The road has been long and difficult for Bryan Manuel.
But now, the 22-year-old native of Zamboanga City is finally set to live out his dream of playing in the UAAP for the University of the Philippines.
The Fighting Maroons were able to secure the transfer of the 6-foot-3 guard from Olivarez College.
And he could not help but express his gratitude for the opportunity.
“Masasabi ko lang po is malayo-layo na pero malayo pa,” Manuel said. “Marami pang pagsubok na dadaan sa career ko. Ngayon, aim ko is to absorb and adjust well sa sistema. Focus pa rin ako sa pag-improve sa sarili ko in all aspects. At siyempre, sobrang grateful po ako kay God sa blessings at panibagong opportunity.
“Dream ko noon pa na makapaglaro sa Pro Leagues, pero noong high school pa ako, ang layo pa ng isip ko noon. I-enjoy ko pa rin ang buhay kahit papaano, malayo man sa pamilya ko,” he added.
“Ngayon, hindi ko naisip na makakarating ako rito sa UP at sa UAAP.”
Coming from the Arellano High School program, Manuel began his collegiate career with the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.
In his rookie season with the Altas in NCAA Season 100, he saw action in just one game.
He later left Las Piñas for Parañaque to transfer to Olivarez College.
(C) UCAL
However, his stint with the Sealions was cut short.
In just his second game, he collided with DJ Laconsay, resulting in an MCL tear on January 30, 2025. The injury forced him to sit out the remainder of UCAL Season 7.
It was a challenging year that tested his patience and resolve.
“Noong Perpetual pa lang, ang dami kong realization noon, ang daming lesson,” he reflected. “Noong na-injury naman ako, akala ko hindi na ako makakapaglaro noon.
“Inisip ko yung pamilya at pangarap ko nun kaya pinagpatuloy ko.”
(C) UCAL
In his return the following year, he made sure to make it count.
Manuel averaged 9.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in UCAL Season 8, powering the Sealions to a second-place finish.
Though his numbers were not eye-popping, they showed UP that he is a fighter and a leader.
“Sobrang laking bagay nun. Pinakita ko lang noon yung anong kaya kong gawin sa kahit anong sitwasyon na hinaharap ko lagi,” he said.
“Ang maibibigay ko sa UP is yung winning mentality na na-adapt ko sa coaches ko at pag-push sa mga kasama ko. Noong nasa Olivarez ako, ako yung nagpu-push sa team ko, lalo kung down na yung team. Yun yung gusto kong maibigay din sa UP.”
Now, he will have to sit out one year before becoming eligible for UAAP Season 90, with two playing years remaining.
During that time, he aims to maximize his development by adapting his game to fit Goldwin Monteverde’s system and proving that he can also make it to the big leagues.
“Goal ko talaga is mahanap ko yung role ko sa team ngayon at kung ano ang maitutulong ko sa UP. Mapakita ko yung galing at talento na binigay sa akin ng Diyos.”
