Azkals soar high with Cebu Pacific

New sports heroes: Phil Younghusband with skipper Aly Borromeo, and midfielder James Younghusband are set to clinch bigger victories with Cebu Pacific.

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s national football team, popularly known as the Azkals, has proven that Filipinos have the potential to be top dogs in football. Fighting their way to a semi-final finish at the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam, they ushered in a new chapter in Philippine sports. Today, the nation’s new heroes continue to scale greater heights as they travel to different locations and tournaments, now with an extra pair of wings to help them soar to — Cebu Pacific.

“We taught ourselves to never stop fighting. We had one goal in mind. We gathered everything that we had and told ourselves that this was our time, and we tried to go after that goal,” said team captain Aly Borromeo.

Touted as the competition’s biggest upset in history, their win against ASEAN powerhouse teams cemented their position as a strong contender in the region. In pursuit of even greater honor and pride for the country, the Filipino booters are training hard to be ready for future tournaments with a new coach at the helm, Hans Michael Weiss. Next on their list: the second leg of the ASEAN Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup qualifier to be held in Mongolia this March 15.

“It’s great to have Cebu Pacific on board with the Azkals. It’s an honor that companies like them believe in us, and it’s what football needs right now. What we have accomplished together is just a stepping stone for bigger things to come,” added Borromeo.

James Younghusband, one of the team’s midfielders, said, “Travel is what’s great about football. We’ve covered a lot of countries because of football and we get to meet new people, see new places, and experience new cultures.

“I’m looking forward to more domestic travel with Cebu Pacific. My brother Phil and I started the Younghusband Football Academy, so we get to visit different places and team up with public schools and local government units to spread the message about football,” said Younghusband.

Cebu Pacific, the country’s largest flag carrier, provided the team with plane tickets to help them soar to more world-class victories. With the largest network of domestic and ASEAN destinations served, Cebu Pacific ensures that the players are able to come home to their provinces and fly to future football competitions and training camps in the country.

/via Philippine Star