Jhustin Hallare’s debut with the Gilas Pilipinas Boys in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 SEABA Under-16 Qualifiers meant far more than just fulfilling a lifelong dream of wearing the national colors.
For the 5-foot-11 guard, Gilas’ gold medal finish and automatic qualification to the FIBA U16 Asia Cup served as a moment of closure — a salve to the heartbreaks he endured during the UAAP Season 87 campaign with the University of the Philippines Integrated School.
Hallare suited up for UPIS in both the 16-and-under and 19-and-under divisions. Despite his individual brilliance, the Fighting Maroons ended both tournaments with a combined 0-28 record, finishing winless in what was a painful stretch for the proud program.
“Yes, it’s really a full circle moment kasi we gave it our all sa UAAP season namin, pero hindi naman agad mawawala yung sakit ‘non,” Hallare told Tiebreaker Times during UP’s contract signing with PUMA, the school’s new outfitter for the next three UAAP seasons, held Saturday morning at SM North Edsa.
Despite the struggles, Hallare found silver linings amid the adversity. He was named Rookie of the Year in the 19-and-under division, earned a spot in the Mythical Team for the 16-and-under bracket, and helped UPIS claim a breakthrough bronze medal in the UAAP JHS 3×3 tournament.
Still, a championship continued to elude him — until fate finally turned in his favor.
Just weeks removed from a grueling Season 87, the 15-year-old guard finally captured gold — and on an even bigger stage — in his debut with the Gilas Youth squad.
“And now na nabigyan ako ng opportunity sa Gilas, talagang bumawi ‘yong sakit na ‘yon ‘eh dahil nakuha namin yung gold,” Hallare said with relief.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Hallare’s road to redemption was paved not only by his unwavering dedication and resilience but also by the trust of debuting Gilas head coach LA Tenorio.
Under Tenorio’s leadership, Hallare played a key role in Gilas Youth’s dominant campaign, helping the team secure its sixth straight SEABA U-16 crown. He averaged 8.2 points, 3.7 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in a deep rotation that included fellow UAAP standouts Gab Delos Reyes and Jolo Pascual (UE), Travis Pascual (NUNS), Andwele Cabanero (UST), and CP Miranda and Prince Carino (FEU-Diliman).
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity na binigay sa akin ni coach LA. Overall, it was a very fun, memorable, and enjoyable experience dahil tayo pa yung hosts sa SEABA, so maraming fans na pumunta. I’m really grateful and I’m really happy for the experience,” Hallare shared.
Now, with a gold medal around his neck and a renewed sense of purpose, Hallare is ready to bring the lessons he learned from Gilas back to a hungry UPIS side that is eager to break through in the increasingly competitive UAAP JHS division.
Teaming up with core holdovers Bruce Tubongbanua and Ethan Egea, Hallare is looking not only to elevate his game but to take on a larger leadership role under head coach King Vergeire, as the Junior Maroons aim to reclaim a title they last won in Season 65 — back in 2003.
“Of course, gagamitin ko yung mga tinuro ni Coach LA sa akin, both as an individual and as a team. Hopefully na mashare ko rin yung mga tinuro niya sa akin sa mga teammates ko sa UPIS dahil ako na rin yung one of the veterans ‘eh,” Hallare said.
“It’s just really to give it my all — my leadership and my experience sa team. Sana mabigay ko sa UAAP season.”
#WATCH: Armed with Gilas Boys experience, Jhustin Hallare is set to power UPIS in their UAAP Season 88 campaign ✊
📹 @ernesttuazon /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/X5hztwIMT6
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) June 14, 2025
