Think Before You Speak

Couple weeks ago, the world of Philippine football was shocked with the sexual harassment complaint filed against two of the players of the Philippine National Football Team--commonly known as the Azkals--by former PSC president, Cristy Ramos. It was shocking (because I’ve seen these two players around with girls--both young and old alike--whenever I watch their games and they’ve always been nothing but nice) at the same time disturbing (because they represent the Philippines and it was such a shame if ever the complaint was ever true). You see, I am a huge fan of the team and I felt really sad about the news. And since the team is still in Nepal for the Challenge Cup, they haven’t been able to defend themselves properly, yet some people had judged them already for what they saw on the television without knowing the facts from both sides first! Really, it was amazing how people can judge other people so easily!


Then, this “Arnold Clavio racist comment” happened that created havoc in social-networking sites wherein he said,

“‘Yayabang nyo. Akala nyo por que dinadagsa kayo ng mga fans... ‘Gu-gwapo nyo eh. Parang god’s gift to women...
Ngayon, nag-sorry para daw dun sa isa nilang kasamahan. Sa’n ka nakakitang Azkals na may suso? Anong cup-b sa isang kasama? Sana nag-sorry, sorry na lang ‘di ba?
‘Di ko kayo ka-kultura... Kasi wala dito’t (pointing to his heart) wala dito (pointing to his head). ‘Di naman kayo Pilipino eh. Nagpapanggap lang kayong kayumanggi. Hindi kayo dito lumaki. Mahirap ‘yun. Insensitive.”


I know this is kind of late of a reaction already, but what the heck? I’ve been meaning to vent out since the day I saw the video so Imma rant big-time! It’s my blog anyway!


Well, I don’t care if you won’t agree with me but I think Arnold Clavio went a little overboard in here and he was so wrong in more ways than one.


Firstly, he is a journalist and as such, he ought to get his facts straight before giving comments. Did he do that? I didn’t think so. Yes, I understood he just stated his own opinion and I know fully well everyone’s entitled to that but, as I said, he is a journalist. There are certain boundaries that he must remember. He is not just speaking as an individual but as a professional as well. His words will have a great impact to the viewing public. That is the difference. Be objective, Mr. Clavio. And don't judge because you, too, will be judged.


Secondly, how do you call a Filipino a “Filipino” anyway? Just because most of the Azkals weren’t born to both Filipino parents, that doesn’t mean they were less Filipinos! As a matter of fact, they are more Filipino than you do; fighting and playing their butts off just to bring pride and glory to our country! How about you? What did you do? You insulted not just the players but their parents and families, as well! Shame on you! If being a Filipino meant to being someone like you, Mr. Clavio who seemed like a crab trying to pull people down then I wouldn’t want to be a Filipino.


Thirdly, the issue here is not about the “race” or the Azkals being Filipinos or not. The real issue is about respect and morals, to which I thought you clearly lacked.


Fourthly, the Azkals happen to be good looking. So what are we going to do about that?! It’s not as if they wished to be gifted with good looks! And just because they are handsome that doesn’t mean they are mayabang and overrated. They just happen to be good looking football players and that’s it! It’s not their freaking fault!


Lastly, I am all for women’s rights but then again, get your bleeping facts straight!


Excuse the cuss words I just got carried away. On a lighter note, though, despite all the issue that the Azkals have been facing right now, I am so proud that they’re giving their best to make our country proud! And they did just that when Philippines made it to the semifinals of the 2012 Challenge Cup for the first time ever in all of tourney’s history after that historic win over Tajikistan last March 13th! It was an epic and glorious moment for Philippine football as we haven’t reached this far before. It was utterly unbelievable.


But as we all know, football like life is not always lying down on a bed of roses. It was heartbreaking that Philippines didn’t make it to the finals but that’s the nature of the game. We can’t win them all but one thing’s certain: Whatever the outcome of the Azkals’ future games may be--win, draw or lose--I will always support and cheer for them because I am a Filipino.



Watch the Philippine Azkals game tomorrow as they battle Palestine for the third place, will yah?
Joey x