REY SALUDAR OR THE AZKALS : SEARCHING FOR THE REAL DEAL

                                                     

While Azkals are currently basking in the limelight, Rey Saludar remains unknown. In fact, I would dare say that only a handful know who Rey Saludar is. To better appreciate the big discrepancy between the popularity of these two sports figures and to study whether their respective crowd draws are merited, this blogger has listed some interesting facts about them.

1. Rey Saludar won a gold medal in boxing at the Asian Games. Rey is a gold medal prospect at the next Olympics as well. Azkals, on the other hand, are yet to win a single FIFA - recognized tournament. Azkals claim to fame so far is a semifinal seat at the Suzuki Cup. Azkals are currently ranked 151 in the world.

2. Azkals are made up mostly of good - looking Fil - foreigners. Rey Saludar is an average - looking local boxer.

3. Azkals are English - speaking. Rey Saludar converses in Pilipino.

4. Azkals have been invited to Malacanang. Rey Saludar, despite the gold medal, has yet to set foot in Malacanang.

5. Rey Saludar has received 4M for his gold medal. Azkals have received more than 1M for their semifinal stint.

6. Rey Saludar does not have a PR man by his side. Azkals do.

7. Rey Saludar has hardly hit the front pages of major newspapers. Azkals have been in the front pages of just about every newspaper almost on a daily basis.

8. Azkals are featured in almost every local TV telecast. Rey Saludar remains camera - shy.

I hate to think that media can create sports heroes out of mediocre athletes, leaving the really talented and skillful ones behind. But I just have to open my eyes to see that such is the case.