A brotherhood born from friendship, fueled by passion, and bound by home
In the summer of 2023, three young men laced up their boots for just another open play in Metro Manila. They didn’t know it then, but that day in McKinley would change everything. On one side of the field was Gepryl Maquiling. Across him, Ralph Jay Munsayac. Not far away, Junrie Arcadio. Strangers at first, they would quickly discover a bond stronger than the game itself—they were all sons of Mindanao. That shared root, that heartbeat of the South, sparked an idea: What if we built a team that carried the pride of Mindanao into every game we played? And so, Mindanao Football Club was born.
Carrying the Name of Home
The name wasn’t chosen lightly. Mindanao FC is more than just a football club; it is a banner of identity. Every time the players step on the pitch, they don’t just represent themselves—they represent a land rich with culture, resilience, and fire. Their name is a statement: We are Mindanaoan. We belong. And we will be heard through football.
Growing From the Ground Up
The early days were filled with challenges. Jobs, responsibilities, and the busyness of Manila life often pulled players away. Yet every Friday and Saturday, the team came together. They ran, they played, they pushed each other. Little by little, what began as three friends with a dream became a community of brothers bound by football.
Today, Mindanao FC is no longer just a group that trains twice a week—it is a family. It is a safe place for Mindanaoans in Manila who miss home, who crave the camaraderie of the game, and who want to keep chasing their football dreams.
The Philosophy: Play With Heart. Play as a Team.
Led by Head Coach Mark Oliver Baguio, the club embraces a simple yet powerful philosophy: Play with your heart, and play as one. Coach Baguio may not carry a professional coaching
badge yet, but he carries something far more important—puso. And that passion flows into every player, making every match more than just a game; it becomes a testament of resilience and unity.
Achievements That Inspire
In just a short time, Mindanao FC has stood tall against seasoned teams. Competing in tournaments like the Golazo Cup and the Bong Tanco Cup, the club proudly finished as 2nd Place 🥈 in both—an achievement that echoes far louder than a trophy.
Even more remarkable, several Mindanao FC players have since moved on to professional clubs, proving that this small family can be a bridge to bigger dreams.
A Club of Soldiers, Workers, Dreamers
The faces of Mindanao FC tell a story of diversity and strength. Some players spend their weekdays in private offices. Others serve the nation as proud PNP, PAF, Navy, or PCG officers. Yet on the field, all titles fade. They are simply footballers, playing side by side, fighting for the same goal.
The culture is raw and real: fun, laughter, hard work, and the unshakable will to win. Their battle cry says it all—
“Mindanao, Hala Bira!”
(Mindanao, let’s go!)
Challenges and Dreams
Like any grassroots club, the road ahead is steep. Finances remain the toughest opponent limiting the team’s ability to enter more tournaments, invest in gear, or provide opportunities to players. Injuries and availability of players also test their resolve.
But if there’s one thing this club has proven, it’s that no obstacle is greater than the heart of a Mindanaoan.
Over the next three years, the club dreams of entering more competitions, growing stronger, and becoming a beacon of Mindanaoan pride in Philippine football.
A Message to Aspiring Footballers
To every young footballer out there, Mindanao FC carries this message: “Play with your heart. Keep dreaming. Keep fighting. Never stop believing.” Because in football—and in life—teamwork wins.
OneFutbol’s Salute
At OneFutbol, we celebrate clubs like Mindanao FC. They remind us that football is not just about silverware—it’s about friendship, passion, and building a community that lasts. From a chance meeting on a pitch in McKinley to a growing family in Manila, Mindanao FC is proof that football in the Philippines has a bright future—if only we dare to play with heart.
💚⚽ Support their journey. Follow Mindanao Football Club and cheer them on. Together, let’s build the dream.
