News came out this week about the Philippine Football Federation announcing their interest to invite Aston Villa to play the Philippine national team in Manila in the off-season as part of their "Independence Day Cup" slated for June 2013. PFF president Mariano "Nonong" Araneta said that the newly-built McKinley Hill Football Field in Taguig could boost the chances of the Philippines becoming one of the stops for Aston Villa’s Asian tour. The artificial pitch is owned by real estate giant Megaworld Corporation, a partner of tourist hub Resorts World Manila. The development is a project of Malaysian conglomerate Genting Group, an official sponsor of Aston Villa. “When I talked to Resorts World people, they said they can help us invite Aston Villa because Aston Villa is sponsored by Genting Highlands,” Araneta said. “When they go to Asia, they can come over in the Philippines.” Araneta added that Aston Villa could also participate in a planned tournament in June called the Independence Cup, which will feature the Azkals and possibly clubs from Spain and China. http://www.interaksyon.com/interakt...mier-leagues-aston-villa-for-philippine-visit In December 2011, the Philippine team played the LA Galaxy (which had David Beckham, Landon Donovan, and Robbie Keane (who was loaned out at your club after that season)), which came at a time football was still emerging after a long period of obscurity (the country's most popular sport is basketball). It would be interesting if Aston Villa would include this tour to the Philippines, as having a high-profile/top-tier club can boost the popularity of the sport in the country. Any post-season plans so far from what you have heard? Would like to know. Cheers!