Roar ‘Filipinas’: PH women's football team adopts new moniker

Photo courtesy: Philippine Football Federation

The Philippine women's football team will now be called "Filipinas" as they set to make their historic World Cup debut.

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) announced the women's national team's official new moniker last March 24 for its upcoming tournament in New Zealand and Australia.

After months of debate, the women's squad will officially ditch their "Malditas" moniker.

In October 2021, in a statement by their former football coach, Marlo Maro, "Malditas" does not reflect Filipino women's true essence of beauty and character.

According to PFF, it is inappropriate to use a moniker with negative connotations in other parts of the world.

Meanwhile, the team manager, Jefferson Cheng, explained their decision, referring that "Filipinas" is simple and nationalistic—driven by the goal to not just represent themselves, but the country.

The Filipinas are set to roar success to their historic clinch in the Women's World Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam, making it the first appearance for the Philippines in the FIFA World Cup tournament.