With the scoreboard flashing championship glory and confetti raining down the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Leo Aringo stood at center court — not just as a champion, but as the soul of a dynasty.
In what could be his final game for National University, Aringo delivered the championship point and steered the Bulldogs to their unprecedented ‘five-peat’ in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
Aringo finished with seven points, 10 excellent receptions, and four digs in NU’s decisive Game 3 sweep of Far Eastern University, clinching the Finals MVP plum for the first time in his collegiate career.
But beyond the numbers, the 24-year-old team captain served as the emotional anchor of a retooled squad that had lost key pillars Owa Retamar and Nico Almendras heading into the season.
Thrust into a bigger leadership role, Aringo didn’t shy away from the challenge. He embraced it.
As questions swirl about whether he’ll suit up for NU one last time or take the leap to the professional ranks, Aringo remains grounded — entrusting the decision to head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“Hindi ko pa alam, pero kung saan gusto ni Coach Dante, doon ako kasi alam ko na hindi niya ako papabayaan. Ever since talaga na rookie pa lang ako, bago niya ako kinuha, alam ko hindi niya ako papabayaan. Kung ano ‘man decision ni coach, doon ako kasi right now na medyo umaayos ayos buhay ko,” said Aringo.
“Kay Coach Dante ko na lang talaga i-aasa kasi kung ano desisyon niya, doon ako kasi ganoon ako katiwala sa kanya kasi hindi siya marunong mag-iwan ng tao,” he added, as Alinsunurin hinted that overseas opportunities may be in store for him,
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
It’s been a journey of transformation for Aringo — from a player once called out by his coach for lapses in leadership to becoming the Bulldogs’ cornerstone.
As NU chased history this season, Aringo led a group that many doubted, especially after the departure of its stars.
But he proved them wrong.
“Alam ko na may pagkukulang ako ever since nag-start yung UAAP kasi ayun, about sa performance ko and ayun nga, hindi kami pinapabayaan ng coaches namin. Lagi kaming pinapaalalahanan na hindi pwede ibigay sa inyo lahat, need niyo matuto,” Aringo reflected.
“Kaya lahat ng mga pagkakataon, lahat ng talong games namin, naggo-grow kami dun, hindi lang as a team, but as a person din.”
Aringo now joins an elite circle of Bulldogs to earn the Finals MVP award, following in the footsteps of Retamar and Bryan Bagunas. Yet more than the individual accolade, what matters most to him is legacy.
Should this be his swan song with NU, Aringo hopes the culture of discipline, sacrifice, and excellence will live on.
“Actually lagi ko sinasabi sa mga kapatid ko, yung mga brothers ko, na kung ano ‘man yung nasimulan ko, sana tapusin nila kasi ‘yon naman talaga yung ginagawa namin ever since. Yung disiplina at puso at pawis na ginagawa namin, ‘yon yung tinuro ng mga seniors namin dati na mga nauna magchampion.”
Should Aringo pass the torch, the dynasty he helped sustain is in capable hands.
#WATCH: Finals MVP Leo Aringo says he’s keeping his options open after a stellar #UAAPSeason87 run 🏐
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/uoTE02O56u
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 17, 2025
