Ateneo de Manila University’s dominance in UAAP badminton didn’t skip a beat in Season 86, as the Blue Eagles claimed a double crown, thanks in no small part to Jochelle Alvarez’s breakout performance in the women’s division.
Alvarez’s chemistry with team captain Mika De Guzman proved decisive.
Together, they thwarted the University of the Philippines’ bid to spoil Ateneo’s fourth consecutive title, earning co-Most Valuable Player honors in the process.
With such momentum, the community naturally expected Alvarez to lead the charge once again in Season 87.
But when Ateneo faced Adamson University on October 11, 2024, Alvarez was notably absent from the lineup. On that very day, the then-22-year-old was starting an entirely new chapter in her life.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“I was pregnant po, and the same date, nanganak po ako ng October 11 — opening po ng UAAP.
“So, hindi ako makakalaro. And also siyempre, yung buong year po na ‘yon was recovering from the pregnancy. And after po siguro ng mga one year recovery, I decided to go back to playing,” Alvarez shared.
Perhaps experiencing her childbirth coinciding with the UAAP opening as a sign, Alvarez channeled her determination into a comeback, driven by her commitment to Ateneo.
“Meron din po kasi kong responsibility sa Ateneo na hindi ko basta-basta pwedeng iwan. And siyempre ‘yung schooling, I need to graduate po. Kaya, I decided po to go back,” she added.
Returning to competitive play was not without its challenges.
With the guidance of her coaches and the support of teammates, Alvarez gradually reintegrated into the squad. Her team’s depth also meant she didn’t need to shoulder double events as before.
“Yung buong team namin, ang mindset lang is for me to play and makabalik lang ako. Wala naman pong masyadong expectations na, ‘Oh, MVP ka last year, dapat ganito.’ Hindi naman po naging gano’n,” she recalled.
“Mahirap din po eh; hindi naman po pwedeng biglaan na magaling ka kaagad ‘pag balik mo. Mga teammates ko po and mga coaches helped me to do better, and also ‘yung mga supporters po.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Balancing academics, badminton, and motherhood required careful time management. Alvarez leaned on her family and partner, Rajah, to navigate the daily demands of training and parenting.
“Time management lang po. Mahirap po kasi talagang pagsabay-sabayin kasi may morning training po kami. And kapag walang pasok, walang training … or minsan, nag-a-absent ako sa training, if may emergency kay Raya. And nandyan din naman po ‘yung parents ko para mag-alaga po kapag may pasok po ako at training. Pero ‘pag wala po, inaalagaan ko siya. Siyempre, hindi naman pwedeng all the time, wala ako,” Alvarez explained.
“Minsan, andyan naman po ‘yung partner ko, si Rajah, para alagaan ‘yung baby namin. Kasi graduating na rin po siya, so medyo maluwag na rin po schedule niya. So, ‘yun, parang siya ‘yung tumatayong mommy at daddy muna.”
Fueled by her newborn daughter, Alvarez’s determination fueled a triumphant return. Her leadership and talent played a crucial role as Ateneo captured its eighth UAAP women’s badminton title.
“Isa po siya sa tinitignan ko na, ‘Para sa ‘yo ‘to.’ Hindi porket andyan ka na titigil na ‘yung buhay ng mommy mo,” she emotionally shared.
“This is for her, and also lahat ng paghihirap para maka-graduate din po, para sa kanya.”
