I've been attending this school's summer trainings and tournaments since last summer and I can say…read moreit's the primary force pulling me back into playing the beautiful sport. I've played since I was a wee kid, but I lost heart somewhere along the way. Maybe it was the coaches I had, or the teammates I was with, but there was always something off about the places I used to play at. This gave me an idea of what I'd imagine my ideal football school be like. Chelsea FC Soccer School ticked all the boxes. The Blue Pitch, being AstroTurf, and, like its name, a vibrant blue, is so fun to play on because of how even the entire field is. The ball bounces where it should, and is visible at all times due to the contrast of the memorable hue of the artificial grass. The coaches try their best to engage each student, making sure their key weaknesses are improved, and strengths honed further. Head Coach Jojo is a prime example, who is very chummy, kind, and pleasant to talk to when you have any concerns or just want some light banter. At Chelsea, I got inspired to get back into football, and pursue the one sport I'm passionate about. Your kids, or you yourself, would totally enjoy signing up and jumping in.

At the side of the street going to the Portofino exclusive subdivisions is a vast open field. The…read morefirst thing that will draw your attention when you go there is the picturesque view of Fernbrook Gardens. The second thing you'll notice is a group of young boys (and some girls) doing some kicking drills, playing soccer and having fun (despite the heat). I've always been fascinated with soccer (when it comes to sports, I am a late-bloomer) so I went ahead and approached the guy wearing a Youth Soccer Clinic jersey. Coach Art gave me a quick background of the Daanghari Youth Soccer Clinic, which is part-outreach program and part-summer camp. The Rotary Club of Daanghari-Alabang sponsors some kids from their adopted areas in Muntinlupa and trains them to play soccer in the hopes of opening scholarship opportunities for these kids from big universities in the country. And in order to raise funds for this project, the coaches hold soccer lessons for beginners (ages 4 and up) every summer. The fee (3,500 pesos) includes 10 sessions with a coach, and a set of uniform. They also encourage parents of children with special needs to enroll their kids. The fee is slightly higher because the training includes an occupational therapist and a shadow teacher for each child. Too bad my girls are too young to sign up for the soccer clinic. But I'm not; maybe it's not too late for me to learn to play the sport.

Chelsea Blue Pitch is hidden away in the former Sta. Ana racetrack, a blue oasis in the middle of…read morethe ongoing Circuit Makati development project. It's a haven for football lovers, away from prying eyes (as compared, for example, to the pitch in BGC). It's also where I began my footballing adventures. The Manila Hurricanes football club started a series of football clinics for beginners and the majority of our sessions happened on these grounds. On any given day you could visit the pitch and be greeted by a variety of football players and fans of all skill levels. On Saturday nights you could hop in any of the available friendly games - just make sure you list yourself at the proper skill level. You wouldn't want to enter a game only to find it too intense/easy for you! The pitch is unique in that it is colored blue, just like the traditional club color of its namesake. Kudos to Chelsea FC in that the club is really taking time and effort to develop interest in football in our country (The Younghusbands were once Chelsea academy players).

Personally not a fan of the blue turf (I think it looks too artificial), but it does help…read morevisibility and that's what counts. The pitch, however, isn't as smooth as I'd like it. It's not level in some places, and the dust from the nearby construction work only worsens the experience. Bathrooms are clean, though a bit small. There aren't any showers yet, so prepare for this if you're planning a game. Parking is sufficient, but still under construction. Expect mud and rocks. Water is a bit of a problem. You'd want to buy your own before entering the complex as the field is a long way from the nearest convenience store. I'd imagine this place to be a much better venue in the future, when the surrounding areas get finished. There's a lot of potential here, but as it is now, there are other more convenient alternatives.

Los Galacticos F.C. is a group of football and futsal players that train at the Palm Village Gym in…read moreMakati. It's in a private village near Rockwell and Bel-Air. Every Wednesdays of the week, they meet up to train from 8pm-12mn. On Saturdays they train at Turf from 10pm-12mn. I'm not up to speed with my football skills that's why I was so keen on learning football again. I had no idea where to play football that fit my schedule around 2012. That's when my friend, Gwen, told me about Los Galácticos which she was a part of! What helps is that it's near my former high school. So I'm very familiar with my route going there. Trainings do start on time! You got to hustle, bro! So if you ever do decide to learn more and get to play the games, arrive on time and bring the necessary equipment. The thing with beginners is that you're encouraged to start with trainers. Nothing of the fancy variety yet like futsal boots and socks. You'll get to that part. Also, you get to play on the floor/field on your first day. Don't be nervous about making a fool out of yourself! It's normal. Plus there may be a possibility that 20 other people are watching you including your coach. Take it easy! The training fee is P250. If you're a beginner, just come in your trainers and active wear. Bring a jug or bottle of water and towel. Tip: Their coach, Ram, is a die-hard Real Madrid fan! Best not to argue with him if you're an FC Barcelona fan. I'm an Atlético de Madrid stan and got beat up with banter when we lost during the Champions League semis.

Staff at this branch are very helpful. Following you around the store asking you questions about…read moreevery item you take a look at. Selection is quite Nice to. They have a nice selection of workout gloves with wrist protection. They sell lower end versions of hayabusa boxing gloves.bulls boxing gloves and hand wraps. For any of you looking for training gear for basketball or soccer they have a wide variety of skillz gear. If you're in the area this is a good sports store. Small but has a good amount of gear

Back in the 90's, I remember still having to go all the way to the small and cramped Soccer World…read morestore in Robinson's Galleria just to even get a glimpse of legitimate soccer (football) kits. Local Nike stores carried some, but at that time, there were only a handful of big clubs and national teams that were inked with the Swoosh (Inter Milan and the Netherlands National Team to name a few). As the world's most popular game finally gained a bit of steam in terms of popularity in the Philippines, stores like Bootcamp finally were established. While I still get my kits from England or elsewhere through kind people (I'm a Manchester United boy through and through), there now is at least Bootcamp in Quezon City to fill my needs, should they arise. The boot/cleat selection is adequate as well, as the store carries the usual lines of major brands such as the Mercurials of Nike, or the famous Predators of Adidas. The store is also aesthetically inviting and pleasing as well. If you're in a Nationalistic mood, you can also always find Philippine National Team (Azkals) gear in here.

If you're sick of the UP acad oval or the sunken garden, would like a little more tranquility and…read moreless of the UP populace, but enjoy the promise of athleticism, you could always head over to the UP track oval. The track oval is the clear field behind the UP Bahay ng Alumni which often serves as an outdoor sports area for our athletes, both iskos and non-iskos alike. The place is more level and often much drier than the sunken garden, which is why it's much better suited for soccer, baseball, and running in general (because concrete hurts your knees!), and likely a number of other sports I'm unfamiliar with! There are even bleachers beside the oval to drive the point home. For non-athletes though, it's a nice place to just get away from the world of UP, as it is almost at the Commonwealth edge of the campus. There are makeshift benches made out of logs for people to sit on at the incline leading to the actual field and a bunch of trees to provide shade. It's just a generally nice place to sit down and have a moment.

I was unaware the University of the Philippines. Actually had a Rubberized Track Oval. Maybe it is…read morejust dirt. I think they have had plans for a while to Rubberize their track oval. But it hasn't pushed through yet. Their athletes train at Phil Sports, Bulacan and Makati. I have attached a comprehensive list of Track Ovals in the Philippines which should help locals and foreigners travelling around the Philippines to find the nearest rubberized oval if they need a work out fix. https://pinoyathletics.info/2013/07/03/track-ovals-the-philippines-revision-9/

In the midst of all the Malate area crowdedness, bustle, and city chaos in the urban jungle of…read moreManila is the historic Rizal Memorial. This stadium has hosted countless of events through the years, from a Southeast Asian Games opening ceremony, to concerts of none other than the Fab Four (The Beatles). Before the construction of the Philippine Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan was finished, Rizal Memorial served as the home stadium for most matches of the Philippine National Football (soccer) Team or more popularly known as the Azkals. Being a big Philippine sports fan, I naturally found my way to the stadium a handful of times to support my national team. Stadium facilities are in dire need of a renovation. I remember being at the stadium for the Azkals' FIFA World Cup qualifier versus Sri Lanka. Rain started to pour during the match. Despite being seated by the covered grandstand area, we still were affected by the downpour because the roof was leaking! I've also been to the bleachers, and there is only one entrance and exit. Quite the safety hazard, if you ask me. As a former professor and soccer aficionado called it, a "death trap." I'm giving Rizal Memorial 3 stars simply because of its historical significance, but the two stars are still waiting to fulfilled by an all-out renovation to restore the facility to be at least internationally respectable and at par with modern standards to ultimately bring it back to its once glorious state.