MUFC on Skid Row

It seems that Marikina United has been performing worse than The Cobbler Confederate have hoped in this new year. Mar Queno confesses that this recent turn of events has left him more than a little baffled and a bit more worried. With 22 league matches left in the season, it is hoped that the team can find a way to regain their former glory.



Whether or not they can manage to lift the cup this season depends on how well the Sublime Supremo can reformulate strategies to steer the club into winning form. This much is obvious and it is quite clearly shown in the manager's overflowing ashtray. His large kamagong desk is strewn with various performance reports and diagrams of various tactics, with the odd doodle or two on the side. A note on one of them clearly says 'bring whip to next match'...

'I can't lie. I'm telling you I don't really understand it. The players are happy, their morale is high, we've been training harder than we ever have, we're just not getting the ball into the net. At this rate, we'll have a bunch of bummed out guys sulking in a dark bar before lunch for a team by the end of the week. We have to get our act together before the board gets any funny ideas. They've already pressed me to fire some good players, I don't want to have to lay off any more.'

The Grey Goose on the table is half empty at the moment, or is it half full? For The Cobbler Confederate, I'm sure a change of perspective is in order, with or without the alcohol.

Gabriel Isagani, Philippine Daily Star

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New New New

New Season! New Kit! New Sponsor!

Mar Queno toys with changing a winning formula.

'Welcome to the new season.' This sober greeting from the Sublime Supremo followed The Dawn's performance at what has since been dubbed MarikinaStock, the 3 day celebration at Irineo Cruz Memorial Stadium. 'Forget what we've done so far, it doesn't matter anymore. That's why we had this party, to cap the magic that was the last season. To ensure that we do well in TM Season 14, we have to act like none of this ever happened! We have to be hungrier! We have to be fiercer! We have to be champions!' thunderous applause and approving remarks filled the early morning. In the end that is a beginning, here stands Marikina, United.



After unveiling the new team kit which features the newest sponsor for MUFC, Firollo Tires (Obel remains a dedicated sponsor), the Sublime Supremo, Philippine football's answer to Joey Ramone, handed the microphone to team captain Mata as the squad each thanked fans and supporters profusely. While the players were rightfully giving thanks, MQ confided that the short pep talk was the Board of Trustees' idea. 'I don't want to get to the top division only to get kicked back down. When we get there, and we will, mark my words, I'm the one who's going to be doing the kicking down.' While I tried to get the picture of Edward Norton screaming 'put your mouth on the curb' out of my head, he continued 'The way I see it, it'll be another 2-3 seasons before we're going to be anywhere near ready for that particular challenge.'

Ready or not, I hope that day comes.

Gabriel Isagani, Philippine Daily Star

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Marikina United Finishes First!

Fireworks over the hallowed Irineo Cruz Memorial Stadium marked the end of the last match of Trophy Manager Season 13. Dazzling colored lights in blazing patterns danced across the evening sky as the grounds crew rushed to transform the football pitch into a gigantic party venue. The Shoemakers had delivered, after all, and for the first time in Marikina history, they were champions.


Season long dominance, dotted by injuries and crossed by bans, rewarded with a heavy silver trophy. Mar Queno, enigmatic manager of the club, is content, for now. He meets the players on the sidelines and shakes each of their hands, a special ground and pound for team captain Mata as well as for veteran playmaker Galarza. Everyone's smiling, even Lopez, the young striker, with tears rolling of his cheeks. Fans surround them in seconds, while the Sublime Supremo is literally swept off his feet by the squad, thrown in the air thrice, and dunked into the Rhinorade cooler. No wonder he was wearing a Bumro track suit.

With the stage ready, KJWAN did soundchecks to kick off the festivities even as a MarketMan worthy buffet was laid out at different stations. To make a long story short (since I hardly remember much of it), it was food, drink, and rock and roll! Sex and drugs? I'm not sure if they were invited but they may have gate crashed at one point or another. ;)

When the sun rose, Karl Roy was still in the middle of his set, and Rico Blanco was passed out cold. I caught MQ on the tails of his buzz, sipping a bloody mary and munching on some deviled eggs. Breakfast of champions aside, the man was still unbelievably soaked! Apparently, the party had also continued in the pool. He knew I wouldn't let him get back to partying without at least a comment to print so he said 'Let's talk about tomorrow tomorrow. I'm proud of what we've accomplished this season and we'll do our best to excel after promotion. However, it would also be undoubtedly risky for the club to rush into 1.1 in our current state.'

With that, he lit his MonteCristo.

Gabriel Isagani, Philippine Daily Star

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Countdown Initiated

Only ten games are left to determine the final league standings for TM Season 13. In Divison 3 Group 2, Marikina United FC struggle to maintain their hold on the top spot. Challenges from the top contenders Iligan Templars and Greenland Ville FC repeatedly forced the Sublime Supremo to push his squad over and above any limits they had, or thought they had. This overdrive of sorts has resulted in both injuries and burnouts, ace forward Fidel Lopez being one and star right back Emilio Lavandera another. The two have been sidelined for a majority of the remaining matches but will hopefully spell the difference in the final stretch. We have been granted an exclusive interview with Mar Queno just before the National Cup match tonight.



Surprisingly, I was brought to The Spa, along E.Rodriguez Jr Ave. (aka Libis or C5 extension) where the ShoeMakers were apparently getting one or five knots rubbed out. MQ was having some coffee by the pool, fully dressed and grittily un-spa like in a somber gray Marc Jacobs. 'Board meeting', he half explained, half joked. Irony, it seems, is just another old friend for him.

'I couldn't let Pido and Ems have all the fun, the others worked just as hard. That and I felt kinda bad for getting in their face about the last week's performance. I know that 2 draws and 2 losses would get any manager worked up but, they did their best and this is my conciliatory gesture. Besides, last night's match alone more than made up for any shortcomings, as I'm sure you agree!' He was right. If the squad had only won one game the entire season, last night's game, the Cobbler Confederate would still be proud. Come to think of it, the team hadn't played like that since the end of last season! 'If we keep that pace, like the whole world hung in the balance, win or lose, I'd be satisfied. Of course, I wouldn't mind lifting the cup at season's end, seeing that it's becoming more of a likelihood.' Flashing a grin that reminds you of the noonday sun dancing on the edge of a wakizashi, he sipped his espresso.

5-nil. At home. Against the second seeded team in the league. The Sublime Supremo had reason to be proud. After the less than stellar showing of the past odd week, naysayers were doubtful whether the ShoeMakers could pull out of skid row long enough to stay in contention for the cup. Last night's result was redemption, retribution, and restitution rolled into a ni bin tsutsumi furoshiki of blue silk, with Johnny Blue inside. 'I still get excited about it, you know?' MQ quietly said, 'Especially that last goal from Delgado, that was the tabasco in the bloody mary (but Mama Sita's Pure Labuyo Sauce is tons hotter)! The match was put to bed much earlier but the cheeky old fart just had to get one off in stoppage! However, the real star was Cobo, in my eyes. Keeping a clean sheet for the nth time and against such a strong side, I have to give the guy a raise or something. Believe me, catching one of Lira's strikes is a feat of marvel in itself!' Biting into an ube muffin, his humility got the better of him and he kept whatever praise he had left to say about his players to himself.

When I asked him about the large number of new youths he recruited, mostly foreigners, he seemed almost embarrassed. 'I thought I'd hold tryouts. Trying my hand out at scouting and developing a better understanding of youth talent. Come on, you hafta cut me some slack, it's not really my thing. Don't worry, I'll get the hang of it. Those boys aren't really so bad. They may not be a perfect fit for the team I envision Marikina United FC becoming but they'll definitely learn a thing or two with our training system and become productive members of successful sides elsewhere. At the very least, they'll learn how to make adobo.' Ah! That's certainly not a bad skill to learn! Not bad at all!

The interview had to be cut short because of the board meeting MQ was requested to attend but, a continuation will be forthcoming. At The Spa, it seems like chances are good that we're going to get a happy ending.



Gabriel Isagani, Philippine Daily Star

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A Minor Setback

The Cobbler Confederate were utterly stunned tonight at Irineo Cruz Memorial Stadium as The ShoeMakers suffered their first defeat in a league match for the season. It was at least a full minute before the flabbergasted fans regained their composure and showed the class of a city peerless in this country. They cheered enthusiastically for the local boys, Marikina United FC, as well as for their worthy opponents, Quikball FC, as the two squads shook hands, exchanged jerseys, and went back to the locker rooms. In a tremendous show of faith, club cheers and songs were performed as if a pitched battle for the World Cup was underway! Raised fists and proud, unbowed heads accompanied the final club hymn, thanksgiving for a fair battle and a guarantee to continue the fight. An outsider commented that it was a pity that the loss had to happen at a home match. A local replied that it was bound to happen, and they wouldn't have wanted it any other way. As the crowds start to leave, the sound system plays the Red Hot Chili Peppers' breakout hit, 'Under The Bridge'...



Which is exactly where I found Mar Queno, in a manner of speaking. The Sublime Supremo was in the conference room, replaying the game over and over and over again. An unlit MonteCristo was the only thing preventing the gnashing of his teeth. Aside from his right thumb which operated the remote, the man sat on the leather wingback virtually motionless, right leg crossed over his left knee, with nary a wrinkle on his three piece zegna. Even his scotch was untouched, the glass still firmly gripped in his left hand, perhaps his version of those little stressballs you're supposed to squeeze when you're agitated.

Being so engrossed, he wasn't aware of my presence, or so I thought. 'Help yourself to some Suntory 18, there's ice in the bucket if you want some.' he said, still unmoving. As I prepared my whiskey and water, the clinking of the ice on the glass and the sloshing of the liquid seemed almost sacrilegous, unwelcome annoyances during a ritual. I've never been witness to the Sublime Supremo's post game analysis then again, I'd never enjoyed such an expensive drink. Fitting then, on this night of firsts.

I was startled when MQ put the remote down and turned to face me. He managed a weary smile, a puzzling mix of understanding and relief. 'You've seen the 'how', I suppose you're wondering about the 'why'... possession wasn't the deciding factor and neither were scoring opportunities. I don't want to say that it was all luck, that would be disrespectful to Quikball FC. Raposo just had the best game of his career tonight, it was unfortunate that he was playing for the other team.' With the last phrase, he slowly sipped the Japanese elixir, clearly savoring the complex play of flavors that were developed since before some of his younger players were conceived. 'We thought we had prepared enough, knowing all there is to know about their squad and how they play. I still think we did everything we could have. It was clearly a hard fought match and, though I'm sure the lads are disappointed, no fingers need be pointed. There is no shame in a loss like this, only lessons to be learned, built upon, and used as fuel to drive us to greater heights!' Pouring another double, he continued, 'It was unrealistic to believe we would finish the season undefeated, despite what everyone else believed. At least, now that the pressure's off, we can more freely move forward and work harder to secure the league trophy. Dreaming is not for the faint hearted and even when dreams are met by a brutal reality, they do have their purposes.'

So as the dream of a clean sweep fades into the dead of night, we all look forward to the rest of the season as it unfolds. A milestone, though not a pleasant one, has been reached and the next one will surely be cause for celebrations! Rest easy, dear reader, Marikina United FC still holds reign over the standings, and will fight unceasingly until they lift the silver trophy at season's end!

Gabriel Isagani, Philippine Daily Star



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17 Rounds In

At the season's halfway point, Marikina United Football Club clearly dominates the league.






Despite the well fought draw at Irineo Cruz Memorial Stadium against Valencia Daemon, the ShoeMakers were able to take their frustration on the road and where they promptly used the pent up rage as fuel with which they burned gavincheng45. Displaying determination to destroy tempered by sound defensive fundamentals, MUFC put the match to bed midway in the second half, a man up.

Mar Queno, the Sublime Supremo could not be reached for comment. Apparently, he had undergone an orthodontic procedure to remove an impacted left mandibular molar earlier today. Things like that happen when you get long in the tooth, so we've heard. Perhaps an interview will be forthcoming in the coming days. In the meantime, The Cobbler Confederate are content with their hometown heroes' phenomenal performances. In Marikina, football-wise at least, things are as they should be.

Gabriel Isagani, Philippine Daily Star

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A Gauntlet Thrown Down

Gabriel Isagani reports from the Irineo Cruz Memorial Stadium to get Mar Queno's response to the resounding challenge issued by Saturnino Venta of Valencia Daemon.



And picked up.

The recent challenge from Valencia Daemon came as no surprise to The Cobbler Confederate, seeing as how The Shoemakers remain undefeated this season. It was only a matter of time before rival teams expressed their discomfort at the dominance displayed by Marikina United Football Club. I had the chance to discuss this with the Sublime Supremo this afternoon after a long day of training and he had this to say:

'Them's fighting words, eh? I've been looking at the Demon Hunters squad and I'm sure they'll put up a fantastic effort. We look forward to meeting them on the pitch with their new manager Saturnino Venta. If the team performs half as well under him as they did under Kaizer Valencia we're in for a tough match indeed. Perhaps it's time to unleash the new formation we've been playing around with.. even old dogs like me sometimes have new tricks, after all. /wink'

I then pressed him for his reaction regarding how the challenge was worded as some would say it bordered on the disrespectful and Mar Queno replied:

'I don't see anything wrong with what he said. He just feels very strongly about his team, and rightly so! No player would do his best for a manager who's lukewarm. That would be the greatest disrespect to the team, to the fans, to the game. We're not children and a healthy amount of trash talking is acceptable, in my opinion. I appreciate the zeal of Mr. Venta, I even wish other managers would show such bravado! It makes the match more interesting, don't you think?'

Popping a cooler open at the pitch side bench, MQ then handed me an almost too cold Cerveza Negra as he got one for himself. Sitting down and watching the cheerleaders practice, he offered me some Lapid's chicharon (pork crackling). I guess this is the proverbial calm before the storm.

Gabriel Isagani, Philippine Daily Star


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Valencia Promise to Hold Marikina United Scoreless

The recent press release by Saturnino Venta, manager of mid-table club Valencia Daemon, contains a promise to keep the Shoemakers scoreless at the final whistle! We have reprinted this statement here in full.


Marikina United has got a good game but all good things must come to an end Marikina United with a winning streak and only 3 games that ended in a draw.

The players of Valencia Daemons have been their making the best teams in their respective groups last season grab their starting loss to them, but only to be denied by Lex Taliones the winning cup. Saturnino Venta has this to say "We denied Sweet 5 Star of a winning streak, We kick the ass of As Cebuano only to kick back by Lex Taliones last season. This season is different we have a new Manager a new strategy, this time we will get the cup."

Shoemakers watch out the demon hunter are playing next...


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Up, Up, And Away!

It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's Marikina United flying high!

Don't take that to mean flight school lessons with Snoop Dogg, the ShoeMakers have been doing quite well in recent matches and they've set up camp at the top of the leaderboard. After 11 matches, the Sublime Supremo has chalked up a 9/2/0 tally with 29pts to date. No wonder the man's been about as chipper as a 16 year old on the morning after prom night!

A definite need for more clinical finishing is still evident despite the glowing standings but MQ has assured us that this is still being evaluated. Frustrations have forced a player who wasn't so happy about his playing time to request that he be released from his contract. With a handshake and a stiff drink, Ramon Vicioso was allowed to leave the squad (and his Obel Tiger) behind to join NK Alex. 'I hope he finds what he's looking for. Every time I played him, he just never wowed me, you know? Like he wasn't sure which way he was going.. perhaps he'll do better over there.' MQ said.

The man had a San Miguel Cerveza Negra in his left hand, freshly chilled in a cooler of ice and water, which he wiped down with a small towel. Popping the cap, he sat down and told our little band of fans, reporters, and friends what he had been busy with lately. 'I've been researching almost daily, on top of actually managing the club to reach its current status. Luck may have played a huge role as I learned everything I could from mentors from here and abroad. Hopefully, the lessons I've picked up should help us strengthen MUFC to produce superlative results consistently for many seasons to come!' Pausing to pop a piece of tequila marinated grilled chicken into his mouth (bursting with cuervo, calamansi, pangasinan pink salt, sweet basil and labuyo!), he smiled and added, 'I even almost smoked a cigarette once or thrice.. but I didn't. Given the great difficulties I had when I was first starting to quit, I had no desire to repeat the mistakes I made in my youth. It doesn't say very much about us when we repeat mistakes, does it?'

The evening went on with the usual banter, ribbing, and shooting the breeze full of holes. No more shop talk, though. I think he just wanted to touch base and give us a short update. After all, the standings at this point pretty much tell us what we need to know.

Gabriel Isagani, Philippine Daily Star

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MQ Likes It On Top

It's been a week of eye opening firsts...

After YUM w/ TLC unexpectedly lost to badmintonclub, Marikina United suddenly find themselves at the top of the 3.2 leaderboard by the slimmest of margins. This marks the first time the club has reached this spot since manager Mar Queno began his semi charmed career. While, the Sublime Supremo was unavailable for an interview (some issues to be dealt with regarding the renovations at Irineo Cruz Memorial Stadium, we've been told), he did leave this statement with his personal assistant, Linus, for us:

'We are, of course, happy to be where we are right now. Regardless of outside events, we are at the top because we worked for it. I hope this little taste of success will further inspire the team to battle on to keep the pinnacle until season's end. I apologize for being inaccessible as of late, I'll surely more than make up for it soon. Ingat!'

Well, then. On the up and up and loving every second of it! Can't say I blame him. I, for one, am looking forward to the next press conference. MQ has built up the reputation of being a most gracious host. Perhaps there is truth in the saying that 'You get as good as you give.'? Perhaps.

Gabriel Isagani, Philippine Daily Star

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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 Go on, read the rest of it! >>

Evolutionary Leaps

Fresh from their holiday in Aman Pulo, a surprise bonus from the Board of Trustees (BT), the entire Marikina United organization, coaches, staff, and players have gathered at dawn today on the training grounds at the Irineo Cruz Memorial Stadium to officially start the new season with an address from their manager, Mar Queno. Initially no media coverage was slated but due to this correspondent's bullish insistence, the Philippine Daily Star was granted this exclusive peek into the inner workings of Marikina's most popular football club.



Fresh from their holiday in Aman Pulo, a surprise bonus from the Board of Trustees (BT), the entire Marikina United organization, coaches, staff, and players have gathered at dawn today on the training grounds at the Irineo Cruz Memorial Stadium to officially start the new season with an address from their manager, Mar Queno. Initially no media coverage was slated but due to this correspondent's bullish insistence, the Philippine Daily Star was granted this exclusive peek into the inner workings of Marikina's most popular football club.

Mar Queno, who has a personal quest to redefine 'Filipino time' from being an hour (or more) late to being (at least) half an hour early, was predictably already in the covered seating area, subjecting himself to the masochistic pleasure of chewing on an unlit montecristo. The early morning drizzle accentuated the eerie feeling in this ancient, almost sacred stadium, together with the wispy mist swirling between our steps. After we were all seated, the Sublime Supremo, began his address, not unlike the Great Teacher Onizuka of manga, anime, and telenovela fame.

'Well, we're all still here. Good morning. Let me go over some changes with you so you don't get disoriented as we start this new season. First of all, the BT has decided to switch sponsors from Purple to Obel. We tried to sign both on but this was not feasible. More on this later. Secondly, my appeal to the BT has finally been approved, I am pleased to announce that we no longer have to wear pink and green. As countless others have also noted, the hot pink and neon green popularized by local politicos don't really go well with the green of the pitch and, based on market research and actual sales figures, also do not sit well with our fans.' With a nod, MQ signalled Coach Pangandaman and Coach Banegas to join him at the bottom of the stands. 'Thanks, Coach P&B! Don't be shy now!' Chuckling, the two removed their outer garments to show the new club kits they had on. The sighs of relief and succeeding celebrations reflected the club's satisfaction with the uniforms, either that or they were happy their coaches weren't doing a full monty. 'Gentlemen, your new kits! Red for home, blue for away. (to me) Gani, 1500php for a set at the merchandise shop/stall, ha! Write that down before you forget! The squad's old kits will be auctioned off at our annual charity event to be announced later in the season.'

It took a couple of minutes for everyone to settle down after inspecting the snazzy new threads and MQ resumed when they finally did, after an assistant handed him a double espresso. 'You'll all get yours in a while. Moving on, in a surprising turn of events, Marikina United has been promoted to 3.2. Boon or doom, at this point I still haven't decided. What is certain now is that prudent use of the performance bonuses from the BT is essential. After ensuring sound capital investments, I will be looking to streamline the squad as well as to infuse it with new talent to remain competitive at this higher level.' Audible gulps from some of the youngsters at this point were heard, even some of the veterans showed signs of nervousness. 'No need to worry, Dominguez, your mama made sure that you'd stay on.' Raucous laughter ensued. 'Seriously though, everyone should do their best, I don't want to have to say goodbye to any of you.'

The coffee, as promised, arrived with three pieces each of puto and kuntsinta. 'I wish I could say that Aling Remy made the rice cakes but sadly, she has passed away. These are almost as good since they were made by her children.' MQ said, adding 'The buffet table will be ready in a while, we're wrapping up anyway.' With a sip of water, the man continued, 'While we generally continue to improve our stadium, the focus has now been to increase capacity, with the single largest reconstruction of Irineo Cruz Memorial Stadium to date scheduled to start later today. This new expansion covers all the wings of the stadium and represents an increase of about 6,500 seats. Now, please examine the bottom of the saucers under your coffee cups, you'll be happy to discover a little picker upper to start the season.' Wild cheering, especially from the youngsters, erupted as the team retrieved car keys almost simultaneously from their shrewdly designed hiding places. 'Pipe down a bit so we can finish this and start eating! I'm hungry!' boomed MQ, with a little help from an old school megaphone, resplendent in its red and white (well, it's kinda yellow now) plastic. 'Those are the keys to your brand new Obel Tigers, nimble little two door convertibles with just enough power to keep you entertained. All of them are red, with the Marikina United Football Club crest as a badge on the left front fender. But before you rush off, let's have a little breakfast first. If you think you've got it good now, give us some silverware at the end of the season and I'll show you just how fantastic life in Marikina can get! Make us proud, my sons, make us proud!'

I may not have received a sportscar but I did enjoy a fantastic breakfast of tapang usa (smoked venison made by MQ himself I heard), garlic and saffron fried rice (with some foie gras bits, i believe..), fresh Marikina tomatoes, burong mangga (supposedly another MQ specialty, pickled unripe zambales mangoes with cerveza negra, among other secret ingredients), and perfectly cooked native chicken eggs over easy (malasado!). Actually, I was expecting some news about tactics, formations, training regimes and so on but no information was forthcoming, apparently. Maybe next time, then, if we're lucky. In the meantime, we'll definitely be watching to see if these expensive and lavish 'investments' of the Sublime Supremo pay off.

The sun's first rays have begun to cut through the chilly morning air. Overhead, the sky is radiant with a myriad of colors, a well suited backdrop for numerous birds in flight. Great things are bound to come.

Gabriel Isagani, Philippine Daily Star Go on, read the rest of it! >>

Marikina United Announces Season Goals

Marikina United has announced season goals for the following season.

The goal is to end in the top half of the league. Score at least 30 goals and concede less than 60. Furthermore the club intends to win a mimimum of 10 wins.

The goal in the national cup is to just win 1 match. Go on, read the rest of it! >>