For the first time in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, the last two Most Valuable Players will finally share the same Taraflex — not just as rivals, but as best friends and as champions of a bigger cause beyond the sport.
The matchup will see reigning MVP Kennedy Batas face his best friend and two-time MVP Josh Ybañez when Ateneo de Manila University and the University of Santo Tomas clash tomorrow, February 25, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Both proud members of the LGBTQ+ community, both UAAP MVPs, and both stars of their respective programs — a clear indication that their impact transcends the Taraflex.
Since entering the league in Season 85, Ybañez has quickly etched his name into UAAP men’s volleyball history, capturing back-to-back MVP honors in Seasons 85 and 86. A year later, it was Batas’ turn to shine, claiming the Season 87 MVP award in a breakout campaign.
Beyond awards and school colors lies a relationship forged through shared journeys, from the UAAP all the way to national team duty with Alas Pilipinas Men. The two suited up together in the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals and both legs of the 2025 SEA V.League.
This time, however, they will not share the same huddle.
For the Golden Spikers’ star, the matchup comes with nothing but excitement and pride, particularly as Batas is still recovering from a minor knee injury that sidelined him at the start of Season 88.
“Hindi kami magkakilala next game,” Ybañez quipped.
“I am looking forward to playing against my closest friend dito sa UAAP in Ken. I am happy that she’s back. Kasi alam ko may iniinda si Ate Ken. Masaya ako na nakabalik siya and nakikita ko na nakukuha ulit yung kumpiyansa at may confidence ulit siya sa sarili niya,” he added.
The Blue Eagles standout fired 11 points in just two sets during a four-set win over the University of the Philippines. On the other hand, Ybañez contributed 20 attacks alongside 11 excellent receptions in a four-set triumph over De La Salle University last Sunday.
Batas was quick to note that while their friendship and bond will remain intact, priorities will immediately shift once the first serve goes up — especially between two teams eager to rise atop the standings in a highly competitive eight-team field.
With Ateneo, UST, and UP all tied for third place at 1-1, the Batas-Ybañez duel carries weight beyond personal bragging rights.
“Kilala namin yung isa’t isa, friends kami. Siguro, hindi naman masa-sacrifice yung friendship naming dalawa,” Batas shared.
“It’s just that meron kaming pride na pinaglalaban at meron kaming team na pinaglalaban. ‘Yon talaga muna. Pride and school talaga muna.”
#WATCH: HINDI MASA-SACRIFICE ANG FRIENDSHIP NAMIN 🦅
Ken Batas is looking forward to facing good pal Josh Ybanez on Wednesday in #UAAPSeason88 🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/Ic8LnMUVhr
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/RwNT4naV7x
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) February 22, 2026
