I still remember the first time I watched Ryan Soccer play—it was during that crucial match where University of the Philippines, sitting at 5-6, was fighting to keep their semifinal hopes alive. As someone who’s followed collegiate football for over a decade, I’ve seen countless talented players come and go, but Ryan’s journey stands out in a way that feels both rare and inspiring. His path to becoming a professional football star wasn’t just about raw talent; it was a story of resilience, timing, and seizing opportunities when they mattered most.

Growing up in a football-loving family, Ryan started kicking a ball almost as soon as he could walk. By age 12, he was already turning heads in local youth leagues, but what really caught my attention was his performance during the 2022 collegiate season. That year, UP, despite being one of the bottom four teams with a 5-6 record, managed to stay in contention for the semifinals, and Ryan was at the heart of that push. I recall watching their match against a top-seeded rival—Ryan’s ability to read the game, his precise passes, and that stunning left-footed goal in the 78th minute showcased a maturity beyond his years. It wasn’t just skill; it was his mental toughness that impressed me. In a sport where pressure can break even seasoned players, Ryan thrived, turning what could have been a forgettable season into a platform for his rise.

What many people don’t realize is how much the environment at UP shaped Ryan’s development. The team’s underdog status, with only a 5-6 win-loss tally, forced him to adapt quickly to high-stakes situations. I’ve always believed that adversity breeds excellence in football, and Ryan’s case proves it. He once shared in an interview that those tight games—where every pass and tackle felt like life or death—taught him to stay calm under pressure. It’s something I’ve seen in other greats like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo early in their careers; they didn’t just rely on talent but honed their instincts in challenging settings. For Ryan, UP’s semifinal chase was his crucible. He logged over 1,200 minutes on the pitch that season, with a passing accuracy of around 87%—numbers that might not scream superstar at first glance, but when you consider the context, they reveal a player who was learning to carry a team on his shoulders.

Off the field, Ryan’s dedication was just as remarkable. I had the chance to speak with one of his former coaches, who mentioned how Ryan would stay behind after practice for extra drills, sometimes until dusk. This wasn’t just about physical training; he studied game footage relentlessly, analyzing opponents’ weaknesses—a habit I think more young players should emulate. In my opinion, this intellectual approach to football is what separates good players from great ones. Ryan’s transition to the professional leagues, which began with a contract signing at age 20, wasn’t a sudden leap but a gradual climb. He joined a mid-tier club initially, where he faced setbacks like a minor injury that sidelined him for six weeks. But true to form, he used that time to refine his strategy, coming back stronger and eventually securing a move to a top-tier European club by age 23.

Looking back, Ryan’s journey reminds me why I fell in love with football in the first place—it’s not just about the glory but the grind. His story is a testament to how a player can rise from a team struggling at 5-6 to becoming a household name. If there’s one thing I’d want aspiring footballers to take away from his experience, it’s that success often hinges on how you handle the tough moments. Ryan didn’t just play the game; he lived it, and that passion is something you can’t fake. As he continues to shine on the global stage, I have no doubt he’ll inspire a new generation to chase their dreams, no matter the odds.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.