Philippine women’s national football team’s Dionesa Tolentin showed out among the best in Southeast Asia at the ASEAN Women's MSIG Serenity Cup.
Dionesa Tolentin had her coming out party for the Philippine women’s national football team via a breakthrough performance at the ASEAN Women's MSIG Serenity Cup, where she was also named among the tournament’s Best XI along with skipper Hali Long.
Tolentin, a product of the FEU Women’s Football Team, scored twice for the Filipinas in the seven-goal rout of Timor Leste in the tournament opener — the first time she was able to find the back of the net representing the country.
Despite being unable to defend their title in the AFF tournament, Tolentin had a lot to celebrate, especially after being able to contribute to the team’s campaign.
“Sobrang saya ko. Pero goal ko talaga 'yun, goal ko na sana balang araw maka-contribute man ako ng goal para sa bayan. Which is nakamit. Thanks to God kasi natupad 'yung wish ko. Para 'yun palagi sa bayan and para sa pamilya ko,” she told One Sports over the weekend at the unveiling of the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup mascot Diwa in Pasig.
Tolentin has long been among the top Filipinas players who are based locally. And after taking on a bigger role with the tournament happening in a non-FIFA window, she is hoping to push herself even more.
“Para sakin, as a player, kailangan talagang i-push palagi 'yung sarili na in the future, kung may game na, gawin lahat and makinig palagi sa mga coaches, which is nagawa naman [namin],” she said.
For now, Tolentin is shifting to a new role as she helps in the buildup to the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, which is hosted by the Philippines in November.
Drumming up support in a children’s clinic during Diwa’s launch, Tolentin said that she was delighted to see the children begin playing futsal.
“Sobrang saya makita yung mga ganitong bata na nageenjoy na naglalaro ng ganito, ng football and futsal. Nakakainspired. Kasi, balik sa dati na bata pa, lalo na ako, parang ito yung nafefeel ko na ang saya maglaro, sobrang saya maglaro ng futsal at football and parang ito yung freedom nila.” she said.
She also shared that it was totally unexpected to be among the children’s favorite players, as many also asked for photos and interacted with her.
“Sobrang nakakaoverwhelm kasi hindi ko inaasahan. As in, lalaro lang ako para sa bansa. And para maipamalas ba na ma-inspire ko 'yung ibang tao which is now, nakita ko 'yung marami pang mga bata na nakilala din ako. And sobrang saya ko na 'yung mga nakikita ko sa mga bata is mayroon talaga silang future,” she said.
“Balang araw, makakamit din nila kung ano meron ako ngayon.”