Filipino football fans and ranking sports officials celebrated in style, voicing out their loudest cheers while shedding tears of joy over the dramatic 1-0 victory of Spain over Argentina in the final of the FIFA World Cup on Monday (Manila time).

No less than Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, the two highest Filipino sports officials, were at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to personally witness the Spaniards lift their first World Cup trophy in 16 years.

Gregorio, a rabid football fan, had a memorable experience at the pitch as he sat beside World Cup winner and former FC Barcelona captain Carles Puyol. When the game ended, he bumped into Princess Leonor, the future queen of Spain who was with Princess Infanta Sofia and Spain Vice President Carlo Caballero.

Tolentino also enjoyed the sights and sounds of the World Cup as he flew to the United States with POC secretary general Atty. Wharton Chan and his daughter, former Cavite Governor Athena Tolentino.

“Witnessing history unfold at the FIFA World Cup,” said Tolentino, who even bumped into Filipino-Spanish tycoon Enrique Razon, the chairman and CEO of the International Container Terminal Services Inc.

“Nothing beats the thrill of experiencing the beautiful game live. Great company and incredible football with well-known Filipino businessman/sportsman Mr. Enrique Razon, POC secretary general Atty. Wharton Chan and former Cavite Governor Athena Tolentino.

Back home, Filipino supporters gathered at McDonald’s West McKinley in Taguig City, where a watch party organized with the support of GoTyme and Visa started as early as 1:30 p.m.

Among those in attendance was Kaya FC-Iloilo midfielder Cam Rodriguez, who enjoyed the electric atmosphere shared by Filipino football supporters.

“It’s very lively here at the Watch Party for the World Cup. Overall, it’s very festive,” Rodriguez said, hoping that Filipino fans will show the same passion when their national women’s football team competes in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

“We have Brazil next year, the Women’s World Cup. We’re going to play there,” Rodriguez said.

“I know the celebration is even going to be bigger, so I’m looking forward to that as well.”