My Football History (2004)

Unknown to many, the real reason I started playing football was not for the love of the game. It was all because of my big legs.

Yes, I own a pair of humongous thighs that extends to a pair of giant calves. Thank God I have knees or else my entire lower limbs could be mistaken as jumbo logs.

I tried out for the Miriam College Futsal Team (indoor soccer) with zero knowledge of the game. All I wanted was the liberty of wearing shorts without people staring at my legs and gaping at how monstrous they are. Evidently, football players are entitled to big muscled calves.

This is my first football photo in complete gear.

The MC Futsal Team 2004-2005.

The guy in the back row is Coach Titan. He’s the one who taught me how to play, particularly how to kick real hard. He was actually the coach who appointed me a striker position.

I remember training nights when he would give me extra walling time just so I can perfect my strikes. It was all for love. He was a good coach. I owe him a lot.

Our huge tarpaulin in the covered courts. I felt so proud being one of them.

I grew up having academic medals hang around my neck but when I got my first football medal, it was exhilarating. The satisfaction was completely different. It was an achievement I knew I couldn’t do alone. It was team work all the way.

Because of the team, I slowly learned to love the game. I felt like family. We were sponsored by WOK DIS WAY Katipunan and it became our official tambayan.

Les Espertas United was our team name for football games (outdoor soccer).

The Alaska Cup held at Alabang was my first ever football tournament.

I was the ultimate newbie. I committed a thousand flops and remarkable bloopers that make me wanna shrink even till now. But that’s how I learned. I got dirty, I got screamed at, but I learned.

This is my favorite part of every festival – catching a snooze before the next game!

To the MC team, I hold you close to my heart.

Because of you guys, I now play the game for one reason – LOVE.