RP Embassy hosts Mongolian barbecue lunch for Azkals

RP Embassy hosts Mongolian barbecue lunch for Azkals

by rick olivares

JAKARTA, INDONESIA -- The Embassy of the Philippines to Indonesia hosted a Mongolian barbecue lunch for the Philippine Men’s National Team for lunch last Friday, December 17, 2010 at the Balay Pinoy in the Menteng district.

Bernardita Catalla, Minister and Consul for the Embassy, led the Philippine staff and their families in welcoming the football players who were all to eager to break out from their daily routine following their 1-nil loss to Indonesia the night before in the first match of the 2010 Suzuki Cup semifinals. “Masayang masaya ang mga Pilipino dito sa Jakarta not only Filipinos but also some Indonesians who were rooting for the team kasi ang galing galing nila. They were not expecting the team to be that good,” glowed Catalla who led the festivities in place of Maria Rosario C. Aguinaldo, Charge D’Affairs, who was away for a previous engagement.

The entire Embassy staff was present at the Gelano Bung Karno Stadium to watch the match in the VIP box beside Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. “Para kaming bangka in a sea of red,” described Catalla of their presence at the match. “Talagang first love ng mga Indonesians ang football. And it’s a very active and healthy competition they have here in Indonesia. Very passionate sila diyan.”

Catalla was also glad to note the changing perceptions of Filipinos about football. “I think we are changing our attitude towards football and I hope our authorities will give some support and attention to football.”

“The team just flew in from the Philippines and surely they ate Filipino food,” said the consul. “We wanted to prepare something different for them. A novelty if you want to call it.”

Said Fil-Dutch midfielder Jason de Jong, “The support here is unbelievable. We are really thankful for that. And the Mongolian barbecue was fantastic.”