Celebrities showed up to support the Azkals in an exhibition match in Taguig on Sunday. Anna Cerezo, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA -- Big names from the entertainment industry laced up their boots in the Azkals Celebrity Cup on Sunday in Taguig City to support the Philippines' campaign in the upcoming Asia 7's Championships.

Former national team members led by iconic midfielder Stephan Schrock will represent the country in the tournament, set for October 9-12 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Among the celebrities who took part in the exhibition match was Daniel Matsunaga, a known sports advocate.

"Football is growing a lot now. [The] Azkals are representing us well, especially towards the Asian Cup and World Cup. Sana football gets more support. Sana sponsors din," he said. "Sana it grows as a sport, not just basketball. There is so much potential sa mga Pinoy."

It's Showtime host and television personality Ryan Bang, who also participated in the game, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of bringing more attention to the sport to foster greater participation among Filipinos.

"Sobrang galing ng Azkals ngayon. Andito kami para lalo mapansin brands, sponsors, para tulungan budget ng Azkals," he said.

The Asia 7s, established in 2022, is a 7-a-side football tournament. 

READ: Azkals' moniker makes comeback for Asian 7's football tourney

Aside from the Azkals, also set to compete in the 2024 edition of the event are teams from Malaysia, India, Japan, China, Brunei, Singapore, and Indonesia. Five more teams are expected to join.

While the national team itself has "moved on" from the Azkals moniker, the team will use the name for the Asia 7s competition.

"This is the next step in keeping alive the Azkals name which has become synonymous with Philippine football," Schrock said in August.

"It is very important to continue the Azkals legacy on how as the former minnows of Asian football, we were able to rise and overcome the challenges before. Hopefully by using the moniker again, we can once more inspire all aspiring football players in the country," he added. -- reports from Anna Cerezo and Kennedy Caacbay, ABS-CBN News