Cebuano Azkal keeps feet on the ground

CEBU, Philippines -   Although he has already gained ‘celebrity status’ at this early stage of his career, fame has not gotten into the nerves of Paolo Pascual - the lone Cebuano member of the celebrated Philippine Azkals.

Since the Azkals rekindled the popularity of football in the country, Pascual said his lifestyle took a different twist. Before, only few people recognize them but now fans will come in droves everytime they appear in public.

From a simple guy who is just passionate enough to play football, Pascual is now an object of adulation and an apparition of delight even among those who are not followers of the sport.

And why not? Pascual is gifted not only with athletic talent but also with looks that could melt every young girl's heart.

The thing of beauty for this rising football star is that he is not carried away with his new status. He even treats his achievements as a challenge to reach out and inspire young soccer players.

"There's no changes in me. I'm the same Paolo Pascual they know. I'm a God-fearing person and I always keep my feet the ground," said Pascual, who holds clinics and community outreach projects whenever he's in town.

"Whatever I have reached at this point, I will take it as an opportunity to reach out the kids, inspire them and serve as a role model to them."

Making it to the national team at 20 years old is a monumental feat for Pascual. Like any other athlete, he had his fair share of ups and downs especially when he dislocated his shoulder but his perseverance and dedication enabled him to stay where he is right now.

"My guiding principle is that don't give up, never give up. Just keep on playing and be patient and humble always," said the Mabolo, Cebu City-native booter.

Pascual started kicking football during first grade at PAREF-Springdale. He was seven years old then.

"It was the only club at school then," he quickly answered when asked why football of all the sports.

Trained under the watchful eyes of coach Mario Ceniza, Pascual has represented Cebu in several school-based sporting events such as the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) Meet and the Palarong Pambansa.

His biggest break came when he got a call from the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) last January to try out for the Azkals. And he could not ask for any wonderful gift when on his 20th birthday last January 22 he became an official member of the PHL Azkals.

"I think my height is my edge over the other aspirants," said Pascual, the team's goalkeeper.

Born to parents who are both dentists, Pascual took up dentistry but he later traded a different path with hopes of fulfilling a childhood ambition to become a pilot. Thus, he shifted to a business-related course since a flying school requires one to finish first a four-year college degree.

But for the time being, Pascual has to put his studies on hold so he could focus on his football career - a decision supported by his dad Joel and mom Chona. "It's a tough decision to make but my parents understand," he said.

Pascual now trains his sights next to be the first keeper for the Philippine team in an international competition. "That is really what I'm aiming for. Right now, I'm training hard to get better and faster."

"To the Cebuanos, thank you for the overwhelming support. Being a member of the Philippine Azkals is a good achievement for me and I always make Cebu proud," he said.

Pascual's dream of flying a plane is still up in the air but he vows to accomplish it someday. For now, what is important is his meekness to keep his feet on the ground despite his sudden rise to fame. (FREEMAN)