With their superb win against Sri Lanka, the country’s national football team has once again proven that Filipinos can excel in football. Making history by advancing to the second round of the preliminaries in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers, the Azkals ushered in a new chapter in Philippine sports. The nation’s brightest sports heroes continue to bring pride to the country as they travel to different training locations and tournaments. Helping the Azkals soar high is the country’s largest airline, Cebu Pacific.

Dogged determination

With their steadfast determination during the recent game against Sri Lanka that ended in an aggregate score of 5-1, the Azkals showed the world what Filipinos are capable of. Their historic performance has allowed them to move up in their World Cup bid.

“We taught ourselves to never stop fighting. We had one goal in mind. We gathered everything that we had and told ourselves that this was our time, and we tried to go after that goal,” said team captain Aly Borromeo.

Their breakthrough performance against several Asian powerhouse teams has allowed them to secure their position as a tour-de-force in the region. Set to clinch even greater victories for the country, the Filipino booters have been working hard to be in winning form for future qualifiers with coach Hans Michael Weiss at the helm.

Flying high with Cebu Pacific

Travel is a big part of football. With tournaments being held all over the globe and around the Philippines, the Azkals continue to broaden their horizons with every country they visit.

“It’s great to have Cebu Pacific on board with the Azkals. It’s an honor that companies like them believe in us, and it’s what football needs right now. What we have accomplished together is just a stepping stone for bigger things to come,” said Borromeo.

James Younghusband, one of the team’s midfielders, added, “Travel is what’s great about football. We’ve covered a lot of countries because of football and we get to meet new people, see new places, and experience new cultures.

“I’m looking forward to more domestic travel with Cebu Pacific. My brother Phil and I started the Younghusband Football Academy, so we get to visit different places and team up with public schools and local government units to spread the message about football,” said Younghusband.

One with the country in supporting the country’s national football team, Cebu Pacific, the country’s largest flag carrier, has supported the team to help them soar to more world-class victories. With the largest network of domestic and ASEAN destinations served, Cebu Pacific ensures that the players are able to come home to their provinces and fly to future football competitions and training camps in the country.

“The potential of Filipinos in football is great,” shared Coach Weiss. “I hope that we are able to rise to the occasion and fulfill the hopes of the Filipino community.”

With outpouring support from leading organizations and an increasing number of followers, the Azkals are set to take flight and bring greater pride to the country - and Cebu Pacific will help them get there.