It cannot be doubted that the popularity of team Azkals has grown by leaps and bounds in the recent months. Thanks to its good-looking players, who have somehow put a “face” on football, which is not a popular sport in our islands. We have to give it to them for making football popular in our country, but not in the same breath though, as one would mention boxing and basketball. Maybe football is on its way there. But for how long can the Azkals sustain the popularity of the sport, which I believe, has become co-terminus with the popularity of the Azkals themselves?
The question is, which between their looks and talents have made their way to the hearts of many a Filipino? Mention “Azkals” and I am pretty sure that you will associate it more with the foreign-looking players than with the barrio-looking ones. Is this indicative of our penchant for anything that is foreign? It is not entirely our fault if colonial mentality is still in the crevices of our consciousness. The Spaniards and Americans showed to the Filipinos of before the other side of the world, and have inculcated into their minds that Western ideas and goods are more superior to what the natives had. And this has been passed on from one generation to the next. Many Filipinos savor anything that is foreign as this translates to sophistication, and thus, elevates their status in the social ladder. Pringles instead of Chippy?
Is it their looks or their talents? Either way, the Azkals have made football popular in our country. It has even inspired a TV network to produce a telenovela about a bunch of kids developing a liking for football and eventually excelling in it. Right futbolilits? Is football here to stay, or is it just a craze generated by all the hype that surrounds the players? Clearly, the players whether consciously or unconsciously, have become instant celebrities who have barked their way to TV commercials, endorsements, and billboards. Angel Locsin is also a factor to the equation that has made the popularity of the team grow exponentially. And Amanda Coling? Well, I am not very sure.
Clearly, it is not the fault of the Younghusbands and company if they are blessed not just with great legs but with great looks as well. With their Caucasian features, they have made the sport more appealing and more exciting. But I am very sure that they want to be recognized for their talent, and not for what they have in the Department of Looks. It is their talent to start with, that qualified them for the team and not their fine features. But if you can have both, why not?
[Askal is an impromptu abbreviation for “asong kalye”. This mutt of a dog has never looked this better.]
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