, 2007 Sunday issue
by Marian C. Baring, Staff Reporter

THE Sacred Heart School Hijas de Jesus PaBol Football Club bungled its first assignment in the 2007 Pintaflores Football Festival and suffered a 5-0 whitewash against a tougher and more experienced Poveda Manila in the competition’s opening day yesterday at the Center Mall Fields in San Carlos City.

“We won’t give any excuses. We simply lost to a more mature team,” said PaBol head Jonathan Maximo.

Poveda’s coach also admitted that he fielded an over-aged player.

The competition is for players 17 years old and above and playing for Sacred Heart are players who are between 13 to 15 years old.

“The coach informed us as well as the other teams about it and so we all agreed. It is okay. All is well, this is a developmental league anyway,” Maximo said.

The team, which is Team B of the PaBol squad, came face to face with a new format—the 9-aside game— with the offside ruling in play.

“It was new for us. But the girls had lots of fun and learned a lot from that experience. Competing here is a reward for those players who are serious in their practices and trainings,” he added.

The team was set to play Dumaguete City late yesterday afternoon. Poveda, meanwhile, received a bashing from home team San Carlos City, 2-5, later in the day. PaBol will face San Carlos City this morning.

“The title favorite here is San Carlos City. So we are up for a tall order tomorrow (today). They defeated Poveda and Dumaguete by a wide margin,” Maximo added.

PaBol’s team A will be competing in the Alaska Cup in Nov. 10 in Manila. (MCB)

JULIENNE SHONE THE BRIGHTEST

Regulation score: 0-0. SHS-HJ Senior-A and Bright Academy, playing in the Quarter Finals of the 2007 Mizuno Football Festival Aug. 25, 2007 in Cebu City Sports Complex had to go through a penalty shoot-out to break the tie. Above photo: Goalkeeper Julienne Canoy successfully blocking the 1st penalty attempt of Bright.


GK Yen-Yen Canoy made another courageous block on the opponent's 2nd penalty attempt.
Bright's 3rd and final attempt on the goal was again foiled by GK Julie Canoy. Final score 1-0 in favor of SHS-HJ. The team advanced to the Semi-Final Round.

HEARTERS ON PARADE

SHS-HJ Juniors Team

SHS-HJ Seniors-A during the parade of teams in 2007 Mizuno Football Festival Aug. 25, 2007 @ Cebu City Sports Center



Let's go SHS-HJ Seniors-B!


Sacred Heart School-Hijas de Jesus sent the biggest delegation in the Girls-17 Division of the 2007 Mizuno Football Festival
Go go go SHS-HJ G-12 Players

HEARTERS IN ACTION

Sarah (or Sam?) Policios of the SHS-HJ G-17 Team-C dribbles past the opponent in the 2007 San Roque Football Festival Aug 18 in Mandaue City

BEND IT LIKE PATTI. Patricia "Patti" Liu, the "The Wall" of SHS-HJ Girls-17 Team-A, "bends" the ball during the 2007 San Roque Football Fest. Aug 18, 2007 @ Mandaue City, Cebu. Patti helped her team won the Championship title in the Girls-17 Division.

HEARTERS @ THE SIDELINES

Are we having fun yet? SHS-HJ G-17 players (front L-R): NicoleC, ReneeS, Lea AnnC, & RB. (back L-R): Kesha & Tracey waiting for their next game in the 2007 San Roque Football Festival Aug. 18, 2007 @ Mandaue City, Cebu.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

(L-R) Alyzza Pelenio, Athena Chu, Trix Tecson, Rebecca Chiongbian (goalkeeper) and Paulina Almira put up a defensive wall in one of their Girls-12 Division games. Sacred Heart School - Hijas de Jesus Girls-12 Team placed 2nd Runner-Up in the tournament.

THE JUNIORS

Joining their first ever tournament, the Sacred Heart School - Hijas de Jesus Girls-17 Team - C had a blast by securing 5th Place in Group A.

Here comes the Juniors (clockwise): Lisa Punay, Sam Policios, Chen Tampos, Sarah Policios, Corazon Ko, Lucielle Yee, Alyssa Tan, Satchel Magsambol, Jamilla Chin & Monique Libi

THE YOUNG ONES

Sacred Heart School - Hijas de Jesus Girls-17 Team-D, composed of young but determined 13-14 year old athletes playing in a 17 & Under category, defied all odds by securing 2nd Place in Group A and advancing to the Semi-Final Round of the 2007 San Roque Football Festival last Aug. 18, 2007 in Mandaue City. The team grabbed joint 2nd Runner-up in the competition.

Members of the team are (front row L-R): Chesca Uy, Erin Yap, Bea Montenegro, Kesha Muller & Martha Teves. (back row L-R): Katrina San Ramon, Hannah Acosta, Renee Songalia, Tracey Liu and Rina Dakay

THE TOP TEAM

The SHS-HJ Girls-17 Team-B came out No. 1 in Group A and earned the right to advance to the Semi-Final Round of the 2007 San Roque Football Festival last Aug. 18, 2007 at Mandaue City, Cebu. The team eventually settled for joint 2nd Runner-Up in the tournament.

Team Members (back row, L-R): Nicole Chanlim, Regine Lim, RB Imboy, Gail Oliamot, Muriel Cantos, Kristine Yap & Lea Ann Calejesan. (front row, L-R): Christine Lu, Grazel Galeos, Ika Samonte, Kimberly Taguiam, Maris Ting & Karina Hilado.

Congratulations girls!

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Goalkeeper Julienne Canoy (7th from left), foiled 2 penalty shoot-outs from San Roque FC during the championship game, displaying tenacity, grit and determination which earned her The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the Girls-17 Division of the 3rd San Roque Football Festival last Aug. 18, 2007 at Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

On hand to cheer for her are teammates (L-R): Maris Ting, Karina Hilado, RB Imboy, Gail Oliamot, Mitch Muller, Lea Ann Calejesan & Grazel Galeos.

BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPIONS

Sacred Heart School - Hijas de Jesus Team-A captured the Championship crown in the 2007 San Roque Football Festival Girls-17 Division last Aug. 18, 2007 in Subangdaku, Mandaue City, defeating San Roque FC 2-1 in a thrilling, nerve-cracking penaly shoot-out after a 0-0 draw in regulation time.

The team successfully defended the title it won last year.

Members of the victorious team are (front L-R): Jackie Ting, Erika Casas, Ban-Ban Yu, Bea Maximo & Mara Dado. (back L-R): Vanessa Tojoy (Teacher Coordinator), Marlou Solon (coach), Patti Liu, Mitch Muller, Julienne Canoy, Veronica Whitt, Alexandra Barot & Dom Villamor (coach).

CESAFI TAPS LOCAL EXPERTS FOR NINE EVENTS

courtesy of SUN STAR DAILY Newspaper (www.sunstar.com.ph)July 16, 2007 Monday issue
by Marian C. Baring, Staff Reporter

THE Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) has named the directors for nine of its 11 sports events.

Cesafi commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy said they have tapped mostly heads of sanctioning organizations to oversee the operations of each event.

Before, events were supervised by people who were connected with the schools, leading to the hurling of a lot of allegations on biases.

“This way, all competitions will be fair. We are assured that we will not be accused of being biased. Also we could give more credence to these groups because they are the experts in these fields,” Tiukinhoy said.

Tapped as directors of the events are Lerma Binaoro of Central Visayas Badminton Umpires’ Association for badminton; Jonathan Maximo of Cebu Football Association for football; Victor Cunenco and Eleanor Hayco of Dancesport Team Cebu City for dancesport.

Cebu City Sports Commission’s John Pages, who is also the regional head of Philippine Tennis Association, was asked to take care of lawn tennis. Other experts in the field are Rene Brojan for taekwondo, Marvin Ruellan for Chess, Marcia Malbas for scrabble, Gil Ramas for swimming and Victor Yntig for track and field.

Two events

Cesafi, however, still has not decided on two events.

Cesafi will no longer be getting the services of the Cebu Volleyball Association for volleyball and are in the market for another well-meaning group, who will officiate another popular event. The other orphaned event is sepak takraw.

Screening

“We will finalize all of it on Tuesday during the screening of the athletes for basketball at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation gym,” Tiukinhoy said.

Also on Tuesday, Cesafi will be announce the schedules of these events and their possible venues and also on the status of the application of Asian College of Technology (ACT), who applied for Cesafi membership.

Cesafi is still keeping things about ACT under wraps and Tiukinhoy said he will be announcing the board’s decision by then.

The Cesafi opens on Aug. 4 at the Cebu Coliseum with the Palabas from each school, since the earlier plan to have an “Olympic-style” opening was trashed by the board. The schools will still have the same idea, but only smaller. The auxiliary events, on the other hand, will be on Aug. 26.

SUNSPORT-PABOL WINS

SUNSPORT-PABOL BLANKS MELBORNE IN ABOITIZ U-16
courtesy of The Freeman Newspaper (http://www.philstar.com/)
April 17, 2007 Tuesday issue
by Marigold P. Lebumfacil, Correspondent

Sunsport-PaBol clobbered Melborne United FC 2-0, in Aboitiz CebuFA Girls-16 Cup at the San Roque Field in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City

Sunsport-PaBol leaned on the tandem of Bea Maximo and Mara Dado as they took fully control of midfield.

Maximo was able to find a slim chance to make a direct kick from 10 meters to give PaBol its first goal at the eight minute, 1-0

A good defense was shown by Patti Liu and Vanessa Sy, which gave Banban Yu a way to have a tap in goal at the 44th off a cross by Erika Casas from right flank, to make it 2-0.

On the other hand, the battle between Cebu International School (CIS) and host San Roque Football Club (SRFC) resulted to a tie, 1-1.

For more than half an hour, both camps did not make even a single goal as they mounted strong defenses and offenses.

Not until SRFC's Monica Trebol when she broke the ice with a goal at the 45th.

However, at the 53rd, CIS' Christelle Dychangco retaliated to level the score into 1-1.

APRIL BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS

PaBol Football Club, Inc. (PaBolFC)

APRIL BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS
Updated as of April 7, 2007

3
Boiser, Louise Anthony
Veloso, Christopher

6
Carstens, Erik

8
Dado, Ana Maranella

9
Suarez, Jin Cara

10
Casas, Janine

11
Leano, Stephanie Rose

13
Oliamot, Mary Abegail

14
Jereza, April Rose
Evangelista, Michael Joshua
Mariano, Roen Ezekiel
Villamor, Jose Maria

15
San Ramon, Katrina
Gallego, Andoni Javier

16
Espina, Athena
Tolentino, Lucas

17
Wong, Nicole Rae

18
Alvarez, Isabella

21
Dy, Janine Louise
Montenegro, Beatrice Marie
Gingdo, Karlus Stephen

24
Aguinaldo, Amani

25
Ho, Nathan Thomas

28
Samonte, Ika
Blanch, Javier
Lhuillier, Michael James

29
Ting, Jaclyn Joy
Maximo, Luis Miguel
Cuyos, Jon Zebediah

BE LIKE MIKE

Before the MP3 was invented, there was the MP2 - Mike Mike Phil. Mike Limpag (center), the famous ML of SSD, gets "mobbed" by Phil Younghusband (right) and Mike Sharpe (left). Phil, the Fil-Brit striker of world-renowned ChelseaFC, visited Cebu. Cebuano Mike Sharpe & Phil played for the RP U-21 Team last March 2007 in Brunei.

Cebu media met the football stars during the Press Con organized by CebuFA & PaBolFC.com

2007 ROSEVALE FESTIVAL - CAGAYAN

2007 2ND ROSEVALE INVITATIONAL FOOTBALL FESTIVALFebruary 24, 2007 8:00AM to 5:00PM
Xavier Estates Football Field, Xavier Estates Phase IV,
Airport Road, Cagayan de Oro City

OFFICIAL TEAM STANDINGS
GIRLS-17 (1990) DIVISION

Group A

1st - Ateneo de Manila University – Davao (3P 9Pts +4GD)
2nd - Liceo de Cagayan University (3P 6Pts +1GD)Sacred Heart Jesus Montessori School-A Cagayan (3P 3Pts –2GD)
Abba’s – Cagayan (3P 0Pt –3GD)

Group B

1st - First Three FC – Cagayan (4P 10Pts +6GD)
2nd - PaBol FC – Cebu (4P 7Pts +2GD)Panky FC – Iligan (4P 6Pts +2GD)
Cagayan de Oro FC (4P 2Pts –3GD)
Sacred Heart Jesus Montessori School-B Cagayan (4P 1Pt –7GD)

PaBolFC Girls-17 Team:
Charmaine Badilles; Julienne Canoy; Erika Casas; Presley Cunningham; Bea Maximo; Gabby Mercado; Mitchella Muller; Nikki Sembrano; Vanessa Sy; Jackie Ting; Ban-ban Yu

OFFICIAL SCHEDULE & RESULTS

Match #1: SHJMS-A vs AdMU
Result: 0-2 in favor of AdMU

Match #2: SHJMS-B vs PaBol
Result: 0-2 in favor of PaBolScorers:
Banban Yu (PaBol) – 4th min
Nikki Sembrano (PaBol) – 12th min

Match #3: Panky vs CDO
Result: 0-0 draw

Match #4: SHJMS-A vs Liceo
Result: 0-1 in favor of Liceo

Match #5: SHJMS-B vs First Three
Result: 0-3 in favor of First Three

Match #6: Panky vs PaBol
Result: 0-0 draw
Match #7: Liceo vs Abbas
Result: 1-0 in favor of Liceo

Match #8: First Three vs CDO
Result: 2-0 in favor of First Three

Match #9: SHJMS-B vs Panky
Result: 0-2

Match #10: Liceo vs AdMU
Result: 0-1

Match #11: First Three vs PaBol
Result: 1-0 in favor of First Three
Match #12: SHJMS-A vs Abbas
Result: 1-0 in favor of SHJMS-A

Match #13: SHJMS-B vs CDO
Result: 0-0 draw

Match #14: Panky vs First Three
Result: 0-0 draw

Match #15: Abbas vs AdMU
Result: 0-1 in favor of AdMU

Match #16: CDO vs PaBol
Result: 0-1 in favor of PaBolScorer:
Nikki Sembrano (PaBol) – 5th min

Semi-Finals #1: First Three vs Liceo
Result: First Three winner

Semi-Finals #2: AdMU vs PaBol
Result: 1-1 draw regulation timeScorers:
Patti Liu (PaBol) – 6th min
AdMU – 13th min
Penalty Shoot-Out: 3-1 in favor of AdMU

Finals: AdMU vs First Three
Result: 0-0 draw regulation time
Penalty Shoot-Out: winner AdMU

Champions – Ateneo de Manila University-Davao
1st Runner-Up – First Three Football Club-Cagayan
2nd Runner-Up – PaBol Football Club-Cebu2nd Runner-Up – Liceo de Cagayan University

CIS STAMPS CLASS IN ABOITIZ DIV B

Courtesy of SUN STAR DAILY NEWSPAPER (www.sunstar.com.ph)
February 5, 2007 Monday issue
By Mike Limpag, Staff Reporter

THE Cebu International School stamped its authority over a hapless University of the Philippines FC, 8-1, in the first day of the Aboitiz Division B Men’s Cup at the San Roque Parish grounds.

Packed with former national team mainstays Joshua Fegidero and Oliver Colina and Division A veterans Jesus Singson and Eleazer Toledo, plus a slew of talented young players, the game was CIS’ to lose.

However, the gritty UPFC, led by a determined Tyrone Cabañag at goal, managed to hold off the CIS’ offensive early in the first half.

Attack

Michael Sharpe finally broke the bauble in the 29th as he launched a strike just outside the box.

Despite getting attacks from all flanks, the UP defense manage to hold off another goal and a counterstrike almost netted them an equalizer before Red Miguel scoop up a save in his lone action in the first half in the 44th.

A minute later, Fegidero, who is playing in his first game in Cebu since serving a one-year suspension, finally scored his first goal off his left for a 2-0.

Things got worse for UP in the second half, after Fegidero clashed with Cabañag, forcing the keeper to sit out the rest of the match.

Blast

Andrew Oliveros replaced Cabañag and was immediately tested by Fegidero’s powerful blast, but the replacement managed to block it off.

There was no blocking Toledo in the 63rd as he headed in Colina’s corner for the first of his three goals, while substitute Christian Buhisan banged in a rebound in the 68th for a 4-0 score.

In the first game, Reino Amara banged in the go ahead goal in the 80th for FC Inter Cebu’s 3-2 win over XSem Bros.

Lead

Amora and Reynaldo Vallenis gave Inter Cebu a 2-0 lead in the fifth and 10th, before Sherwin Hortel and Michael Gonzales scored in the 29th and 32nd to level the match.

The two other matches also ended in routs with Cebu Institute of Technology blanking Sykes, 4-0, and Maitland Smith routed Ramos FC, 6-0.

Justin Villa, Marvey Quimque, James Dinawanao and Ramon Alarcon scored for CIT, while Renato Maambong scored twice for Smith. Other scorers were Joselito Pacheco, Renato del Carmen, Ariel Esparcin and Jessie Lugnit.

QUEEN CITY UTD LOGS 2ND WIN IN ABOITIZ MEN'S OPEN

Courtesy of THE FREEMAN NEWSPAPER (www.philstar.com)
November 27, 2006 Monday issue
By Marigold P. Lebumfacil
Manny Villaruel, Sports Editor

The Queen City United dumped San Roque Football Club, 6-1, for their second win to pace the action in the Men's Open of the Aboitiz- CebuFA Football Cup at the San Roque Football field in Subangdaku, Mandaue.

Adrian Caballero made two goals in the 28th and 78th , Ronald Mahilum added one the 23rd minute and Christopher Menchavez in 41st minute to kick off the campaign of Queen City United.

Ramie Colina, for his part, ignited the fire for San Roque as he banged in at the 72nd minute but it turned out to be the only goal as his teammates failed to contribute.

Then, Josephat Sacil and Anthony Moga made back-to-back goals in 81st and 85th minutes, respectively, to seal the game for Queen City. Crazy Horse Football Club, on the other hand, tamed Wild Cebu Football Club, 4-0, with goals coming from Kristopher Relucio (37th), Mitsuo Tsunakiri (50th), Rodolphe Lina (65th) and Albert Nangkil in the 83rd minute.

The third game saw Don Bosco logging their second win at the expense of Magone, 4-0, behind the combined efforts of John Genson (70th), Ramil Lachica (74th), Crisanto Sanchez (82nd) and Iry Genson (84th).

Also, University of San Jose-Recoletos overpowered University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 4-1.

The goal scorers for USJ-R were Dave Intong (46th), Jonathan Tan (51st), Mark Buglosa (60th) and Oscar Ledesma (81st) while Jose Fucoy made the solitary goal for USPS in the 48th minute.

QUEEN CITY, CRAZY HORSE TROUNCE FOES IN ABOITIZ CUP

Courtesy of SUN STAR DAILY NEWSPAPER (www.sunstar.com.ph)
November 27, 2006 Monday issue
By Mike Limpag, Staff Reporter

FAVORITES Queen City United and Crazy Horse FC tallied their second wins in similar fashion after the second round of the Aboitiz Premier League at the San Roque Parish football field.

Crazy Horse, which outlasted the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation 3-2 last week, trounced Wild Cebu Fashion, 4-0, while Queen City United routed San Roque FC A, 6-1.

Former University of San Jose-Recoletos Kim Relucio slipped into his familiar role as a striker to put Crazy Horse FC up 1-0 in the 37th.

Left unchecked inside the box, Relucio simply tapped in the cross pass from Edelio Ybañez for a 1-0 lead in the half.

Defensive role

In the second half, Relucio slipped back to his defensive role but there was no shortage of firepower on the offensive end as Mitsuo Tsunakiri blasted in a 25-yarder for a 2-0 lead in the 50th before Rodolphe Lina made it 3-0 in the 65th.

In the 70th, Albert Nangkil drove from left flank and slipped past the midfield and the defense to bang in Crazy Horse’s final count.

On the other hand, the comebacking former Carmen National School booter Ronald Mahilum slotted in Queen City’s first goal in the 23rd before Adrian Caballero and Christopher Menchavez made it 3-0 in the 28th and 41st.

Worse half

Ramie Colina put the home team on the score sheet with his 72nd minute strike but things got worse after that. Caballero added his second in the 78th, while Josaphat Sacil and Anthony Moga scored two minutes apart in the final five minutes of play.

Meanwhile the Don Bosco Almuni FC survived a tough first half before burying Magone, 4-0, in the third game.

After a close game, Don Bosco needed only 14 minutes to bury four goals.

John Henson slipped in the first in the 70th, and Ramil Lachica added another four minutes later. In the 82nd Crisanto Sanchez made it 3-0 and Ivy Genson found the back of the net in the 84th.

CEBUFA DENIES HIROSHI REQUEST

CEBUFA DENIES HIROSHI FC'S REQUEST TO RETAIN DIV. A SLOT IN ABOITIZ FOOTBALL
Courtesy of SUNSTAR DAILY NEWSPAPER (www.sunstar.com.ph)
November 21, 2006 Tuesday issue
By Marian C. Baring, Staff Writer

CEBU Football Association (CebuFA) denied Hiroshi Football Club’s request to play in the premiere Division A of the Aboitiz Men’s Open Football League next year.

The Men’s Open defending champion Hiroshi FC, also the former top seed in Division A, skipped this year’s tournament because of lack of players, forcing the team to automatically relinquish the top spot and allowing last year’s runner-up, Crazy Horse , to climb atop the rankings.

The Hiroshi FC management wrote a letter of request to CebuFA asking for a slot in Division A next year instead of being demoted to Division B.

But CebuFA president Jonathan Maximo said that to be fair, the committee has decided to deny Hiroshi’s request.

Maximo said if Hiroshi decides to compete next year, the team will have to go through the usual process like the other teams and will need to climb its way up again back into Division A.

“The committee decided on this because there are other teams that were relegated (to the lower division) because they became either inactive or failed to comply with the number of players,” Maximo said.

Meanwhile, the Men’s Open division received an overwhelming response this year after drawing out the participation of thirteen new teams.

Maximo said the number exceeded his expectation of only seven teams for Division B this year.

“These are mostly teams playing in weekend tournaments. CebuFA is able to entice these groups to join us because of the festivals that we have introduced,” Maximo said.

The development, however, entails several problems and the foremost of all is with regards to the scheduling of the games, particularly as to how to finish the tournament on time. (MCB)

ABOITIZ CUP FOOTBALL RESUMES IN MANDAUE

Courtesy of THE FREEMAN NEWSPAPER (www.philstar.com)
November 18, 2006 Saturday issue
By Caecent O. No-ot, Staff Reporter
Manny Villaruel, Sports Editor

Even with the 2006 Cebu City Olympics going on, there's no stopping the 10th Aboitiz-Cebu FA Football Cup as it scheduled to kick off today the competitions in two divisions at the San Roque Football field in Subangdaku, Mandaue.

The Boys 12-under, which started last month, will not have games today to give way to the staging of the boys 15-under class.

There will be a total of 12 teams joining and they are grouped into two groups. Last year, only eight teams competed.

Composing group A are PAREF-Springdale School, Blessed John XXIII Seminary , Don Bosco College-B, Colegio dela Inmaculada-Mandaue, San Roque Football Club and University of San Carlos-North Campus while group B has Abellana National School, Don Bosco College-A, Cebu International School, FC Inter Cebu, Centre for International Education and Sacred Heart School-Jesuit.

Tomorrow, it's going to be the men's premier league that will unfold.

Just like the boys 15 class, the number of entries in the men's open also soared from 14 last year to 24 this year.

"We didn't expect to have this much number of entries," says CebuFA president Jonathan Maximo.

With that, the organizers will have to re-format the tournament system to accommodate all teams.

Teams who will be playing in the Cebu City Olympics are being scheduled on a latter date to avoid conflict.

AMAZING FOOTBALL SKILLS

Amazing Football Skills

Best viewed with broadband connection. For effective viewing, press "Play" then "Pause". Wait for orange indicator to load towards right side, then press "Play" again.

THE AMAZING MR. WOO

Search for Mr. Woo, Cebu version is on. If you can set it up like Mr. Woo, send your name and no. to pabolfc@yahoo.com For effective viewing: (1) click Play button, then Pause button. (2) Wait until the red indicator is somewhere in the right portion (3) click Play button again

MAXIMIZE FOOTBALL TO THE MAX? MEET MAXI

Published in SUN STAR DAILY NEWSPAPER (www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu)Sunday October 1, 2006 issue
by John Pages, Columnist - Matchpoint

FOOTBALL sent me to school,” says Jonathan “Maxi” Maximo.

Back in college at the University of San Carlos, Maxi was a football varsity star for four years. He wore green, memorized the USC hymn, tied the shoelaces off his spiked shoes, and played right midfield. In college, he didn’t have to reach inside the pocket to pay tuition. He was a full scholar — thanks to his left and right legs.

It is 4:35 last Thursday afternoon and Maxi and I are seated on a round wooden table at Bo’s Coffee in Ayala. He drinks iced coffee, I sip a cup of hot mint tea.

Maxi, 40, the president of the Cebu Football Association (CebuFA), looks quiet and reserved. But when the topic veers towards the game named “F,” as in fun, he straightens his back, leans forward, extends his arms, and speaks.

His story began in Grade 5. A student of Don Bosco, he was exposed to football—like all Bosconians are—at a tender age. By fifth grade, when he tasted the sweat and smelled the joy of kicking a ball into the net, he was hooked. Maxi rocketed out of the classroom door, dashed to the field, hustled, improved his skills, and joined the Don Bosco varsity. In an all-boys school where football rules, the words “I’m varsity” are golden.

“Don Bosco was founded and built by the Italian priests,” Maxi explains. “And we know how much the Italians love football, right?” I nod my head. Didn’t they just win the World Cup?

“In Don Bosco, unlike most schools, our intramurals are held throughout the year,” he adds. “So from 12 to 1 every noontime, we’re off running. It didn’t matter to us if we were sweating when we entered the classroom. What mattered was we played.”

From elementary to high school and on to college, Maxi lived, breathed and wore shin guards after each school bell ring. But when he graduated, life changed. Maxi focused, like we all do, on family—his wife Sheila and their children, Ina, 14; Igi, 11; and Ica, 7. He founded Maximax Systems, and engaged in the sales and services of air-conditioning units.

Family was good. Business was good. Life was good. The football? It was locked inside the cabinet.

But footballers, they say, are footballers for life. Like driving a car, you never forget it. And soon, the love of football tickles you back...

That “soon” was in 2001, when Maxi became president of the Rotary Club of Cebu South. When his term started, he vowed to champion two goals—education and football—and coined a motto: “Football through education. Education through football.”

With the help of a Rotary WCS grant, he approached three public elementary schools— Basak, Labangon, and Punta Princesa — and distributed books to the children. He also did one more thing: introduce football. They donated balls and invited Graeme Mackinnon to speak. The result? “Batang Rotary” was embraced. Very soon, the boys and girls with skinny legs kicked and shot balls that zoomed past goalies.

“You can never forget,” Maxi says, “the smiles on their faces. And since that time, I promised never to leave football.”

Two years later, in 2003, Maxi was elected CebuFA president.

Fast forward to September ’06, football is peerless in this Visayan island. At last week’s 2nd Aboitiz Football Festival, a total of 2,400 players and 216 teams joined—the most ever. You saw cute six-year-olds, brave 43-year-olds, and brackets for 8, 10, 12, 14, and 17 years old. Men’s Open? Women’s Open? Girls high school? Check, check, check. A group for 36-year-olds and older. Soon, a 23-and-under bracket. And very soon, two categories for the children to split the advanced teams from the newcomers—an excellent move.

RP CENTER. Maxi and the CebuFA Board are driven by two goals: One, to spread football not only in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-lapu—but all over the Cebu Province. Two, to dislodge Iloilo and Negros and place Cebu as the center of RP football.

Since Maxi assumed the CebuFA top spot, he’s been all-football. Sometimes, too much football. At the Aboitiz event, he and his team stayed from 6 a.m. until past midnight. Golf at Alta Vista? Goodbye, small white ball. His youngest daughter Ica, only seven, used to enjoy ballet but is now wearing soccer shoes because, as Maxi suspects, “football is all we talk about at the dining table.”

But Maxi’s not complaining. Football’s his passion and there’s so much more to do. He pulls out a two-page handout and shows me the goals of the CebuFA: to introduce Futsal, upgrade the expertise of our coaches, divide the province into eight districts, introduce Sports Medicine...

For with Maxi Maximo, the driver of Cebu football, he steps on the pedal, revs it, kicks the engine into high gear, zooms ahead, and knows only one way to drive this sport: to the max.

(john@brightacademy.edu.ph)