The Filipino people all over the world have been celebrating the historic win of a slot in the FIFA World Cup 2023 by Filipinas, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team.
Sydneysiders are counting their luck with Filipinas currently being in Sydney for training and playing friendly games as part of its preparation for the World Cup.
The Australian Filipina was in touch with the team’s management for details of the games that Filipinas is to play. We also requested to interview a player and was gladly surprised that Malea Cesar was nominated for the interview. It so happens that Malea who is one the young players in the team is the grand-daughter of my late university fraternity brother, Ben Cesar and his wife Nancy.
Malea Cesar who is 18 years old, was born in Newport Beach, California, USA. Her Filipino heritage is from her father, Ben Jr who was born in Makati City, Philippines; while her mother Christie is American. Malea was raised in California and Oregon in the USA and is the Ate of brother Avery (16yo) and sister Naomi (13yo).
We are glad to share our Q&A interview with Malea, to gain an insight about her persona and her football journey which saw her as part of Filipinas.
* When did you start playing; where and which team/s have you been involved in, before making it in the national team?
I have been playing football since I was five years old. My Titas and Titos played so I grew up around the game. I have since played on youth club teams in the US, as well as for my high school team - Sunset High School in Portland, Oregon. I just recently graduated high school early to be able to be here in camp with the national team.
* What was the process of you being part of the national team? What was the best part of the process that you enjoyed? On the flip side, what challenges did face and overcome?
Last summer, I found out that the Philippine Women’s National Team was hosting trials in Southern California and I was able to travel there to try out. It was intimidating to be flying out there not knowing what the trials would look like, or who I would be playing with. But I have been with the national team since then.
The best part of the process has been all of my new Ates, and being able to connect deeper with my Filipino heritage with them. They took me under their wings and have been teaching me so much and encouraging me to be myself both on the field and off the field. I am one of the youngest, and it can be a little difficult at times knowing how much more experience they have, all of them have always made me feel welcomed and loved.
* What was the process of ‘Filipinas’ qualifying for the World Cup; what were the games the team played and won?
In September we beat Nepal and Hong Kong in the Asian Cup Qualifiers to qualify for the Asian Cup. We then had a two-month camp in California to prepare for the Asian Cup this past January.
There, we were in Group B with Australia, Thailand, and Indonesia. We beat Thailand and Indonesia to move on to the quarterfinals versus Chinese Taipei. This was the World Cup qualifying match, and it was a dramatic one. Chinese Taipei scored late in the game to tie it up and send us into overtime, and then we went into a penalty shootout. But everyone was so determined and we won the match, making history.
*Who arranged the camp to be held here in Sydney? When did you arrive and when you are leaving?
Our coaches Alen Stajcic and Nahuel Arrarte are from Sydney, so that is part of the reason the camp is being held here. We arrived on the 31st of March, and we will leave on the 3rd of May to travel to Vietnam for the SEA (South East Asia) Games.
* What is the team’s typical schedule on days that there are no games and also when there are games?
On days when there are no games we have breakfast in the morning, then a small break with time to see the physical therapist if needed, before heading to training. After training we have lunch as a team, and then head off to the gym for a ‘weights’ session. After that, we have time for ourselves to roll, stretch, do whatever we need to do to recover before we have dinner. Dinner is usually followed by a team meeting.
On days when there are games, after breakfast we go on a team walk (if the weather is nice) and roll and stretch to get our bodies loose. We have team meetings before the game to prepare our minds and focus on what we need to do.
*What else do you wish to achieve in your journey in football? in life?
It is my goal to make the FIFA World Cup Roster in 2023, to be able to represent on the highest platform I can. I want to keep playing football for as long as I still love the game, and as long as I still find joy in every training and every match. I will go to university next year, and will continue to play football then. I don't really have specific plans for a career after football, but I might study math in college since I enjoy the subject. Right now though, my focus is on the national team and improving every day to be able to play in the World Cup.
*What advice can you give, especially to young people who feel a passion for sport or other interests, but may be hesitating?
Do what you do because YOU love it. My relationship with football has had lots of ups and downs, but ultimately, I am still playing today because I love the game. No one else can love your sport or your interest for you. It's okay for your passions to change as you get older. My advice is just that once you do know what you are passionate about, don't let anyone take away the joy that it gives you.
*What is your and the team’s overall message to our kababayans here in Sydney and worldwide regarding your participation in the FIFA World Cup?
The Filipinas players and management are so grateful to be able to be here together in Sydney preparing for the World Cup. We are very thankful for all the support we have received, especially following the recent events. We are honored to be able to represent the country, to continue to break new barriers for Filipino football, and to be able to be role models for young Filipina athletes.
*Lastly, what is ‘success’ for you?
Success to me is knowing at the end of the day that I gave 110% effort to what I did that day. There are a lot of things that I cannot control in my life, both on and off the field; but if I know that I have fully dedicated myself to my passions, in every way possible, that is success to me. And that is what I can be happy with.
The Australian Filipina wishes Malea and the whole Filipinas team all the best, and to stay safe and achieve what they set out to do.