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Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines-It’s back to the real world for the seven former street kids who represented the Philippines in the Homeless World Cup (HWC) held in Melbourne, Australia from Dec. 1 to 7.

The HWC is an international football tournament where teams are composed of homeless people 17 years old and above.

Members of the Philippine team were recruited from Tuloy sa Don Bosco, a street children’s village in Alabang, Muntinlupa City and from Nayon ng Kabataan, a shelter run by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Mandaluyong City.

Fr. Rocky Evangelista, founder of Tuloy, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer: “This is the first time for them to experience recognition representing our country. It is important for them to get back to a normal life as soon as possible. So tomorrow, it’s back to school for them,” he said.

Nayon ng Kabataan head Eva Lawas expressed the same sentiments. “I’m sure they will be offered opportunities, but they must finish school first.” Read the rest of this entry »

Army booters bag crown
By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines-Army attacked in numbers and blanked Giligan’s, 2-0, last night to claim the first Filipino Premiere League title at the PhilSports pitch in Pasig City.

Ricardo Becite and substitute Vestal Romano rewarded the Armymen’s hard work with goals.

Becite struck a sublime 25-yard free kick that left Giligan’s keeper Jaypee Coopera rooted on his spot in the 30th minute.

“We dominated the game because we loaded up on the attacking third,” said Army coach Richard Cain, whose team finished the tournament undefeated. “The key was Becite and (Roel) Gener’s control of midfield. We’re happy to be the first FPL champions.”

Army almost doubled the advantage at the stroke of halftime when Relan Bretania was picked out by a Gener through ball, but Coopera was up to the task this time to palm away the effort.

Giligan’s, boosted by reinforcements Francis Gustilo, Joel Ballo-Allo and former national team defender Jason Cordova, came out of the break with renewed confidence but Ruben Doctora, the league’s top forward, was let down by Philip Caballero.

Under pressure from Caballero, Doctora drifted into the box to get on the end of a Glester Sobremisana cross only for him to disappointly scuff his shot wide in the 60th minute.

With Wilson De la Cruz marauding down the left, Army created two more chances with Romano finally ending Giligan’s resistance in the 76th minute.

Earlier, Pasargad beat Mendiola, 2-0, to end up third.