Flux

Changes big and small seem to be the order of things these days at the Irineo Cruz Memorial Stadium, fondly called Kena Kalbo by The Cobbler Confederate, fans of Marikina United Football Club. Since the last press conference, massive expansions have been made to increase the seating capacity of the aging stadium. Upon completion of this enlargement, an equally comprehensive improvement of the interior aspects are also planned. After all, we can't have the bigger without the better, right?
Changes big and small seem to be the order of things these days at the Irineo Cruz Memorial Stadium, fondly called Kena Kalbo by The Cobbler Confederate, fans of Marikina United Football Club. Since the last press conference, massive expansions have been made to increase the seating capacity of the aging stadium. Upon completion of this enlargement, an equally comprehensive improvement of the interior aspects are also planned. After all, we can't have the bigger without the better, right?

Sources in the know have informed me that aside from new kevlar lined seating for all terraces and bleachers (in red, of course), a complete refinishing of the veritably antique porcelain and brass comfort room fixtures is in the works, to coincide with plumbing enhancements to improve water pressure and flushing. Apparently, the luxurious improvements to the VIP lounges are being entrusted to a world renowned earthshaker of interior design, possibly Cobonpue or Layug. Very deep pockets being flexed by the Board of Trustees through the Sublime Supremo here but, what about the football!?

The end of last season was rife with injuries for the squad, at which point Mar Queno silently brought in Englishman Rob Shorey from Everton JSY for an undisclosed amount. This last week has seen a fourfold repeat of that incident, sans injuries, as the Sublime Supremo further explores the depths of his squad's abilities. Playing a 3-3-3-1 without a natural dm r led to the hiring of Croat Zoran Ciglenečki from Cachondos with a good physique and core skills. At 25 years old though, one would have expected a little more experience from him and his poor showing in the away league game against Quikball FC. Scotsman Marc Dempsie was also signed along with the Croat as another dm r for evaluation. McDribbly, as The Cobble Confederate have christened him, had a very auspicious start as the 20 year old from Grant FC scored a goal on his first league match for The ShoeMakers courtesy of a signature Roberto Delgado assist. A third dm r was reportedly flown in from Italy but has since disappeared. The 19 year old with male pattern baldness was last reportedly seen walking along Aurora Boulevard. Too bad, Mar said he made a mean Osso Bucco..





Lackluster finishing has clearly been a problem as MUFC have posted 2 draws on the league table and have even lost in friendlies in the last week. With the hamstring injury of striker Fidel Lopez, the Sublime Supremo enlisted Portuguese hotfoot Ildefonso Lopes from Berceni City. The flamboyant forward is a study of surprising inconsistencies, to say the least. He looks like he's 25 but he's 33, again looks like a geek but acts like a rockstar, and while he may not seem capable of it, he's managed to score almost every other game of his entire career. While he has yet to chalk one up in Marikina, Lopes has confidently remarked, 'To make goal in Croatia is the same in Marikina, my heart is the same and I will score one for all of you at next game! Definitely! Now, where is this PGA Cars? I must pick my Christmas bonus, I think..' With that and a clap on the back, Lopes, escorted by 2 daytime tv dancers, strolled out the stadium.




We've tried to get in touch with Mar Queno but Linus, his assistant, has informed us that he's currently deep in meditation, in one asana or another, and could not be disturbed. Seems like the pressure's building up real fast, changes are happening even faster, and the entire club has to work harder together to achieve the results that we all want. There is a nagging question in my head, though: are we missing something?

Gabriel Isagani, Philippine Daily Star