Gio Pabualan proved why he is one of the top young talents in the country with his exploits in the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Football Tournament.
The Azkals Development Team standout powered Far Eastern University to its 10th championship with eight goals this campaign.
He scored the crucial third goal against the Ateneo Blue Eagles last Thursday, which all but ended the Tamaraws’ eight-year drought, en route to an impressive 4-1 win.
“Yung feeling naman, sobrang sarap sa feeling kasi siyempre after eight years, nakuha namin ulit so sobrang saya lang,” he said.
“Gusto kong magpasalamat kay God, sa FEU community, sa staff, management, at coaches. Kung hindi dahil sa kanila, hindi kami makakarating dito.”
Pabualan’s position on the pitch and his goal-scoring output allowed him to earn two awards this season. He received the Best Midfielder award for being the league’s most dominant winger.
He also received the Best Striker award for scoring the most goals this season. His closest competitor was his teammate Geri Martini Rey, who scored six goals.
“Hindi ko in-expect eh kasi siyempre madami ding gustong kumuha ng award so di ko in-expect na makuha ko yung dalawa. Ang sa akin lang ay siyempre unang-una ay mag-champion,” said Pabualan.
“Di ko ma-explain eh. Ang sarap lang sa feeling kasi nakuha ko yung dalawa.”
Before playing for the FEU senior team, Pabualan won championships as part of the FEU-Diliman program, which has now secured 11 consecutive crowns in the junior division.
He entered the collegiate level back in Season 81 as one of the most highly anticipated newcomers that year. Four years later, it is safe to say that he has lived up to the hype.
“Sobrang sarap lang kasi hindi lang pang high school yung level, pati din pang college. Di ko ma-explain kung gaano kasarap yung feeling na nandito kami sa punto na to,” he said.
Pabualan’s UAAP career was curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, just like other student-athletes. This was only his second full campaign for the Tamaraws, and the FEU community, as well as the league’s fans, were deprived of watching him play for two years.
He now has to decide on his future as he has dreams beyond FEU and the UAAP. For now, though, he just wants to savor this championship.
“I don’t know yet. Ayoko muna magsalita kasi siyempre madamig emotions eh. I’m looking forward naman. If there’s a chance, then why not,” said the 24-year-old, who is also set to obtain his degree.
“Kung meron but I’ll still think about it kasi I have one year to play eh. So I don’t know yet. Ayoko muna magsalita kasi emotional lahat. Relax muna ako after nito.”
