WHEN Richard Jacob Ernest Noel Songalia II was chosen to be one of eight players to represent the Philippines in the Allianz Junior Football Camp in Thailand, it was the culmination of his passion for football that has seen him go through three injuries at a young age.
Chad Jr., as he is known in the football community, got into football not because he studies at Don-Bosco Technology Center Cebu but because his father, Chad, was once a Bosconian team captain and influenced him to get into the game at age 7.
Richard is the youngest of three and follows two elder sisters who were also into the sport. His mother, Charrie, isn’t a player but is their number one fan.
“As a player, he works hard to achieve what he wants. If you don’t practice, if you don’t strive hard, bisan talented pa ka, wala man ka. He even trains by himself sa house,” Chad said of his only son.
Aside from football, Richard is also passionate about his studies and as a testament to this, he finished eighth grade with Academic Excellence with honors; Technical Excellence with honors and was Best in Mechanical Technology and Best in Conduct. He received his awards while his arm was in a cast.
But just like his sister, Renee, who is about to take the Bar, and Ran, who is already a registered nurse in the USA, Richard looks forward to his studies.
Aside from that, Richard is also a music fan just like his dad, who is a DJ for Y101 FM in Cebu. He is a guitarist of their band in DBTC and they are sometimes invited to play in their school events.
“Hard work beats talent “ is CJ’s favourite quote, which inspired him to work at becoming one of the best in the field of futsal at an early age.
“I want to be a professional football player someday,” he said, citing the retired football player David Beckham as his inspiration. If not that, the 14-year-old also dreams of being a pilot.
So far, CJ hasn’t encountered bigger problems on the field aside from his injuries but he is ready to face them with the help a family who is always supportive of him. He als credits his faith to God, who he believes is the main reason for his success.
Richard and the other selected players flew to Thailand last Saturday for a week-long training camp this July. Of the eight, three will be chosen to represent Asia in another camp in Germany. (Minsey Lumangyao, CNU Intern)