Perpetual’s boy-next-door student-athlete Alfonso Gonzales keeps feet on ground

By: Paolo Manuel C. Fule

Dedication, resiliency and perseverance amidst difficulties are qualities that this handsome lad has in store for his sport that he can apply to his life. Let us take a glimpse of this future football superstar’s career and more.

Born Enrico Alfonso Alto Gonzlaes on August 23, 1997 in Quezon City to Mr. Rico Panganiban Gonzales and Ms. Heren Clamor Alto, the 5-foot-9 sophomore college student of University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Las Pinas is currently taking up BS-HRM.

Asked how the young lad balances football and studies, “For me it's all about discipline. You have to wake up early in the morning to train and go back to eat and pamper yourself before going to school. It's like a daily routine where you have to do your school works ahead of time because you have training early in the morning. Discipline and Proper Time management is the key”, quipped Alfonso.

His achievements in this sport include being granted scholarship from the school and way back in high school they have won a lot of tournaments and football festivals around Manila. “I got influenced by my brother when I was young and got introduced to this sport early on, but when I ask myself why should I pursue football, maybe because the spirit of football is a whole lot different from any sport. I love everything about it: the game, the bonding, the fans, the crowd cheering, and of course the glory of scoring a goal”, said Alfonso.

His most unforgettable competition happened nine years ago in a football festival in Cavite. “We were just starting to learn football during that time and luckily we've reached the finals. It was against PCU and during the game all we did was not to let them score because we thought we really can't win the game because they were bigger and has more experience than us. So all we did was to defend. Time ran out and penalty shootout was our only chance and luckily we won in the shootout with a score of 3-1 and made us champions”.

His idol in football is Marco Reus. With determination and perseverance, this young athlete can achieve greater heights and carve a niche in the world of professional football in the near future.