Leo Aringo will get a second tour of duty with Saitama Azalea in Japan’s V.League.
While his documents are still being processed, Aringo is making a pit stop with AEP-Cabstars in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, hoping to contribute to his new team while keeping himself in game shape.
Aringo sees his stint with the Cabstars as a valuable opportunity to gain more playing experience as he prepares for the next chapter of his career in Japan. But before joining AEP-Cabstars, the former National University standout had been training with his alma mater to maintain his rhythm and stay in game shape ahead of his return to the V.League.
“Siyempre, sobrang laking bagay talaga sa akin na naglaro muna ako dito bago ako bumalik, kasi wala akong team talaga dito sa Philippines. Sobrang biglaan lang po akong kinuha and then nagulat ako. Kinuha ako. Then medyo na-delay kasi ‘yung Japan stint ko ngayon kasi may inaayos pa,” said the former UAAP Finals MVP.
“Nagti-training ako sa NU, so sobrang saya ko kasi nakuha ako ng AEP dahil may exposure din na nakakapaglaro ako dito sa Philippines. And then ayun, sobrang happy. Sana makakuha pa ako ng learnings pabalik sa Japan.”
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Aringo’s upcoming return to Japan follows a learning experience during his first campaign with Saitama Azalea, which he joined last year after helping the NU Bulldogs complete a historic ‘five-peat’ in the UAAP men’s volleyball tournament.
His maiden stint in the V.League taught him valuable lessons both on and off the court, which he hopes to build on as he prepares for another opportunity overseas.
“Marami akong natutunan sa Japan, hindi lang ‘yung pagiging athlete, as a person din talaga,” said Aringo, who delivered 23 points and 22 receptions in AEP-Cabstars’ first win of the tournament against the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Sunday.
“Kasi pagpunta ko sa Japan, independent na ako eh, marami akong need masubukan, need ma-try, and ayun, marami akong learnings as an athlete. Natutunan ko, grabe sila magdisiplina, hindi lang sa court, even outside the court. ‘Yun, sana makuha ko and then madala ko sa team ko ngayon.”
Now, Aringo hopes to share the lessons he learned in Japan with his new teammates and help the Cabstars remain competitive in the Invitational Conference, especially after the departure of key players EJ Casana, Vince Lorenzo, Jared Schnake, Vince Abrot, and Nas Gwaza during the offseason.
AEP-Cabstars head coach Kitty Antiporta, meanwhile, welcomed Aringo’s arrival, highlighting how the former NU standout’s championship pedigree and international experience could help strengthen the squad’s winning culture.
“Malaking bagay talaga sa’kin personally ‘yung winning and champion culture na meron si Leo na ‘di ba, he can share with us sa team,” said Antiporta.
“Sabi nga ni boss eh, puwedeng mag-share si Leo dun sa mga players na alam mo ‘yun, ‘di lang sa technical skills pero ‘yung pagiging mabuting tao. ‘Yun ‘yung pinakaimportante eh.”
