From Bustillos and the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium to Bangkok and the Queen Sirikit 60th Anniversary Stadium, describing Amiel De Guzman’s 2025 as golden would not be an exaggeration.
After steering National University to its first-ever back-to-back championship in April, the ace pitcher — widely regarded as one of the country’s finest — went on to represent the Three Stars and a Sun in international competitions. The run culminated in the national team’s fourth Southeast Asian Games gold medal.
For De Guzman, the call-up was both an honor and an opportunity for growth — one he says he will always treasure.
“Para sa‘kin, malaking bagay talaga makapaglaro internationally, and nakaka-excite rin talaga na makabalik sa UAAP para maipakita mo sa mga Pinoy kung gaano kaganda ang baseball dito sa Pilipinas,” said the fourth-year NU standout.
“Sa‘kin, mahalaga ‘yung exposure as a player kasi mas ma-improve at mas matulungan mo pa ‘yung ibang players na kailangan ng guidance.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Competing against players from different backgrounds and journeys also elevated his game. The Calaca, Batangas native absorbed lessons not just in skill, but in discipline, a trait he believes defines elite baseball programs.
“Siguro, nakita ko na although ‘yung experience ko medyo mataas na compared sa iba, hindi ako dapat mag-stay do’n. Mas namo-motivate lang ako kung paano lumakas, kung paano gawin ‘yung dapat para maipanalo ‘yung team,” he shared.
Those lessons from the national team — setting higher standards and embracing discipline — now blend with the grit he developed with the Bulldogs in chasing what was once elusive. Together, they fuel De Guzman’s drive to lead National University in its pursuit of a historic third straight title in his final year.
Head coach Romar Landicho emphasized that the Bulldogs’ bid for a three-peat will hinge on the leadership of their seniors. De Guzman, for his part, believes they are ready to embrace that responsibility.
“Bukod po sa experience, ‘yung pong natutunan namin sa ibang countries na disiplina — kailangan natin ‘yan as a player,” said the 23-year-old pitcher on what he intends to bring back from his national team stint to National University.
“‘Yung mga ginagawa nila, kung paano sumunod sa coaches. Importante po talaga ‘yung sumunod sa coaches, para tama ‘yung maipakita mo sa game.”
