By: Nicole Parallag
Jonela Albino may not have been the flashiest player on the field for Far Eastern University, but she consistently did the job she was tasked to do — and in her final UAAP game, Lady Tamaraws head coach Let Dimzon gave her a surprise she will never forget: the Most Valuable Player award.
FEU capped its ‘four-peat’ after defeating De La Salle University in the Season 88 finals last Saturday, securing the school’s 14th women’s football title.
“Nung nakuha po namin yung ‘four-peat’, sobrang saya ko kasi buo kami naglaro sa field,” Albino shared.
“Proud ako sa mga teammate ko kasi sumusunod sa mga pinapagawa ng coaches and sobrang may tiwala po ako sakanila.”
The 25-year-old Ilongga’s journey with FEU has been defined by loyalty.
She joined the team in Season 82, fresh from Barotac Nuevo National Comprehensive High School, but her debut was cut short by the COVID pandemic.
When UAAP football resumed in Season 85, Albino’s determination helped solidify FEU’s dominance on the field.
Even after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences major in Fitness and Sports Management last year, she chose to return for one final season — a decision that proved rewarding.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Very happy na part ako ng legacy, lalo na worth it po yung pagbalik ko sa FEU,” she said.
“History talaga yung ‘four-peat’.”
Her MVP award was an unexpected highlight.
“Hindi ko po inexpect na ako yung MVP,” Albino admitted. “Binigay ko lang best ko kahit ang dami ko pong mistakes sa field. Kaya hindi ko talaga inakala na ako yung mapipili.
“Pinapasalamatan ko teammates ko at coaches. Kung hindi dahil sa kanila, hindi namin makukuha yung championship na ito at yung history.”
Beyond the awards, Albino cherishes the bonds formed with her teammates — a connection that grew stronger with each season.
“Yung bonding namin simula Season 85 hanggang ngayon, mas na-express ko po sarili ko ngayon sa teammates,” she said.
“Sobrang proud ako sa kanila, sobrang happy na nag-unite kami.”
As she looks ahead, her future in football remains open. For now, she plans to return home to the province, rest, and consider her next steps.
“Siguro po di ko pa alam,” she said.
“Uuwi po muna ako sa province namin. Depende pa po kung mag-pro ako. Magre-rest muna ako then balik Manila.”
