SANTA Claus represents generosity, joy, and the power to bring hope, but for the children of the Tuloy Foundation, their own version of Santa is Fr. Mariciano “Rocky” Evangelista, SDB–fondly called “Santa Football.”

Through his unwavering commitment to the Tuloy Foundation, Fr. Rocky has embodied the spirit of selflessness and transformation, using football and futsal as tools to uplift the lives of street children in the Philippines.

Like the timeless holiday figure, he dedicates his life not only to spreading joy during Christmas but to providing life-changing opportunities all year round, earning him the beloved nickname “Santa Football”.

His unwavering commitment earned global recognition in 2017 when he received the International Humanitarian Award at the Miss World pageant from Ms. Julia Morley, an event watched by millions.

This honor cements his legacy as a beacon of hope and transformation for marginalized youth.

Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, a proud advocate from Fr. Rocky’s home province, serves as Tuloy FC’s honorary chairwoman, championing his vision for football development in the Philippines.

Fr. Rocky’s decade-long vision has borne remarkable fruit, as Tuloy FC’s women’s futsal team recently celebrated their fourth consecutive championship title in the High 5 Women’s Futsal League with an emphatic 8-1 victory in the final match.

This triumph is not just a testament to their dominance but a milestone in Fr. Rocky’s master plan to prepare these young women for international competition– setting their sights on the 2025 Women’s Futsal World Cup.

Among the program’s brightest stars are four players who recently represented the Philippines in the ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship: Isabella Bandoja, Lanie Ortillo, Louraine Evangelista, and Mykaella Abeto.

Each embodies Fr. Rocky’s dream of a brighter future for the youth.

Isabella “Nine” Bandoja, the team’s captain, leads with unparalleled passion and determination, inspiring her teammates on and off the court. Lanie Ortillo, who earned MVP honors and top scorer accolades for two consecutive seasons, reflects on her journey with deep gratitude:

“Before I came to Tuloy, I was a little girl in Tondo, begging for money and looking for food and scraps. All I knew back then was how to survive. But because of Tuloy, I was able to learn and found a passion for football and futsal. That has changed my life. Because of Fr. Rocky and Tuloy, I was able to achieve my dream of becoming a national team player.”

Louraine Evangelista, who at just 15 represented the Philippines in U17 and U20 women’s football, is considered a rising star, while Mykaella Abeto has established herself as the country’s top futsal goalkeeper, boasting the fewest goals conceded in the High 5 tournament.

Together, these four young athletes are shaping the future of Philippine futsal as they prepare for the global stage.

This success would not have been possible without the foundational contributions of Coach Vic Hermans and Mr. Danny Moran, who spearheaded futsal development in the Philippines.

Their efforts to introduce futsal to schools and establish leagues like the High 5 Men’s and Women’s Futsal League have laid the groundwork for this incredible achievement, culminating in the honor of hosting the first-ever FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup in the Philippines and leading the team to this historic event.

A Rising Force: The Tuloy FC Men’s Team

The success of the women’s program is mirrored by Tuloy FC’s men’s team, which currently includes 24 players in the U23 Youth Development Team in the Philippine Football League (PFL) —a significant milestone that highlights the foundation’s commitment to grassroots development.

Among the standout players are Tuloy FC captain Harry James “Noti: Nuñez, Jhon Henson Diaz, Cyrelle James Saut, and John Loyd Jalique, who have all been part of the U20 national team.

Additionally, several other players have represented the Philippines across various age groups, further demonstrating the long-term impact of Tuloy FC’s program in producing national talent.

Gratitude and Appreciation for the Coaches

Tuloy FC’s success is driven by its coaching staff, led by Technical Director Coach Taketomo Suzuki, along with eight former players who have become coaches. These individuals play a crucial role in both the foundation and national football and futsal teams, dedicating themselves to nurturing young talent and driving the athletes’ growth and success.

A Season of Gratitude and Hope

As the Tuloy Foundation celebrates another year of remarkable achievements, Fr. Rocky’s vision continues to inspire.

“This isn’t just about winning trophies,” he emphasized. “It’s about changing lives, giving these kids a sense of purpose, and showing them that they are capable of greatness.”

“Their journey is a powerful reminder that with faith, opportunity, and determination, miracles happen–not just on the field, but in life.”

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) for their unwavering support in advancing football and futsal in the country. Special thanks go to PFF President John Gutierrez, Technical Director Josep Ferer, and the entire PFF team for believing in the potential of our youth. Together, we are building a legacy of excellence and opportunity for the next generation of Filipino athletes.”

Supporting the Future: How You Can Help

To know more about Tuloy Foundation, Inc. you may visit them at St Mary’s Street, Alabang- Zapote Rd, Alabang,Muntinlupa City, or call Fr Rocky Evangelista, SBD at 8775-0484-85; or visit their website: By Michelle Attwood

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