Nate Burkey: Living the dream

This is an article I wrote for Pinoyfootball.com

http://pinoyfootball.com/index.php?page=newsupdates&newsId=11100282

NEW ZEALAND — DEEP inside all of us, we have a hidden ambition we choose to bury believing that the odds are too high to overcome and transform it into a reality.

Santiago Muñez in the film Goal, was a mere part-time mechanic and busboy who dreamed of playing football in the big leagues someday. In spite of  being discovered by an agent for Newcastle United F.C., poverty made it impossible for him to fly to England for a trial.

Nonetheless, he overcame the odds and we all know what happened in the end. Santiago is a product of fiction though. However, the world of sports is no stranger to real Cinderella stories. From Lance Armstrong overcoming testicular cancer to race himself to fame in the world of cycling, to our very own Manny Pacquiao rising up from poverty to become the world’s pound-for-pound king. We all love hearing these stories.

Just on the opposite coast as Santiago, a young man dreamt of playing football not only at the highest level but also for his motherland.

Nathaniel Burkey first got involved with the beautiful game at age four, inspired by an older brother who also had passion for the game. But aside from sibling influence, Nate’s mom was also a big factor to her son’s footballing career.

“When my dad died when I was only two and a half years old, my mom used football to bring my family together,” shared the young striker who was born in Washington D.C..

Nate grew up in Alexandria, Virginia which is just outside the capital. He then got his first taste of competitive football playing for the T.C. Williams High School Titans, playing as a midfielder. He then went on to play for Louisburg College and the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams.  Nate then set his sights on playing internationally for the Philippine national football team, the Azkals, as he slowly builds a career in football.

“I first learned of National team in 2005 from my Englishman college coach Dave Sexton who told me about the team. He also told me about an English-Filipino Azkal Chris Greatwhich.” Nate added.

The ambition of playing international football for the Philippines, for which he qualifies since his mother has Filipino roots, became a prime motivator for Burkey to step up his game. “When I learned of the team’s existence I immediately became interested and made it my goal for the next five years. It didn’t matter to me at that time if they were among the lowest-ranked teams in the world, just the thought of playing for something you belong to is incentive in itself, ” he added.

Despite spending his entire life in the U.S., Burkey said it wasn’t hard to acknowledge the Filipino in him. He shared that his mom and her sister were part of a Filipino organization in the States, not to mention a huge number of kababayans living in their area who they befriended.

In fact, his family put in a lot of effort to make Nate’s dream of playing for the Azkals a reality someday. Although, as Nate explained, it was hard to get in touch with the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) or any coordinator of the national team, his family moved mountains and did everything they could to finally give Nate a try-out.

“Well it was kind of tough to get in touch with the Federation at that time.  I just googled the PFF and would send them emails to whoever.  It was not an easy process.  I was very anxious to get the ball rolling and wanted to get involved as soon as possible,” Burkey explained.

It was only when he got in touch with fellow Fil-Ams Aly Borromeo and Anton del Rosario did his dream finally took a step forward. All thanks to the world of social networking, and through e-mails.

Nate soon joined the try-outs for Philippine club Kaya F.C., where he was also spotted by the national team’s coaching staff and was invited to try-out with them.“I was excited to try-out. It felt like, after all these years, I could finally represent my country in football,” he said.

And Nate’s ascension to the national team was like a movie cliché, where the kid who dreams becomes the hero and saves the day.

On July 2011, in the country’ first World Cup Qualifying game in many years, Nate Burkey went into the game as a sub in a match where the Philippines was down 1-0 with a few minutes remaining.  And just like the movies, he scored the goal that sent the nation into euphoria.

“Scoring on my debut for the Philippines itself was unforgettable but the fact that it was a World Cup Qualifying made it even that much more special,” he said.

Burkey also lamented on the number of years he had waited for the moment. “Taking nearly six years to get in the team that I have been dreaming about and finally it all happened and actually scoring on my debut was a dream come true.  I was full of emotions as you can see in some of the photos. I was savouring the moment,” he added.

Equally making him proud was the fact that a number of his family and close friends from the U.S. were watching the game. “I had some family and close friends watching the game online and on TV so it was great to share the moment with them, a moment I will never forget.”

Among other memories he said he would never forget playing for the Azkals was when he visited what Nate called the “football capital of the Philippines”, Bacolod, as well as the Los Angeles Galaxy game at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

“I really won’t forget the reception we [the Azkals] enjoyed in Bacolod. The people were very supportive of us and everywhere we went people were going crazy for us. It truly is the football capital of the Philippines,” he added.

Recently, Nate Burkey has swapped his life in the United States for the busy life of Manila which is playing for Kaya F.C., an opportunity he called “unbelievable”. “To be able to play football full-time is incredible,” he said.

“The experiences of both Kaya FC and the Azkals have been unbelievable. It really is just a dream come true and still so surreal that it all happened so fast and the way it has happened.  I always dreamed of football being my life but now I can honestly say that it is.  I am very happy with the way things have turned out and I just hope for more blessings and success in the future,” he added.

Asked if he missed the life in the States and if he learned to cope with Manila, Burkey explained “I do miss my family and friends in US but I know that this is the sacrifice I have to make and I am living out my dream so I wouldn’t have it any other way. I feel as though I am coping with Manila life well.  You really only have to get used to the heat and the traffic and I am really used to it by now. I am happy and comfortable here.”

He also spoke highly of his teammates and of the coaching staff, and adding that he sees the popularity of Philippine football going nowhere but up in future years.

“I see only good and positive things coming for Philippine football in the next five years.  I already see a strong influence in the youth everywhere and a very strong response from the Filipinos everywhere.  Hopefully with the right structure and organisation, football will be the number one sport here and the most popular sport both watched and being played amongst Filipinos,” he said.

However, Burkey acknowledged that the program require time and effort before the effects could be felt. “I do think we are on the right track in improving football but like anything it is a process.  We can’t expect over night change.  It starts with grass roots programs and getting the youth involved as much as possible.  We should also make the game easily accessible for them and anyone who wants to play,” he explained.

As did Santiago Muñez, Manny Pacquiao and Lance Armstrong, Nate Burkey followed his dreams and persevered to make them a reality, and he was rewarded for it. Although on a scale not on the same wave length as Santiago, Nate achieved his true ambition; one which he thought was not possible six years ago, and he has no plans of stopping just yet. As Nate and so many more athletes have proven throughout history, as long as you set your heart to it, it is possible to live your dreams. LE

Pinoyfootball.com: Angel Guirado goes Global

This is an article I wrote for Pinoyfootball.com

http://pinoyfootball.com/index.php/81-features/87-angel-guirado-goes-global

NEW ZEALAND – When a professional footballer signs for a club in Asia or in the US, especially if he once plied his trade in Europe, his move is often seen as a fall from grace.

Usually it is a last resort since no other club is interested in signing him or a financial move aimed at securing the player financial future as he reaches the twilight of his playing days.

The likes of Thierry Henry, David Beckham, Angel and Robbie Keane have all moved on to the United States after being offered big pay checks in the booming Major League Soccer (MLS). World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro also secured a lucrative deal to play for Al-Ahli in the UAE League. Even Barcelona coach and former Spain midfielder Josep Guardiola gave a cameo at Mexican club Dorados after his European playing days were over.

Angel Guirado wearing a Global F.C. t-shirt

After being released from his contract with CD Ronda in the Spanish third division, Guirado was linked with a number of clubs in high-profile countries such as Japan, United Arab Emirates and China among others. Such was the reason why Guirado’s move to Global came as a surprise to football fanatics.

“Yes I heard that a number of clubs were looking at me but the timing was off.” Guirado explains.

“They had full line-ups already which meant I had to take a bench role.”

But surely a back-up role to a UAE club or a J-League club would suit everyday footballers better than a starting role in a Philippine semi-pro outfit? Guirado explains his decision.

“I want to wait for the right club to offer me a place in their team where I could play regular football and to compete in a high level of play. I will play for Global while waiting for the right offer to arrive.”

Guirado isn’t the only one in his family who is a professional football player. He has an elder brother Juan Luis, a defender, has played for third division clubs in Spain.

Asked if we were to see a Spanish version of the Greatwich tandem of Chris and Simon, Angel relates that he is clueless about his brother’s plans but is aware efforts have been made to contact him.

“Honestly I do not know his plans though my cousin Rafa is communicating with him.”

He also shares how his brother is happy for him and for the team.

“I am sure he is happy for me and is happily watching the team achieve success. I hope he comes to play here.”

The influx of foreign-bred football talents into the team is one that has merited both positive and negative reactions from Filipinos. When asked what his opinion was on foreign-based athletes, Guirado has this to say to us.

“Today, I believe that we foreign-athletes bring a different level of play to the team. With the proper measures and a comprehensive grassroots program in place and giving homegrown players the right amount of exposure I am sure things will change for the better.”

*United Football League*

Angel also notes that it is good to have a local league such as the UFL in the country.

“It is good that there is a league here such as the UFL and tournaments like the PFF-Smart Club Championships. It will certainly help having people appreciate the game even more. I know that support for the game is increasing as what I have seen in Guimbal, Iloilo when we played there and the fans were very excited to see us. As I have mentioned in other interviews, it will always start with a good grassroots program.”

Leagues like that in Thailand and in the U.S. maybe lucky enough to attract professionals into their game, who are looking to secure themselves financially in the long term. But the Philippines is fortunate that we have foreign-bred Filipino footballers who are willing to return to their motherland and to help develop the sport in the country. *LE (Louie Encabo is also the Admin for Pinoyfootball.com’s Usapang football forum)*

Demoralization

The great Filipino hero Jose Rizal once said, “the youth is the hope of the future.” He acknowledges the youth of today will become the doctors, teachers, soldiers, public servants and other professionals of tomorrow. While this is entirely true, let us remember that they will not only be the bright professionals in the workforce but could also become the future carjackers, kidnappers and criminals of our society.

Teenagers sniffing rugby.

This may sound cynical but it is true, especially with the youth-driven crimes that made headlines in the past month. The most recent of which is the murder and suicide involving two boys aged 13-years old and 16-years old. The motive was a strained relationship, which prompted the 13-year old suspect to shoot his 16-year old boyfriend inside a shopping mall in Pampanga before turning the gun to himself.

In Laguna, a 15-year old boy admitted that he raped and slashed the pulse of a woman after he robbed her of her personal belongings. The minor was able to escape to Tarlac using the victim’s car which he had stolen. In Cebu, a 16-year old was behind the heinous murder of his pregnant mother and 5-year old sister. The minor stabbed to death his mother and used a revolver to strike the head of his younger sister. The boy is thought to be a drug user.

Youths are also getting more involved in the drug trade as well. A report from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) disclosed that a total of 85 minors have been apprehended for violating the illegal drugs law.

Just last month, a 15-year old was found dead and appeared to have been raped in Quezon City. The victim’s body was found in an empty lot believed to be the lair of rugby-sniffing teenage boys. Plastic bags believed to be drug paraphernalia were found at the scene of the crime as well. The most prominent example of drug-related juvenile delinquents are the notorious “bukas-taxi gang” along EDSA highway. This gang of rugby-addicted boys ransack taxis who are stalled along congested traffic along the busy highway.

The level of morality of our youths are on a decline, and if these youths will become the future of our nation as Jose Rizal once said then the future looks bleak. Of course, it is unfair to generalize all youths, but the extreme deterioration of their moral fabric is definitely worth being concerned about.

The blame usually goes to media, particularly violent video games which manage to fall in the hands of teenagers despite an ‘R18′ tag. Television shows displaying inappropriate material and obscene language somehow manages to make their way in mainstream television, giving a bad influence on their teenage viewers. The same goes for obscene music as well. Then there are adult magazines that are made available to all customers as long as retailers make a profit.

Parents are also not exempted from the blame, they are everyone’s first teachers; through parents do children learn their values. If parents were able to fulfil their roles effectively, their children would not stray into a life of crime. The absence of a parental control on television sets is also a factor. In developed countries, most televisions have parental controls wherein parents can lock certain channels or programs in order to prevent their children from viewing them without their consent.

Retailers should also exercise protocol when engaging in trade of adult magazines and other media. The latter should be sold only to people who present an I.D. even if this means losing profit. The same goes for DVDs, retailers should follow the film rating set when selling. In the first world, retailers stand to lose their license and may even be penalized if found guilty of violating film ratings law. It is a strict policy for these countries, it is incredible how it is taken so lightly in the Philippines.

However, influences can only go as far as making a child curious, it is consequences that send a message that what he is doing is wrong. During one attack of the ‘bukas-taxi gang’, seven members were arrested by policemen. The seven all evaded imprisonment as the Juvenile Crime Act mandates all minors to be sent to counselling instead of jail. The same fate would be met by the 15-year old who raped and robbed a woman, or the 16-year old who killed his mom and sister. It doesn’t matter what crime you do or how many times you do it, as long as you are a minor you can walk free out of facing a tough consequence.

This makes teenagers complacent and confident about doing whatever they want. At the same time, it endangers the ordinary citizen as well since they could do anything they want and not be punished for doing so. It comes as no surprise then that the statistic of juvenile delinquents have increased, as the saying goes: “spare the belt and spoil the child.”

The moral fabric of our country is deteriorating, the youths who are suppose to lead the country into a prosperous tomorrow are the ones who are pulling it down instead. This is a sad and concerning reality. Although there is still hope amongst the youths, if legislation and parenthood do not get their acts straight and start to work effectively then that little sparkle of hope may be completely shunned.

Self-Destruction

It is no secret that the strength of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is no strength at all. An infamous joke is that the PAF is all air and no force; a laughing matter for our regional neighbours but a source of humiliation for the country. It is known to all that the PAF is one of the weakest air forces in the world, with our squadron of aircraft still bearing hand-me-downs from various allies such as the United States and Korea Republic among others.

A Commission on Audit (COA) Aircraft Accident Report covering the last two decades defined the true state of the air force recently. According to the report, a total of 305 pilots have been killed in various types of accidents involving military aircraft over the past 20 years. The number is indeed alarming, the casualties involved are not even from the battlefield. Equipment and hardware is supposed to give soldiers protection and adequate firepower to perform their tasks to the best of their abilities, the opposite however, happens in the Philippines.

An OV-10 bronco, one of the last remaining attack planes of the PAF, crashes on an open field in 2006. Photo from www.aviationspectator.com

The report further states that the main culprit was ‘wear and tear’. The aircrafts the pilots were flying were barely airworthy or flyable, these led to mechanical and engine problems. The figure of casualties only cover the pilots and do not include soldiers or civilians who were also in the aircraft. The number of pilots killed would have been enough to form six US standard squadrons which is 16 fighter aircrafts per squadron. In other words, for every aircraft accident three pilots are killed.

Calls for modernization are abundant, the sad thing is that nothing ever comes to fruition. This is no surprise though since the Department of National Defense (DND) has been cited as one of the most corrupt departments in the country. Much-needed funds that are allocated for modernization are siphoned off into the pockets of generals and other high-ranking officials in the military. These officials take a non-combat role and are based in the capital but enjoy a lavish lifestyle, while front-line soldiers have to deal with a meagre salary, worn-out combat gear and misfiring weapons.

The air force is also in need of trainer jets, which are essential to train new pilots or to up the skills of existing airmen. The PAF hold dozens in its inventory but are ageing and are likely to add to the statistics of fallen pilots. In fact, the trainer jets have been dubbed the “widow makers of the air force”.

It has been fifteen years since the passage of the “Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program” or Republic Act 7898. If everything went according to plan, the air force is due of its’ “Horizon II” phase where acquisition of equipment for external defense  is mandated. Horizon II is targeted to begin in 2010, a year after the intended timeframe the air force still does not have a multi-role fighter jet. The only major recent acquisition made by the PAF is the purchase of eight W-3 Sokol helicopters for combat utility in 2009, the final year of “Horizon I” or the internal security acquisition phase of the air force.

Drastic reforms are truly needed by the air force. Pilots are getting tired of the lousy handling of the government to improve their equipment and it will be no surprise if the trend of air force pilots leaving the service to take up higher-paying jobs in the private sector or abroad will continue to increase. This will cause further deterioration of the PAF’s abilities and the nation’s capability to defend itself will continue to weaken. This is called self-destruction.

If the PNoy administration is serious of its mantra of taking the “straight path”, it should prove itself by taking a serious approach to meet the needs of national security before it self-destructs. Modernization is badly needed, it may not be long before we see another pilot go down with his aircraft.

Ten Years On

Today, the world marks the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The deliberate strikes on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Virginia were carried out clandestinely by Osama Bin Laden’s Al-Qaeda network. The barbaric acts of terror claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent civilians; they include parents, siblings and co-workers who would forever be missed by their loved ones.

A period of mourning would then be replaced by an era of hatred, feelings of sorrow would be replaced by the longing for vengeance . After the culprits became public knowledge, anger was directed at terrorism and the worldwide campaign to eradicate terrorists was promulgated. Aimed at making the world a safer place, global superpowers joined forces to crush terrorist factions in Afghanistan and Iraq. But ten years on, has the world really become a safer place? Has terrorism been debilitated, more-so put to a stop?

The infamous image of the World Trade Center attacks in 2001.

Ten years on, the threat of terrorism is as real as it was before. Although Osama Bin Laden has already been killed, the lives of thousands of Americans lost in the 9/11 attacks are yet to be vindicated. And how could we say otherwise when the threat of terrorism looms almost every year in the U.S.? On Christmas Day 2009, suspected Al-Qaeda member Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab planned to take down Northwestern Airlines Flight 253 en route to Detroit, Michigan from Amsterdam using plastic explosives sewn to his underwear. Umar’s plans didn’t come to fruition after being apprehended by fellow passengers on the flight. Americans are also suffering from travel restrictions as they are prime targets of terrorist crimes all over the world.

The United States’ campaign in Iraq has stretched for almost eight years but an end is nowhere to be seen, at the same time their mission in Afghanistan is far from being accomplished as well. The United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Canada, the rest of the North Alliance Treaty Organization and several non-NATO and U.S. allies have also taken part in their conquest and because of this they have paid for their participation.

In July 2005, 56 people perished in the London train bombings in the United Kingdom. A year earlier, 191 people were killed also from train bombings in Madrid, Spain. Two years beforehand over 202 people, over 88 of them were Australians and most of them tourists, were killed in car bombings in Bali, Indonesia. The Beslan School Siege in Russia, carried out in 2004 by Chechen separatists, took the lives of 334 victims but most of them were casualties of a botched rescue attempt by Russian special forces soldiers and the inadequate medical facilities available in the small city of Beslan. The booming city of Mumbai in India have been devastated as well by two major terrorist attacks. First the 2006 train bombings which took the lives of 209 people and then the 2008 hotel bombings which left 175 people dead.

Victims lie on the railway tracks during the 2004 Madrid train bombings.

The carnage during the 2005 London Bombings.

In the Philippines, we are no strangers to terrorism. The worst terrorist attack on Filipino civilians happened in 2004 during the Super Ferry 15 bombings which killed 118 people. At the same time, the country also has several Islamic separatist factions lurking in the South such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Indonesian faction Jemaah Islamiyah, communist New People’s Army and the notorious Abu Sayaff. The latter made worldwide headlines when the group kidnapped tourists from the island of Sipadan, Malaysia in 2000.

The war against terrorism is far from being won, and as the days go by more and more civilians and soldiers get killed in the fighting in terrorist hotspots such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia. This means that more families will lose their loved ones in the fighting. There will be more empty seats in the dinner table for most households. There will be more grieving and sympathy amongst all people. And most of all, there will be more fighting and hatred towards people of different ethnicities and religions.

The question that comes to mind is one that is echoed throughout the people who have lost their loved ones, throughout the residents living inside the warzone: “when will all of this end?” When will the guns be silenced? When will the bloodshed stop? Is it really through war that we can attain peace?

Ten years on, the answer remains unknown to all. The wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Mindanao and the like shows no signs of slowing down; in fact, it is as active as it always was. Support for the war on terror is slowly diminishing, with most global leaders growing tired of the fighting in the Middle East. There has also been calls in the U.S. to end the war in Iraq and to send their troops home. At the same time, more youths are enlisting themselves in terrorist networks worldwide and eliminating terrorist commanders render useless as they can easily be replaced. The clamor of the world is still the same: stop terrorism and apprehend its’ sympathizers. The response however, continues to be an enigma.

Ten years after 9/11 terrorism is yet to be stopped, instead it is as strong as it ever was.

The Voice of a People

It was only last month when the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Giussepe Pinto hailed the country as the ‘last bastion against divorce’. The envoy from the Vatican underscored the fact that aside from the Holy See, the Philippines is the only country not to have any form of divorce in the world.

While the whole world has soften their stance on traditional Christian values and adopting to more-liberal measures, the Philippines managed to preserve a centuries-old inheritance from its’ Spanish colonizers. As the world embraces on new-found freedoms such as divorce, pre-marital sex and same-sex marriage, the Philippines persists on the values laid down by religion and creed.

Although it is essential to maintain our morals, we must bear in mind that the first and foremost duty of a head-of-state is to ensure that the demand of the majority is given utmost priority and to be responded to immediately. In a nation of 85 million Christians, this is certainly not the case.

A woman carries a sign that says, "Think of our future, pass the RH Bill."

A survey taken by leading polling organization Social Weather Stations (SWS) last June 2011 showed that eighty-two percent, or roughly 8 out of 10 respondents, supported the idea of planning family size. This is a staggering number, a statistic that cannot be ignored. There is a clear appeal from the masses to make family planning a priority in this fast-growing country. The rapidly-increasing population has always been a hurdle for our economy and a headache for past heads-of-state. To make matters worse, no clear plan can be conceived to counter the boom of the population. The largely-influential Catholic Church, spearheaded by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has been a stumbling block to all efforts made by the government. The argument that sexual intercourse should be pro-life instead of for pleasure and the importance of family compels House Bill no. 4244 or better known as the “Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2008“ filed by Albay Representative Edcel Lagman as immoral and against the Catholic Church.

The said act envisions the designation of family planning supplies as ‘essential medicines’, emergency obstetric care be given to women and sexuality education be mandatory to students. Contrary to claims made the CBCP, a clause legalizing abortion, or the termination of the unborn fetus, does not exist in the said bill. As a matter of fact, the bill aims to avoid any unwanted contraception which usually leads to abortion, which is usually done in rural areas by unskilled abortionists which then puts the mother’s life at risk.

Women staged a rally in support of the RH Bill.

At the same time last year that the country’s GDP rose by 7.6%, the population increased by 4.5% as well. Our economy is progressing, but if the population continues to swell how will the people feel the gains that it brings? As a sinking ship needs to plug its’ hole before it can start pumping out water, so too should an economy control its’  population before it can start making strides. The clamor for more job opportunities in the country would only amplify as our numbers continue to double. More children would also require more schools and health facilities, social services which the government is struggling to deliver to the people.

Doubtlessly, as Filipinos it is important to preserve our culture and heritage. As stated in the preamble of the 1987 Constitution, as citizens we are tasked to: “conserve and develop our patrimony”. Christianity and our well-knit values definitely count as being part of our heritage; the CBCP has stressed this enough. But before PNoy and Congress decide on whether to veto HB 4244 or not they should, as how they would in any other legislation they craft, weigh up the pros and cons. Will it truly benefit the people? Are all conditions and clauses in the said bill preferable and just? Is the interest of the majority being prioritized in this piece of legislation? The bishops must also bear in mind that although 90% of Filipinos are Christians, a number of our countrymen belong to different denominations as well. Forcing to impose Christian beliefs on them is just plain bullying.

The CBCP may argue that they are the sentinels of God’s people, safeguarding their values, but they have to decipher why the majority of their flock lean towards the idea of a Reproductive Health Bill. Eighty-two percent is a percentage that cannot be taken for granted.  As an early Christian proverb would say, “the voice of the people is the voice of God.”

The New Enforcer

In his 2nd State of the Nation address, President Noynoy Aquino announced the appointment of former Chief Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales as Merceditas Gutierrez’ successor as ombudsman. The former administered the incumbent President’s inauguration last June 30 after PNoy refused to be administered by Chief Justice Renato Corona, whose appointment PNoy had opposed.

The new ombudsman of the Republic of the Philippines, Conchita Carpio-Morales

Carpio-Morales  is a daughter of a former judge, Lucas Carpio. She boasts a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of the Philippines (UP) and a bachelor’s degree in laws at the UP College of Laws. Upon earning her degrees, she started a law firm in Manila where she was assistant secretary. Thanks to her former professor from the University of the Philippines, Morales started a career at the Department of Justice. She was special assistant to Secretary of Justice Vicente Abad Santos. Conchita then worked her way from assistant to becoming a lawyer, researcher, assistant special lawyer and senior state counsel before becoming a judge in 1983.

During the Marcos administration, Morales was appointed as trial court judge in Pili, Camarines Sur. In the succeeding administration of Cory Aquino, she held the same post but in Pasay City. Morales enjoyed her first real break when she waqs appointed as head of the 7th Division of the Court of Appeals by then-President Fidel Ramos.

As an enforcer of the law, Conchita kept a vigilant eye on suspicious government activities. During the administration of Gloria Arroyo, she had questioned the constitutionality of the Mining Act which allowed mining on indigenous lands. She also criticized then NEDA chairman Romulo Neri for invoking executive privilege in order to avoid divulging the true score of the NBN-ZTE scandal. At the height of the midnight appointment controversy of the twilight days of the Arroyo administration, Morales condemned the Supreme Court ruling that the rule on midnight appointments does not cover the judiciary.

While Conchita holds a firm stance on honest public service, she received the highest number of opposition out of the candidates for the ombudsman role. One of her critics being none other than the former president, Gloria Arroyo.  Yet despite all the opposition, PNoy entrusted his faith on the 70-year old.

In a country where majority of the people are yearning for justice, becoming the watchdog for corruption can be a very tense job. It may be the 3rd highest position in the land, but the job title the ombudsman fulfils makes it much more essential. The ombudsman is considered the tanod of the nation, the enforcer and watchdog. In her newfound profession, Conchita Carpio-Morales will go toe-to-toe with the nation’s corrupt in the world of politics. Though the task may be intimidating, especially with the private armies prevalent among these influential and well-off people, our new enforcer must realize that who she has behind her is a more potent ally – the truth.

As Mrs. Carpio-Morales steps into the battlefield of anti-corruption, she must lament the fact that her performance is vital to PNoy’s ‘daang-matuwid’ vision. If we are indeed to move out of the ‘dark days’, we must ensure corruption will not spoil our efforts ever again. In truth, corruption is the biggest factor that slowed down our country’s growth; the only thing that hinders us from achieving our potential. If business confidence is on a high lately, this is because investors have such high expectations on the Aquino government to stamp out corruption. More investments equate to more jobs, something the Filipino people drastically need today. Ergo, the ombudsman plays a key role in keeping momentum in the economy as well.

The people are growing tired of the government - it is up to Mrs. Morales to reinvigorate them.

For the next seven years, newly-appointed Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales will be the tanod of the nation against corruption. Whether she delivers or not, we have to wait and see. It is up to her, not only to bring the corrupt to justice, but to win back the trust of a people that seemed to have lost hope in their government. So to you Mrs. Morales, I wish the best, because one cannot stress the enormity of the task you have at hand.

A Case of Wrong Timing

The benchmark agendum in the platform of incumbent-President Noynoy Aquino’s government is the noble promise not to impose any new taxes amongst the cash-strapped Filipinos. Taxes are the lifeblood of a government, a huge chunk of their spending power relies on their income from taxes. In the Arroyo era, then-President Gloria Arroyo risked the wrath of the public in order to impose the Value Added Tax (VAT) and  then the Expanded VAT (EVAT).

Though taxes may reduce the amount of income one can spend on his family, we must understand that they are essential. Taxes are vital to improve infrastructure and government services that in turn may define the nation’s economy and the standard of living of the people. However, it is also important for taxes to be reasonable and within the boundaries of affordability. It is true that citizens need to comply with their duties, but governments need to be humane in imposing them as well.

The South Luzon Express Way will be among the toll fee roads affected by the VAT.

At the onset of the recent ‘Saudization’ issue – the limiting of foreign workers by Saudi Arabia in their country – as much as 500,000 Overseas Filipino Workers are set to lose their jobs. Around 50,000 workers have already received their termination papers. This means that the number of Filipinos who are seeking employment, both locally and abroad, has increased. Almost at the same time as this problem, the Aquino administration decided to impose the 12% VAT on toll road fees, a provision never imposed in the original VAT law.

Talk about wrong timing. The tax, although the government argues is based on toll receipts and not on the consumers’ spending, will increase toll fees which in turn will be an added cost to the numerous trucking companies that transport goods to the markets. The increase in costs will be compensated through an increase in the price of the goods affected, which in turn will lead to a domino effect of price increase on all goods interconnected. This will be an added headache, not only to the consumers, but to export markets as well.

Such is the case with cement companies in our country. The industry is struggling to export their goods, since Philippine-made cement is the 2nd most expensive in South East Asia. Among their reasons of setting such high prices is the expensive trucking costs in the country – just think of what the increased toll fees will do. It will make it harder for our local export markets to compete internationally.

Let us not get the Aquino administration wrong, they aim for nothing but to improve government social services. The revenues the government expects to collect amounts to nearly Php2B, a boost to their dry coffers. However, more should be expected from an economics graduate like Noynoy Aquino. Any cash handout given to struggling households will be useless if prices continue to increase. The Aquino administration should instead invest in infrastructure and in new factories that would control or even lower the prices of commodities in the country. Toll roads should be bought and their toll fees erased instead of increasing them. This will be a better, long-term, response to poverty and an appropriate means to alleviate the plight of the unemployed.

On the 30th of June 2010, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, only son of our nation’s most recognizable figures, vow not to further the misery of the poor by not imposing new taxes.  While it is understandable if PNoy may break this promise, he should also learn to adjust his reforms according to the situation in the country. Adding taxes at a time when OFWs are losing their jobs and unemployment is high is an insult to injury, an insult on the plight of destitute Filipinos. If there is a need for stronger financial support from citizens, the government should at least be considerate of other economic factors in the country as well. If we are to practice good citizenry, the government should also practice proper timing.

Javier Jacutin Mariona: Born for Great Things

This is an article I wrote for PinoyFootball.com

http://pinoyfootball.com/Features/2011Mar07Mon142231

By LOUIE ENCABO
PinoyFootball.com Exclusive

NEW ZEALAND –Some people are born into this world are bound for greatness.

You can tell who they are sometimes when something shows up in the manner of their birth or in their accomplishments as young men and women.

Clark Kent for example had super strength and other extraordinary powers during childhood and then grew up to be Superman.

In real life, there’s Wayne Rooney, who could do overhead bicycle kicks at age nine. He didn’t grow up to be a superhero though, but instead he plays football somewhat like a superhuman.

Thousands of miles away, a potential Super footballer awaits a glorious future.

Javier Jacutin Mariona may seem like your typical six-year old boy: he loves food; he enjoys watching extreme sports on TV (a fan of action sports star Travis Pastrana) and most common of all he’s bursting with energy like most kids his age.

But don’t be fooled, this Filipino-Salvadorian stands out from other kids his age due to his exceptional abilities. I mean, it’s not every day that you can find a six-year old who enjoys the sports: football, tennis, taekwondo, skateboarding and golf (a kid playing golf? No way!).

 

Sports Excellence in his Genes

Javier’s background includes two sporting greats from two different nations. His father is Rodrigo Mariona, son of El Salvador’s greatest football player, Salvador Mariona who represented his country at the 1970 FIFA World Cup. The tiny Central American nation faced the likes of the Soviet Union, Belgium and Mexico in their group.

Javier’s mom is former Philippine top ranked junior tennis player Marisue Balinado, who represented the country in tournaments abroad like the Federation Cup, World Youth Cup, Wimbledon, Canadian Open, Japan Open, SEA Games and even making it to the elimination round of the Australian Open Juniors. Her highest ITF ranking was at rank 47 for singles and rank 33 for doubles.

Definitely, greatness is in Javier’s genes. The young lad spends his abundant energy playing the sport of his father and grandfather, football. At age six, Javier plays for an Under-8 team in California.

The Mountain View/Los Altos Atomics is for ages 7-8 but young Javier was allowed to train with the team thanks to his superior talent. Javier trains for one and a half hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and another session during Saturdays. This may seem much to the ordinary six-year old, but for Javier this is not even enough playing time.

“He could do more football practice, but we don’t allow it because he needs to focus on his education first.” mom Marisue said.

Javier is definitely a talent the Azkals management staff should keep an eye on, he seems like an ideal prospect for the Arsenal scouts or Barcelona’s La Masia Academy.

 

Embracing his Pinoy Roots

However, growing up in a foreign country and having another country of heritage, it would be hard to expect the young boy to have the heart of a Pinoy and to be playing for the national team. People of the same predicament often end up forgetting ‘Pinas and pledging allegiance to a new homeland.

Not Javier, though.

“Javier loves sinigang, nilagang baka, adobo, pancit and he’s a big rice fan!” mom Marisue, said.

“Javier completely understands Spanish and some Visayan, but answers back in English since it is the language commonly spoken at home.”

So all hope is not lost, after all. Javier has the heart (and stomach) of a Pinoy.

There’s more good news, Pinay mom Marisue is encouraging Javier to embrace his Filipino roots even more.

“I think Javier would be honored to play for the Philippines one day. In fact, my husband Rodrigo and I are planning to relocate in the next 5 years or so. We want our kids to study and to eventually speak the language and we believe that the education system in our country is excellent. In addition, he will probably get to play on the Junior Premier League there and he can decide for himself then.”

But at age six, Javier has a long way to go before he can become an Azkal. And with all those years in front of him, it is not certain yet if he will indeed pursue the beautiful game when he grows up.

Mrs. Mariona explains, “Whatever they (Javier and sister) are motivated to do we are in to support them 100%. Both my husband and I are athletes so we know how a sport is more exciting when you are good at it. We will always be behind them to show how to master their skills and ignite their motivation; because again, only when you are good at something that you truly enjoy mastering it. Everything we do as parents builds on the foundation of compassion and love. He will play soccer as long as he’s passionate about it and give it his best.”

And in case Javier the Azkal does not become a reality, what is the alternative?

“Javier the Monster Truck Driver”, the proud mom says with a smile.

 

Words of Wisdom from the Mother

As I finished my final question of our interview, mom Marisue imparted some words of wisdom, “Do Filipinos need to be half this and half that to be great at something? No, we are more than capable of producing world class athletes. Filipinos are naturally talented. There are so many out there, in the streets (best Brazilian football talents are of the streets of Rio de Janeiro), etcetera that have the potential of being great but lack support and proper training.”

She added that she personally think that having international athletes come and represent our country is a blessing. “For me, we would have not enjoyed the game of football today if not for the English guys on the Azkals team. (well they are handsome guys, if I may add) We need that exposure like the Davis Cup tennis team with Fil-Am players; they are on a higher group now. Hence a sport is more recognised and take on by many especially kids.” she said.

Her words could not have been truer. Indeed, the Filipinos are gifted with the potential to succeed, to stand out among the rest. We are among those people who were born for greatness, as I mentioned earlier. However, unfortunate circumstances have stopped us from living our true potential. In the field of sports graft, favouritism and prettense hinder us from excelling. Athletes do not get the proper training they need because of the funds allotted were spent on something else.

As Mrs. Mariona pointed out, the best football players of Brazil are the ones on the streets. Not the ones playing in their leagues, not the ones playing club football in Europe but the ones in the streets. And the same could be true for the Philippines, our best football players could just be lurking around in the parks, the barrios or in the shantytowns of Tondo. These guys just need support.

 

Discovering Talent

Who knows how many potentially great Azkals have passed but were just not discovered because of the financial difficulties that hampered the Philippine Football Federation in the past? Who knows how many football greats are out there just waiting to be discovered? Like myself for example, I personally believe I would have grown up to be the next Ronaldo or Zidane if only my mom had enrolled me to a football school when I was young. But that’s another story.

Going back to our promising young talent, the future looks bright for Javier Mariona. And he’s lucky to have tremendous support from his parents. He looks set to fulfill his potential. And what if Javier the Azkal does not become a reality? Well, it’s a pity but there are more kids out there who possess the same ability as him and are just waiting to be discovered (or developed).

As I ended my interview with Mrs. Marisue Mariona, she had this last line to say, “If my son Javier can be an instrument to inspire other kids to take on soccer/football then so be it. It is never to young to enjoy a sport and give them opportunity to shine.” LE

The Pinoy Side of Fred Holtom

This is an article I wrote for Pinoyfootball.com

http://pinoyfootball.com/Features/2011Apr09Sat042953

NEW ZEALAND –England has given us some of our vital national team players; the Younghusband brothers, the Greatwich trio, Rob Gier, Chad Gould and of course the indispensable Neil Etheridge among others.

Being a country where football is the main religion and having such a great number of Filipino immigrants, it’s not hard to explain why a lot of Azkals come from the Old Blighty.

And we may be able to expect another one though, in the person of Solihull-born Fred Holtom; a 17-year old, six feet tall center-half whose mom hails from Tolosa, Leyte. The lad has not been playing professional football for a long time but he already has the experience of playing for clubs like Aston Villa F.C. and Preston North End.

What is intriguing about this Filipino-English prospect is the fact that he is a product of a Premier League side academy. Throughout the Azkals’ history only Mark and Matthew Hartmann, Neil Etheridge and the Younghusband brothers have played for Premier League sides. The latter three turned out to be first-team regulars.

Fred then definitely has the potential to be one as well. At the young age of 14, Fred was scouted by England top-tier club Aston Villa F.C. while playing for a Sunday league team.

Having played football only in youth leagues prior to Aston Villa, Fred struggled but eventually found his rhythm.

 

No time to Waste

“At first it was massive for me as I’d gone from playing football for a regular Sunday league team to going to this massive team and I felt slightly overwhelmed, but everyone there helped me to settle in and it helped me to realise that I didn’t have time to waste not focusing on getting another contract”, he shares.

Unfortunately, after two years Fred failed to win that contract. However, he says that the experience “taught me[him] a lot both as a player and as a person still growing up.”

Did he manage to make friends with any Aston Villa superstar like Ashley Young or Gareth Barry (who was still at the club then)?

“Because of the level of prestige of the club they didn’t let the academy (age groups younger than 16) interact much with the first team”, Fred tells us.

However, he shared an encounter with ex-Aston Villa guy Martin Petrov that made the Bulgarian his role model.

“I remember once that I was in the canteen and Petrov came and sat with me and a team-mate and just read the paper and chatted to us as normal”, Fred recalls.

“This was the day before a massive game for them and he became a role model for me because despite his role in the club and the things that were on his mind he still made time for people that he didn’t even know and still stayed grounded and didn’t act like he should have been treated any different to us!”

Fred did have some good moments playing for the Villains’ Academy side, but he couldn’t deny the fact that he felt scared after being released.

“After being released by Villa I wasn’t quite sure where I would end up, some of the other lads I knew stopped playing all together so I knew if I got a contract anywhere I was still doing well”, he shares.

 

Preston North End

Fred’s prayers were somewhat answered though, as Preston then came knocking at his door.

“Fortunately I was offered a contract by Preston and even though they are a tier down in the first team standings, the youth football still has the same demands. And although the bigger clubs spend a lot more money the smaller clubs like Preston still have a great standard.”

Today, Fred continues to play for Preston North End F.C. in England’s NPower Championship, the second highest league. Although only in the youth team, Holtom still does receive training of high standards.

Preston North End U-18s were in the most recent F.A. Youth Cup with the U-18 sides of Manchester United and Aston Villa in it. Fred played a starring role in most of the matches until Preston were knocked out in the 5th round in a controversial game against Leicester U-18.

Fred says Preston should have won and that anyone who saw the game would have agreed as well. Despite this, Fred still gives credit to the Preston youth team and says that the level of demand is just the same as in Aston Villa F.C.

With all these experience under his belt despite only 17, Fred should be a shoe-in for the Azkals. And when the Azkals come knocking at his door how should he respond?

 

Would Love to be an Azkal

“I would love represent the Philippines just as much as I would [for] England. At the moment I may be too young to consider my possibilities, but I don’t see why it couldn’t be an option in the future. I personally haven’t been in contact with any members [of the PFF] but I’m not sure whether my Dad has had any contact [with the PFF] or not.”

Fred Holtom may have spent his whole life in England but he is well-aware of his Pinoy roots. Before signing for professional clubs, Fred and his family used to visit the Philippines every other summer to see his mom’s family.

In his own words, Fred has this to say: “Although I’ve lived in England all my life I class myself as mixed and am proud to acknowledge the Pinoy in me.”

Aside from Tolosa, Leyte Fred says he has also seen Manila and Boracay island which he “absolutely loved” visiting.

In his visits, however, Fred didn’t really notice a lot of football going on and thought that the Philippines didn’t have a team. He thought basketball was the only craze in the country.

“I’d never really heard of the Philippines having a national team it was always basketball!”, he says with a chuckle.

“I remember once me and my Dad tried teaching a few of my cousins the basics but it failed quite quickly, was fun though! But it’s great that the sport is starting to be noticed again in such a huge way.”

Now that the Azkals are gaining recognition all over the world, Fred says his dad updates him with the latest scores and results.

“I love the fact the now they have a team and are competing in so many tournaments and doing so well, my Dad is constantly updating me on scores and news so I’m hearing a lot of good things which is always great to hear for a footballer and for a Filipino.”

 

On Foreign Based Players

When asked on his take on the number of foreign-based Filipino players in the team, Fred says that the country definitely should establish its own league system but should welcome the influx of foreign-bred talents.

“Because the team is only starting to get a bit of glory I think that to carry on doing what they’re doing is the obvious way and I think it is proving to be successful, but I think that without a doubt having a Filipino league would be the best possible thing for the sport in a national sense.”

He added that every country wants their team to do as best as possible, but more and more you see players coming in with mixed ethnicity like myself which is great for the team, but seeing a youngster who was born and bred in that country is amazing for the fans. I think a mix would be great for the team and would give the team the best chance of being successful, but that might just be my personal opinion.

Already six-feet tall in his late teens, the physical attributes of Fred Holtom will no doubt improve as he grows older. His game will also mature as he keeps playing which ultimately means that Fred will only get better.

However, this might mean that it would be more difficult to call-up Fred if his other home country goes knocking at his door. But as the young lad said, he is as happy to represent the Philippines as he is for England.

When asked about his ambitions for his career, Fred gives a cheeky grin and says “to be able to play in the World Cup”. And like any other young player, he just wants the best he can possibly achieve and win as many accolades as he can.

He will look for offers from professional clubs next season and hopes to build from there. LE