In recent years, Far Eastern University-Diliman has produced top-tier forwards such as Gio Pabualan, Theo Jico Libarnes, and Selwyn Mamon, all of whom won championships at both the UAAP high school and collegiate levels with FEU.
Now, the Baby Tamaraws may have another rising star in their ranks.
Jerriemy Biton, a promising talent from Negros, has already netted five goals for FEU-D in the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ High School Football Tournament — achieving this feat in just four games.
His latest standout performance came last Saturday when he scored twice against De La Salle Zobel, setting the tone for FEU-D’s fourth straight victory. His efforts earned praise from head coach Jake Morallo.
“Biton, para sa akin, he’s always doing good, doing well naman,” said Morallo, whose team is chasing a remarkable 13th consecutive title. “Kailangan lang siguro mag-create ng more chances with timing sa penetration. Sa first half medyo off talaga siya, but I think nag-work out yung game plan namin sa second half.”
Biton’s journey to FEU-D began when current Tamaraws defender Marc Alipoon spotted him playing for his former club team, Himamaylan City. That moment set the wheels in motion for the young forward to leave his comfort zone in pursuit of his football dreams.
Transitioning from a provincial team to arguably the country’s premier high school football program is no easy task. But Biton has set his sights high, aspiring to play in Spain one day — motivated by his love for FC Barcelona.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Grateful at gusto ko mag-improve (para) makalaro sa Spain,” he said.
“Nandun (dati) si (Lionel) Messi. Barca yung favorite team (ko). Idol ko po si Messi talaga pero yung kaposisyon ko si (Robert) Lewandowski.”
Standing at around 5-foot-9, Biton has the build to be a basketball player — a sport deeply embedded in Filipino culture and one he was exposed to early on. However, everything changed when he started playing football with friends.
Now based in Metro Manila, he acknowledges the importance of his support system. Thanks to technology, he stays in close contact with his family while living in the FEU dorms for student-athletes.
“Yung sumusuporta sa akin galing sa probinsya: mama, papa, lola, lolo, at yung ate ko. Basketball sila (habang) ako lang yung isa sa football. Yung mga friends ko sa elementary na kasama ko, parang napasama ako sa kanila (maglaro ng football),” he said.
“Grateful po talaga kasi hindi ko ito magagawa kung wala yung suporta tsaka si Lord. Nag-ca-call lang po ako. Araw-araw nag-uusap pero minsan text lang.”
Unlike previous seasons, the Baby Tamaraws must navigate a Final Four format this Season 87, with guest schools PAREF Southridge and Claret School of Quezon City joining the competition.
Now that Biton is making a name for himself, defenders will likely keep a closer eye on him.
Despite the challenges, his focus remains clear — helping his team win another championship.
“Pipilitin ko maka-contribute sa team every game po.”
