We bid adieu to the ever-iconic moniker of the Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT), the “Azkals”, before the team’s stint in the FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. An act that would raise eyebrows of Football fans and send shockwaves across the globe. A decision so sudden, with branching arguments from opposers, supporters, and naysayers alike that would bring in a basket-full of fruity and jolting revelations. Some are banters and some, poignant reminders of the past.

A new era emerged as the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) brought in new Belgian coach Tom Saintfet. The PFF made the retirement of the name “Azkals” official with the introduction of Saintfet on February 26, after keeping it low profile since 2023. Its discontinuation, as expected, caused rage and in its fortunate way, positive remarks from optimists. Azkals, referring to the national team, is a derivation from the Filipino term, “Askal” or Asong Kalye (Street Dog) when a user in an online Philippine football community forum proposed the nickname Calle Azul, “Streets of Blue” in Spanish, in a thread that is now removed due to an attack by Russian hackers. 

The nickname referred to the color of the team’s kit. Hence, Calle Azul or Azul Calle, being shortened to AzCal. It would result in the development of Azkal in similarity with the name of mixed-breed dogs roaming the streets and often, without an owner. These dogs are tougher than those that are domesticated. The moniker of the national team was officially adopted by the federation during the start of the tenure of former general team manager Dan Stephen Palami who was succeeded by Freddy Gonzales in 2023. Like Askals, the team roamed the open roads and trained in football fields all while being deserted by and unknown to many.

“Azkals” was hard-earned by the national team being the symbol of toughness, bravery, and strength. It remained as their identity for the fighting spirit they showed in every match. They might be a little neglected and were unsupported by some, but the Azkals persisted and gave rise to Philippine football once again through Palami’s guidance. The players kicked-off the upsurge of support with their impressive starring in the last decade. To change the name is an act of disrespect to the Azkals and Palami. It is an insult to the Younghusband brothers, to Reichelt, Etheridge, and the Otts. 

The new management does not understand the hearts of Pinoy football fans. Gonzales would hand over the trademark of Azkals willfully. However, the new bosses are nonchalant about the matter while giving unreasonable remarks on the alteration stating that there is a need to change and that the PMNFT is ready for its next evolution. What for? Branding was great. All for business tactics and marketing strategies? The discontinuation of the usage won’t make things clearer for the federation nor the national team. 

It was not about breaking stereotypes and not distinguishing between half and full-blooded Filipinos in the team. No! It was not about serving a purpose. No! The name did not serve any purpose other than to give Pinoy booters, young and young-at-heart, something to relate on; something to call as their identity. A name they can use – synonymous to their guts and got-to-gives – to Football and to the community at large. The name has left a lasting mark in the hearts of football fans and it will always echo along the hallowed fields of the country. Changing the name means changing its identity. Changing its identity means removing its relevance and altering Philippine football history into a mystery.

Is there really a need for change? The “Azkals” name was not the problem, was it? It never was. If change is due, it is due to the system and sports management. Restructuring the schemes and improving every inch and nook that makes up the team is instead what is needed. With the inclusion of ensuring that the new coaching staff does their job correctly and they as mentors must look into putting more effort in creating a better gameplan to veer away from lackluster finishes. Instead of serving nonchalance, the PFF must provide a good name. The new moniker must meet expectations of the majority. The federation needs to level with the pressure. Yes, the pressure’s high and all goes to hoping that they will make the right decision this time.

Considering the situation, we are not the managers nor marketer, but Football and sports fans. We may change the color kit, jersey, or head coach, but the Azkals name stays in our hearts. The story and power of the RP Booters will forever live on. To treasure the name is to treasure the story. Mistaken are the naysayers; we care about history and culture. It was not about pedigree; it was about the attitude of an Azkal and spirit of a true Filipino. What’s stopping us from changing a part of Philippine sports history? Nothing so far, per the PFF and Gonzales. It was a shocker; a cultural roadkill. Nevertheless, it is what it is; we continue to look forward and move northward to the future of Pinoy football amidst the bittersweet kicks and keeps. In our aching zeal, we pound the power of watchdogs.

Author’s Note: This piece is originally published in The GEM Herald Vol. II, Issue I.

Editorial Cartoon by Ryza Judia Berbano, The GEM Herald Head Cartoonist.