Meeting his family makes PH trip even more special for Palla
Stephan Palla. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Stephan Palla made his way out of the Philippine Sports Stadium, walking past the throng of reporters waiting to get his take on his first match for the Philippine side.
As historic as the match was, Palla was more concerned to get to another group after the game, engaging them in a short chat and ultimately, embraced them to end the short exchange.
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In his first trip to his homeland, that scene will stay in Palla’s heart for a long time as he met his Filipino relatives for the first time.
“This is the first time I met them. It’s really great. A lot of tears. It was really emotional,” he said.
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Just a few days since arriving to the country, Palla has already experienced the famed Filipino hospitality. May it be lukso ng dugo or just the plain warmth of meeting his family from Las Piñas, the Austrian-based defender admitted he immediately felt welcome in this country, which was the same when he met his Azkals teammates.
“It’s great. It’s completely different to Europe because everybody is so kind and they’re always helpful and I think it’s just the Filipino mentality,” quipped Palla.
It was an emotional roller coaster for the 26-year-old, getting married just a few days back and then flying to the country in the next to don the national tri-colors.
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But for Palla, his obligation to the country is more important.
“I came on Monday night and it was important for me that I get the chance (to meet the team). They wanted me to sleep in an another hotel with my wife cause she came with me. But I said no, I want to meet the team. We don’t have so much time and it’s important for me to meet them because I want to meet the whole team,” he said.
As the team flies for Qatar for its next match against Yemen on Tuesday, Palla is already looking forward to spending more time with his relatives from his mother’s side.
“After the game in Doha, we’ll be coming back here. Maybe I can spend one day with the family and go somewhere,” he said. “My preseason starts with my club next Monday and I have to go back as soon as possible, but I’m looking forward to spending the next days with (my family).” CFC
