KICK OFF PH Q&A: Patricia Tomanon

 

Patricia Tomanon has been with the Philippines women's national football team since 2016.

KICK OFF PH caught up with Kaya FC and Philippines international Patrica Tomanon. Patricia has been making a huge impact in women's football in the Philippines on and off the pitch. At the international level, the former FIU Panther has come to prominence and made an immediate impact with the women's national football team.

KICK OFF PH:  When you were younger were you a multi-sport athlete?

Patricia Tomanon: I tried multiple sports before playing football. I gave golf and tennis a try and I just didn't enjoy it like I did football.

 

KICK OFF PH:  At what age did you start playing football?

Patricia Tomanon:  My stepdad was the one who introduced me to sports at a young age, he was very active and he could tell I was athletic so he made me try a few sports. My parents put me in a football camp for a summer when I was 11 and from then on, they couldn't keep me off the pitch.

 

KICK OFF PH:  What gets you pumped up before a game?

Patricia Tomanon: I love playing hip-hop or house before games, a few teammates and I usually dance around the locker room before heading out to warm up. It helps me shake off the nerves before matches.

 

KICK OFF PH:  What do you tell yourself to keep perspective on your career?

Patricia Tomanon:  No matter how difficult it is to be a female in a male-dominated industry, I always remind myself that what I'm doing is for the betterment of the next generation of female footballers.

 

KICK OFF PH:  What life lessons have you learned from playing football?

Patricia Tomanon:  Football has taught me so much! One of the most important lessons is the strength in numbers. Having a team work together toward a goal will be much easier to accomplish than doing so individually. This can be applied on and off the pitch.

 

KICK OFF PH:  Who do you think is the most underrated football player in the Philippines?

Patricia Tomanon:  That's a tough one, I could easily name a few! Dionesa "Inday" Tolentino and Chelo Hodges. Both are extremely talented and have great skills in their respective positions.

 

KICK OFF PH:  When you first joined the national team, have you had a hard time getting along with your teammates and adjusting to the style of play?

Patricia Tomanon:   When I first joined the team I did have to adjust to the playing style but we trained so often during camp that it took no time to adapt. Getting along with teammates was the easy part, being able to speak tagalog was definitely helpful.

 

KICK OFF PH:  As  the girls program directress for Kaya FC, how do you encourage young girls to maintain their focus and drive when the sport itself only privileges professional football for men's and televises men's games?

Patricia Tomanon:  I encourage my players to try to play at the highest level they can achieve whether that be UAAP, professionally outside of the Philippines, as well as representing the country. I think being a part of the National team while coaching helps them see that there is a path for them to continue their careers after college. The positive is they have a great group of girls that they can look up to on the National team. The current national team players and staff are very adamant about making a difference in the women's game which can hopefully help pave the way for a pro league here. I know Kaya FC is doing their part in supporting the women's game by creating a semi-pro women's team. Let's hope that it's in the PFF's future plans.

 

Tomanon now has a dual role at Kaya after being appointed as
Girls Program Directress for Kaya FC Academy.

KICK OFF PH:  What advice can you give to young girls out there currently trying to pursue their dreams?

Patricia Tomanon:  My advice would be to keep grinding and keep chasing that dream. There were a few moments during my career when I wanted to give up but I loved the sport too much, I can't see myself doing anything outside of football. There are so many opportunities out there for female athletes, we just have to fight for it a little harder than men do.

 

KICK OFF PH:  What is your hope for the women's football in the Philippines?

Patricia Tomanon:  I hope to see a great grassroots program in the country one day. I think football is a sport that everyone can play. Filipinos are incredible athletes and can easily excel in the sport. We already have great local footballers but to be able to produce for both men's and women's national teams would be a game-changer for international competition. I would love to see an organized and sustainable league for both men AND women.