Jervyn Pamatian: 'The club felt like family to me'

                           

Jervyn and the Lakeside Squad on the stands cheering for Stallion Laguna FC for the full 90 minutes.     
 Photo: Janb Dayrit

Football is one of the world's biggest sport, and it has built a community and a fan culture that is incomparable to any other sports. To some diehards of the game, the Ultras, it is more than a game, it is a way of life. These ultras are the most extreme and passionate supporters in the world of football. They create an atmosphere that lifts the confidence of the players and influence the outcome of the game. 

We got in touch with Jervyn, one of the pioneers of Lakeside Squad, an ultra that supports the Stallion Laguna FC, to tell us more about the group and how the club has influenced individual lives and the community.

Growing up, were you a big fan of the beautiful game? Was there a specific moment that stands out in your memory that started your interest in becoming part of an ultra?

I was only introduced to football in 3rd year high school, way back in 2006. Prior to that, whenever I hear football, I can only think of David Beckham. The first time I became involved in Ultras was way back 2012, during a friendly between Philippines and Indonesia in Rizal Memorial Stadium. There was a group who were waving the Philippine flag and doing European-style chanting. I initially thought they were the Kaholeros (RIP), but a member introduced themselves as Ultras Filipinas. I already knew what an Ultra meant, so I hopped right in.

 

When did your fandom for Stallion solidify? 

I'm not one of the founders, but rather, I'm one of the first members. I first supported Stallion Laguna FC during the first PFL season in 2017, because most of my friends in Ultras Filipinas who live in the area are supporting the club. From there, I fell in love with the club because there's just an underdog, never-say-die attitude to them.

 

How many active members does Lakeside Squad have and how does one become a member of the group?

Right know there are about 20 plus active members. There is no complex recruitment system in Lakeside Squad (LKSQD). Just join in whenever there are games, and make sure you go regularly and you make noise all 90 minutes long, and you're good.

The term 'ultra' refers to a portion of a club's fanbase which usually consist of some the most passionate supporters. Unfortunately however, there is often a violent element associated to it. What exactly is an 'ultra' to you and what are your thoughts on the issue of violence associated to it?

You're not wrong when you said that the term ultra is usually connected to hooliganism, especially in Europe. But here in the Philippines, we ultras are simply folks who passionately follow the club through highs and lows.

Although football rivalry isn't that much established yet here, who do you think is the biggest rival of Lakeside Squad or Stallion Laguna in general?

Stallion Laguna is  characteristically an underdog team, so we like to challenge the big dogs. Last season, we were the only ones who were able to get a draw from eventual champs Ceres - Negros FC. With LKSQD itself, we're friends with the other Ultras groups. We just hope that the feeling is mutual.

What's the strangest thing you've done to support the club that might surprise other people?

I guess the "strangest" thing I've done for the club was when I went straight to a match from work even without getting sleep the night before. As far as I remember, I haven't gone streaking after the club scored a goal.

 

For sure the support that Lakeside Squad made to Stallion haven't gone unnoticed, how was the reception from the management of the club and the players as well?

We've always worked closely with the club itself. The club has given us exclusive access to the stadium at some matchdays, even gotten an exclusive LKSQD shirt from them! Hell, I've even been employed as the Engagement Officer by the club last season as their commitment to the fans. As a fan, you really feel like you're valued by the club.

Coach Ernie Nierras with the Lakeside Squad  Photo: Lakeside Squad on Facebook

As a longtime fan, how does it feel like to have witnessed the ups and down of the club in recent years?

It's heartbreaking seeing the club fall just short of big things. I remember when we lost the 2019 Copa semis to Ceres after getting a 2-goal lead. That shit broke our hearts. But then again, that's how Stallion stands out - its will to get back up after getting beaten down.

           

What do you think are the things that Stallion Laguna has brought to the city of Biñan? How important is the club to Biñan?

For one, it definitely put Binan in the Philippine football scene. The Binan Football Stadium had often been used as a venue for league matches for those clubs who doesn't have a home stadium yet, and it has been used several times during the SEA Games. So yeah, the city has since recognized that Stallion Laguna is a valuable contributor to the community.

 

Many sports fans see their team as an extension of themselves. What does this team mean to you?

The club felt like family to me, especially when I was in their employ. I never felt like I was an outsider even if I've only been with them for a short time. I've eaten meals with the players, played mobile games with them, and even passed out drunk with them. Even though Stallion hasn't had a trophy for a long time now, I don't care (I mean, it would be great if we did win one). Nothing beats your first love.