And now for some relief...

Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil and others to debut laceless shoe

This appears on philstar.com

Arsenal’s Ozil and others to debut laceless shoe

by rick olivares

Over the next few days, Mesut Ozil and three others — Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic, Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez, and Chelsea’s Oscar — will be wearing the first laceless football shoes in a competitive match. All three will be donning the Ace 16+ Pure Control shoe that has the footwear world abuzz. 

For years, shoe manufacturers have tinkered with ideas on how to eliminate the laces that while keeping the shoe tied down to your feet have been cumbersome and at times irritating. The idea behind the development of the Ace 16 is ball control so it is no surprise that the four football players are all midfielders who are known for their control and creativity in the middle of the park.

Puma used straps for its shoes in the early years of the new millennium. Later on, Nike introduced the Roshe running shoe that had no laces as well. And there’s Fut Glove, one that gives that barefoot feeling while retaining the comfort of a runner shoe, that started it all. But for an intense sport such as football, all eyes will be on the the Adidas Ace 16+ Pure Control because should it really make an impact, you can expect it to also be adapted by other sports from basketball to baseball to volleyball. 

Ozil, Arsenal Football Club’s creative spark in the midfield who is leading professional football in assists and chances, will be donning the shoe when the Gunners take on visiting Chelsea and Oscar at the Emirates Stadium on Monday, January 25. Rakitic will be the first to wear the shoe in a competitive match when Barcelona take on Malaga away from Camp Nou while Rodriguez takes to the pitch a day after when Los Blancos face Real Betis. 

Ozil, who was a part of Germany’s World Cup winning squad in 2014, said, “My whole career, I have tried to minimise the impact of laces on my strike and ball control. I revealed to Adidas in 2014 that in the changing room, I knot the laces over and over again and then tuck in the ends; that way they do not interfere with my touch. When they came to me last year with the laceless boots, it was like they have created my dream product. I cannot wait to wear them on the pitch.”

When the playmaker posted a picture of him and the prototype black boots on Instagram two months ago, it generated almost 200,000 likes and 5,000 comments. 

The Ace 16+ Pure Control replaces the laces with three key points of stability to lock the foot into the boot. A thermoplastic polyutherane (TPU) cage locks over the iconic three stripes to secure the mid-foot and it anchored by a knitted upper and internal locking system. This combines for tight and loose premium knits across the shoe for optimum fit.

The question now is — will these boots, made available in limited quantities in selected stores in Europe — fly off the shelves or will they fly off your foot? We will know after the next three days.

James Rodriguez in training with Real Madrid wearing the laceless boots.

My collection of Liverpool FC DVDs

Have this small collection of Liverpool FC DVDs that I have put together through the years. Picked up last year's season-in-review during my last trip to England. Almost did not pick up that CD as I was disappointed with the way it ended but am glad I did. Not for the sake of being a completist. When I remembered that it was Steven Gerrard's last season then it I placed it inside my basket.

My small collection of Liverpool Football Club match tickets and IDs

I have two tickets missing because I misplaced them: from Giants Stadium in New Jersey (the first time to see them in a match and this was from the start of the new millennium), and one from Indonesia. Nevertheless, happy with what I have. Here's to adding a few more in my lifetime.

At Highbury and Emirates Stadium

At what is left of Highbury Stadium, the former home field of Arsenal for 93 years before they moved to a site two blocks away at Emirates in 2006. The area behind where I stood was where the goal stood with the buildings behind as the stands for supporters.

The old site has been torn down to make way for housing. But they lovingly retained the facade of the old stadium! Imagine saying, "I live in Highbury!" For sure. And that's cool.

At Highbury House, office to the Arsenal Football Club and one of two merchandise shops in the stadium (the other which is situated in front of the stadium is called, "the Armoury.")

There are four huge "murals' to Arsenal's sainted squads situated around the stadium. This is one of them. Each one depicts a different set of players. Mostly from the first teams under their long-time manager, Arsene Wenger.

There are four statues around Emirates: Ken Friar who started out as a fan before he worked for the team in the front office and his statue is at the foot of Ken Friar Bridge that connects Highbury House to Emirates; Tony Adams, their great defensive back who was a part of Wenger's first teams; Dennis Bergkamp, a force of nature on the pitch for the Gunners; and Thierry Henry. That's the statue of Henry celebrating a goal.

Scenes from my trip to Anfield (Liverpool vs Arsenal January 13, 2016)

Taking a cab from the hotel to Anfield (L7.20)

The Hop On Hop Off Liverpool bus

The official Liverpool Football Club scarf 

From my seat Row 2 Seat 233 at the Centenary Stand. So close to the action!

Sat next to the Kop!

Turned around and took a shot of the scoreboard at 2-1.

Where I was seated. Pic taken during the halftime break.

Attended the post match press conference where I got to listen to Arsene Wenger and Jurgen Klopp speak.

THANK YOU SO MUCH LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB AND STANDARD CHARTERED.

My Anfield lootbag

My first ever official Premier League media pass, the match programme, and my game ticket! All keepsakes!

My lootbag: Two Jurgen Klopp t-shirts -- the Jurgenmeister that I bought at one of the stalls outside the stadium and the official The Normal One (in red) shirt from their shop. Anfield Road road sign that I got at Mathew Street. Two scarves: The Normal One and the Match Day scarf with the date. A lanyard and a water bottle. 

At Lounge #7 at Anfield

Massive thanks to 
Liverpool Football Club and Standard Chartered!

The table where I sat at Lounge #7 for a five-course buffet dinner.

With the Chef! 

A pint.... of Coke Lite! No beer for me. Am not allowed.

Resiliency at death's door: Liverpool-Arsenal 3-3

Thanks to Liverpool Football Club and Standard Chartered for the great hospitality.

An Anfield classic

by rick olivares

There is no telling where Liverpool Football Club will finish this season when all is said and done. The Reds looked like a team re-born in the first few weeks under new manager Jurgen Klopp. They lost a couple of beguiling matches where they looked like their old listless selves causing some to grumble saying nothing had changed since Brendan Rogers was given the pink slip. Then they won some again. 

Last Wednesday evening, at a jam-packed Anfield, Liverpool, ninth in the table, faced league leader Arsenal. Most predicted a loss and that Arsenal would run wild. My thought was if Liverpool scores first, they’d have a chance to come away with a point if not all three. 

My prediction was on the money. And how! 

It was a thrilling night for football.

Despite the chilly conditions, Liverpool started off with a lot of pace and resolve putting the Gunners on the back heel. The Reds boxed Mesut Ozil well preventing him from having any control of the game, and they pressed — not yet the gegenpressing style of Klopp’s great Borussia Dortmund teams — but good enough to seize control of the match. Jordan Henderson, back after missing the last three matches, looked imperious. And I thought of that t-shirt that I saw being sold outside Anfield that said, “70% of the Earth is covered by water. The rest by Jordan Henderson.” And with no Philippe Coutinho on the pitch - the wondrous Brazilian midfielder was injured — the Liverpool captain drove the engine forward with steel resolve. And it paid off handsomely well.

This was the sort of energy you want when playing attacking sides like Arsenal (some teams are better off the counter). The aggressiveness paid off when 10 minutes in, Roberto Firminio scored a blistering goal off a rebound following a powerful shot by Emre Can. It was first Anfield goal for the Brazilian who to this point couldn’t justify the huge price tag that came along from his transfer from German-side Hoffenheim. 

The reverie was short lived as Arsenal scored in its first chance of the match 14 minutes later when normally sound centerback Mamadou Sakho lost the battle for the header with Olivier Giroud. The ball was played into Gunner midfielder Joe Campbell who slipped a through ball to an on-side Aaron Ramsey (who raced past Sakho) for a goal that dipped just right under Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet. Anfield collectively groaned because they felt it was a rather cheap goal they conceded. 

Liverpool looked undaunted and foraged ahead once more. The aggressiveness paid off again when James Milner found Firminio lurking outside the box. The Brazilian launched a rocket that Arsenal keeper Peter Cech could not parry away for a 2-1 lead.

Yet Arsenal drew level once more in the 25th minute after Giroud kicked in a corner from Ramsey from point blank range somewhat turning down the decibel level from the Kop. It was a frightening sign. Two attacks resulted in two goals for the Gunners. Liverpool, that would own possession — but that doesn’t mean they will win a match — had numerous chances. The indecisiveness that plagued them in the final third in previous matches was replaced with murder in their hearts. The finishing now was the concern and to not be wasteful with their chances.

After the halftime break, Arsenal came out playing more compact football while whatever control Liverpool had in the first half disappeared. Can lost his touch and began to make horrendous decisions with his passes. Sakho, solid up to the first Arsenal goal, came unglued and also lost his focus. 

And in a play eerily reminiscent of the West Ham loss a few weeks earlier after Alberto Moreno failed to track back following a tackle, Milner went down chasing a 50-50 ball. Arsenal pushed forward and Campbell, finding the assist touch with Ozil contained, passed to Giroud. The Frenchman turned against Kolo Toure and smashed home a volley for a 3-2 lead Arsenal lead in the 55th minute. 

This past season, the Reds normally win or finish with a draw when they score first. When they concede early, they find it difficult to mount a comeback. Jurgen Klopp’s Redmen eventually regained control of the match with Firminio nearly scoring a hat trick with his own blistering turn cracking the crossbar. Defender Alberto Moreno also saw two thunderous volleys blocked by Arsenal’s defense (they finished with 10 blocks).

With time running out and the snow beginning to fall, Joe Allen was sent into the match in the 81st minute for Can, normally solid this season yet who faded rather badly as the match wore on. In the 90th minute, Benteke won a header inside the box and the ball looped over to Allen who darted in. With one touch, he fired past Cech for the equalizer. It was almost surreal as Anfield erupted in jubilation, Klopp was manic on the sidelines, and the snow came down in a flurry. A well-deserved point was secured in a classic match with both sides giving it their best.

If anything, Liverpool can take heart that if they play aggressive non-stop for 90 minutes, they’ll pick up more wins and give any side a run for their money. It is fitting perhaps that two players — Firminio and Allen and especially the latter who is looking to secure another contract with Liverpool — both maligned this season came up big. And draw aside, the confidence they gained will serve them well for in four days, those old and hated rivals, Manchester United travel up to the L4.

Now hopefully for the Reds, this will galvanize them for a badly-needed win and a march towards a Champions League slot.

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Singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" before the Liverpool-Arsenal match

Arsenal's second goal from my seat 

Off to England! Doha-Manchester-Liverpool Day 1

It was a 20-hour trip from Manila to England -- nine hours to Doha then a three-hour layover then lastly, a seven and a half hour flight to Manchester. For the first time in my life, I had a tough time sleeping. During the entire flight, I think I only had like five hours of sleep. Maybe even less. During the last leg of the flight -- to England, I didn't sleep much thinking I should just catch my zzs when I arrive so I will easily acclimate myself to the local time.

So I spent my time watching movies since I have missed a lot in the past few months -- The Martian, Sicario, and The Intern. I even watched an old classic -- The King and I! 

I loved the Martian! But then again, I always enjoy Matt Damon's films! Liked The Intern too and seeing this old school new school thing play out. While I am far from Robert De Niro's age, I understand him and how it's different with this new generation. Of course, I watched for Anne Hathaway. Sorry, just love watching her!

The Intern was wrapping up as we taxied into Manchester International Airport. It was 12:22pm. The last time I was here in was late in the evening so I couldn't appreciate a lot of this. Introduced myself to Paul Draper who was wearing a Liverpool FC shirt. Figured he was going to same way so I asked if I could tag along. He's an Australian who has been living and working here for the past five years. He just got back from holiday in his home country.

We took the train to Liverpool but switched to the Picadilly Manchester station where an earlier train was coming through (the one that we had to originally wait for was to arrive 40 minutes later so we took the Picadilly train). 

On the train, a lot of people were reading the newspapers with the late David Bowie on the cover. His untimely passing was among many other topics I overheard as well while at the train station or on board.

It sure is cold. Before I disembarked from the plane, I put on a wool sweater over my shirt with a jacket on. It was still cold. 

I am staying once more at the Britannia Adelphi Hotel (where some of the passengers of the ill-fated Titanic stayed). I had on okay stay last time. I have seen the reviews and it's all bad. Nothing good. Now am staying in a much better room. It even has wifi! Wonderful. Sadly, the trade off is, the television doesn't work and there's no power in the sockets. So if I want to charge my laptop and other devices, I have to go down to the lounge. Twice I complained last night about the television set and the sockets and each time got no response. Merely an acknowledgement. 

Went out for a while to Worlds Apart, a comic book store that is just a minute's walk from the hotel, and HMV before the rains and cold weather forced my back. I have an umbrella but the wind just turns it inside out.

Because of the cold, I wanted to have some hot soup so I went to My Pho, a Vietnamese restaurant along Raleigh Street. It sure was great to have some hot soup! And a filling one at that. Pricey though as it cost eight quid.

Fell asleep around 7pm. Woke up thinking it was daylight. No chance. It was right before one in the morning and the wind was howling and the rain rapping on my windows. 

I'm going back to Anfield

I’m clearly excited to be going back to Anfield for the second time in my life. During my first trip there in October of 2013, I caught the local derby with Everton that ended in a 1-1 draw. At least, it wasn’t a loss so it didn't dampen too much my first time in that place that I first heard because of the Beatles and then because of their football club.

Now, I’ll be catching Liverpool against Arsenal — and another big game at that — this coming Wednesday, January 13 at Anfield. That's huge!

As a long-time Liverpool fan, it is a dream to be watching the team at their home field. Previously, I’ve only seen them in them in pre-season matches in the United States, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Premier League matches especially for someone who lives half the world away is a dream. Usually, the television set is our only portal. 

Liverpool are far removed from their championship ways and they’re currently in a rebuilding-getting-to-know-you mode with new manager Jurgen Klopp. They have thrilled and allowed me (and many others I am sure) to dream a bit. Unfortunately, they too, have disappointed. However, that doesn’t make me any less of a fan. You take the good and the bad. 

Honestly, to be asked to cover their matches and exhibition tours is a dream come true. To be able to interview people like Rafa Benitez, Andy Carroll, Brendan Rogers, Lucas Leiva, and former team stars like Didi Hamman and Luis Garcia have been very memorable. 

This time around, I have been granted access to the post-match press conference. I am clearly excited. During my Anfield Tour in 2013, I got to see where the post-match interviews are held (it used to be the former Boot Room). Now, I’ll be there for an actual post-match. 

Now hopefully, the team can get a good results and some points if not the full three, from that match. 

Just a few more nights before I fly off to England!

Thanks to Liverpool Football Club and Standard Chartered!

Time, life, death & sports. A couple celebrates the life and time they have together through sports.

This appears in the Monday, January 11, 2016 edition of the Business Mirror.

Time, life, death & sports

by rick olivares

When older people run, or play badminton or football, it’s to keep an active and healthy lifestyle or even to bond. 

It’s like that for Stephen and Ella Cabanlet… except it means so much more because time between the two of them is fleeting. 

You see, Stephen is a Lieutenant with the Philippine Marines assigned in Mindanao. Ella is a psychiatrist at the Naval Hospital in Manila where she attends to wounded soldiers and those who are afflicted with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder syndrome.

Both fight battles in different frontlines and have survived some harrowing battles — Stephen against insurgents and Ella against leukemia. 

They are confronted with death almost on a daily basis.

And because of that, they choose to celebrate life. 

It’s a little funny because both were neighbours and went to the Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan for high school but never knew each other. They ran in the same circles yet never met. 

When they finally did meet years later, after a three-month whirlwind courtship, they got married. “It would be nice to say that we are childhood sweethearts but that’s not exactly true. You could say that we were a product of a text relationship. That’s how we first communicated,” deapanned Ella. 

However, two days after they got hitched, Stephen was off to war (during the assault of Camp Abubakar among many other operations) leaving the bride of two days wondering what she got herself into.

“The problem is not knowing if he is all right,” admitted Ella. “I fret, I worry. I don’t want to watch the news or even read the paper. It never gets easy."

At one point, she doubted if the marriage could work. “I didn’t sign up for this — spending months apart aside from the constant worrying.”

Fortunately, the Lt. Colonel was eventually assigned to more peaceful area. Except that she now had to deal with his PTSD. “You have to talk about it,” she pleaded to her husband. “What you cannot talk about with others — deep things that disturb you — you have to tell me.”

The shell wasn’t easy to crack but crack it did. Listening, understanding,loving, and giving space when needed has healed the wounds that cannot be viewed by the naked eye. Eventually, the couple finally got to be a real family (they had a child with two more others joining them over the next few years). 

Sadly, the tranquility didn’t last. Ella was diagnosed with leukemia and to treat it, she needed a bone marrow transplant that would cost them PhP 4million.

“Even if I finish my career with the military and get all my benefits, I doubt if I could even raise that amount,” shared the soldier who admitted to being bewildered by the situation. “When you are confronted with war and death almost on a daily basis, you want to celebrate life more.”

Once more the couple was separated. She is a hospital; quarantined lest she got an infection. While he was left to figure out how to pay for all the medical costs.

Eventually, through help from various sources — many anonymous while others refused to be acknowledged — they finally afforded to pay for the operation. “When you tabulate the entire cost of the hospitalization, we racked up a bill of close to PhP 12 million! How that was paid for we will never know,” marvelled Ella. “It’s a miracle!"

Both nearly had their lives taken away and now, together, they choose to celebrate their life and to give back.

Cabanlet and his troops have been at the forefront for peace with the "Football for Peace Program" that not only introduces the game to children living in hotbeds of insurgency but also gives them a chance to get an education. “It wasn’t a fool-proof program at first. It was a learning process for us. But now, i think the protocols in place are better,” underscored the soldier. “After their first candidate who went to school in UST, they have since identified five others worthy of athletic scholarships in top schools."

The program has since been adopted by other branches of the Philippine military in their efforts to pacify conflict areas.

“I have learned to love the game,” added Ella who not only wholeheartedly supports the program but plays it as well. She also continues with her work at the Naval Hospital helping soldiers cope. “Some times, a listening ear is all they need. Sometimes."

“I run at least five kilometers a day,” she said. “We run a lot. Not competitively. We don’t join those races or fun runs. It’s to deal with the stress but also to be with each other."

“We also play a lot of badminton and football," chimed in the soldier. “We love sports."

Summed up Ella, "We do it for ourselves; to bond and to be together because eventually, I know in another year, he will be deployed to another (possibly conflict) area.”

Does she worry about the time they will be away from each other with him back to the front?

“I’ll think about it when the time comes. We’re stronger now,” she admitted. “Right now, we just want to celebrate every minute we’re together."

----------------------

I first met Lt. Col. Stephen Cabanlet around March of 2015. I wrote this story: This Marine's weapon is a football.

Football jerseys in my collection #2 My own jerseys

Here are four jerseys with my name on them.

Left: Homeless World Cup Team 2012. They kit they wore to Paris that year. Handled the team's publicity for one season plus, I brought in Gatorade as team sponsor. Was supposed to join the team in France but some idiot didn't fix my papers.

Second from left: GroupM/Mindshare fielded a team in the Adobo Cup of three years ago. I played keeper for the team. I like our shirt! The best of the two that I got a year later (third from left). Yes, it's the blue and white stripes.

Rightmost jersey: The first ever jersey from the first ever Clear Dream Match that I conceptualized. Was "drafted" into Team Phil Younghusband so I got my own shirt.

Below: This is our Gatorade jersey from a football event we organized from two years back. Complete with my name getting the Portuguese treatment.  

The Jim Beam 35's Football Tournament is underway!

The Jim Beam 35’s Football Tournament is a 9-aside Senior’s Football Tournament that is currently being held at the Gatorade Chelsea FC Blue Pitch in Circuit Makati with match days one weekend per month from December 2015 to March 2015.

According to tournament director Cathy Nazareno, “The tournament is a venue for those who want to continue playing the game despite being past the competitive age for professional football. It’s also for those who want to engage in an active lifestyle while not playing ultra-competitive football. We are fortunate that Jim Beam realizes the importance of the sport as well as its means for recreation and having fun."

 

The tournament is is composed of four teams with players 35 years old and above. Some former local football stars who are participating in the Jim Beam 35’s include Alvin Ocampo and Paolo Misa.

The Match Days are as follows: 

Round 1: December 5,  2015    

Round 2: January 17, 2016

Semifinals: February 21, 2016

Finals: March 19/20, 2016

The match times are from 2-5pm.

The current team standings

UP & Friends - 9 pts.

San Beda Alumni - 4 pts.

Pakyolis - 4 pts.

Supalkido - 0 points

Football jerseys in my collection #1 Azkals & their (former) mother clubs

When Neil Etheridge made his debut for the Philippine Men's National Team in 2008, he left a huge impression on everyone. He was confident, commanding, and superb at goal. During that highly memorable 2008 AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers, he kept three clean sheets in three matches! 

I tried as much as I could to follow him on Fulham where he was a reserve keeper and played behind Mark Schwarzer and David Stockdale. He did make his debut for Fulham during a Europa League match against Odense Boldklub that ended in a 2-2 draw. 

Some of his well known teammates at that time included Clint Dempsey, Bobby Zamora, and John Arne Riise. And speaking of Riise who once played for my favorite football team in the world, Liverpool, Etheridge grew up a Reds fans! 

His Fulham jersey above, I wore during the Azkals' first home match during 2011; a win over Mongolia. The only one in yellow in a sea of blue and red. 

This yellow shirt is the jersey of former Philippine Men's National Team defender Ray Jonsson when he was playing for Grindavik in Iceland. Sure is great to have this in my collection more so since Ray is, was, and will always be one of my fave players to suit up for the Philippines.