Bearcats Take the Global Field at the Touch World Cup

The International School Manila (ISM) community is beaming with pride as a significant number of our Bearcats are gearing up to represent the Philippines at the Touch World Cup 2024 in Nottingham, England, this July 15-21!

This international tournament brings together top touch teams, referees, volunteers, and fans from 39 nations across the globe, making this year the biggest Touch World Cup since 1988. The Philippines is sending three teams, and ISM is well-represented with current students, coaches, and alumni donning the national colors.

A Legacy of Excellence

We are sending a heartfelt shout-out to recent graduates Helena Kiefer Diaz and Inez Chuidian, who were part of our graduating class this year. “My time at ISM has been vital in preparing me for the Touch World Cup in several ways,” says Helena. “I think I can go as far to say that I owe ISM my love for the game.” Inez adds, “ISM introduced me to Touch in Middle School; and since then, the school has given me the opportunity to excel as a player,”. They will be joining their fellow Bearcat, Ruri Tsuchiya (Grade 11), in the Women’s Open Team.

Ruri credits ISM for shaping her into the athlete she is today. “Joining the ISM Touch team gave me the opportunity to compete not only against local leagues here in the Philippines, but also against other schools abroad through the Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asia Schools (IASAS). This essentially exposed me to advanced players and motivated me to work harder during each training session, which has undoubtedly helped me prepare to compete as a player in the Philippine National Team,”

The impressive roster also includes some amazing ISM alumni who continue to showcase their talent and hardwork on the world stage. Karina Swee (Class of 2014), Alicia Preysler (Class of 2018), and Andrea Preysler (Class of 2015), will all be part of the Women’s Open team.

Adding another layer of pride for ISM are our very own current coaches who will be taking the field alongside their former students. Cholo Majabague (Junior Varsity Coach) will be representing the Philippines in the Men’s Open Team. Pauline Fernandez (Varsity Coach), Janin Puig (Junior Varsity Coach), and Rara Sales (Middle School Coach) will all be competing in the Women’s Open team, with Coach Pauline leading the charge as Captain of the Women’s World Cup Team. 

“It has been such a surreal experience leading the Women’s Open team for Team Pilipinas in the upcoming Touch World Cup,” says Coach Pauline. “But more than anything, what has given me the most joy and fulfillment is seeing how far my former and current students have come competing in the sport we all love. I draw so much of my motivation from making sure that I set a good example and that they share the same sense of pride that I do playing alongside each other.”

Hopes for the World Cup

The entire team is looking forward to the challenges and camaraderie of the Touch World Cup. “I do hope to win against some countries, but I am also expecting this World Cup to be full of ups and downs,” says Ruri. Inez shares Ruri’s sentiment, adding, “I aspire for our Women’s Open team to be successful in the competitions, hopefully to inspire the growth of touch rugby in the Philippines.”

“This entire Touch World Cup campaign has really been all about showcasing the distinct flair of touch football athletes in the Philippines and this experience further fuels the passion of our local pool of talents,” shares Coach Pauline. “We hope that everyone supporting us from the sidelines, especially young girls, feel empowered that competing on the world stage and representing our country is within our reach.”

Bearcat Community Cheering On

The entire ISM community extends its warmest congratulations to our talented Bearcats. Their passion and commitment to the sport are truly inspiring. We look forward to following their journey this July, cheering them on every step of the way as they pave the way for the Philippines on the global field. Let’s go Bearcats!