THE character of the Philippine Women’s National Football Team will be tested now more than ever as they prepare to defend their title at the 2025 ASEAN Women’s Championship.
The national women’s football team, known as the Filipinas, has received notice not just for their excellent on-field exploits, but also for how they have brought the country together in their pursuit of sporting success.
Undoubtedly, the team has achieved great progress in the world of women’s football during the last few years. With the upcoming ASEAN Women’s Championship, the Filipinas are hoping to build a name for themselves.
Carrying a Nation
The Filipinas made history in 2022, winning the trophy by defeating superpower Thailand 3-0 in the final. Along the way, they defeated former defending champion Vietnam, 4-0, in the semifinals.
With that in mind, Freddy Gonzalez, Philippine Football Federation (PFF) National Team Director and Manager, discussed how driven the ladies are to go on another historic run and carry the nation.
“The [team] is working very hard to defend our title, continue to bring honor to our country and raise the status of women in the game,”Gonzalez proudly shared in an interview with the media.
Meanwhile, MSIG has taken up the title sponsorship of the competition, which will now be known as the ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup. Olivia McDaniel, the Filipinas’ goalkeeper, was present at the trophy unveiling.
“We are also grateful that slowly, Philippine companies, including BPI MS, are beginning to show interest in supporting our national football teams,” Gonzalez shared his thoughts on the partnership.
Bigger Things Ahead
In a separate interview, Gonzalez stated that, while the Filipinas work relentlessly to prepare for the Women’s Championship, they also have their sights set on the bigger prize: World Cup qualification in 2026.
“To be one hundred percent sure to qualify for the next World Cup, we got to make it to the [Asian Cup] semi-finals,” Gonzalez explained. “You can’t take anybody lightly in international football.”
“So, coming into this, everybody—the coaching staff, the players—knows what they need to do. We’re going into everything with the utmost seriousness.”
“We’re really beefing up the roster because we want to be back in the World Cup. But to get to the World Cup, we got to get into the Asian Cup first,” he went on to say.
The tournament’s dates and venues will be revealed shortly. The MSIG Serenity Cup is just one part of the Filipinas’ busy 2025 schedule, which also includes qualifying for the Asian Cup and the SEA Games.
