Weiss said the Baguio-Benguet leg of the training is just a portion of a three-part regimen for the prized team. "This the first part of our training, to get out of the hustle and bustle of Manila and find peace here while training," her stated.

Weiss stressed highland temperature is perfect for their aerobic endurance training with the next three stages of the rigid regime to be completed in Japan where they will head for a football training center.

The German coach said: "Baguio is a different place; we find more peace here, better training," in preparation for the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup match against Mongolia on March 16 in Ulan Bator.

James Younghusband said he is confident the team will be able to defeat its Mongolian counterpart. "We are in a very strong position and our players are better than the Mongolian players."

Weiss said the team will continue to train at the Brent School International playing grounds for the duration of their stay here, saying the facility is more secure than the Benguet State University field.

A practice game with Baguio Pinikpikan’s was held Wednesday afternoon at the state university field and another matchup is scheduled Saturday.

The team acceded to a press briefing Wednesday morning at the Baguio Country Club and a courtesy call with Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan in the afternoon.

Maria Elena Gonzales, Business Malaya