For the past three UAAP collegiate men’s volleyball tournaments, Ateneo de Manila University’s campaign has been the very definition of “almost, but not quite.”
The Blue Eagles finished fifth in Seasons 85, 86, and 87, each time posting an identical 7-7 win-loss record.
Close enough to be considered contenders, yet never breaking through, Vince Mangulabnan’s squad has found itself trapped in a limbo. They are competitive and dangerous, but ultimately sidelined as National University, University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, and De La Salle University claimed the Final Four spots each year.
That lingering frustration is precisely what fuels reigning MVP Kennedy Batas as Ateneo aims to break its “three-peat” curse at fifth place in the highly-competitive UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
“Individual award? That’s not the target, that’s the reward of the hard work. Yung goal namin to finally make the Final Four,” Batas told reporters during the tournament’s press conference on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
“Kailangan namin i-build yung mental aspect namin sa team kasi yung season, sobrang tagal. Physically, kayang-kaya i-endure, pero yung mental, ‘yon yung something na mahirap i-deal with and i-manage. Mental aspect talaga ang winowork on namin.”
Beyond his MVP campaign in Season 87 — which placed him alongside rare company like AJ Pareja (Season 72) and Marck Espejo (Seasons 76–80) — Batas’ confidence heading into Season 88 is further bolstered by his off-season stint with the national team, Alas Pilipinas Men.
Playing alongside talents such as Espejo, Kim Malabunga, Louie Ramirez, and Owa Retamar, the 24-year-old spiker revealed he has matured into the kind of leader Ateneo needs to return to the Final Four for the first time since Season 81 (2019).
“Parang I have learned a lot sa experience ko sa national team and yung experience and learnings na ‘yon, shine-share ko sa teammates ko,” Batas shared.
“Sabi ko nga sa nakaraang interview ko, parang palaban kami dahil doon. We’re really eager to earn our spot in the first six, so it’s a good thing for us kasi gusto talaga namin manalo every game.”
Adding more fuel to Batas’ Final Four ambitions is Ateneo’s intact core — a major advantage in taking on perennial contenders such as the Bulldogs, Golden Spikers, Tamaraws, and Green Spikers.
Season 85 Best Libero Lance de Castro and middle blocker Brian Castro are in their final year. Meanwhile, Batas, Amil Pacinio, Jian Salarzon, and returning Nigerian spiker Chidiebere Okeke are poised to contribute to Ateneo’s push back into the postseason.
“Sobrang lalakas ng mga players ngayon, and sobrang thankful ako na committed kaming mga seniors wholeheartedly sa training na pinapagsabihan namin yung mga mas bata sa amin kung ano dapat at hindi dapat gawin,” the Santiago, Isabela native stressed.
The Blue Eagles will open Season 88 against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons this Sunday, February 15, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
#WATCH: I’VE LEARNED A LOT 🏐
Reigning MVP Kennedy Batas is looking to bring his Alas experience to Ateneo, aiming to break their Final Four drought in #UAAPSeason88#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/hoWc8G22z2
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/RqmohrQSPg
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) February 11, 2026
