Finding the next football star in a far-off island

SANTA FE, Cebu, Philippines  – It has been ten months since Typhoon Yolanda struck this town but ten-year-old Regine Ilustrisimo still gets scared whenever it rains.

“Whenever she hears the sound of raindrops, a strong thunder or wind, her fear returns,” said her 38-year-old mother Jingle Ilustrisimo.

“She would ask me ‘mom, what is that?’ I would tell her not to worry because it is not as intense as Yolanda,” she added.

Fortunately, Regine and other children in this fourth-class town in Bantayan Island are slowly recovering from the nightmare, thanks to their cheerful disposition, donors and a sport that could catapult them to international prominence years from now.

“I am happy and excited because a football clinic was held here. I am proud that my daughter was part of it,” Jingle said.

“(Football) can help them with their feelings. It can help them forget their trauma. They can spend the time honing their talents and skills,” she said.

A football clinic led by members of regional football powerhouse Philippine Azkals was held last week in a gym made damp by intermittent rains.

More than 40 children were taught football concepts like flicking, dribbling, passing and goal amid loud cheers from their guardians and classmates.

The Azkals who conducted the training were Eduard Sacapano, Jeffrey Christiaens, Joshua Beloya, Roel Jener, Nestor Margase, Joshua Beloya and Joaquin Cañas. Also present was Marielle Benitez of the Malditas, the female counterpart of the Azkals.

The event was organized by British insurer Pru Life UK and its charitable arm, Prudence Foundation.

“Football is an upcoming sport in the Philippines. Football is a British thing and we thought of giving resources to expand football in the Philippines,” said Pru Life UK president and CEO Antonio de Rosas.

“To get really good talent, you have to really scour the country. Maybe here in Bantayan, where we are doing CSR (corporate social responsibility) work, there might be potential for some to become members of the national team,” he added.

Santa Fe Mayor Jose Esgana believes football would make the young typhoon survivors realize that they are not alone.

“They found new friends, a new type of activity. They will see that they were not abandoned and there are people who are ready to help,” Esgana said.

Esgana said he dreams of seeing these children rising from the trials to become stars of the Philippine Azkals.

“This sport is providing what Bisayas call paglaum (hope). This activity can empower them,” the mayor said.

Such hope can be seen in Arnele Batiancila, 11, and his best friend Steven Somosot, 12, whose houses were damaged during the typhoon.

“It was fun because we won,” Batiancila said after the training.

When asked whether he believes he will make it big as a football player someday, Somosot said: “Dalawa kami (Both of us will).”