Side by Side: The Peña Brothers

Football in the Philippines has always moved a little differently. It grows quietly in school grounds, in small-sided games, in places where the space is not always meant for it. But for a younger generation of players, the game is starting to feel closer, more real, something they can see themselves in. Justin Peña (23) and Jared “Jax” Peña (19) are part of that shift.

Both midfielders, both from Muntinlupa, and both products of De La Salle Santiago Zobel School, the brothers emerged from the same system that continues to shape young footballers in the country. Their paths have since diverged. Justin, after a stint with TSS Rovers in Canada, now plays professionally in the Philippines for Aguilas UMAK Football Club in the Philippine Football League, while Jax moved abroad to continue his collegiate career and development with Walsh University.

‘We used to play football inside the house!’

 Long before playing in the Philippine Football League, things were simpler. 

“One funny memory was when we were growing up, we used to play football inside the house! We had 1v1, and the game would only end when something broke or we got tired,” Justin shared with ALL-STAR.

For Jax, those early moments marked the beginning of everything.

“I was around 4 or 5 when I first got into football. I was watching Justin play when someone asked if I wanted to join. I had never played before, but I nodded, still in my green Crocs, and somehow, it just came naturally. From that moment, I fell in love with the game more and more each day, always pushing myself while looking up to my older brother,” he shared.

At the time, it did not mean much. Just two brothers playing, competing, figuring things out as they went. It only makes sense later how those small moments shape the way players understand each other.

“Overall I would say it is a healthy relationship of competitiveness and support that pushes us both to be better players,” Justin mentioned.

It is how the game usually begins. A ball, a bit of space, and someone to share it with.

“I remember constantly challenging him every night. Our competitive nature was born through those countless nights fighting and pushing each other, even at such a young age. It shows how we both shaped our personalities on and off the field,” Jax shared, recalling a formative memory with his older brother.

Together in National Colors

That same dynamic has carried into bigger stages.

There is a different weight to international football. Every call-up, every match carries more than just the game. It is something you grow into over time. For Justin and Jax Peña, it is a space they have stepped into together.

“One of the best memories I had was the opportunity to play for the U23 Philippine team in the AFF and AFC qualifiers alongside my brother. We got to travel and compete against different countries together,” Justin shared with ALL-STAR.

For Jax, the experience carried the same weight, if not more.

“It honestly was a blast and a privilege representing the country we love together. That feeling is something we continue to chase, and the reason we aspire to keep playing,” he shared.

Through their shared journey and relentless work, the brothers have not only grown as players, but etched something historic for their family. Representing the country side by side on the international stage.

“You only get better when someone pushes you every day.”

For Justin, being the eldest comes with a responsibility that stretches far beyond the pitch. Carrying the role of a mentor while carving out his own path in football is no easy balance, but it is one he embraces with pride. In many ways, being a role model to his younger brothers stands as both one of his greatest challenges and most meaningful achievements.

“I would say all elder siblings have a responsibility to set the tone both on and off the pitch. I share my experiences to help both Jax and Jof grow into better players and more importantly better humans.”

It shows in the way he speaks about Jax.

“I admire that he has good discipline and knows what he wants to do whether it is football related or life,” Justin shared.

For many younger siblings, having an older brother to look up to can shape the way they grow, both as players and as individuals. For Jax, that role model came naturally in Justin, someone who not only guided him but pushed him to become better every step of the way.

“You only get better when someone pushes you every day. I was lucky enough to have an older brother like Justin who always had my back but was not afraid to give me that little push. Likewise, I always make sure to push and support him.”

It is a dynamic built on mutual growth, one that continues to drive both of them forward.

And while bigger stages and greater dreams sit on the horizon, their story is still unfolding in real time. For now, it is about the process, the daily work, the unseen hours, as they continue building on a journey that started long before the spotlight.

For more exclusive football stories, click here.