Commercial value

The Philippine Azkals continue to draw a lot of attention even after the team’s exit in the semifinals of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup.

While the football fanatics, like those who keep on posting on the page of pinoyfootball on Facebook have lauded the team for their performance in the tournament, most are thrilled because of the good looks of the players.

While the purists would not be happy about it, especially hearing the news reporters and anchors ask questions about the interest of the players to join show business, this is a good way to attract the attention of potential sponsors.

Okay, basketball is popular, but the good looking players are even more popular.

We can’t deny the fact that athletes who also look good have a better commercial value than the others.

Remember how Anna Kournikova failed to win a singles title, but still was the most popular tennis player several years ago. There were Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, who have talent and good-looks rolled into one.

Let us accept the reality that a team with good-looking players will have a better chance to draw sponsorships because aside from them donning the national colors or the sponsor’s name on their jerseys, they can also be used to promote the products of the company and encourage the consumers to patronize such.

Commercialism may sound evil, but then it is the only way that we can get people to spend money to develop sports and help our athletes attain higher goals.

The future looks bright for the Azkals, but this cannot happen without the continued support from the fans.

Of course, let us not forget, that it is also important that the leaders of the sports organization must also be doing a good job and not messing up.

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The Cebu Amateur Football Club (CAFC) gathered last Wednesday for the annual Christmas party.

This is something that members always look forward to and Ricky Dakay was again very gracious to host the group at his place Sudlon, Lahug.

Love for football and the desire to continue playing the game are two of the reasons that bind the members together through the years. 

The group is also actively involved in propagating the sport through all age groups and I wish my fellow members more power for the coming year.

It was fun being with you guys even for just a couple of hours. I am still looking forward to the day that I will again be fit to don my uniform and be with you inside the pitch and not just on the sidelines.

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Many writers have tagged the win of the Azkals over Vietnam as their biggest sports story for the year 2010.

I think the even bigger story is how the Philippines has noticed football as a sport that we can enjoy as much as basketball.

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MILESTONES: Belated birthday greetings go to Jemelie Comaingking, who celebrated last Monday.

The same goes to Dodon Montesclaros, Cynthia Tiu, Jessie Saclo, Marco Protacio, and Marianne Ho-Posadas, who turned a year older yesterday.

Today’s greetings go to Remelyn Dayoc, Julie Ouano-Haglund, Honesto ‘Siakoy’ Hsia, Tony de Jesus, Milagros ‘Chuchi’ Rivera, and Stephanie Patuasi-Pelaez.

More power to all of you! - THE FREEMAN