A fresh chapter awaits Philippine football as the country’s Men’s Under-23 National Team prepares to face Southeast Asia’s best in the ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup 2025 in Indonesia.
With the memory of past disappointments still lingering — four group-stage exits in four appearances — the 22-man squad enters the tournament with the weight of history on its shoulders.
Pooled in Group A with host nation Indonesia, traditional rivals Malaysia, and Brunei, the pressure is real, but so is the hunger to finally break through.
Among those leading the charge are two midfielders who know what it means to win and to lead: Far Eastern University’s Karl Absalon and Ateneo de Manila’s Dov Cariño. While rivals in the UAAP, they now join forces for a higher calling — donning the national colors with pride and purpose.
“Kailangan namin magtulungan sa loob ng field kasi team kami and mananalo kami pag nagsama-sama lang po,” said Absalon, a two-time UAAP champion who will be making his mark on the international stage while carrying the legacy of his late brother Kieth.
Cariño, the UAAP Season 87 Golden Boot and Best Midfielder, knows that experience is his edge. Having competed in high-stakes tournaments like the 32nd Southeast Asian Games and the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, the crafty playmaker is embracing the role of veteran in this young lineup.
“It’s been a short camp, pero most of the players, we all played with each other in previous tournaments and even in clubs like the PFF team,” Cariño shared. “Even though the camp has been short, the staff and the players have been putting in all their effort into the new system to put it into action in next week’s tournament.”
Their familiarity as UAAP opponents has evolved into chemistry as teammates. Absalon is confident that their shared collegiate background will work in their favor.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Masaya din po kami kasi sa UAAP nagkakalaban kami, pero ngayon ay magkakasama na kami para i-represent ang Pilipinas po,” he said. “Sa akin po ay medyo madali naman po kasi halos yung iba po UAAP players, tapos may mga taga-ibang bansa na players.”
Cariño is embracing his new leadership role, drawing from lessons he’s learned from senior national team stalwarts.
“I think just having the same confidence and bringing it to the team and just playing the same way and not really changing anything except the system that we’re playing in,” he said. “For me, it’s just the confidence. I think it’s one of the most important things as a football player.”
“Of course, I’m trying to bring experience that I learned from the older players in the men’s team. Everything that I learned from them, I’m trying to bring into this team as well (such as) the environment and the culture.”
With just a few days before kickoff, the Philippine U23 squad remains focused, driven, and aware of what’s at stake. More than just a chance to advance, this tournament offers an opportunity for each player to make a lasting impression — on fans, on scouts, and on the history books.
“Very thankful po ako na isa ako sa na-call up para sa U23,” said Absalon. “Maraming opportunities rin yung makukuha namin pag nakuha kami sa U23 national team.”
“Of course, it means the world for me to be called up by any Philippine team. It’s been a dream to play for the Philippines, and every chance I get to get called up to the national team, there’s always an amazing feeling,” added Cariño.
