Baseball in the Philippines has often been a family affair, and this season’s UAAP Finals is no exception.
Two cousins, Pepe Munoz and Wopsy Zamora, have long been avid supporters of both the De La Salle University and National University programs, respectively.
For the first time in league history, Munoz and Zamora find themselves facing off with all the marbles on the line, with their schools figuring in the collegiate series finals.
Both Munoz and Zamora are relishing each moment in this series, knowing well the challenge of reaching the Big Dance in such a competitive league.
“Manganda ‘yung finals na ‘to. I want to beat Wopsy’s team,” quipped the soft-spoken Munoz, expressing his excitement to see NU back in the finals after 12 long years.
“I was very excited for this because we are not just cousins but we are also the president and chairman of the upcoming baseball league,” continued Zamora.
“Kami dalawa talaga nagmamahalan.”
The two have long been avid supporters of the sport, and this year, they are about to embark on a huge endeavor – reviving the country’s baseball league.
Details regarding the league will be announced soon.
For now, they remain laser-focused on giving their respective schools the championship.
(C) John Mauricio/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
The Green Batters, aiming for a rare three-peat, are down in the series after bowing 8-4 to NU last Thursday.
“It’s a good match because NU has very good players. They also make mistakes but they recover fast,” opined Munoz, who is also the secretary-general of the Amateur Baseball Association of the Philippines.
“They really have a good pitcher in Amiel De Guzman, so we should watch out for him in Game 2.”
(C) John Mauricio/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Though proud of his Bulldogs, Zamora hopes his boys finish the series off on Sunday, even if it will break his cousin’s heart.
“They never gave up. Usually, we score runs in the late innings. Regarding the series, I have to finish it on Sunday,” said Zamora.
“We don’t want to take the risk because they are really a strong team.”
