One of the most promising talents of Philippine football, Paolo Bugas has been showcasing his skills in almost all levels of competition this 2015. The FEU midfielder started the year by helping his university team defend the University of Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s football title. After that, he shone for Global in four competitions, enough for Azkals coach Thomas Dooley to notice and include him in the lineup for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Knowing Bugas’ story makes his experiences all the more inspiring. About nine months ago, Paolo Bugas faced what could have been his toughest setback in his career so far. The brilliant football player from Compostela Valley suffered a torn meniscus that saw him miss time during FEU’s pivotal second round stretch in this UAAP Season. He came back from treatment stronger, scoring the all-important extra time goal against La Salle to secure a successful title defense. His impressive display led to more exposure with Global in the United Football League, where his club ended in second place.
Bugas acknowledges the influence of Kim Chul Su, his coach at FEU, regarding his spirited approach to the game. Entering his fourth year under the tutelage of the Korean trainer, Bugas developed maturity both on and off the field. “I’m just being ready about the opportunities that are coming. My mentor, Master Kim, always tells me to be always ready because I will never know about the chances that are coming,” he told.
The Philippine football season has been over for two months now but blessings for the young midfielder haven’t ran out. Bugas earned his stripes by joining the national team’s lineup for the past three World Cup Qualifying games. In addition, Global are still in the running for the Singapore Cup after reaching the semifinals. Football seems to be embedded strongly in Bugas’ life, as another tournament looms for him. Later this month, the FEU men’s team will be competing at the 2015 World University Football Cup in Xiamen, China. Relishing the big opportunity against their counterparts from around the world, Bugas thinks it will be a good preparation not just for the UAAP but for what lies ahead in their blooming careers.
Reflecting on a bountiful year, the talented playmaker hopes to maximize his resources in honing his talents further. “It’s a great experience playing for feu, global and the NT. Because having these three teams is really good seeing different players with their high level techniques which you can really learn from them. With this situation, it can help me improve as a player and as a person,” he shared. Bugas is aware that he is still far from where he wants to be and only sees a big room for him to develop into one of the country’s greatest football players. “I just want them to know not to expect too much of me having a good performance, but I will do my best in all the games that is coming and hopefully to get championships for the upcoming tournaments,” he humbly ended.
Just like the state of Philippine football, Bugas has yet to reach its peak. Given time and resources, the sky’s the limit for the skillful midfielder to help propel the Philippines higher in the international football stage.
