Japan-bound Leo Aringo gave full credit to the National University men’s volleyball team coaches and managers for paving the way to the next chapter of his career overseas.
Aringo, a three-time UAAP champion, will be suiting up for Saitama Azalea in the 2025–26 season of Japan’s V.League. He becomes the latest NU Bulldog to take his talents abroad, following in the footsteps of Bryan Bagunas and Madz Gampong.
The 6-foot-3 outside spiker captained the Bulldogs during UAAP Season 87, where they successfully defended their crown against Far Eastern University. But according to Aringo, NU players earning opportunities overseas is no coincidence — it’s been the goal of their program leaders all along.
“Actually, yung Japan kasi ang nagtrabaho niyan manager namin at si Coach Dante. Sila yung nagtrabaho niyan kasi gusto nila lahat ng ga-graduate na taga-NU pupunta international,” Aringo shared on Monday during the Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night at Discovery Suites Ortigas.
“Sobrang lawak ng pangarap nila, sobrang taas. Ayun na nga, kami nila Kuya Bryan Bagunas, Kuya Madz Gampong yung naging example na pag nag-graduate ka sa NU, may pupuntahan ka — hindi ka nila iiwan,” continued Aringo, who was named the CPC UAAP Men’s Volleyball Player of the Year.
Bagunas had stints in Japan with Oita Miyoshi and in Taiwan with Win Streak, while Gampong once played for Sarawak in Malaysia.
Aringo’s rise to prominence began in UAAP Season 85 as a bench player. Over time, he earned his spot in the starting lineup and, eventually, a professional contract in Japan — arguably the most competitive volleyball scene in Asia.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Laking pasasalamat sa managers namin at lalo na kala Coach Dante, sa coaches namin. Isa lang akong batang nangarap dati, nabigyan ng opportunity, and ngayon nandito na ako kung nasaan ako ngayon,” said Aringo.
“Sana magtuloy-tuloy, and sana maka-inspire ako ng mga bata diyan na magsumikap lang.”
He added: “Siyempre ibibigay ko talaga lahat kasi once-in-a-lifetime opportunity naman talaga ito sa isang athlete. Lalo na ako, hindi ko inexpect na mapupunta ako dito. Parang high school lang ako dati na nagba-basketball, hindi ko alam na mapupunta pala ako sa volleyball.”
Aside from long-time head coach Dante Alinsunurin, Aringo also acknowledged NU team managers Jun Abcede and Paulo Pe as key figures behind the scenes who helped make this opportunity a reality.
Saitama Azalea finished fourth in the previous V.League season, and Aringo feels determined to contribute to their championship aspirations. However, he understands that transitioning to professional volleyball in Japan won’t be easy — especially with the language barrier looming.
“Gagawin ko lahat para makatulong and sana magchampion,” he said of his upcoming pro debut.
“Yung preparation ko naman po ngayon, magiging competitive ulit ako after UAAP kasi nag-rest ako for two weeks — or one week yata. Ipi-prepare ko yung sarili ko hindi lang physically, pati mentally,” he continued. “Malaking adjustment talaga sa akin, lalo na Japan. May expected language barrier talaga. Sa ngayon, nagaaral naman na ako kahit papaano ng Nihongo.
“Sana maka-keep up ako doon sa teammates and coaches.”
But before fully turning the page, Aringo has one final mission to complete in NU blue and gold.
The outgoing team captain will represent the Philippines along with the Bulldogs at the 2024 FISU World University Games, set to take place from July 16 to 24 in Berlin, Germany — his final tournament before beginning his professional journey in Japan.
