Julian Araquel: Doing ordinary things in extraordinary ways

Not many children can balance activities in sports and academics.

For Julian Barcelon Araquel, an 8-year-old student athlete from Don Bosco Technical College Mandaluyong, excellence in school means prospering inside the classroom and the football pitch.

Araquel is the main goalkeeper of the under-9 Don Bosco Greywolves Football Team, contributing to the team’s success in winning the prestigious Rizal Football Association (RIFA) Bowl Division Championship for the 2017–2018 age group under coach Marwan Pantusan.

Beyond his school team, Julian is also part of Kasiglahan Football United under-11 team where he continues to compete at a higher level under coach Kevin Piquero.

His outstanding performance earned him the Best Goalkeeper Award at the United Cup 2026, held on April 12, 2026, at PhilSports Football Field.

Julian’s excellence extends beyond sports.

He was also honored with one of the highest recognition for a Bosconian, the St. Dominic Savio Award, along with the Good Moral Character Excellence Award for School Year 2025–26.

Demonstrating leadership and strong values at a young age, Julian serves as the trainer and team captain of Savio FC, a newly formed community football club dedicated to supporting less privileged children in the vicinity of St. Dominic Savio Parish, Harapin Ng Bukas, Mandaluyong City.

The initiative is guided by Fr. Salvador "Boy" Pablo, SDB.

In addition to football, Julian regularly trains in swimming to aid his recovery and overall fitness. He also incorporates cycling into his routine, often riding to school and training sessions to build endurance.

A passionate runner, Araquel also joins fun runs across Metro Manila and enjoys casual runs at the UP Diliman Academic Oval, often alongside his father Dexter.

Further recognizing his talent, Julian was invited to play at the Vermosa Sports Hub as goalkeeper for a 9-year-old team under One Football Academy, founded and managed by Dan Palami, former manager of the Philippine National Football Team (Azkals).

For this summer season, he is currently the goalkeeper for the under-9 team of FA Manila owned by Sergi Mulet for the much awaited Unity Cup 2026 organized by the National Capital Region Football Association.

Guided by strong values and discipline, Julian lives by his favorite motto inspired by St. John Bosco: “Doing ordinary things in extraordinary ways.”

Click here to read article