TAGUIG CITY — Arca South, Ayala Land’s emerging 74-hectare urban estate, came alive as it hosted the first-ever Arca South Invitational Football Cup, a two-day celebration of grassroots football that brought together over 300 young athletes and hundreds of spectators from across Taguig.
Held on the FIFA-certified Arca South Pitch, home to Barça Academy Manila (BAM), the event showcased Taguig’s growing talent and passion for football across five age divisions (U6, U8, U10, U12, U14). The Cup also marked the unveiling of newly built bleachers and locker rooms, blessed and officially opened on Day 1, furthering Arca South’s commitment to developing world-class sports facilities for both athletes and the wider community.
Arca South, known for its walkable design, green spaces, and central location, is fast becoming a hub for active communities and young talent.
“The success of our first Invitational Cup reflects what Arca South stands for: building an inclusive community through passion, sportsmanship, and shared experiences,” said Gilbert Ramos, Senior Project Development Head at Ayala Land Estates.
INDIVIDUAL HONORSThe Arca South Invitational Football Cup opened with an electric atmosphere, drawing 22 teams and over 300 players across two days. Beyond the matches, the event celebrated exceptional talent, sportsmanship, and the true spirit of the game through team and individual awards.
In the U6 division, Joaquin Jacobe of BAM was named XMPLR Athlete, with Forza FC taking the Sportsmanship Award and finishing first runner-up behind champions Barça Academy Manila; Phoenix FC secured second runner-up.
For U8, Kyle Jacob of Forza FC stood out as XMPLR Athlete, while Barça Academy Manila-Grana (BAM-Grana) team earned the Sportsmanship Award. The title went to Barça Academy Manila-Blau, (BAM-Blau) with Grana and Forza FC following as first and second runners-up.
The U10 category saw Thomas Iñong from BAM-Grana recognized as XMPLR Athlete and BAM-Grana also earning the Sportsmanship Award, while BAM-Blau took the championship, Stars United finished first runner-up, and Forza FC placed third.
In U12, Gab Capito of Forza FC was named XMPLR Athlete and Stars United FC received the Sportsmanship Award. BAM-Grana clinched the championship, with Eres Embo FC and BAM–Blau rounding out the top three.
For the U14 division, outstanding sportsmanship was displayed by Gat Andres Bonifacio High School, which took both the Sportsmanship Award and produced the XMPLR Athlete, Alden Nazarionda. Barça Academy Manila captured the championship title, while Forza FC and Stars United FC completed the podium.
