Pacquiao is Azkals' most popular cheerleader

Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao has a new team to cheer on — the Philippine Azkals football team. Dati Mexico, ngayon Philippines na ang pinapanood kong football team dahil sa Azkals," said Pacquiaoo in a chance interview during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night at the Manila Hotel over the weekend. That statement drew applause from a complete Azkals contingent led by team manager Dan Palami, who was named PSA Executive of the Year, head coach Micheal Weiss and brothers Phil and James Younghusband. The Philippine men's national football team received the PSA Presidential Award from the oldest media organization in the country last Saturday for its surprising semifinal finish in last year's AFF Suzuki Cup that included an upset win over defending champion Vietnam, 2-0. The Azkals' performance caught the attention of basketball-loving Filipinos and sparked a call to shift the focus to football. Pacquiao is one of those notable personalities in sports and politics who instantly became a fan of the Azkals. Pacquiao rooted for Mexico during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, because most of his opponents that he dominated, like Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez came from that country. But that all changed when the Azkals performed well in the AFF Suzuki Cup. Pacquiao wished the Azkals luck in their current campaign, which includes the upcoming AFC Challenge Cup leg 2 qualifier against Mongolia in Ulan Bator. "Sana parati silang manalo," said Pacquiao. - Reuben Terrado, RCJ, KY, GMA News