MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals were virtual unknowns when they first broke into the football scene, probably closer to the mongrel breed they had been named after than the winning and winsome team they are today.
But since then, they've become overnight sensations and practically rallying figures for the sport and the Philippines' newfound pride in the sporting scene.
Football's overnight sensations and good-looking players with their legions of admiring fans here and in other shores—it could very well be a formula for a magazine publishing company to hit gold.
Well, "Metro Society" certainly thinks so.
Azkals in March issue
This month, the Azkals will grace the cover of the magazine’s men’s issue. It features Neil Etheridge, Rob Gaier, Jason de Jong, Captain ball Aly Borromeo, Anton del Rosario and Simon Greenwich.
The cover shows the Azkals dressed in Louis Vuitton suits flown in from the United States. They’re also half-clad, shirts off and in full-sporting gear in the inside pages.
The magazine features sports photography by Philip Sison showing the players with the Philippine flag. Another photo shows the players caught in a mid-air leap.
"We had the Azkals for three hours. They were very cooperative," said Metro Society Editor-in-Chief Raul Manzano in an interview on ANC's "Headstart."
Manzano said the Azkals are good copies for the clientele of the magazine, adding a lot of society people even flew to Bacolod to watch their last game with Mongolia. He added that some of the players including the likes of Anton del Rosario, who is a Tuason, is also a member of the elite.
He even revealed someone from another magazine even spied on their shoot, proving that competition exists in the industry.
The issue which is scheduled to hit magazine stands on March 10, is expected to fly-off stands, especially in Bacolod and Iloilo where the Azkals have a huge fan base.
Metro Society has printed 65,000 copies, 15,000 more than what the magazine has originally printed. Editors are confident the issue will sell and could even merit a second printing.
The Younghusbands, however, are not part of the March issue as they couldn’t make it due to earlier commitments.
"The Younghusbands were in the magazine two years ago as the cover," Manzano explained.
Readers will be expecting more from the Younghusbands, however. Metro Society is currently negotiating with Fil-Britons Phil and James to contribute in the sports section.
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