For National University third-year spiker Buds Buddin, volleyball is more than just a game — it’s a test of faith, discipline, and devotion.
As the Bulldogs chase a historic “five-peat” in UAAP Season 87, Buddin faces an even greater challenge beyond the court: balancing the demands of being a student-athlete while observing the sacred traditions of Ramadan.
From the sun-scorched streets of Palawan, where he once played barefoot, to the bright lights of the UAAP, Buddin’s journey has always been guided by faith. And now, as he takes on a bigger role for NU, he continues to prove that his success isn’t just built on talent and hard work — it’s rooted in something far deeper.
“Oo sobra, sobrang happy ko na yung Ramadan, minsan tumatama sa season kasi dito mo mapapatunayan kung paano ba talaga yung faith mo as a Muslim ‘eh,” Buddin told Tiebreaker Times.
“Ito talaga yung ginagawa ko sa faith ko; hindi lang para sa team, hindi lang para sa sarili, pero para sa pamilya ko rin.”
During the holy month of Ramadan — observed this year from March 2 to March 31 — Muslim athletes worldwide adjust their routines to incorporate fasting, charity, and spiritual reflection, all while maintaining the rigorous schedule of a student-athlete.
Buddin is no exception. The 23-year-old diligently observes fasting, going without food and water from sunrise to sundown, all while competing at the highest collegiate level.
“Gabi na ako kumakain talaga. Sa training minsan, hindi na ako kumakain at umiinom ng tubig, gabi lang minsan nakain,” he said after delivering 22 points in NU’s four-set win over UP at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
He explained, “Ang kain na ‘yon, talagang pangmaramihan na, lalo na ‘pag alam kong light yung training, doon ako nagbu-boost ng fasting ko para ‘pag gabi, boost din ng kain, tapos kinaumagahan, fasting ulit.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
While he acknowledges that constant games and practices sometimes make it difficult to fast, Buddin remains steadfast in his devotion, finding ways to honor his religion while fulfilling his duties to his team.
With the departures of decorated setter Joshua Retamar and spiker Nico Almendras due to graduation, Buddin has stepped up as a leader for NU. Through four games, he ranks as the 11th-best scorer in the league, tallying 51 points off 44 attacks, six blocks, and an ace — emerging as a crucial factor in NU’s strong 3-1 start.
Balancing classes, faith, and daily scrimmages is no easy feat, but the support of his coaches and teammates has eased the burden.
“Time management na lang siguro, and sobrang thankful naman kami sa mga coaches namin na once nagpapaalam kami about sa mga ganyan, laging pinapayagan,” Buddin shared.
“Never sila kumontra na about sa religion namin as a Muslim, never sila humindi sila mga desisyon na ‘yon and kaya sobrang happy ako sa mga coaches ko na nandiyan sila lagi para supportahan kami,” he added.
Though he sometimes has to adjust his fasting schedule due to medications and training, Buddin remains committed to both his faith and his team.
“Actually mahirap siya sa ngayon kasi hindi ako nakakapag-fasting minsan since nagte-take ako ng gamot and nagte-training. Minsan ‘pag may free time talaga at ‘pag alam kong light yung training, doon ako nagfa-fasting since kailangan ko trabahuin at i-practice kung ano yung nararapat sa pagiging Islam,” he said.
“Siyempre kung ano yung duty ko sa team, ginagawa ko pa rin siya kahit mahirap. Dala na lang din siya ng mindset at focus ko sa goal and sa team and sa sarili.”
