SAN CARLOS CITY, Negros Occidental – Iloilo’s football excellence continues to shine as Sta. Barbara FC unleashed a commanding 4–0 victory over host San Carlos City to clinch the Pintaflores Cup 2025 Under-16 Championship at the San Carlos City Football Field.
The Ilonggo booters showcased textbook discipline, tactical precision, and relentless attack — a performance that reaffirms Iloilo’s status as a football powerhouse in the Visayas.
Nikee Tinapao opened the scoring early to seize momentum before Raymund Jamotillo widened the lead shortly after halftime. Joseph Jamotillo later sealed the rout with two more goals, punctuating Sta. Barbara’s total dominance and preserving a clean sheet to the final whistle.
Coach Bervic Italia, a former national team player, credited the team’s success to their focus on unity and adherence to Iloilo’s brand of football — disciplined defense, creative midfield play, and clinical finishing. He was assisted by Anthony Masculino, Mark Evan Sorongon, Nikol Vall Suay (MV Payag Founder and Vice President), Jhone Paul Somogod, and Keith Subong (President of MV Payag Club de Futbol).
Several players also bagged individual honors: Michael Sotaridona (Best Goalkeeper), Jan Floyd Oñate (Best Midfielder), Jomarelle Alemane (Best Defender), and Joseph Jamotillo (Most Valuable Player).
Backed by MV Payag Club de Futbol and the Province of Iloilo, the triumph marks another milestone in Sta. Barbara FC’s youth development program — and a powerful reminder that Iloilo’s grassroots football remains among the strongest in the country./PN
