By: Leiniel Santos
On the eve of the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ Basketball Final Four, a defining moment unfolded for Adamson High School’s seniors.
With their high school careers nearing an end, Earl Medina, the towering duo of Allen Perez and Jireh Tumaneng, and key role players Zahir Sajili, CJ Umali, Gabe De Jesus, and JR Abayon made a pact—one that would shape their futures.
In a leap of faith, they chose to stay together and commit to Adamson University for college, turning their shared battles into the foundation of a new journey.
“Siyempre sila nagpalaki sa’kin at nagbigay ng confidence. Ibabalik ko lang yung tiwala na binigay nila sa’kin,” Medina said about his decision to remain with Adamson.
It also helped that they had a front-row seat to the struggles of last season’s four graduating seniors.
Of the group, only Tebol Garcia — now with National University — has managed to flourish.
Vince Reyes was not lined up by NU, while Gene Cariilo and JC Bonzalida have struggled to earn playing time with College of Saint Benilde and San Beda, respectively.
Seeing this reality reinforced the value of continuity and of leading the current Baby Falcons to stay with Adamson — where they already have a system, culture, and trust in place.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Binigyan ako ng trust from day one ko sa Adamson. Kung makikita niyo ‘yung first year ko, wala talaga… Pero they pushed me na mag-work hard,” Perez shared.
The Baby Falcons, who captured the Season 86 championship, saw their title reign come to an end on Sunday at the hands of National University-Nazareth School, falling in a heartbreaking 64-62 loss.
Despite the loss, Baby Falcons head coach Mike Fermin expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance, particularly in limiting NU’s foreign student-athlete, Collins Akowe.
Anchored by the defensive efforts of Tumaneng and Perez, the Baby Falcons held Akowe to just 11 points on nine shot attempts and six rebounds — well below his usual dominance.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Actually, pinagsalitaan ko nga sila kasi ang tono nila is ang sama ng laro nila. Sabi ko, ‘No, hindi masama laro niyo. You did well, limiting the best FSA in Juniors’ Basketball; you pushed him to the limit’,” Fermin added.
Medina also shared how proud he was of his teammates, especially with how they fought in their last game.
“Proud na proud ako sa teammates ko kasi nung first round, ‘di mo alam anong mangyayari… Walang [consistency]. ‘Di mo akalain na aabot kami sa Final Four,” he said.
With their commitment sealed and a new chapter ahead, the Baby Falcons are ready to take flight once more — this time, as Soaring Falcons in the collegiate ranks.
