For most teenagers, an 18th birthday is a time for celebration.
For JP Tansingco, it was a night of grit, glory, and game-saving heroics.
The PAREF Southridge goalkeeper marked his special day with a performance to remember, delivering clutch saves that helped the Admirals hold defending champions FEU-Diliman to a dramatic 1-1 draw last Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
With the match tied, the Grade 12 shot-stopper pulled off a series of crucial saves to deny current league top scorer Jerriemy Biton and substitutes John Incocencio and Arvin Alayon Jr.
His heroics not only earned Southridge its first point against one of the league’s member schools but also ensured that the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ High School Football Tournament would proceed with a Final Four format.
As the final whistle blew, Southridge supporters erupted in celebration, serenading Tansingco with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” in honor of his standout performance.
“I just turned 18,” said Tansingco. “I think we played really well. We worked hard for this in training — not only analyzing FEU’s game but also countering it with a back five. I could see everyone pushing each other, even the subs who played; they pushed the starting 11.
“Last time, we lost 1-0, but this time, we were able to get a 1-1 draw.”
Tansingco’s journey as a goalkeeper began in second grade when he watched his older brother, Enzo, during a practice session. Inspired by his sibling — who also played for Southridge — he committed himself to improving every day.
Like many young footballers in the UAAP, Tansingco’s passion for the sport runs in the family. As the youngest of five siblings, he looked up to his older brothers, two of whom also played football.
Beyond the game, they imparted valuable life lessons.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“I guess they always showed me to never give up,” he shared. “Even if my brothers didn’t play football, they strived in their academics and never quit. Even when they had bad grades, they kept pushing, kept studying. That inspired me. If I ever have a bad game, I just work harder in training with one of my coaches.”
His love for goalkeeping came naturally.
“I was a striker when I first started playing until Grade 2. But since I was bigger than the rest, one of my coaches put me in goal. After I saw my brother playing as a goalkeeper, I wanted to try it. Ever since then, I’ve loved it. It wasn’t forced — it was my choice.”
Looking ahead, Tansingco hopes to continue his football journey at the collegiate level. “I plan to play in college, hopefully at Ateneo or UP,” he said.
Currently sitting in fifth place with four points, Southridge still has a shot at making the Final Four. The Admirals face De La Salle Zobel, Ateneo de Manila University, and Claret School of Quezon City in their remaining fixtures.
After holding FEU-Diliman to a draw, they now believe they can take points off these teams as well.
Tansingco is confident in his team’s chances, starting with their next match against the Junior Archers this Saturday.
“I think we just need to work harder. Even though it’s the second round and we’ve made adjustments, La Salle Zobel won’t be easy. We can win, but only if we play as a team. We have the talent and the tactics to beat Zobel, but if we don’t have the mentality, then we’re not gonna win at all,” he emphasized.
“And against Claret, we just need to run the same tactics because we know we’re better than them. Against Ateneo, same thing.”
With Tansingco leading the charge, the Admirals remain determined to fight for their place in the Final Four.
