Azkals: STILL IN TROUBLE

I CONGRATULATE the Azkals football team for winning the bronze in the just-ended AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal and 24-year-old Phil Younghusband for clinching the much-coveted Golden Boot Award with six goals in five matches.
Ditto for team manager Dan Palami, a past Philippine Sportswriters Association awardee as executive of the year, and German coach Michael Weiss for steering the Azkals to a historic third-place place in the event.
But the task is far from over as far as the Azkals are concerned. They not only missed capturing a berth in the AFC Asian Cup—finalists North Korea, who emerged winner, and Turkmenistan did make it—but the future of football in this country remains a big question mark.
In the words of former Rep. Imee Marcos, the Azkals have still to prove their true worth by winning a major tournament and already some of them are misbehaving.
Has overnight success gone into their heads?
There is no question that the Azkals gave Philippine football respect and recognition. But it does not give them the license to abuse the rights and hospitality of their host country.
Ms Cristy Ramos, daughter of former President Fidel V. Ramos, ex-Philippine Olympic Committee head and topnotch football player during her prime, has earlier filed sexual harassment complaint with the Asian Football Federation (AFC) against players Angel Guirado and Lexton Moy.
The feisty Ramos likewise blasted team captain James Younghusband for his failure to discipline his teammates. “He didn’t do anything to discipline his teammates. I hope he teaches his players to behave well.”
Serving as match commissioner in the recent Philippine Azkals-Malaysia friendly match which ended in a 1-all draw at the Rizal Memorial Track-Football Stadium, Ms Ramos alleged (while inside the dugout before the game) that “some players ridiculed her, with one player disrespectfully asking for the size of her brassiere, which was followed by a roar of laughter.” Another player, Cristy averred, appeared before her half naked during the postgame inspection in violation of ethical norms.
The former Philippine President said he and his wife Ming Ramos agreed with the position their daughter had taken on the issue, noting that their daughter had held various positions in sports both as a player and as a sports official.
“She sure knows what she’s talking about,” stressed Mr. Ramos.
“The players should behave,” added Ming. Nakakahiya ang (It’s a shame for a) Filipino.
Sen. Pia Cayetano, chair of the Senate Committee on Youth, Women and Family Relations, said. “Sexual harassment must not be tolerated anytime, anywhere. Such acts should not go unpunished.”
Added the lady senator from Taguig City, “I call for an immediate investigation of this incident … not only because this is a serious allegation made by match commissioner Cristy Ramos, who is a sports official, but also because the Azkals are looked up to as modern-day heroes and role models.”
Fellow columnist Recah Trinidad also said, “Manager Dan Palami had apologized, but the international football body would do well to crack the whip. A suspension would be too mild a reprimand.”

courtesy of: inquirer.net

Angel defends boyfriend and team

Star Awards for Movies Best Actress Angel Locsin has spoken up in defense of the Azkals and special friend Phil Younghusband after Arnold Clavio questioned the ethnicity and behavior of the said Philippine Football Team.
 Arnold said, “Hindi ko kayo kakultura. Hindi naman kayo Filipino. Nagpapanggap lang kayong kayumanggi. Hindi kayo dito lumaki, mahirap yun. Insensitive.”
 Angel, who is not usually vocal about personal issues, expressed her views in her Twitter account.
 She tweeted: "I think Arnold Clavio’s a good person. But this time, sobrang foul lang. That’s his opinion. This is mine. Madali lang sumira ng reputasyon, mahirap ibalik. Konting sensitivity lang sana."
  “Kagaya ng sinabi ko, tingin ko talaga mabait sa akin si Tito Arnold. Mabait siyang tao. Pero iyon lang, naawa lang ako doon sa tao (Phil). Nagpakahirap, nandoon sa ibang bansa, lumalaban dala yung pangalan ng Pilipinas,” Angel added.
  She clarified that she and Arnold are not fighting, and that she understands that he did not have a bad intention with his remark.
  “Siyempre, pag nagki-care ka or nagmamahal sa isang tao at nakikita mong nasasaktan na sila, so parang unfair naman iyon. I'm sure hindi naman sinasadya ni Kuya Arnold yung statement niya, siguro nadala lang or wala siyang masamang intensiyon,” she said.
  Angel said she feels hurt at how some people judge the team, particularly Phil. She feels that their judgment is uncalled for, especially that Phil is proud to represent the Philippines in international football competitions.
  “Kawawa naman, proud na proud niyang nire-represent ang Pilipinas. Mas Filipino pa nga sa akin iyon kung tutuusin. Tapos hindi pala siya Filipino sa tingin ng iba. Ang sakit lang. Huwag naman sanang ganoon,”Angel remarked.
Arnold has apologized for his comments. Star Awards for Movies Best Actress Angel Locsin has spo
whenever i call my american friends "mate" they make a disgusted look.

Angel is doing ABS-CBN’s sitcom “Toda Max,”and is slated to shoot a movie with Bea Alonzo, Toni Gonzaga and Angelica Panganiban. 

Azkals vs. Cristy Ramos

  Cristy Ramos, just looking for attention?

Moy Lexton about the Sexual Harassment case

Lexton Moy, one of two members of the Philippine football team accused by AFC match commissioner Cristy Ramos of sexual harassment, Saturdayy broke his silence on the raging controversy, apologizing “to all those who I inadvertently hurt or insulted due to a comment directed to a teammate.”

Moy, who came in as a second-half substitute in the 0-2 loss to North Korea last Friday in the AFC Challenge Cup here, issued the statement as the Azkals prepared for their second match against India.

“This is a heartbreaking misunderstanding,” said Moy. “It deeply saddens me that such a misinterpretation can be so painstakingly blown out of proportion.”

In her complaint before the AFC Disciplinary Committee, Ramos alleged that Moy “stood by my right side and said in a loud voice ‘Must be a B Cup’ to which the players laughed loudly” during the pre-match inspection for the Philippines-Malaysia friendly last Feb. 29.

Ramos also alleged that another player, Angel Guirado, was wearing only his underwear during the inspection—a claim disputed by the player himself, who said he was wearing shorts during the time of the inspection.

Moy vowed to “fully cooperate” with the investigation.

“Although I want the truth to be revealed as soon as possible, I will patiently handle this situation properly, appropriately, and, most of all, professionally,” he said.

“Sexual harassment accusations are very serious claims. These wrongful allegation have taken its toll on myself, my friends, and family, and the Philippine National team in the midst of a historical milestone for football in the Philippines.

Azkals manager Dan Palami said that the incident was a “major misunderstanding” as the players, including Moy, were apparently engaged in a conversation when Ramos arrived for the inspection. Based on his own probe, Palami said the player’s comment was not directed at Ramos.

But while the Philippine Football Federation disciplinary committee has already began its investigation on the incident, Palami, in a separate interview, vowed steps will be taken to prevent a similar incident from happening inside the dugout.

Palami, who was present when the AFC match commissioner conducted the check inside the Azkals dugout before the game against North Korea Friday, said he has reminded players to be more mindful about jokes in the locker room.

Palami also said that he is planning to hold a gender sensitivity seminar for the team.

“We’re making sure that no one walks in and misinterprets anything they say and make sure that no one walks in until everyone is dressed,” said Palami.

Palami again apologized to Ramos for the distress the incident has caused the former Philippine Olympic Committee president and former First Daughter.

“This issue has taught players how even a small thing can lead to a huge and painful misunderstanding, and they now want to take extra measures to avoid a similar future occurrence and see what we can do to help champion gender rights,” said Palami.

Courtesy of: inquirer.net

Neil Etheridge: "I Know What It's Like"

LONDON – Philippine Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge is saddened by the controversy surrounding the national team ahead of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup.
Azkal players Lexton Moy and Angel Guirado are currently in the spotlight after Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Match Commissioner Cristy Ramos filed sexual harassment complaints following the Philippines' recent 1-1 draw with Malaysia.
“Everyone has the right to express their own opinions on the matter, but obviously the timing wasn't great. It is unfortunate that this happened so close to such a big competition,” Etheridge said.
“I think a lot of the players were unaware of what happened or maybe something was misinterpreted," added Etheridge, who was in the dressing room when Ramos carried out her inspection of the Philippine team.
The British-Pinoy was caught in a storm of his own last year. Weeks before the Philippines' World Cup qualifier against Kuwait in July, Etheridge, Simon Greatwich, Anton del Rosario and Jason Sabio were accused of raping a Filipina in the home of team manager Dan Palami.
The accusation was made by a certain Paul Weiler. The case did not materialize, but the experience still left its mark.
"It's a shame. It does affect people's mindsets. Being involved in what happened before, I know what it's like. It is upsetting and players can take it to heart, but it's one of those things that you try and deal with professionally," he said.
The Fulham FC stopper, who recently confirmed his availability for the Azkals, will be joining his teammates in Kathmandu for acclimatization training this Wednesday.
He does not know what the mood in the camp is currently like, but the 22-year-old says he will provide a lift if need be.
"Even though I'm quite a young player, I take on a responsibility, because other players look up to me, being part of an English Premier League club. When morale is down in the camp I take responsibility to pick players up individually and collectively, whether they want to speak to me on a one-to-one basis or as a group,” Etheridge said.
The Azkals will face defending champions Korea DPR in their opening fixture of the AFC Challenge Cup on March 9. That will be followed by matches against India on March 11 and Tajikistan on March 13.
Etheridge is aware the Philippines is pooled in the toughest group of the tournament. He does not want the off-field controversy surrounding Moy and Guirado to affect the team's performance on the pitch.
"I'm sure they've [the players] already realized, but if they haven't I'll make sure they realize that we've got three big games coming up and this could be another proud moment for the Philippines,” Etheridge said.
“We're not going there to lie down and let everyone walk over us,” he added.

Source:  http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/

Cristy Ramos: Files Sexual Harassment Case Against 2 Azkals

Angel Guirado (Jersey No. 12)

  Cristy Ramos, the daughter of ex-president Fidel V. Ramos, has filed a sexual harassment against our national football players, Angel Guirado and Lexton Moy.
  Cristy Ramos served as the Match Commissioner for the Azkals' game against Malaysia last Wednesday. Her job was to check the identification cards of the players and to make sure that their kits are in order. When Cristy entered the players' changing room she introduces herself and tells them how the checking would be done, but it seems that the players weren't listening to what she was saying. She described them as "rowdy and noisy," and "not taking the team check seriously and almost ignoring my presence,".
  Once she called the players individually for the team check, Lexton Moy stood at "her right side" and he said in a loud voice "Must be a B cup", commenting on Ms. Ramos' bra size. This made the other players in the room laugh. 
  When Cristy Ramos checked Angel Guirado, Angel stood infront of her without any clothes on, just his briefs. Guirado made no move of putting on any shirt or covering his underwear.
  And another complaint of Ms. Ramos was that the team officials who were there when this happened, including team captain, James Younghusband, made no move to discipline the players on their rude behavior. "In fact they were also laughing and seemed to be enjoying the revelry at my expense," Cristy tells in the letter she wrote to the AFC Disciplinary Committee.

But the real question is....Is Cristy Ramos another Amanda Coling?

  We can all still remember last year's Azkals scandal with Amanda Coling. Amanda Coling filed a rape case against team players Neil Etheridge, Simon Greatwich, Jason Sabio, and Anton del Rosario. The case wasn't continued and was neither proven true or false. But still, we all knew Amanda was just searching for popularity and money. So, is Cristy Ramos another Amanda Coling? A fake? A person looking for someone to mess with? But if she is faking, why do you think she'd file a case? She came from a decent family, -NOTE: She's the daughter of FVR!- and had a good education and has a stable job. Why'd she file the case if it weren't true?


Click HERE to view Cristy Ramos' Letter of Complaint.

Click HERE to view Dan Palami's apology.

NOTE: Please know that we shall be taking off the links seen UP after the end of March.


SIGHTINGS:


  March 2, Friday: The Azkals has left for Nepal, including the accused players, Angel Guirado and Lexton Moy. Paolo Pascual seen battling it out with the Singaporeans on the same day for the Bolkien Cup happening in Brunei right now. Neil Etheridge spotted training with the Fulham team.
  March 3, Saturday: Players have arrived in Kathmandu in Nepal. Aly Borromeo seen going to Iloilo with unknown to train some children for football.
  TODAY: Azkals spotted in their first training on Nepal grounds. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR GAME ON FRIDAY AZKALS!!!

  Stay tuned for more on the Azkals....