If there’s one thing Dov Cariño has learned recently, it’s that life as a football player moves fast, and setbacks must be overcome quickly.
Last Sunday, Cariño faced heartbreak in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Final.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles suffered a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to the FEU Tamaraws, who clinched the championship.
By Thursday, however, Cariño turned a new page in his football journey, earning his first appearance for the Philippine Men’s National Football Team.
The 21-year-old midfielder came on as a substitute for Javi Mariona in the 87th minute during a crucial ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 match against Vietnam, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
“Of course, not winning the UAAP final was very hard to take because it’s something we’ve been working on,” said Cariño.
“But as a football player, I had to let it go as quickly as possible because there’s still the national team and this opportunity. I put my focus on this straightaway.”
Cariño is no stranger to representing the country.
Having played for various youth squads, including the under-23 team led by legendary Azkals defender Rob Gier in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, stepping onto the senior team’s field was a dream come true.
Coach Albert Capellas, who praised Cariño for his “very good technique,” sent him into the match late to help maintain possession for the home side.
While the win against Vietnam proved elusive, the experience gave Cariño a taste of international competition and fueled his hunger for more.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Honestly, it was one of the best feelings I’ve had in my life. It’s always been a dream to play for the senior national team,” said the UAAP Season 87 Golden Boot and Best Midfielder awardee.
“Hopefully, there’s more to come. I was very excited to come on. (Capellas) just told me to keep the ball, play confidently, and work hard.”
Ateneo’s representation in the national team didn’t stop with Cariño.
His teammate Leo Maquiling and two-time UAAP champion Jarvey Gayoso, who scored the Philippines’ opening goal against Vietnam in the 69th minute, were also part of the squad.
For Gayoso, Cariño’s rise to the senior team after leading Ateneo to the UAAP final was a proud moment.
Gayoso also shared words of encouragement, reminding Cariño and Maquiling that they belong at this level.
“Dov carries a lot of pride, just like Leo. He takes pride in being another Blue Eagle representative. I’m proud of them both for stepping up and competing,” said Gayoso.
“I told them, ‘Look what I’m wearing and look at what you’re wearing—it’s the same color. We’re equals. You don’t have to see anyone on this team or in the competition as higher than you. They might play in a different league, but it’s still the same game.’ That’s what I told Dov especially.”
With winnable draws against Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam, the Philippines’ hopes of advancing now hinge on two results: a win against Indonesia and a Vietnam victory over Myanmar on Saturday.
While the task ahead seems daunting, Cariño remains optimistic.
“I think people should be optimistic because the team’s playing really well, and coach Albert will have a plan to win the game and reach the semifinals,” said Cariño.
“So yeah, I’m feeling really optimistic about the game this Saturday.”
