The Blue Haired Fan celebrates his "infamous birth" at Panaad

The Blue Haired Fan celebrates his "infamous birth" at Panaad

by rachel montero and rick olivares with pics by mamae fortit and kevin manalo

Who can ever forget the scene at last year’s AFC Challenge Cup match between the Philippines and Mongolia in Panaad Stadium when a blue haired and face-painted guy came down from the stands and ran around while waving a flag minutes before the match?

The crowd was buzzing with excitement and looking and the guy in face paint surely gave them something to cheer about. But he was escorted out of the field by uniformed policemen and disappeared for some time.

After pleading his case with the local police that he was no troublemaker, he reappeared later in the stands to lead the crowd in cheering for the national team.

That was the Philippines’ introduction to the Blue Haired Fanatic aka Richard “Ebong” Joson. 

After pulling such a successful stunt in Panaad, the Blue Haired Fan (BHF) was tasked to lead the Kaholeros, the official booster squad of the Azkals. And he has since been at almost every Azkals match be it in Rizal Memorial Stadium or in Indonesia.

Exactly one year later, the Blue Haired Fan returned to the scene of the crime (as some might say) or his place of origin to celebrate “his birth”.

Sans the wig and face paint, Joson went to back to Panaad Stadium for a celebration that saw not only merriment in drink and song (Kaholeros Bacolod also surprised Joson with a BHF-themed cake) but also an impromptu football match. Joson once donned the colors of Ateneo de Manila and the University of the Philippines during his school days. He has since made a career in doing voice over’s for television and radio commercials as well as hosting events. But because of the events in Panaad last February 9, 2011, Joson has since been catapulted to the forefront of the Philippine football revolution cheering and supporting our national teams as well as football endeavors.

For the football match, BHF teamed up with Kaholeros Bacolod and United FC against Real Bata FC.

A few seconds before half time, Kaholeros Bacolod/Unified FC scored to make it 1-nil, but Real Bata responded three minutes after the resumption of the game for the equalizer. In the 64^th minute, Real Bata scored another goal that proved to be the game winner.

The “birthday” celebration continued the following evening at Dugout Bacolod, the home of Kaholeros Bacolod where they partied all night long.

Feature: Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

Feature: Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

By Rai Montero and Rick Olivares

Exactly a year ago, all roads in Bacolod led to Panaad Stadium. People from all over the country gathered to witness the Philippine Men’s Football National Team open their 2011 season with an AFC Challenge Cup qualifying match against Mongolia.

And the Azkals did not disappoint the 15,000-plus people who watched the game live and quarter million people who caught the game on television.

Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong delivered a fantastic goal while striker Phil Younghusband added another one for good measure right before the fireworks colored the night sky.

Unknown to most people, this wasn’t the first time the Azkals played at Panaad Stadium. In fact, it was here in Bacolod where the national teams were wholeheartedly embraced long before Azkals mania.

But what exactly transpired in Panaad Stadium before that dazzling win over Mongolia? We’ll try and answer that.

The stadium was constructed in August 1997, to become the central venue for the Centennial Palarong Pambansa in 1998, and it was finished exactly 15 days before the said event. The major challenge for the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, with the late Vice-Governor Roy Gamboa spear-heading the project, was the time constraint.  They were expected to have it finished a month before the opening of Centennial Palaro on May 27, 1998, but with a very supportive National Office, the stadium, alongside the whole complex was finally completed in the nick of time.

The stadium has a seating capacity of 15,000 to a maximum of 20,000 with standing areas. It has a center grass field measuring 111m x 71m, and encircling it is an Olympic standard track oval supplied by the Regupol AG of Germany.

The lower section of the stadium has dressing/Locker rooms, a workout room, a couple of offices, and rest room facilities. There’s a dorm-style facility on the top deck which can house more or less a 30-man line up.

Panaad Stadium also hosted a couple of national and international sporting events too. There was the Millennium Palarong Pambansa in 2000, a couple of Swimming Championships, National Underwater Hockey Championships game, and the ASEAN Secondary Level Track and Field Competition.

But it is the local and international football matches that have become synonymous with Panaad Stadium. The 2005 ASEAN Under-19 Football Championship and 2005 Asean Football Championships where Phil Younghusband first suited up for Philippines U-23 Squad and scored two goals was played before packed houses in Bacolod. Several events of the 23rd Southeast Asian Games where the Philippines topped with 113 golds, 84 silvers, and 94 bronze medals were likewise played here.

Just last year, the group stages of first PFF Suzuki U23 National Cup was set in Panaad. Home team Negros Occidental (NOFA), Dipolog, Masbate, and NCR  Team B battled for the top two slots to qualify for the semis. In the finals, NOFA whipped old foe Iloilo, 9-0.

The best played who competed in the local Suzuki Cup were included in the Under-23 national team that competed in the SEA Games. Among the names were familiar U-23 players such as NCR’s Jinggoy Valmayor and Reymark Fernandez. NOFA’s Jake Morallo and Joshua Beloya, represented the country in the biennial games.

Said Morallo of Panaad Stadium: “The games we played in Panaad Stadium paved the way to where I’m at right now. We started to get notices and appreciated. The same credit goes to my teammates in Bacolod as well.”

Green Archer’s center back  Lemuel Unabia, who is from Bacolod also waxed nostalgic about Panaad: “The stadium boosts our self confidence. It gives me the drive to play better, to show quality and high standard football games too”.

In September of 2011, the Azkals returned to Bacolod for a weeklong camp in preparation for the Long Teng Cup in Taiwan.

In October, also of the same year, the Philippine UK FC, Filipino-British players competing in the West Herts League in Division 1 in London, came for a 2 week long camp. They played against San Carlos FC, Don Bosco FC, Bacolod United and Ceres FC as part of their tune-ups. James and Ryan Hall are playing on this team, with the former as the team captain, and James Hall Sr. as the team coach.

Following the success of the Azkals, and the U23 National Cup Tourney, the province also started the 1st Negros Football Men’s Open Tournament, and Ceres FC bagged the title.

Aside from sporting events, Panaad Stadium and the surrounding theme Park which features the 13 cities and 19 municipalities of Negros Occidental, is the great home of Panaad sa Negros. a weeklong celebration of all the different festivals unique to each town or city.

Notes: After AFC Challenge Cup game against Mongolia, people were looking forward to another National Team match, but after issues on logistics, costs and all other issues, hopes of staging another international match dwindled down. Reports of Manny V. Pangilinan meeting with Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. for a possible expansion of the bleachers to increase seating capacity to 32, 000 circulated, but gradually died out.

Poderoso leads Dynamic win vs. Ceres

A piece of action in a hotly contested match between defending champion Ceres FC and runner-up Dynamic Builders FC. Dynamic FC won, 2-nil. 

Poderoso leads Dynamic win vs. Ceres

by Jerome S. Galunan Jr. photo by kieron tan

Named as the ‘best striker’ awardee during the recent 1st Negros First Men’s Open Football Championships 2011, Jaime Poderoso led the Dynamic Builders Football Club win over the defending champion Ceres FC last Sunday in the ongoing 2011 North Football League played at the Ayala North Point pitch in Talisay City.

Poderoso, who teamed-up with last season’s Most Valuable Player in Jason Panhay and best striker Ali Rojas Go in offense, gave Ceres FC defense lots of troubles despite the presence of 6-footer Lemuel Unabia at the center back and last season’s ‘best keeper’ Michael Casas.

While the Ceres FC defense has spoiled several Dynamic Builders FC attacks in the early minute of the match, but was later stunned by Poderoso on a header in the 16^th minute hitting the back of the net and post a 1-nil lead for Dynamic FC.

Ceres tried to score back by running the pitch led by Dave Javellana in the midfield and Eliseo Palomo in the forward position. But Ceres’ offense seemed not to work out their way as Dynamic FC back four has kept the offensive lanes closed.

Meanwhile, in one of Dynamic FC counter attacks in the middle of the first half, Go got an open look to the goal as he struck a shot towards the left post from just above the penalty area but it was beautifully saved by Ceres keeper Casas.

“I did have a great sharp shot on the left post but Michael (Casas) did better,” Dynamic FC skipper Go said.

Both squads tried to gain possession for a possible second goal for Dynamic or an equalizer for Ceres but the score stood still as the halftime whistle blew.

In the second half, Dynamic FC came out to the pitch like hungry bulls as they fearlessly attacked Ceres’ last line of defense, making Casas so busy in that afternoon.

Former national standout John Carmona and Go, separately, tried to join Poderoso in the scoreboard, but all were spoiled by Casas.

Ceres’ forward Palomo, tried to send a spark for the Ceres squad on a shot from the right flank but was challenged by Dynamic defense, forcing his shot to get through straight to Builders’ keeper Robert Mendoza.

But stealing the spotlight of that match was Poderoso after nailing his second personal goal of the game I the 67^th minute, as well as of the Dynamic FC to post a 2-nil lead.

Poderoso’s second score was a result of a counter attack as they escaped the Ceres back four. He then led a 3-1 assault with Panhay on his left and Carmona on his right side, leaving keeper Casas alone to defend the goal.

Dynamic FC then consumed the game time with numerous passes at the defensive area until the final whistle blew. Final score is 2-nil.

Meanwhile, in the first scheduled-game, Real Negrense FC posted its second straight victories while Las Buenas FC absorbed its second consecutive setbacks last Sunday.

Luis William Clauor led Real with a pair of goals in the 44^th and 78^th minutes of the game. Clauor first sent the ball at the back of the net from close range, challenging Las Buenas’ keeper while his second goal came off the pass from his son Christian William (Clauor) on the left flank.

But before Clauor scored for Real, it was Winston Valencia who launched the opening goal of the game in the 40^th minute while Las Buenas’s Roderick Tijing scored in the 73^rd.

In the third game, Trimaxi FC won over Talisay-Minuluan FC, 6-3.

Saratan eyes Talisay as football capital of Neg.Occ.

Mayor Eric Saratan with national booter Simon Greatwich.

Saratan eyes Talisay as football capital of Neg.Occ.

TALISAY CITY, Negros Occidental – Talisay City Mayor Dr. Eric Saratan, who was joined by Philippine-Azkals midfielder Simon Greatwich in a press conference yesterday, stressed that he aimed to make his city as the football capital of the province of Negros Occidental.

Evidence is the sprouting number of football enthusiasts in the city which only started with a small group last year. “The long term program, which the city has imposed in this event, began with several coaches and trainers undergoing football education as part of the general plan. Then we sent these coaches and trainers to various communities and barangays to implement the program,” Saratan said.

The local executive also boasted the 4-month old weekend football league which served as an avenue to display the skills of the local talents.

Meanwhile, Greatwich, who was the honorary guest in yesterday’s activity in Talisay City, said expressed gratitude to the efforts made by Mayor Saratan in improving the level of football in the city.

The Fil-British footballer said that he hopes that young players should strive hard in order to achieve their dreams, and later become either a member of the Azkals or Malditas.

Greatwich, alongside Mayor Saratan yesterday led the giving of shirts to the aspiring booters from Talisay.

The event, on the other hand, was made possible with the help of Teleperformance and the city officials led by Mayor Saratan, Vice-Mayor Niel Lizares and its city council.

Meanwhile, the Talisay City will be celebrating its charter day on February 11, 2012.

On February 9 to 12, a 4-day 7-A-Side football festival will be held. The City Championship will be played on February 9 and 10 while the National Invitational is set on February 11 and 12.

NBTC-Bacolod Best-of-3 Finals: West Negros U Baby Mustangs to defend NBTC crown VS. UNO-R

NBTC-Bacolod Best-of-3 Finals: West Negros U Baby Mustangs to defend NBTC crown VS. UNO-R

By Jerome Galunan

The West Negros University (WNU) Junior Mustangs will begin its title retention campaign on February 18, 2011 when it goes up against the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) Baby Rams in the Best-of-3 Finals of the National Basketball Training Center-Bacolod Best-of-3 Finals at the WNU gym.

The Junior Mustangs earned the championship slot after beating University of St. La Salle-Integrated School (USLS-IS) Baby Stingers, 86-69 last Sunday during their semifinal match.

Both squads were locked in a tight match in the early minutes of the second quarter at 24-23, in favor of the Junior Mustangs, before the latter team poured in a 25-12 run to end the half at 49-35.

In the opening of the third period, WNU Jude Fel Junto nailed a 3-pointer to open the host-team’s offense as USLS-IS Niel Felix Besa scored back on a power move underneath the basket.

But all things seemed to be on the Junior Mustangs’ side as they converted several points off their run and gun play putting the lead up to 24 points, 69-45.

However, errors and turnovers held the Junior Mustangs scoreless within two and a half minutes of play as the Baby Stingers slowly hitting some points to cut the lead to 13 points with a minute left in the period.

WNU guard Paolo Masias broke the ice for the Junior Mustangs with a strong drive to end the quarter, 71-56.

In the final period, Adrian Amar, Kraniel Villoria, Joseu Sagumpan and Junto anchored the Junior Mustangs as the lead ballooned to 22 points, 84-62, with 6 minutes left in the game.

The Junior Mustangs used the game clock to prevent the Baby Stingers from making a big come-back in the game. The Junior Mustangs were successful as they only allowed Baby Stingers a 7-2 run and end the match, 86-69.

Sagumpan led the Junior Mustangs with 21 points as Junto finished with 17 followed by Villoria with 12 and John Javelosa with 10 markers.

On the other hand, the Baby Rams earned the other finals’ spot after winning over St. Joseph School-La Salle, 82-64 during their semi-final encounter.

Meanwhile, Game 2 of the championship match will be on February 19 at 9 a.m. while in case of a rubber match, the game will be played in the afternoon at 3 p.m.

ALL STAR GAMES

The most anticipated event in the program was inspired by last year’s SEOIL All Star balloting campaign that ran here in Bacolod.

This year, the SEAOIL NBTC will begin the SEAOIL High School All Star Game, a game featuring the top 30 gradating high school players from around the entire Philippines.

In Bacolod, the All Stars Game is set on February 25, 2011.

It will be the first chance for everyone in the country to see the future stars f Philippine basketball playing together on the same court. Interestingly, the idea for this event was inspired by the tremendous success of the SEAOIL All Star program run only in Bacolod City last year.

Due to the success of the All Star balloting program run only in Bacolod last year, SEAOIL will add in four other cities which will run an All Star balloting campaign. These cities are Cebu, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga. 

Negrense is new FIFA referee

Negrense is new FIFA referee

By Jerome Galunan Jr.

A teacher at Don Bosco Technical Institute in Victorias, Negros Occidental was recently named as one of the three new FIFA referees in this country.

Jeffrey Golez Velez led two other referees who passed the rigorous practical and written tests. Asian Football Confederation (AFC) regional instructor and Philippine Football Federation (PFF) assessor Dennis Estaniel announced that Velez passed the exams along with Wilfredo Bermejo and Kent Gobuyan.

The 24-year-old Velez of Bacolod City is currently a Music, Arts Physical Education and Health (MAPEH) teacher at Don Bosco Victorias. He only smiled and humbly said that he is happy and honored with the promotion he got from FIFA.

He finished his Education degree from the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in 2009 and graduated his secondary education from the Negros Occidental High School in 2004.

On the other hand, based on the memorandum signed by AFC General Secretary Datu Alex Soosay, PFF instructors Estaniel and Montano Mondia were classified as AFC Regional Referees Instructor and National Instructor, respectively.

Estaniel is also the present principal of Bata Elementary School II while Mondia is the current PFF referees department head.

Ceres wins the 1st Negros Football Men’s Open Tournament

Ceres wins the 1^st Negros Football Men’s Open Tournament

By Rai Montero with Rick Olivares

January 21, 2012

As Bacolod City prepared for the Bacolodiat, football fans flocked to Panaad Stadium for the 1st Negros Football Men’s Open Tournament that kicked off in September of 2011.

The first game was Sagay FC and Bacolod United on opposing sides. Bacolod United included Nonoy Fegidero, Carlo and Camelo Tacusalme, Joven Bedic, Gino Palomo and Jalsor Soriano who all are with Pachanga FC in the UFL Second Division. Although there are no standouts from Sagay FC, they are no underdogs as they are the same XI drew the Fil-Brits of London FC last October 2011. But against the star-power of Bacolod United, they were on the receiving end of an 8-1 thrashing with goals coming from Gino Palomo, Joven Bedic, and Carlo Tacusalme.

The second match was between Ceres FC and San Carlos City FC. Ceres with many mainstays from the Under-23 National Cup champions, featured the likes of Green Archer United’s Tating Pasilan, Arnie Pasinabo, Gerard Pacquiao and Lemuel Unabia. The four came from this “la ciudad del fútbol “ for the province of Negros.

The Yanson-backed Ceres FC came with a very interesting arsenal. Starting XI on defense they had Jason Cordova, Yves Ashime, Janrick Soriano and Lemuel Unabia. Midfield with Jake Morallo, team captain Ali Go, Robert Cañedo, J Baguioro, and up on top, Joshua Beloya and Aldrin Dolino. At half time score was 4-1 for Ceres FC and SCCFC was down to 10 men.

In the second half, the talents of Eliseo Palomo, Paul Espinosa, Ian Treyes, FJ Serios finished of SCCFC by the score of 7-1 for Ceres FC.

The Finals.

January 22, 2012.

And so it came down to Ceres FC and Bacolod United for the right to become the 1st Negros Football Men’s Open Tournament Champions.

It was a battle between friends and former teammates. Due to the UFL commitments where Pachanga was playing, Bacolod United missed the services of Coach Nonoy Fegidero, the Tacusalme brothers, Joven Bedic, Gino Palomo and Jalsor Soriano. Standouts from WNU Mustangs suited up but they couldn’t break the backline of Ceres FC that was also sans Yves Ashime, Lemuel Unabia (with duties for Pachanga FC and Green Archers United FC).

Ceres opened the scoring in only the third minute as Aldrin Dolino notched a goal and Ceres was up 4-0 at the half.

Bacolod United’s Jayme Poderoso made a few decent attempts to score, but John Robert Fernandez denies him at every turn. Ceres FC continued to pound Bacolod United and by fulltime, the score was 11-0 with Dolino chipping in a hat trick with a hat trick while Ruben Doctora Jr. and Ralph Layumas scoring a brace. Team Captain Ali Go, Jason Cordova, Eliseo Palomo and FJ Serios each score one goal.

Champion - Ceres FC

1st runner up Bacolod United.

Second Runner-up San Carlos FC

third runner up - Sagay FC

MVP - Ali Roxas Go (Ceres FC)

Best Striker / Golden Boot award - Jayme Poderoso (Bacolod United)  16 goals for the tournament.

Best Defender - Jason Cordova (Ceres FC)

Best Midfielder - Aldrin Dolino (Ceres FC)

Best Keeper - Louie Casas (Ceres FC)