CHRISTIAN Joseph Lumapas' passion for football is now on a higher level, as he represents the country for the first time in an international tournament in U16 category in Surabaya, Indonesia.
The event, which runs from July 27 to August 11, is spearheaded by the Philippine Football Federation (FPF).
Lumapas, a 15-year-old grade 9 student from SHS-Ateneo de Cebu, is the lone representative from Cebu who made it to the pool of 23 players from different cities in the country. The pool also includes Filipinos from the United States of America, France and Spain.
The team is currently on a tough training in Carmona, Cavite, in preparation for the tournament.
Lumapas made it after a rigorous selection, which started during the Festival of Football (FOF) held at San Carlos City last March 16-18. The FOF was participated by various teams from the Visayas.
FPF organized the FOF, a nationwide activity in search for the 23 players to complete the team. Former Azkals member Chieffy Caligdong initiated the selection.
After the FOF, three from Visayas were assigned to attend the training camp for the whole month of May to finalize the final 23. But only Lumapas made it on the final call for the team.
Though Lumapas is an experienced football player, having been part of the Central Visayas team for the Palarong Pambansa, he said it is more exciting to be representing the country.
"It's my pride and honor to play for my country, especially wearing a jersey with Philippines on it," he said.
"As early as four years old, I learned to love football even though I was exposed to different type of sports," he said, adding that it is a genetic trait, as his two younger brothers are also part of the Ateneo football team.
Lumapas idolizes Neymar Jr. among popular football players. "I like his style on the field and how he achieves so much at a young age. I want to be a professional football player like him someday," he said.
He emphasized that as a student-athlete, time management is very important, as he juggles his time between family, studies and football.
Right after the training camp, many offers came in from some prestigious schools in Manila. "I might consider it when I turn grade 11 or earlier. Right now, I'm not yet sure what school to choose," he said.
Lumapas believes that what made him realize his dream is the perseverance and hard work that he puts into it.
As long as you have the focus in reaching it, nothing is impossible, he said.