The best Philippine football is set to come together in the new Philippine Premier League (PPL) with kick-off set for April 27 at the Rizal Football Stadium. The Globe Green Archers United FC takes on Mendiola FC 1991 in the curtain-raiser at 4 p.m. and Kaya FC Iloilo faces Philippine Air Force in the featured match at 7 p.m.
Before the games finally commence, let's take a quick look at what you need to know about the country's new top tier football tournament.
What is the PPL?
The PPL is the Philippines' top flight domestic football competition, taking over from the now-defunct Philippines Football League (PFL). Like its predecessor, the PPL serves as the gateway for all local clubs to compete in Asian Football Confederation (AFC) tournaments.
But unlike the PFL, the newly formed league will not do a home-and-away format and will play their games at a centralized venue.
Which teams are participating?
The Philippines' representatives in the AFC Cup Ceres-Negros and Kaya FC Iloilo headline the list of clubs competing in the PPL's inaugural season.
Here is the official list of participating clubs:
Ceres-Negros FC
Kaya FC Iloilo
Green Archers United FC
Mendiola FC 1991
Philippine Air Force
Stallion Laguna FC and Global Makati FC are expected to join this season after complying with league requirements.
What is the format?
The tournament will run through a triple round robin format with three games played every week. The league season will run alongside the Copa Paulino Alcantara, which serves as the top cup competition of the country.
The Copa Paulino Alcantara will kick-off in September, while the league is scheduled to run until November 9.
Who are some of the players suiting up?
Most of the Azkals, both past and current, can be found plying their trade in the PPL.
Ceres has the most national team standouts in their roster with the likes of Stephan Schrock, Kevin Ingreso, and Roland Muller leading the way. Kaya FC also has national team talent in Jovin Bedic and Marwin Angeles in tow.
But it isn't just the big boys who have international-level talent, Green Archers United will also have Azkals as well. Former Azkal Tating Pasilan will captain the side, while Marvin Angeles and Dominic del Rosario are strong additions to the team.
The venerable 45-year old Yanti Bersales will captain the Philippine Air Force FC as they make their return to top-flight football in the country. Mendiola will field a team of former San Beda University standouts eager to test their mettle.
Should Stallion Laguna and Global Makati complete the cast, there will be more familiar names competing in the league.
When and where can we watch?
ESPN5 is a proud media partner of the PPL and will broadcast at least one match every Saturday on 5Plus with livestream on ESPN5.com. For those who would like to catch the games live, the league will play its games at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium and the Aboitiz Pitch at Lima Park in Batangas.
The league says it is looking for other venues. The full list of fixtures will be released once the list of clubs have been finalized.