Buds Buddin and Leo Ordiales are bringing the invaluable lessons they gained from their stint with Alas Pilipinas as they fuel National University’s bid for a historic “five-peat” in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
Buddin and Ordiales — along with teammates Jade Disquitado, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, and Choi Diao — were part of the national team pool that competed in multiple international tournaments last year as part of the buildup for the 2025 FIVB World Championship.
Both players believe their time with Alas Pilipinas accelerated their maturity — a factor they see as crucial in sustaining the Bulldogs’ dominance in the UAAP.
“Siguro sa’kin, ‘yung maturity inside and outside the court. Ang dami kasing ano, talagang si coach Frigoni grabe ‘yung tinuturo sa amin na high hands, kung ‘di kaya drop ball lang,” said the 6-foot-1 outside hitter Buddin.
“Nadagdagan ‘yung experience namin and parang lumawak ‘yung idea namin sa volleyball,” echoed Ordiales.
National University officially ushered in a new era on Sunday with a commanding straight-sets victory over De La Salle University, 25-22, 25-22, 25-19, to kick off its historic five-peat campaign.
Playing without long-time stalwarts Owa Retamar and Nico Almendras for the first time, the Bulldogs showcased their depth and resilience. Buddin, Ordiales, Leo Aringo, and Greg Ancheta all stepped up to fill the void.
Team captain Aringo spearheaded the attack with 20 points, including 19 kills, while also registering 15 excellent receptions. Buddin followed with 18 points and 13 excellent receptions.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Ordiales, making his UAAP debut, contributed nine points, while second-year setter Ancheta orchestrated the offense with 14 excellent sets.
“Sobrang thankful ako sa naging resulta ng laro namin kasi lahat ng gusto naming mangyari sa loob ng court, nagawa namin,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“Yung adjustments na pwede naming gawin, naka-adjust agad kami. Sobrang thankful sa naging performance ng players ko siyempre, team effort talaga. Sana magtuloy-tuloy ‘to pagdating ng elimination pa,” he added.
Despite their looming commitments with the national team for the World Championship this September, both Buddin and Ordiales emphasized that their main priority remains defending the UAAP crown and keeping the championship in NU’s hands.
“Para sa akin ‘di ko muna iniisip kung ano ‘yung ine-expect nila sa amin. Basta kung ano ‘yung goal namin as a team, doon ako naka-focus eh. Kumbaga ito straight lang, five-peat muna bago national team. Five-peat muna bago national team,” said Buddin.
“Step by step muna kami. One win at a time muna hanggang sa makuha namin ‘yung goal namin and then sa national team na ulit mag-focus,” added Ordiales.
