Azkals seek to expand, solidify diverse fan base before Germany trip

by Earl Victor Rosero
The men's national football team left for Germany on Sunday for two weeks of intensive training before they meet Sri Lanka on June 29 for the first leg of the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers.

But before leaving, Azkals team management and a core group of rabid fans kicked off a campaign designed to make Filipinos "believe that [the] Azkals can bring more honor to our country."

Launch pad for the campaign dubbed 'We Believe' was at the activity center of a mall in North Triangle, Quezon City. Flag-themed face paint, photo wall pictures, and a yellow vuvuzela were among the souvenirs some football fans got from their lunchtime trip to the mall. Those who stayed on a little longer or came mid-afternoon got to meet the Azkals up close.

'Kaholeros' booster squad members energize footabll fans at the 'We Believe' campaign launch. GMA News

Among the invited guests were 30 children in the care of a shelter for abandoned kids. They joined the 'booster squad' christened 'Kaholeros' in shouting chants to the beat of water container drums. Glady Bunao, executive director of the House of Refuge Foundation, said meeting the Azkals is “very good exposure" for her wards and “an opportunity for them to witness Filipino champions, who will inspire them to become better Filipino children."

Hundreds of fans cheered and took pictures when the national football team went up the stage.

What is the WE BELIEVE campaign?

Remember that LOVE and LOYALTY we have for our favorite FC [ManU, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea, ManCity, AC Milan, Inter, Schalke, Munich, Leverkusen]? That overwhelming euphoria when they win a game, much more when they win a title? That particular moment when we feel we are part of something larger than life because the team we are supporting has won and that their efforts paid off? That goosebumps, tears & screams of joy?
We want to share that very mindset to every Filipino. We want everyone to believe that our National Football Team, Azkals can bring more honor to our country & that they can carry our flag high. We want every Filipino to feel that we are all PART OF THE TEAM, we are all AZKALS and that we can ALL be proud of our nationality!
The WE BELIEVE campaign will be launched on JUNE 10, 2011 in TRINOMA’s Activity Center from 2-9pm. There will be 9x12ft LED screens, Banners, Registration Area, Sponsors’ & activity booths, confetti blasts, face paintings, photo walls, & fireworks display in the evening! Source