National University head coach Patrick “Dhap” Palacio believes the Bulldogs’ strong institutional support and year-round training program laid the foundation for their double championship in the 2026 UAAP Esports Tournament.
“One of our advantages is resources talaga kasi NU is very invested sa esports. It allows me na i-convert yung isang simple setup into kung ano yung deserve talaga ng typical athletes or professional players,” shared Palacio.
(C) UAAP Media Team
Unlike most collegiate esports programs, NU has a dedicated team manager in former competitive Counter-Strike player Justin Chan who oversees its finances and equipment, as well as an athletes’ dormitory that the Bulldogs have converted into a boot camp.
The setup gave NU’s players the luxury of training throughout the year while allowing them to prepare under conditions similar to those enjoyed by professional esports teams.
Palacio, who was initially hired to coach the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang team following his stint with Smart Omega Neos, helped turn that institutional support into a decisive edge that delivered championships in both the MLBB and VALORANT tournaments.
His role gradually expanded as he was entrusted with overseeing all three of NU’s esports teams, prompting him to step away from hands-on technical coaching and focus instead on managing the entire program.
“Parang nag-grow na lang talaga yung role ko, and noong andoon na ako sa situation na tatlong titles pala yung hahawakan ko, that’s when I decided na mag-step out of prioritizing coaching. Mas nag-focus ako sa pag-handle ng lahat ng teams,” said Palacio.
He oversees the teams’ day-to-day operations, participates in player and coach recruitment, and works closely with the people behind the scenes.
“On the broader picture, mas tinatauhan ko yung staff before the players. More on mental na lang ako on helping the players. At sakaling may naisip ako, nagbibigay pa rin ako ng advice from time to time.”
(C) UAAP Media Team
His presence became a pillar of NU’s championship runs, helping establish clear team direction and competitive standards across the entire program.
“Hindi man ako day-to-day nagtuturo ng technical, alam ko kung ano dapat yung itatakbo ng team sa competition. I think nag-deliver naman kasi during tournaments, nagsho-show up yung players,” he said.
The Bulldogs validated their system by ruling both the MLBB and VALORANT tournaments, completing a double-championship run that rewarded Palacio’s nearly year-long commitment to the program.
“For me talaga, sobrang fulfilling siya. I sacrificed almost a year of my life staying with the team,” he said.
“So technically, para akong nagkaroon ng 20 to 25 na anak na may iba’t ibang approach kung paano mag-handle ng stress, pati sa day-to-day studies nila. Fulfilling siya sa akin kasi nagbigay ako ng oras ko to see the players and to see how the team is going.”
NU’s resources may have provided the Bulldogs with their biggest competitive advantage, but Palacio was the figure who brought all the pieces together and transformed the school’s investment into two UAAP championships.
After spending almost an entire year managing three teams and serving as a coach, scout, administrator, mentor, and father figure to the Bulldogs, Palacio believes he has also earned a fitting reward.
“So siguro, deserve ko na ng bakasyon,” he quipped.
