Caligdong, Araneta to grace BRO bootfest opening

CEBU, Philippines - The 1st BRO National Football Cup opens today with Philippine Azkals Chieffy Caligdong and Ian Araneta as special guests for the ceremonies at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

The two players will be accompanied by former Teen Azkals’ goal keeping coach, Joeme Tolosa.

Caligdong and Araneta were supposed to conduct a clinic for the participants, but organizers decided to cancel it due to conflict of schedule of matches.

The two top players who are also mainstays of the Philippine Air Force Phoenix in the United Football League, however, are expected to watch some of the games and give some tips to the participants.

Games will already begin before the opening ceremony due to the huge number of entries.

More than 200 teams, according to one of the lead organizers, coach Glenn Ramos were able to beat the deadline.

Today’s action includes the players’ 7 and 9 and the boys’ 11, 13 and boys and girls’ 15-under classes.

Tomorrow will be the players’ 8 and 10, boys’12, 14, and 17, girls’19, men’s open and executive 35 class.

On the Sunday will be the boys’ 16 and 18, ladies open, executive 40, inter-BPO and the final battle of the men’s open.

The BRO Cup is spearheaded by Engineers Keith Buyco and Rodney Orale along with Glenn Ramos.

While Caligdong and Araneta will be at the BRO Nationals, another Azkal, Paolo Pascual will be at SM City-Cebu for a fun-filled activity, a football juggling exhibition. The activity is scheduled from 4 to 6 pm.

The event is open for kids 12 years old and under.

 Participants are advised to bring their own footballs. — (FREEMAN)