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  • UP strengthens rebuilding bid with five new recruits for upcoming UAAP campaigns 

    UP strengthens rebuilding bid with five new recruits for upcoming UAAP campaigns 

    As the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons focus on their UAAP Season 89 campaign, the program has already laid the foundation for the future after securing five new recruits who are expected to play key roles once they become eligible in Season 90 following the mandatory one-year residency period.


    Leading the incoming class are Fil-Am twins Heart and Hannah Lising, who arrive after playing for Los Angeles Mission College. Although they will spend their first year developing within the program, the sisters are expected to become integral pieces of UP’s long-term plans.

     

    Joining them is 5-foot-6 Fil-Am guard Kristan Yumul, whose resume already includes several notable appearances for the Philippine national team despite her young age.

     

    Yumul was instrumental in Gilas Pilipinas Girls Under-16’s successful campaign in the 2022 FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship, averaging an impressive 21.6 points per game as the Philippines earned promotion to Division A.

     

    Later that year, she suited up for the Gilas Under-18 squad and contributed 10.6 points per game in another promotion-winning campaign at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asian Championship.

     

    Her steady rise continued in 2024 when she debuted for the Gilas Pilipinas women’s national team. Most recently, she represented the country in the FIBA 3×3 Nations League – Asia Pacific Conference, further strengthening an already impressive basketball résumé before joining UP.

     

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    The Fighting Maroons also welcomed 19-year-old Fil-Aussie forward Lecita Sherriffs, who, like the other newcomers, will spend a season in residency before becoming eligible.

     

    Completing the recruiting class is 18-year-old Nigerian Okesola Victoria Olauluwa, whose arrival comes at an opportune time after the UAAP approved the inclusion of two foreign student-athletes in a team’s lineup. Once eligible, she is expected to join fellow Nigerian Blessing Chuole Francis to give UP additional size and depth in future seasons.

     

    The additions mark another step in the program’s transition under head coach Eric Altamirano, who emphasized the importance of continuously strengthening the roster.

     

    “Siyempre, recruitment naman ang lifeblood of any program, and we’re just happy for the trust these players gave us, even as they wait for a year before being able to play,” said Altamirano.

    While the newcomers patiently wait for their opportunity in Season 90, UP’s attention remains on the immediate challenge of UAAP Season 89.

     

    The Fighting Maroons will lean on veterans Louna Ozar and Camille Nolasco, along with promising recruits Kennan Ka, Ashley Loon, and Blessing Chuole Francis, as they attempt to return to the Final Four after finishing fifth and seventh in the last two UAAP women’s basketball tournaments.

     

    Altamirano also stressed that every member of the growing roster will have an opportunity to contribute as the program continues its rebuild.

     

    “What we can promise naman is all of them will be given the chance to prove themselves, kasi kailangan natin lahat sila,” he said.

     

    UP hopes its latest recruiting class will help restore the Fighting Maroons as contenders in the coming years after the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses captured the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball championship by dethroning the defending champion National University Lady Bulldogs. 

     

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  • NU turns to familiar face as Norman Miguel returns to lead Lady Bulldogs in UAAP Season 89 

    NU turns to familiar face as Norman Miguel returns to lead Lady Bulldogs in UAAP Season 89 

    National University is once again entrusting its women’s volleyball program to one of its most successful tactician, bringing back Norman Miguel as head coach in hopes of steering the Lady Bulldogs back to the UAAP summit.


    The school announced on Monday that Miguel will return for another stint with the program and take over the reins for UAAP Season 89, replacing Regine Diego, who will transition to an assistant coaching role.

     

    The appointment continues a remarkable trend within the NU program, which will have a different head coach for the third consecutive season despite remaining one of the league’s premier contenders.

     

    Miguel inherits a squad that came close to reclaiming the championship last season. Under Diego, the Lady Bulldogs compiled a 10-4 elimination-round record before advancing to the Finals, where they settled for a runner-up finish after falling to the De La Salle Lady Spikers.

     

    While the result fell short of the program’s championship standard, NU remained firmly among the UAAP’s elite, setting the stage for Miguel’s latest return.

     

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    Few coaches are as familiar with the Lady Bulldogs’ culture as Miguel. His first stint came during UAAP Seasons 81 and 82, before he returned in Season 86, where he immediately guided NU back to the top of Philippine collegiate volleyball.

     

    That campaign saw the Lady Bulldogs sweep the UST Golden Tigresses in the championship series behind Most Valuable Player Bella Belen and Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon, restoring NU as the league’s dominant force.

     

    Miguel’s return also adds another chapter to the Lady Bulldogs’ revolving coaching history during their most successful era.

     

    Karl Dimaculangan ended the school’s 65-year title drought by steering NU to the Season 84 championship. Miguel then reclaimed the title during his one-season return in Season 86, before Sherwin Meneses delivered another championship in Season 87 during his own one-year stint.

     

    Diego took over in Season 88, guiding the Lady Bulldogs back to the Finals but ultimately falling short of another championship.

     

    Now, the responsibility shifts back to Miguel, who faces the challenge of turning another Finals appearance into a title-winning campaign.

     

    With a roster expected to remain among the strongest in the UAAP, NU is banking on a coach who has already proven he can deliver championships, hoping familiarity and continuity will once again translate into another banner for the Lady Bulldogs in Season 89.

     

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  • UP begins UAAP Season 89 rebuild with Fil-Canadian guard Irish Coquia 

    UP begins UAAP Season 89 rebuild with Fil-Canadian guard Irish Coquia 

    The University of the Philippines remains focused on reclaiming the UAAP men’s basketball crown in Season 89 as the Fighting Maroons are making sure their future is in good hands.


    UP has secured the commitment of Fil-Canadian guard Irish Coquia, a move that strengthens the program’s long-term plans as it prepares for life beyond veteran backcourt leaders Rey Remogat and Rain Maga.

     

    The 6-foot-1 playmaker will serve the mandatory one-year residency requirement before becoming eligible for two seasons beginning in Season 90, giving the Fighting Maroons time to develop one of their newest recruits within Goldwin Monteverde’s system.

     

    “I chose UP because I believe this program can bring out the best in me. UP gave me a vision for my future that felt right not just in basketball, but in who I can become. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent UP, grow under this program, and keep working towards my goals,” Coquia said.

     

    Coquia arrives in Diliman with experience at both levels of U.S. collegiate basketball. He most recently played for the University of New Orleans in NCAA Division I after first making his mark at NCAA Division II program Simon Fraser University.

     

    Long before his college career in the United States, Coquia established himself as one of British Columbia’s premier high school talents. He averaged 35 points per game while leading his team to a provincial championship, earning Most Valuable Player honors in the process.

     

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    The Fil-Canadian guard, who turns 21 in September, is expected to become a key figure in UP’s next-generation backcourt. 

     

    By the time he becomes eligible in Season 90, both Remogat and Maga will have exhausted their playing eligibility, opening the door for Coquia to team up with fellow Fil-Am recruit Joaquin Tovera.

     

    For Monteverde, the addition is part of ensuring continuity within one of the UAAP’s most successful programs in recent years.

     

    “Together with our other recruits, makakatulong si Irish sa atin, especially to ensure na tuloy-tuloy lang tayo pagkatapos ng playing years nina Rey at Rain,” said Monteverde.

     

    The commitment also carries personal significance for Coquia, whose family roots trace back to Dagupan City, Pangasinan. His uncle, multidisciplinary communicator Rex Laguerta, studied at the UP Open University from 2019 to 2024, making the newest Fighting Maroon’s arrival a homecoming of sorts.

     

    UP continues to build from a position of sustained success. The Fighting Maroons are coming off their fifth consecutive UAAP Finals appearance, a stretch highlighted by championships in Seasons 84 and 87.

     

    As the Maroons chase redemption in Season 89 after falling to the DLSU Green Archers in last season’s best-of-three championship series, the commitment of Coquia signals that the program is looking beyond its immediate title aspirations—investing in a future it hopes will keep UP among the league’s perennial contenders for years to come.

     

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  • Kacey Dela Rosa puts championship dream over professional offers as she returns for her final Ateneo season 

    Kacey Dela Rosa puts championship dream over professional offers as she returns for her final Ateneo season 

    For many rising stars, overseas offers signal the next big leap. For Ateneo de Manila University standout Kacey Dela Rosa, winning a UAAP women’s basketball championship before she leaves Katipunan is her goal.


    The two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player has confirmed her decision to return for her fifth and final playing year with the Blue Eagles, choosing unfinished business over early professional opportunities abroad.

     

    After guiding Ateneo from a semifinal exit to a podium finish in UAAP Season 88, Dela Rosa believes the program is close enough to take the next step, but not without one more push.

     

    Unsurprisingly, interest from outside leagues has begun to build around the 22-year-old center, whose size, skill, and versatility have also made her a fixture in both 5-on-5 and 3×3 competitions.

     

    She recently helped Ateneo secure a bronze finish in UAAP 3×3 basketball, further strengthening her reputation as one of the country’s most complete young frontcourt players.

     

    “Siguro, yung motivation ko talaga is yung hindi ko umalis nang walang championship. Kahit yung mga offers, hindi ko na masyadong pinapansin kasi yung Ateneo muna yung focus ko for now,” Dela Rosa said.

     

    Beyond individual accolades, she sees her final season as a chance to leave something more permanent within the Ateneo program.

     

    “Iniisip ko lang din kung anong makaka-help sa Ateneo community and sa teammates ko, gusto ko na parang mag-iwan talaga ako ng mabuti at magandang legacy sa Ateneo,” she said.

     

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    Her impact extends beyond collegiate play. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the Gilas Women program, where she has helped raise the profile of Philippine women’s basketball on the international stage. 

     

    Dela Rosa being honored with a special citation and inclusion in the Women’s Basketball Mythical Five in the recent Collegiate Press Corps Awards further cemented her status among the country’s elite.

     

    Her recent national team stint also coincided with a growing momentum for the program, highlighted by the Philippines’ silver-medal finish in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Division B campaign, a milestone she views as part of a larger upward trend for the sport.

     

    Despite her achievements at both collegiate and international levels, Dela Rosa remains grounded in her goal of finishing her UAAP career on her own terms—with a championship.

     

    “Gusto ko na mag-iwan talaga ako ng magandang legacy sa ating team.”

     

    For Ateneo, her return is more than just a roster boost. It is another chance to turn promise into payoff, anchored by a player who has already accomplished much—but still sees her story as unfinished.

     

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  • Ramil De Jesus sees big boost in La Salle seniors’ return ahead of UAAP Season 89 

    Ramil De Jesus sees big boost in La Salle seniors’ return ahead of UAAP Season 89 

    After rewriting the record books in UAAP Season 88, De La Salle University head coach Ramil De Jesus believes the biggest boost heading into the next chapter came not from a new recruit, but from his veteran players choosing to stay.


    The decorated Lady Spikers mentor expressed his appreciation after Shevana Laput, Angel Canino, Amie Provido, and Lyka De Leon decided to return for UAAP Season 89, giving La Salle the continuity and leadership it needs as it tries to defend its throne.

     

    The decision carries extra weight after the Lady Spikers produced one of the most dominant campaigns in league history last season. La Salle went unbeaten through all 16 assignments, eventually completing its championship run by sweeping defending champions National University in the Finals.

     

    For De Jesus, seeing his seniors prioritize the team over turning professional immediately was a meaningful reward.

     

    “Ayun ‘yung pinakaswerteng natanggap ko na regalo ng mga seniors ko, na nag-stay sila for the team, and hindi kaagad nagmadaling mag-pro,” Ramil said.

     

    However, the veteran coach understands that repeating a perfect season will be a much bigger challenge. With La Salle now carrying the target on its back, De Jesus knows every opponent will enter games against the Lady Spikers with extra motivation.

     

    “‘Yung bawat games naman dumadaan eh, so kung ano ‘yung kahinatnan ng games, kung kulang ‘yung preparation mo, eh maghabol ka. Pero kung nandoon ka sa itaas, edi ikaw ‘yung habulin. Ganon kasimple,” he said.

     

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    Despite the pressure that comes with success, De Jesus remains committed to the sport and the program that he has built over the years.

     

    “Sa akin kasi, siguro, ‘yung passion kasi hindi nawawala ‘yun eh. Hanggang siguro binibigyan ako ng pagkakataon, ng chance, at mayroong naniniwala sa akin so tuloy tuloy lang siguro ‘yun.”

     

    Aside from their impact on La Salle, the returning seniors are also earning recognition on the national stage. De Jesus welcomed the inclusion of Canino and Provido in the Alas Pilipinas women’s volleyball training pool that will prepare for the 20th Asian Games in Japan this coming September. Finals MVP Laput is also part of the group.

     

    The veteran mentor believes their selection reflects the quality and potential they have shown.

    “Deserving sila, nakita nila ‘yong potentials ng mga bata, nakita nila talagang makakatulong (sa team),” veteran coach said.

     

    Canino and Provido were among the country’s top hitters named to the Philippine Olympic Committee-released training pool. They join national team standouts including captain Jia De Guzman, Belen, Eya Laure, Fifi Sharma, Shai Nitura, Alyssa Solomon, Vanie Gandler, and Erika Santos under new head coach Taka Minowa.

     

    For De Jesus, the challenge is clear, maintain the hunger that produced perfection while preparing for a league determined to stop La Salle’s reign.

     

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  • 27 UAAP, NCAA stars take center stage at 2026 Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night 

    27 UAAP, NCAA stars take center stage at 2026 Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night 

    Now on its fourth year under the unified Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) banner, the annual awards night continues its tradition of celebrating the country’s finest collegiate athletes following the 2022 merger of the UAAP and NCAA media organizations.


    The 2026 Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) Annual Awards Night will once again put the spotlight on the brightest stars from the nation’s top collegiate leagues on Monday, June 29, at Discovery Suites Manila in Ortigas, Pasig City.

     

    A total of 27 student-athletes from the UAAP and NCAA will be recognized for their standout performances throughout the recently concluded seasons, celebrating the best individual efforts that shaped another memorable year of collegiate competition.

     

    Leading the list of honorees are Mike Phillips and Kent Pastrana, who were named the CPC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Players of the Year after guiding De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas back to the top of UAAP basketball.

     

    Phillips added another milestone to his decorated collegiate career after helping La Salle capture its second UAAP championship under his watch. The veteran forward now owns two UAAP titles and one Finals MVP award, while also earning a spot in the CPC Men’s Basketball Mythical Team.

    This marks Phillips’ second Mythical Team recognition and his first CPC Basketball Player of the Year award.

     

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    Joining Phillips in the Men’s Basketball Mythical Team are UAAP MVP Janrey Pasaol of Far Eastern University, NCAA Season 101 champion Janti Miller of San Beda University, Letran guard Titing Manalili, and University of Santo Tomas big man Collins Akowe.

     

    Pastrana, meanwhile, headlines the CPC UAAP Women’s Basketball Mythical Team after playing a key role in UST’s title-winning campaign. She is joined by teammate Brigette Santos, National University’s Ann Pingol and Tin Cayabyab, and Ateneo de Manila University’s Kacey Dela Rosa.

     

    Dela Rosa will also receive a special citation after helping Gilas Pilipinas secure SEA Games gold medals in both the 5-on-5 and 3×3 basketball events last December, while contributing to the country’s qualification bid for the FIBA 3×3 World Cup.

     

    The volleyball court also produced this year’s biggest standouts as La Salle senior Angel Canino was named the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year, while Lara Mae Silva of Letran earned NCAA Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year honors after becoming a key figure in the Lady Knights’ historic championship run—their first title in 28 years.

     

    In men’s volleyball, Leo Ordiales of six-time UAAP champion National University and Reymark Betco of NCAA Season 101 champion De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde were recognized as the Men’s Volleyball Players of the Year.

     

    Football also continued to earn its place in the annual celebration, with Marc Pellejo of San Beda University and Ramil Bation III of the University of the Philippines winning the NCAA and UAAP Men’s Football Player of the Year awards after leading their teams to championships.

     

    Far Eastern University’s Regine Rebosura was also honored as the UAAP Women’s Football Player of the Year, with support from the Philippine Sports Commission.

     

    The CPC will also recognize the coaches who guided these championship teams.

     

    La Salle’s Topex Robinson and San Beda’s Yuri Escueta were named the UAAP and NCAA Men’s Basketball Coaches of the Year, while UST mentor Haydee Ong earned the UAAP Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year award.

     

    Longtime La Salle volleyball coach Ramil de Jesus received the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Coach of the Year honor, while Letran’s Mayeth Carolino was chosen as the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Coach of the Year.

     

    National University’s title-winning volleyball run also earned recognition for coach Dante Alinsunurin, while Arnold Laniog was honored after guiding his alma mater to the NCAA Season 101 men’s volleyball championship.

     

    Beyond the trophies and individual awards, the event highlights the athletes who carried their schools, inspired their communities, and continue to shape the future of Philippine sports.

     

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  • Ramil de Jesus banners four volleyball Coaches of the Year honorees

    Ramil de Jesus banners four volleyball Coaches of the Year honorees

    Four mentors who guided their teams to the top of collegiate volleyball will take center stage as they receive recognition at the Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night presented by Strong Group Athletics on June 29 at Discovery Suites Manila in Ortigas, Pasig.

     

    The honorees represent the champions of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

     

    Bannering the group is De La Salle University’s Ramil de Jesus, who added another chapter to his legendary career by bringing the Lady Spikers to their 13th women’s volleyball championship.

     

    De Jesus will be named UAAP Women’s Volleyball Coach of the Year after La Salle produced a historic campaign in UAAP Season 88. The Lady Spikers completed a perfect 16-0 season and finished the year by defeating two-time defending champion National University in the finals.

     

    The achievement, highlighted by the historic “Sweep 16,” also gave La Salle a chance to rewrite an old chapter. After falling short in Season 76, the Lady Spikers finally brought the crown back to Taft Avenue in dominant fashion.

     

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    Another championship story came from Letran’s Mayeth Carolino, whose return to the school nearly three decades after her playing days resulted in a title-winning run.

     

    Carolino, who previously helped the Lady Knights win championships as a player in 1997 and 1998, once again found herself celebrating with Letran — this time as head coach.

     

    She guided the Lady Knights past defending champion College of Saint Benilde to capture the NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball title, adding another achievement to a career that already included Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player honors during her playing days.

     

    In the men’s division, National University continued its unmatched run under Dante Alinsunurin. The veteran mentor will be recognized as the UAAP Men’s Volleyball Coach of the Year after leading the Bulldogs to their sixth straight championship. NU defeated Far Eastern University in the Season 88 finals, securing the program’s eighth title in what has become an era of dominance.

     

    The Bulldogs also extended their incredible streak of reaching 11 consecutive UAAP Finals appearances, further establishing themselves as the benchmark in men’s collegiate volleyball.

     

    For College of Saint Benilde’s Arnold Laniog, the championship carried a different meaning — ending years of waiting.

     

    A longtime part of the Blazers’ volleyball program as both player and coach, Laniog guided the Blazing Spikers to the NCAA Season 101 men’s volleyball crown, closing the door on a nine-year championship drought.

     

    His breakthrough title earnedco him the NCAA Men’s Volleyball Coach of the Year award, recognizing his role in bringing Benilde back to the top.

     

    From La Salle’s unbeaten run to NU’s continued dynasty, Letran’s comeback story, and Benilde’s long-awaited return to glory, the four coaches represent the different paths that lead to a championship.

     

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  • DLSU’s Topex Robinson, UST’s Haydee Ong, San Beda’s Yuri Escueta to receive CPC Coach of the Year honors 

    DLSU’s Topex Robinson, UST’s Haydee Ong, San Beda’s Yuri Escueta to receive CPC Coach of the Year honors 

    Behind every championship team is a coach who turns talent into trophies, and this year, three of collegiate basketball’s finest tacticians are set to be recognized.


    De La Salle University’s Topex Robinson, University of Santo Tomas’ Haydee Ong, and San Beda University’s Yuri Escueta will be honored as Coach of the Year at the 2026 Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) Awards Night presented by Strong Group Athletics.

     

    The annual celebration, scheduled for June 29 at Discovery Suites Manila in Ortigas, Pasig, will shine the spotlight on the coaches whose leadership helped define UAAP Season 88 and NCAA Season 101.

     

    While championships are often remembered through memorable shots and standout performances, Robinson, Ong, and Escueta built their title runs through preparation, resilience, and strategic adjustments that guided their teams through the most crucial moments of the season.

     

    Robinson’s recognition comes after orchestrating one of the most satisfying redemption stories in recent UAAP history. The De La Salle Green Archers reclaimed the men’s basketball crown after overcoming a difficult path to the championship.

     

    Before reaching the Finals, La Salle had to survive a Final Four showdown against top-seeded National University despite facing a twice-to-beat disadvantage. The Green Archers then went on to defeat defending powerhouse University of the Philippines in a hard-fought three-game championship series, delivering Robinson his second UAAP title as head coach.

     

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    In the NCAA, Escueta once again demonstrated why San Beda remains the gold standard of collegiate basketball.

     

    The Red Lions strengthened their historic legacy by sweeping archrival Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the NCAA Season 101 Finals. Despite losing the services of star scorer Janti Miller in Game 2, Escueta successfully adjusted his rotation and game plan, helping San Beda secure its 24th men’s basketball championship.

     

    Meanwhile, Ong continued to build a dynasty of her own in the women’s ranks.

     

    The veteran coach guided the UST Growling Tigresses back to the summit of UAAP women’s basketball, ending National University’s reign and capturing the program’s 13th championship overall. The title also marked UST’s second crown in the last three seasons, a remarkable response after falling short against NU during Season 87 in 2024.

     

    Together, the three coaches represent different journeys to success — a redemption campaign, a dynasty sustained, and a championship reclaimed. Yet all arrived at the same destination: the top of collegiate basketball.

     

    The CPC Awards Night will bring together the brightest stars from both the UAAP and NCAA, with volleyball coaches from their respective leagues also set to receive recognition for their achievements during the past season.

     

    For Robinson, Ong, and Escueta, the honor serves as acknowledgment that championships are won not only by the players on the court but also by the leaders drawing the blueprint from the sidelines.

     

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  • New era begins at FEU as Faida Bakanke heads to France and Manolo Refugia returns to rebuild Lady Tamaraws 

    New era begins at FEU as Faida Bakanke heads to France and Manolo Refugia returns to rebuild Lady Tamaraws 

    Within days, FEU Lady Tamaraws saw one of its brightest stars take her talents overseas and welcomed back a familiar tactician tasked with guiding the team’s next chapter.


    The transition begins with Faida Bakanke, whose collegiate career has officially reached its conclusion after signing with French club Vandoeuvre Nancy Volley-Ball (VNVB), a team competing in Ligue A Feminine, France’s top-tier professional women’s volleyball league.

     

    “Powerful, ambitious and determined, Faida comes to bring all her energy and impact to the net under the Panther colors. A new step in his career, and a new weapon for the Nance collective,” the team said, announcing it in a social media post.

     

    For FEU, Bakanke’s departure marks the end of an era that saw the opposite hitter emerge as one of the UAAP’s most reliable offensive weapons. During Season 88, she finished 13th in league scoring with 168 total points, compiling 134 attack points, 31 blocks, and three service aces.

     

    Her production became a central pillar of FEU’s offense throughout the campaign. Yet despite her efforts, the Lady Tamaraws finished fifth in the standings and narrowly missed out on a Final Four berth.

     

    Now, the challenge shifts from maximizing Bakanke’s scoring to replacing it.

    Fortunately for FEU, the program is turning to a coach who already knows the foundation of the roster.

     

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    Manolo Refugia is set to return as head coach of the Lady Tamaraws for Season 89, taking charge of a squad largely composed of players he helped develop during previous years with the program.

     

    His return comes at a critical time for FEU, which is seeking stability after an uneven stretch and is eager to reclaim its place among the league’s perennial contenders.

     

    Refugia is hardly stepping into unfamiliar territory. The longtime mentor guided the Lady Tamaraws to the Final Four in UAAP Season 86 before moving back into an assistant coaching role under Tina Salak over the next two seasons.

     

    With Salak now concentrating on her responsibilities in the Premier Volleyball League as head coach of the Akari Chargers, the program once again turns to Refugia to lead from the front.

     

    Adding another layer of experience to the coaching setup is decorated mentor Rald Ricafort, who joins as team consultant. The move reunites a partnership that has already found success in the professional ranks, where Refugia serves as one of Ricafort’s trusted assistants at PLDT in the PVL.

     

    Ricafort’s arrival gives FEU access to one of the most respected minds in Philippine volleyball. Fresh off leading PLDT to two breakthrough championships last year, he brings championship experience and a winning culture to a program looking to take the next step.

     

    The roster itself should provide Refugia with a familiar starting point. Most of FEU’s senior players are expected to return for Season 89, with the notable exceptions of former setter Tin Ubaldo—now with Choco Mucho and Alas Pilipinas—and Bakanke, who begins her professional journey in France.

     

    Within the team, Refugia’s return has reportedly been welcomed as a stabilizing presence. His understanding of the system, established relationships with the players, and previous success within the program made him a natural choice as FEU mapped out its future.

     

    As one chapter closes with Bakanke’s departure to Europe, another begins with Refugia back on the sidelines. The Lady Tamaraws may have lost one of their biggest scorers, but they are betting that familiarity, continuity, and an experienced coaching staff can help usher in the program’s next period of growth.

     

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  • Kieffer Alas recounts near-death experience, denies initiation claims in Ateneo team-building incident

    Kieffer Alas recounts near-death experience, denies initiation claims in Ateneo team-building incident

    Ateneo de Manila University guard Kieffer Alas has defended the university’s basketball program and team management following the tragic deaths of Blue Eagles student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

     

    The incident, which occurred on Monday, June 8, has sent shockwaves through Philippine collegiate sports, prompting widespread grief from teammates, coaches, alumni, sports officials, and basketball organizations. What was meant to be a bonding exercise ahead of another UAAP campaign ended in tragedy, as two young athletes with promising futures were lost.

     

    According to Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3), initial reports showed that Adili and Baterbonia were swimming when they were caught by strong currents and swept into deeper waters. Rescue efforts were immediately conducted, but both were later declared dead. Authorities have since launched a full investigation into the incident and have urged the public to refrain from speculation while fact-finding continues.

     

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    Alas, along with teammate Sam Reyes, appeared on The Pod Network’s “Let’s Talk with Pia Hontiveros,” where he addressed online speculation suggesting that the activity was an initiation rite for rookies, firmly rejecting those claims.

     

    “No, not at all. It just hurts how people perceive it that way. I know my veterans wouldn’t even think of that. Nothing, they wouldn’t do that to me or in any other rookies. It’s hard to see it online,” Alas said.

     

    The young guard also clarified that then-head coach Tab Baldwin intended the activity strictly as a team-building exercise, part of a long-standing program designed to strengthen camaraderie and mental toughness within the Ateneo program known as the “Blue Eagle Band of Brothers” (BEBOB). He added that players were briefed beforehand about safety concerns, including the presence of strong and unpredictable currents.

    “Coach Tab was saying that the team-building was for us to get closer and to build that mental toughness. To get us closer, like brotherhood. We had a pretty long discussion about it. They warned us about the uneven sand. You can randomly go back down and up and up, so swim vertically to the shore when there’s a rip current,” he added.

     

    Alas also opened up about the harrowing experience he endured during the incident, admitting he reached a point where he believed he would not survive.

     

    “My head wasn’t clear because I didn’t know what to do. It felt like I was underwater for more than 20 seconds. I felt like giving up. I was really giving up. I was ready to accept that I might die. It felt like forever. Before I finally touched the ocean floor, time just seemed to keep stretching on. Then I finally felt the ocean floor,” he said.

     

    The 19-year-old rookie added that he does not know how to swim and relied heavily on instinct and presence of mind to survive the situation.

     

    “I jumped po and gasped for air, but the others were already far away from me. I was screaming for help. Malcolm Tyler went a bit closer to me and just kept screaming in my ear while saving Ian Espinosa. It’s like you were floating and it worked for a bit but it just kept bringing me further from the shore. So I tried doing a thing that I would lie flat whenever a wave came. Then when the wave passed, since I didn’t know how to swim, I would dog-paddle. I just kept repeating that because I had been in the water for so long,” Alas continued.

     

    As the Ateneo community continues to mourn, tributes have poured in from across Philippine sports, honoring not only the players’ athletic promise but also the lives they lived beyond the court.

     

    For Ateneo, the UAAP community, and Philippine basketball as a whole, the tragedy serves as a painful reminder of life’s fragility—even for young athletes on the verge of promising careers.

    Though their journeys were cut short far too soon, Adili and Baterbonia leave behind a lasting impact on teammates, coaches, friends, and loved ones that will endure long after the final buzzer.

     

     

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