I’m an Askal – an asong kalye. Philippine football fans, according to this Sun.Star Cebu report by my brother, want the national team named after the ubiquitous street dog.

I think it’s a great idea and a great logo (rendered by sports writer Glenn Michelena based on a sketch by retired goalkeeper and Sun.Star Cebu copy chief Noel Villaflor).

Philippine football, like the askal, doesn’t have pedigree and is impoverished for lack of support. The askal, however, is a survivor – a trait RP football would do well to emulate. Based on its last Tiger Cup outing, RP football is improving. There is guarded hope it may be able to win a medal in the SEA games.

But what to call the fans? Some say RP football fans can be Irbogs for irong buang or rabid dogs. Now that’s a name that would do a football hooligan proud.