Paulino Alcantara: The unsung hero in Philippine football

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. . . he was and will always be a Filipino.

That's right boys and girls. Barcelona FC's all-time top scorer is none other than, Paulino Alcantara, a filipino.

Paulino Alcantara was born in Iloilo, Philippines on October 7, 1896. At age 15, he began to play for the Barcelona after he was scouted. He ended his debut game with three goals, which earned him the nickname of "net breaker". Now, isn't that something? I always knew that Filipinos had something in their blood. Haha. Joking aside, Paulino was able to retire from football with 357 goals in 357 games. It's like a one is to one ratio. He then moved on to become a doctor, and then a club director for his club team

.

I first heard of this "unknown legend" back when I was still in High School. I can remember my brother bragging to me about this filipino football player who was supposedly the first asian to play in a European club. Anyway, at first, I did not believe him. I though he was joking but when I searched the internet for some information about Paulino, what welcomed me was an array of websites dedicated to him. There was also a video tribute to him, from his nephew.

This incident had a particularly good effect on me as my earlier thoughts on why the Philippines couldn't make it big in the international level of football disappeared and what replaced them was a sense of hopefulness. If one of us was able to make it, why can't we do it again?

It's good that Paulino had come from Iloilo because if he had not been born there he might not have been fully exposed to and influenced by football. He might not have pursued football as other sports were rampant in the other parts of the Philippines. Until now,even though football is more widespread, basketball is still more influential.

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Sports in the Visayan region is a different story - especially in Iloilo, where football players are like weeds.

Anyway, Paulino Alcantara will always be an inspiration to both old and new football players, no matter where they may be. It would be good to see the Philippines use his name to build up the football scene. If only he were alive today, we could might just be able to "David Beckam" the Philippines with one of our own.

Let's "David Beckham" the Philippines.

When David Beckham went to the U.S., all of us were surprised. Many of us thought, "Why would he leave his top club, Real Madrid, to go to the U.S?" "What the hell is he thinking?" "How much did he get paid?" "What are his motives?" "He's out of his mind!"

Well, L.A. Galaxy, Beckham's club, got him to "take football in the U.S. to another level." They got him for the exposure. They got him so that American fans would come to watch MLS games. There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, it was a great step forward for Beckham. Even though he isn't seen that much anymore, since the more famous leagues(UEFA, English Premier League, Spanish Laliga, etc.) get more air-time through out the world, he made the humbling step to promote football in a place where Basketball, Hockey, Golf, and American Football are the top sports.

Now, if only the Philippines did something like that, get a well-known football player to play in loval leagues. That would surely promote football here. When the Younghusband brothers went here, football got a boost, but it only lasted for so long. If only the Philippines saw the potential opportunities in football, rather than looking blindly at basketball; if the Philippines saw the potential that our players had, especially the youth, then the Philippine football would be in a better state. I know that the Philippine football is a neglected sport that has a lot of potential and opportunities that's waiting to be tapped. If only.

Kudos to you David Beckham! Great work! Maybe you'll consider going here sometime! Haha

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My UEFA Fantasy Football Team

This is my UEFA Fantasy Football Team.
Strikers:
1) Drogba - Just coz he's an excellent striker.
2) Torres - I think he plays a bit like C. Ronaldo, but with less speed and tricks.
3) Henry - I think he's a striker that really knows what he's doing. He's got finesse and strength
in him and that makes him a great striker.
Mid-Fields:
4) Gerard - He's a player who's blessed with strength in shot, and timing in his passes and
play-making.
5) Cristiano Ronaldo - There isn't much to say bout him, just that he's really really good.
6) Fabregas - A rising star. He's going to be much more better in the next few years.
7) Joe Cole - He's a strong player that plays for the team. He also has nice crosses.
Defense:
* I don't have much to say bout them. I chose them coz they rack up the points.
Keeper:
11) Almunia - Nice keeper.

** If you have any comments, please feel free to do so.

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