KENNETH PORIO | the blog

This is Part 4 of a series of posts about the men behind the rise of the Azkals. You are encouraged to read Part 1 , Part 2 and Part 3 of this series.  Next on Hans Michael Weiss ’s assignments was the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers. The qualifiers were done for the first time since 2002, wherein the nation was one of a very few that did not enter to qualify for the 2006 and 2010 editions. And during those attempts to qualify for the event in the past, the national team only got stuck in the first round, losing with big margins to Asian neighbours. But with an even deeper lineup made by the man, Dan Palami, the coach was sure for his team to, at least, break the record to get to the second round. Many of the Filipinos have wanted to see their team making it to the main 2014 World Cup tournament in Brazil. But he was pragmatic to say that it’s too early to say the Azkals would be there. He knows the team has potential, but it would take a very long time to see the results. ...

This is Part 2 of a series of posts about the men behind the rise of the Azkals . Click here to go to Part 1. At that very moment, Simon McMenemy , the coach of that team which would soon leave the dark age of Philippine football, stood on that ground that was a potential haven for emerging talent. Together with team manager Dan Palami, he wanted his team to be the best they are with. Palami, that Waray  manager who came to action for a struggling team, made huge sacrifices for his wards. He spent his own money to subsidize the air fares of  majority of the players. He sponsored the meals of the players before and after every training session and every game. He sits down with the team at the sidelines during every game. He sometimes provides emotional support for those who miss their loved ones overseas. As I said previously, he takes care of these men like they were his children . With him on their sides, their morale just accelerated like ...

All it took was a shocking, stunning, gut-wrenching, heart-stopping upset. Tens of thousands of Vietnamese at the My Ðính stadium in Hanoi, with millions who were watching on TV screens across South East Asia, could not believe their eyes as their team lost to whom they've called whipping boys, minnows, and weaklings. And those brave men whom they've labeled with came out in high spirits that they have finally overcome the odds. With that victory, the world had their utmost respect and appreciation. Who to thank for? The man who started it all, Dan Stephen Palami . For many years the men we fondly call the Azkals had hoped for someone who would nurture them, support them and care for them, even if their fellow countrymen never dared to know them all. Someone who would be there all the way, through their ups and downs, through their joys and sorrows. Someone who will not be moved by the cruelties of the corrupt place that was Philippine sports. Someone who would sacrifice ...