It’s been quite a year for the Cabañero brothers, Nic and Andwele.
In his senior year, Nic led the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers to a bronze finish while earning a spot on the Mythical Team.
Not to be outdone, his 14-year-old brother Andwele guided the Junior Tiger Cubs to two silver medals — one in 5-on-5 and another in 3×3 — while also making it to the Mythical Team.
But their journey didn’t stop at the UAAP.
The Cebuano siblings are also set to represent the Philippines in two FIBA tournaments.
Andwele is part of the Gilas Boys team competing in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 SEABA Qualifiers in Pampanga — a tournament that will serve as the gateway to the continental meet in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Meanwhile, Nic will join Gilas 3×3 in the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League 2025, scheduled to take place later this month in Doha, Qatar.
It’s a dream come true for both brothers.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“I’m so happy kasi first time ko mag-represent ng Philippines together with my brother. I’m very thankful to Father Rodel (Cansancio), Boss Al (Chua), Coach Pido (Jarencio), the managers, and all the UST coaches for allowing me to participate. Sa opportunity na ‘to, I know it will boost my confidence and help me improve heading into my last year,” Nic expressed.
“I’m also rooting for this experience to help me grow and improve more as a basketball player. Super thankful rin ako sa parents ko for their full support, sa girlfriend ko, sa kapatid ko, at lalo na sa teammates ko kasi sobrang supportive talaga nila.”
“Sobrang excited po at nagpapasalamat ako sa coaches at family ko po, lalo na sa parents ko at kay Kuya Nic,” said Andwele.
What excites the young Cabañero even more is the chance to learn from one of the greats — Gilas Boys head coach LA Tenorio.
“Hindi nga po ako makatulog dahil ito talaga yung pangarap ko. Tapos ayun nga, under Coach LA pa. Sobrang honored lang kumbaga,” quipped Andwele.
Nic, on the other hand, couldn’t help but feel proud of his younger brother.
After all, making it to the youth national team was something he had only dreamed of growing up.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Laki ng tiwala ko sa kanya — kaya niya ‘yan, and it’s really been his long-time dream to be part of the national team.
“I also hope na through this experience — being part of the U16 Batang Gilas — it will help him improve and become even better. Nakasama rin ako noon sa U16 Batang Gilas, pero sadly, hindi natuloy dahil sa pandemic,” said Nic.
For Andwele, he vows that he and his brother will not waste this moment.
They are in it to win it all and make the country proud.
“All the way win po kami. Yan po yung goal namin,” Andwele said.
“Sobrang laking achievement sa amin ito. Si Kuya Nic nasa Gilas 3×3 tapos ako sa Gilas Youth. Mahirap yung pinagdaanan namin pero nagbunga siya.”
