Despite being based abroad, forward Mallie Ramirez remains in touch with her Philippine identity as she plays for the women's national football team.
The Philippine women's national football team continues to grapple with multiple identities, with the squad mostly made up of foreign-based players ahead of the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia.
But even as fans and critics alike nitpick their ethnicities and allegiances, one thing remains clear: the Filipinas are Filipino.
That was the sentiment of Filipinas forward Mallie Ramirez, as she spoke about her mindset going into the team's bid in Perth, where they hope to clinch their second straight appearance at the FIFA Women's World Cup.
Even though she spent most of her life abroad, she is still very much in touch with her Philippine identity.
"You know, I take that being from the Philippines, born in the Philippines, very true to heart. I think it's part of who I am," Ramirez said in their pre-match press conference ahead of their game vs Australia on Sunday, March 1.
"So just being able to go to different parts of the country and to be able to play the sport that I love and just showing younger girls that, you know, they can do this too. They can dream big. They can dream fearlessly," she added.
[READ: Up-and-coming Filipinas take cue from veteran teammates in World Cup chase]
Ramirez joins the likes of Fil-Aussie Angie Beard, Fil-Norwegian Sara Eggesvik, and Fil-Ams Hali Long and Olivia McDaniel among Fil-foreigners in the team.
Despite their mixed backgrounds, Ramirez said that it will be key to tap into their identity, and what they can do for the next generation of players in the Philippines and beyond.
"It's important to me and I think it's a message for all the players in this tournament to be able to give these younger girls," she said.
Bigger things ahead
In recent years, the team has been synonymous with success.
Since the last Women's Asian Cup, the Filipinas have made strides -- including winning a match in the Women's World Cup.
But doing things all over again is undoubtedly an uphill battle.
With tournament hosts Australia ahead in their schedule on Sunday, March 1, Ramirez remains upbeat that the Filipinas will go all out.
After reigning surpeme in the SEA Games just last December, they're hoping to rewrite the history books once more.
"I think, you know, whoever we're playing against, whatever is put against us, I think part of what the Filipinas team is, is that we're gonna fight to the end of the whistle, no matter how long it is," she said.
"In SEA Games, we showcase that a lot. Most of our games were past 90 minutes. So I think that shows that however long we have to play, we're gonna push to the end of the whistle," she continued.
The Filipinas are set to face the Matildas at Perth Stadium at 5 pm on Sunday to begin their campaign in Group A action.
It will be streamed live on the Pilipinas Live app as well as on One Sports+, with a delayed telecast on One Sports (after the UAAP Season 88 games).
Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.