When Far Eastern University-Diliman took the court at the Filoil Centre for their game against University of the Philippines Integrated School last Thursday, one man quietly made his way to the back of the Baby Tamaraws’ bench and sat down.
With little fanfare, just the way he liked it, it was former Baby Tamaraws head coach Allan Albano.
For a moment, it seemed like everything was right in the world again.
“Baka ako ang pinaka masaya na nakabalik si Allan,” said FEU head of basketball operations and Baby Tamaraws head coach Mike Reyes.
“Si Allan ang reason behind the success ng FEU high school program the past 10 years.”
Though it was Albano’s first official game back as FEU-D deputy, the Baby Tamaraws had already been informed on January 18, after their 79-78 come-from-behind win against the NUNS Bullpups.
It was a pleasant surprise for the current batch of Baby Tamaraws, who erupted in cheers at the sight of their former mentor returning.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“After nung FEU-NU game sa Blue Eagle Gym, Sir Mark Molina reintroduced me to the team in the dugout. Seeing their reaction really touched me. Nagsigawan and palakpakan sila, and I could genuinely feel how happy they were to see me again and welcome me back. It meant so much to me,” shared Albano, who was released by FEU after the first semester of UAAP Season 87.
“Masaya din ako na ganun ang naramdaman ni Coach Mike sa pagbalik ko. To be honest, Coach Mike and I have been in constant communication for a long time now. He has always been one of my mentors, someone I truly look up to. That’s why coming back to FEU feels even more special, knowing that Coach Mike is here and that I get to work alongside him again. It really feels like I’m coming home.”
Albano’s departure from FEU-D early last year had surprised many, as he had been a fixture in the program for 17 years.
He not only led the boys’ team to two 5-on-5 championships but also guided the Lady Tamaraws to a UAAP title in Season 75.
With FEU’s basketball program now rebooting, it was only fitting for Albano to return and help with the restart.
“I am very excited because this gives me the opportunity to reconnect with the players, help the team, and serve FEU once more,” shared Albano.
During his brief time away from FEU, the Racela brothers welcomed Albano into their programs, with Olsen appointing him as deputy at University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, and Nash bringing him in as an assistant at Adamson University.
Citing conflict of interest, Albano eventually had to step down from his post at Adamson.
Still, he remains grateful to Adamson, Nash, and Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM, for making him feel like part of their family during his time away.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“I am beyond grateful to Adamson University, and most especially to Coach Nash and Fr. Aldrin,” expressed Albano. “Sobra talaga ang pasasalamat ko. Coach Nash has been there for me not just during the good moments, but through every challenge, uncertainty, and difficult decision I had to face.
“Throughout my journey, I made it a point to consult him every step of the way, especially as I navigated my return to FEU. He understood my path, respected my choices, and continuously offered guidance and support, together with Coach Olsen, who has also been an important part of this journey.
“Their presence goes far beyond that of mentors or colleagues. Along with Coach Ryan Betia, they have been constant sources of strength, wisdom, and reassurance in both my personal and professional growth,” he shared.
Now that he has returned to the school he loves, Albano vows to make the most of the second chance given to him.
“Of course, I am thankful to FEU and the management. Their confidence in me makes me feel valued and reminds me that I am worthy of this opportunity. I’m excited to continue what we started before, and I’m truly honored to have the chance to keep serving the university I deeply care about.”
