17th Thirsty Football Cup draws massive turnout

CEBU, Philippines —  Around 2,600 players spread in 222 teams across the Visayas and Mindanao region are all set for action in the 17th Thirsty Football Cup slated on February 10-12 at the Cebu City Sports Center.

“After a hiatus of three years, the biggest football festival in Cebu is back with over 222 teams,” said Chad Songalia, one of the Thirsty Cup founders who is also a board member of the Central Visayas Football Association (CVFA).

“Thirsty has been a big part of football development in Cebu. A good number of players who became national players, playing professionally, playing in collegiate leagues like the UAAP and NCAA have played multiple times in the Thirsty Cup. The event has become a staple in Cebu football,” added Songalia.

Bunny Pages, president of Pages Holdings that whips up Thirsty Juices and Shakes, reiterates their commitment to support not only football but also to help promote good health and lifestyle.

“Our family has always been involved with sports and the Thirsty Cup is one of the premier events that we organize. Big thanks to my son Charlie, who helped organize this event together with Neil Montesclaros, Milky Cañete, Chad Songalia, and a few others. We are happy to not only support football and sports but to help promote good health and exercise,” Bunny Pages said.

The out-of-town entries in the Visayas come from Barotac in Iloilo, Roxas City in Capiz, Bacolod City, Himamaylan in Negros Occidental, San Carlos City, Dumaguete in Negros Oriental,  Panglao, Bohol, and Maasin and Palapag, Leyte.

From Mindanao, booters from Butuan and Davao City will be seeing action.

Cebu City will be represented by Don Bosco, Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, University of San Carlos, Paref Springdale, and Abellana National School among others.

Cebu Province, on the other hand, will have some teams from Talisay City, Argao, and Badian.