It’s now 36 days before the FIFA World Cup 2006 kicks off in Germany. After four years, the whole world will once again focus its attention to the world’s most beautiful game where 32 National Teams compete in 64 Games for only One Prize.

Unfortunately unlike the rest of world, football is not much appreciated in the Philippines. While everyone around the globe is already struck with the World Cup fever, the Philippines is still stuck to developments in Pinoy Big Brother. Perhaps we can easily put the blame to our Yankee Legacy. I can only think of one reason why football is not popular in the Philippines - because it’s not Uncle Sam’s favorite game. Most pinoys adore Uncle Sam’s favorite games - throwing balls in the basket and invading other countries.

The only consolation we can get is that while almost everyone is not unfamiliar with the NBA, when it comes to football at least there’s still a few who knows about Pele no matter how trifle. This is the only thing that we share in common with planet football, the recognition of Pele as the undisputed and still reigning O Rei - the King of Football.

Here’s a video clip reliving the greatness of Pele playing the “Beautiful Game”.

Sports and Hobbies