Up to this day, the Japanese coach’s name has escaped my mind. And I hope, any Davao players can remember it, please email it to me, LoL.
Anyway, many moons ago at the old PTA football field (formally called the Kapt.Tomas Monteverde sports complex), he shared to Davao Football Association officials manong Vic Sai, treasurer Chaya Lam, coach Jose “Sensei” Te and a handful of players about the journey of the Japanese football squad against the Philippine team.
The RP Football Team used to beat Japan by double digits and as the years go by, by single digits.
Until came the time, the Japan Football Association’s Samurai Blue reversed those results and can no longer be defeated by the RP Team.
What happened to the Filipinas against the Japanese on Sunday in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup quarterfinals at the Accor Stadium in Sydney, Australia, reminds us of that lovely meeting at the PTA field.
It was lovely because it reminds us of the importance of football development.
You see, as you get older, you see positive things better than the negative ones. Or, should I say, we become more optimistic despite of all the problems surrounding us.
Courage or the character of being courageous like the Filipinas simply reminds us of being hopeful.
But this being hopeful will entail big work in order for the Filipinas to improve.
You see fellow Dabawenyos, if you open the TV sets, tune in to the radio, read the papers, and these days, watch YouTube, FB reels and other social media platform, you will be upset with what is going on in our beloved country.
Sports stories have become a great escape for our weary minds.
The Filipinas competing abroad have two strong Davao connections. You probably read those published reports by Edge Davao about Sara Bantan Eggesvik, whose mother is from Barangay Bunawan (and neighbours of my uncle Edwin and auntie Marivic Sempio), and Mallie Ramirez, whose grandfather, our Ninong Butch Ramirez, the only two-time Philippine Sports Commission chairman, is from Barangay Bangkal.
It is inspiring to watch these two lovely ladies online competing and knowing that they have families in Davao.
Years ago, the Philippine Football Federation has launched a program to empower women in football.
Coaches and instructors have started teaching women about football or soccer with the hope that one day, those women who will become mothers will get their children into football.
Mao toy plano gyud. But as you can see, with dwindling logistics, na undang ra pud.
That is the very reason why our PFF officials have to rely on recruitment from players abroad, such is the case of Sara who plays professionally for Toppserien club LSK Kvinner in Norway and Mallie who suited up for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
And because of their strong family connections in the Philippines, they get recruited.
We need to revive that grassroots football development for women.
And hopefully, bring back the semi-pro league like the P-League before.
This 7-0 loss to Japan, I hope may inspire our PFF officials and local NSA for football in Davao, now headed by sir Ernie Ortonio, who for years has been supporting amateur football teams carrying the Polyfusion Recording Studio brand, to revive and strengthen those good programs.
Compliment that with the revival of the famous 16-under football program like what Coca-Cola did, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak.
Duna gyuy pag-asa nga mahitabo.
And one more thing, we can always seek help from our sports friends, like the Japan Football Association.
Davao, specifically, has strong friendships and ties with Japan.
Why not capitalize on it? Right sir Ernie Ortonio?
Let us turn our courageous Filipinas to winners!
