03/06/2025
๐๐ฎ๐ข๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ซ๐จ ๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฌ: ๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐จ๐๐๐ก๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ค๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐จ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐จ๐ฅ๐จ ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฑ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ง๐๐
At the recently concluded 65th Palarong Pambansa in Laoag City, the NCRAA Metro Stars Football Team had a mission โ not just to win games, but to defend the championship title they earned the previous year. Behind their strong performance were two dedicated coaches working side by side: Head Coach Jake Morallo and Assistant Coach Paolo Bugas. Together, they guided the team with a powerful mix of experience, discipline, and heart.
Coach Jake Morallo was no stranger to high-level football. He once played professionally for clubs like JPV Marikina FC and FC Meralco Manila. After retiring in 2018, he became a full-time coach and went on to lead the FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws. As head coach of the Metro Stars, Coach Jake brought intensity and focus to the team. Known for his loud, commanding voice on the sidelines, he pushed his players to give their all in every game. He built game plans meticulously, made sure each player understood their role, and demanded excellence through his passionate coaching style. His vocal leadership kept the team sharp and energized throughout the tournament.
Working closely with him was Coach Paolo Bugas, a former UAAP MVP for the FEU Tamaraws and a past member of the Philippine national team. Coach Paolo knew what it felt like to compete at the highest level โ and used his journey to inspire young players. As assistant coach, he wasnโt just focused on football skills. He also ensured the team stayed motivated and mentally strong, especially as they aimed to defend their title.
When asked how he helped the players stay focused under pressure, Coach Paolo shared, โFirst of all, coming back to this tournament, especially sa Palarong Pambansa, as a defending champion, mino-motivate namin sila na itโs a good chance for us to get the back-to-back. Also, magandang opportunity din ito to some players to showcase their talent, to progress the next stage or level ng playing careers nila. Every time we have an achievement, we try to retain it. So as much as possible, weโre trying to defend the crown or the title that we had a year ago. Weโre just working hard every day preparing for every game.โ
This strong partnership between Coaches Jake and Paolo helped the Metro Stars grow not just as athletes, but as individuals. Coach Jake brought structure, energy, and a powerful voice that rallied the team. Coach Paolo brought inspiration and emotional support that kept their spirits high. Together, they taught the team the importance of teamwork, focus, and believing in themselves.
Throughout their journey in Laoag City, it was clear that the Metro Stars werenโt only playing for a trophy โ they were playing for each other, for their coaches, and for every young athlete dreaming to reach the next level. With the guidance of Coach Jake Morallo and Coach Paolo Bugas, the team wasnโt just chasing victory โ they were building something bigger than football.
โ๏ธ Charley Jay Saguilla
๐ฉ๐ปโ๐ป Reannah Gaebrell Asuncion
๐ธ Marianne Janelle Barba and Kate Charisse Antonio
Paolo Bugas
