For literally bringing back the Philippine flag to the highest peak of the world, our three brave mountaineers deserve our congratulations after their historic conquest of Mt. Everest.
Eighteen years after the last successful summit by a Filipino, Ric Rabe, Jeno Panganiban and Miguel Mapalad became the latest from our country to ever reach the top of Mt. Everest, considered as the climber’s ultimate dream.
Salamat Ric, Jeno and Miguel for a job well done!
The Designated Kit Man would also like to offer our sincerest condolences and prayers to the family, friends and loved ones of fellow Pasigueno, Engr. PJ Santiago ll.
Santiago, just like Rabe, Panganiban and Mapalad, also tried to summit Mt. Everest, but unfortunately lost his life in the process.
Rest well, PJ.
On a positive note, the Philippine Football Federation has released the squad list for the Philippine National Women’s Football Team’s international friendly against Chinese Taipei on June 3 at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The players include goalkeepers Gabrielle Baker, Kiara Fontanilla, Olivia McDaniel and Inna Palacios; defenders Angela Beard, Malea Cesar, Jessica Cowart, Janae Defazio, Katana Norman and Lauren Villasin. They will be joined by midfielders Juliana Barker, Sara Eggesvik, Kaya Hawkison, Isabella Pasion, Ivymae Perez, Camille Sahirul, Jaclyn Sawicki and Ava Villapando. Completing the team are forwards Alessandra Carpio, Chandler McDaniel, Paige McSwigan, Megan Murray and Chayse Ying.
“Call ups were up to the coaches,” Freddy Gonzalez, PFF Director of National Senior Teams and team manager of the women’s team known also as the Filipinas, said.
Notable omissions in the squad list are Sarina Bolden and Quinley Quezada. Bolden currently plays for FC Como in Serie A in Italy, while Quezada suits up for Manila Digger in the PFF Women’s League.
“I believe they’re both recovering from minor injuries,” Gonzalez added, explaining the absence of the two popular Filipinas.
When it comes to the Philippine National Mens’ Football Team, Gonzalez said there are just some minor changes in the composition of the team. These changes include some notable names and the forthcoming debut of another much anticipated and most welcome prospect to the team.
“It’s pretty much the same players as the last window, but Gerrit (Holtmann) is back and Michael (Kempter) will be out because of his wedding,” Gonzalez said.
Just the other day, Vfl Bochum announced the departure of 10 players, including Holtmann, from the team. The winger likewise confirmed he is leaving the team after four seasons, but refused to name his next destination.
“Andre Leipold is coming too,” Gonzalez added.
Despite the announcement of Gonzalez, I’m still keeping my fingers crossed when it comes to Holtmann. I will only believe that he is indeed back with the team when I see him on the pitch against Tajikistan on June 10. Ilang beses na kasi tayong nakuryente, puwede na tayong maging lineman sa Meralco.
Speaking of caution, someone gave The Designation Kit Man a copy of the resignation of a key official in a forthcoming international tournament that the country is set to host sometime before the end of this year.
The official submitted his resignation in the first week of May to the president of the national sporting association citing among others “due to an unsatisfactory work environment, and differences in management styles.” Moreover, the outgoing official said that “the lack of support makes it impossible for him to carry out his duties and responsibilities.”
While this official reiterated his commitment “to ensure the success of the prestigious event” and to advance the growth of the sport in the country, “irreconcilable differences in vision, strategy and operational approach have led me to conclude that continuing his role is no longer viable.”
His only option is to resign and will be effective in 30 days. This latest setback adds another problem to an organization that has seen the departure of many people, including staff and well-meaning individuals, who have supported not only financially, but with other intangibles as well.
The Designated Kit Man reached out to the NSA through its secretary general, but until now a reply remains scarce.
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat