For Florenz Tacardon, the journey to UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football glory was shaped by sacrifice, brotherhood, and a deeply personal sense of loss.
On February 23, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, the University of the Philippines staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Far Eastern University, 2–1 in extra time.
Tacardon, who played a pivotal role in the Maroons’ late surge, was named Co-Most Valuable Player alongside captain Charles Lobitańa.
The Claret School of Quezon City alumnus ignited UP’s decisive moments in the second half. As the clock ticked down and the Maroons trailed, Tacardon’s relentless drive into the box drew a foul from FEU’s Francis Sambaan.
Lobitaña converted the resulting penalty in the 90+9th minute, leveling the score and setting the stage for Ramil Batiom III’s championship-winning goal in the 104th minute.
Yet, the triumph came with a bittersweet note. Just days before the final, Tacardon’s grandfather, Caloy Tacardon, passed away due to complications from old age.
A fixture in the stands, Caloy had supported Florenz and his younger brothers, Filbert and Filmar, in nearly every UAAP match since 2023.
“I really wanted to dedicate this to my lolo who passed away,” Tacardon said.
“Complete attendance siya since Season 85. He’s been watching all of our games, me and even my brothers sa high school, he’s always there. Very unfortunate na hindi niya naabutan na naging champion ako.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
With the MVP honor, the Tacardon name now holds an even stronger legacy in UP football.
Florenz joins older brothers — Francis, Season 86 MVP, and Fidel, Season 80 Rookie of the Year — as icons of the Diliman program. Despite the accolade, Tacardon remains grounded.
“Sa totoo lang, nagulat ako na ako yung naging MVP, pero I thank the coaching staff ng UP kasi naniwala sila sa akin na I can be someone. A champion from Season 86, a heartbreaking loss in Season 87, and then redemption nung Season 88 — worth it na worth it lahat ng sakripisyo namin,” he said.
“Di naman namin iniisip yung ganun bagay. When we come home it’s just normal. After every game lang talaga, paa sa lupa, even up til now, even up till winning the championship, alam namin na may pagkukulang kami. We were fortunate enough to win this championship.”
For Tacardon, success extended beyond the scoreboard.
He credits the Fighting Maroons’ culture — the deep bonds between players and the unwavering support system — as the backbone of their victory.
As the celebrations wind down, Tacardon’s plans are simple:
“Pahinga. Aral ulit.”
Season 88 leaves him with a second collegiate championship, an MVP trophy, and a lasting tribute to a grandfather who witnessed his journey from the very beginning.
“I think the most memorable part para sa amin is yung pagsasama talaga namin,” he reflected.
“I think that’s the reason why I kept crying after the game. It’s not because I won the championship… It’s me going to miss the team and even the seniors. Laking bagay sa’kin ‘tong team na ‘to… I don’t know what my college life would be without them.”
