THE Maharlika Panay Eagles Club, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Iloilo, will launch its 2025 Football Festival on Thursday, May 8, at 7:30 a.m. on the CPU Football Field in Jaro, Iloilo City. More than 150 teams from across the Visayas are competing in 12 age-group divisions for two days of matches designed to foster sportsmanship and community engagement.
Rotarian and Eagles Club President Ronald Canaway said the festival aims to “give athletes, young and old, a platform to showcase their skills and build camaraderie through healthy competition.” He added, “Expecting about 150 teams gather here this morning reminds us why we do this—football brings people together.”
The opening day will feature U8, U12, and U17 boys’ matches starting at 7:30 a.m., followed by U10, U14, and U17 girls’ games at 12:30 p.m. Play resumes on Saturday, May 10, with U9, U11, and U15 boys at 7:30 a.m., and U13, Men’s Open, and Over-40 categories at 12:30 p.m. Teams were asked to report by 7:00 a.m. or 12:00 noon, depending on their bracket, with each match lasting a regulatory number of minutes per half.
Atty. Peter John Raymund Pacheco, president of the Rotary Club of Iloilo, praised the collaboration: “Our partnership with Maharlika Panay Eagles Club really shows how much we care about helping young people grow. We are excited to cheer on these players as they learn to lead—on the field and in life.”
Registration for each team required a ₱2,000 fee, with the champion taking home a ₱10,000 cash prize plus trophy and medals. First and second runners-up will each receive a trophy. Organizers encouraged spectators to follow health and sanitation guidelines along the competition venue.
Festival organizer Eagle Kent Gobuyan is still open for inquiries at +63 926 626 1394 or via the “Maharlika Football Festival 2025” Facebook page. Spectators and supporters are invited to attend and cheer on their local teams.| – Herman Lagon
