Ateneo de Manila had a golden opportunity to defend not just one, but two singles titles when the UAAP Season 87 Badminton Tournament returned to the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall for the first time in five years.
The women’s team struggled with personnel and health issues throughout the season and eventually lost its crown, but the men’s side stayed competitive and remained in contention to defend its title.
However, National University displayed greater hunger and determination in the Finals, reclaiming the men’s championship they had previously ceded to Ateneo.
The loss left a lingering sting for the Blue Eagles — especially for Season 86 co-MVP and team captain Lyrden Laborte.
It was a feeling that turned into motivation to reclaim the crown in Season 88.
“To be honest, sobrang sakit talaga nung nangyari last year. As in buong team, naapektuhan, dinamdam namin kasi it was a great opportunity talaga last year,” recalled the fourth-year senior.
“But then ang inisip na lang namin na parang may reason talaga si God na ginawa kung bakit hindi namin nakuha last year. Ngayon, nakuha namin ‘yung title, ginawa naming stepping stone ‘yung nangyari. We learned from our mistakes and we’re happy na na-convert namin ‘yung lost na ‘yon into a championship ngayon.”
That determination was evident early on. Ateneo bolstered its lineup with talents who would not just keep the team competitive, but make them favorites to win again — bringing in junior national team standouts JR Pandi and Zeth Quiambao.
Additionally, senior Pingkoy Salvado decided to return for his final playing year to help Ateneo reclaim the title, despite his demanding schedule as a medical student.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Laking pasasalamat ko na nag-stay pa si Pingkoy kasi meron akong isa pang nakasama, isang teammate na co-captain na mag-ga-guide sa teammates namin. And at the same time, I’m so thankful sa mga rookies na na-recruit namin kasi napakalaking factor talaga nila, napakalaking tulong nila sa team,” said Laborte.
“Pero to be honest, hindi naman namin inexpect na championship calibre team kami talaga kami. ‘Yung mga individual players lang sobrang lakas nila, sobrang disciplined.”
As the season went on, Ateneo proved that the whole was greater than the sum of its parts.
“I think it’s meant to be lang, kasi lahat ng pumapasok sa Ateneo, pumapasok sila for a reason talaga,” the skipper shared.
“Coming into this season, nagdagdag lang kami ng training like strength and conditioning kasi natuto kami sa last season na medyo nagkulang kami do’n. Nagdagdag rin kami ng trainings abroad. And I think ‘yung team spirit pa rin ando’n ‘yung last year and this year.”
Following Salvado’s lead — and with that same bond and spirit that kept the team together through highs and lows — Laborte decided to return for his final year with the Blue Eagles in Season 89.
“Hindi siya madali no na pamunuan ang isang team na galing sa iba’t ibang provinces, iba’t ibang clubs o teams, but then, nanggaling man sila sa iba’t iba pero nung pumasok sila sa Ateneo, iisa lang kami. And hindi ko naman sila ni-lead na sundin ‘yung gusto ko. Kumbaga, ando’n ako para suportahan kung ano ‘yung gusto nila. Mine-make sure ko lang na tama ‘yung mindset nila na iisang goal lang kaming iisang team,” shared Laborte, now in his third year as team captain.
“Just like nung Season 86, we will stay motivated, we will stay hungry. We will use this title as a motivation to strive again for a championship next season.”
