Memories and good times flooded Aljon Mariano as he entered University of Santo Tomas’ Quadricentennial Pavilion on Wednesday afternoon.
After all, it had been eight long years since he last set foot inside the gym that shaped him into the person he is today. It felt like a college homecoming for him.
One of the first people he saw was Pido Jarencio, who had been his coach during his first four years with the Growling Tigers.
Ironically, Jarencio, the man who last led UST to the UAAP Men’s Basketball Finals, was making his return to the Growling Tigers this year.
“Oo nagkita kami. May mga moments na binabalikan namin dahil dito kami nag-stay at nag-practice everyday,” recalled the now-30 year old Mariano.
Of course, Mariano’s career at UST had its highs and lows. During his third year, he played a pivotal role in UST winning the PCCL title back in 2012.
The Growling Tigers carried that momentum into UAAP Season 76, leading to a finals appearance against De La Salle University.
However, in the winner-take-all Game 3, Mariano struggled. He missed a potential game-winner to end regulation and committed a crucial turnover in overtime.
Mariano faced criticism from the Thomasian community after the game.
But almost 10 years later, he and fellow Tiger Allein Maliksi took to center court for the ceremonial jump ball with Fr. Rodel Cansancio, OP, and there were smiles all around.
“Siyempre, naalala ko yung mga teammates ko at mga coaches.
“Daming familiar faces din na nakita ko kanina. Nakakatuwa na nandito pa sila dahil kasama ko sila sa journey ko,” said Mariano, who has won seven PBA championships in eight years in the big league.
If there’s one regret Mariano has, it’s that he was unable to lead Ginebra to victory against Maliksi and Meralco.
During the game, the 6-foot-3 all-around forward was limited to just eight points on six attempts with three turnovers.
The entire Barangay team did not fare any better, struggling throughout the game and never even tasting the lead.
Ginebra lost the game, 93-106, snapping their three-game winning streak in the ongoing PBA on Tour.
“Sa akin kasi bihira lang yung current PBA players na mabigyan ng opportunity na mabigyan ng opportunity na makalaro sa alma mater nila habang nasa liga pa sila. So thank you sa PBA at sa UST for making this happen,” he expressed.
“Sayang lang hindi namin nakuha yung panalo ngayon pero sana nag-enjoy naman ang lahat.”
Mariano knows that a game like this at his alma mater might never happen again.
That’s why, despite the loss, he will cherish this memory for the rest of his life.
“Itre-treasure ko ito hanggang pagtanda ko.”
