Ateneo Football League Day 2

Caf Bench United. Standing L-R: Raul Tan, Ralph Roy, Dave Daez, Rhea Matute, Tet Bachmann, Melissa Guerrero, Frannie Daez, Rey Laguda, and Jobi Millar. Kneeling L-R: Carlo Kintanar, Miguel Mercado, David Tan, TJ Manotoc, Dino Tanjuatco, and Duane Tumale.


If you went to Ateneo, then the cafeteria bench was the tambayan of the sosyals and coños. Hahaha. Sorry guys (and gals). Smile! If I am not mistaken Rely was a Caf Bench tambay too! Anyways, Caf Bench is one of several mixed teams that are playing in the inaugural season of the AFL. They played Psykicks today and they played some nifty football there to win 5-1. Ralph Roy was my officemate at Solar where he still works. He was with Bobong Velez' Vintage Productions for the longest time. Beside him is Dave Daez my high school classmate. Duane Tumale was my grade school classmate.

TJ Manotoc played during his Ateneo High School days and the man still has the moves. Hey, Teej, thought you had not played in a loooong time? Haha. He was not only Man of the Match during their win (he had at least eight great saves) but TJ also scored a coast-to-coast goal when he sent one all the way to the opposite side and past Psykicks keeper Bob Guerrero who misplayed the bounce.


This one's from TJ: Hey Rick! just to be fair, since my batchmates like Pat Moran and Red Avelino would protest, i never played a single minute of High School Football! i was on the team for a quarter in my 1st year but was quickly grounded from any varsity activity by my mom due to my grades! I never got back to the team as basketball stole me... so to be accurate, my last goalie experience was Gothia Cup 1989 with Makati Football School! so yes! looong time! 22 years ago bro! and next time remind me to inhale when you take a whole body pic, and better yet, not take a whole body pic coz it shows im wearing basketball shorts haha! =)

Batchmates and classmates: Duane, me, Ralph, Peter Abastillas, and Dave.

Loyola Agila FC won their first two games. In this one, the match went to penalties (there are no draws in the AFL). In this picture, Ernie Nierras, whose kids go to DLSU (hmm?), prepares to take his PK against Loyola Blue keeper JP Demontano. He made it. Hey, Sam. Your dad wanted me to tell you that he scored. This was probably the best game of the day. Agila was winning 1-nil following a Jose Prats goal but Raul Albarece scored the equalizer with seconds left in the match to send it to a shootout. Albarece scored during the PKs but missed his second attempt to give Agila the 6-5 win (he was playing hurt then). Thanks for playing, Raul. Glad you had fun too! Mr. Clutch! Naks.

Psykicks FC. Standing L-R: Ebong Joson, Glenver Gregorio, Michael Camina, Bob Guerrero, Dinjoe Bautista, #4, John Borra, Homer de los Santos. Kneeling L-R: Carvin Medina, Bien Guevarra, Paolo Bediones, Gabi Tripon, Miguel de Leon, and Nikki del Carmen. Psykicks wrapped up their day with a come-from-behind 4-2 win over the Puzakals.


Ebong Joson helped UP to the 1989 UAAP Men's Football title. He is a professional voice talent in the advertising industry. In case you want to know, he was the dude with a blue and white wig who ran on to the Panaad Stadium track waving the Philippine flag prior to the Azkals match vs Mongolia. Bob Guerrero used to play with 90s band Da Pulis with Gabe Mercado and is a longtime advertising vet. We work together on Rebound magazine as well. He also does anchor work for the Azkals' games. Paolo Bediones last played during college. Hey, Paolo. Did I get that right? I used to play against Paolo and TJ Manotoc in the San Miguel-BIBATO league where I once played and coached DZRH to a Division II title. That was some time ago. Miguel de Leon is my colleague with Fabilioh, the Ateneo Sports Shooters. He also does advertising work among many things. Nikki del Carmen is asking me where to buy football kits in Singapore.

Blue Guards FC. Standing L-R: Obet Escueta, Jing Fernandez, Noel Reyes, Mike McCloud, Dodie King, Joel Villarino, and Mindo Fajardo. Crouching L-R: Arman Martinez, Ver Velasco, Butch Ledesma, Eric Ingles, and Jerry Ngo.


Ver Velasco was the Corps Commander when I was a third year high COCC. He played for the Ateneo High School football team as well then went on to play the same position for UP Diliman in college. His younger bro, Vance, was my barkada during my elementary and secondary years. Atty. Eric Ingles was a former Ateneo footballer and cheerleader. His two sons Chico and Mickey also played for Ateneo and helped win a three-peat in college. Not in the pic is Fr. Basil Onyejuruwa S.J. who arrived late. Although the Blue Guards lost to Team Co. Jones (read: cojones) 4-3, Fr. Basil was MVP for his squad. Great moves and he scored too!


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Will miss Day 3 of the AFL next Saturday as I will be in Dumaguete. Will be back in time for the Sunday games. See ya then!!! And please visit the AFL site and our Facebook page later. Will upload more stuff there.