A member of the Philippine Football Team has tested positive for the dreaded (and slightly deadly) Influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore, sending the team’s Singaporean liaison and anyone who has come into close contact with the team into quarantine.

Accordingly, the game that they were scheduled to play has been cancelled.

Cancelled!

A hero’s welcome has been prepared for them by Environment and Natural Resources secretary Jose “Lito” Atienza, Jr. to honor “their spirit of true sportsmanship, their being the true epitome of team work, and for bringing honor and glory to the Philippines.”

A motorcade will bring them from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport through the streets of Manila and to Malacanang for a grand reception that will be hosted by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Face masks and squeeze-bottles of hand sanitizer will be distributed at the event.