Far Eastern University captain Martini Rey scored one of the top goals of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Football Tournament last Sunday against University of the East and he dedicated it to one of the closest people in his life: his grandmother Teresita Lagura Barba.
With the game still scoreless, the 24-year-old midfielder received the ball from outside the Red Warriors box and unleashed a powerful shot that set the Tamaraws on their way toward a 2-0 victory at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
The timing of it all was important on the pitch as well as outside of it as the match took place a day after the fourth anniversary of his grandmother’s passing.
“For me, hindi ako masyadong satisfied kasi hindi namin nakuha yung gusto naming mangyari. Although we scored two goals, pero yung yung overall game na gusto namin, hindi namin nagawa,” said Rey.
“But I am happy and grateful kasi birthday ng lola ko nung March 8 and death anniversary niya kahapon (March 9) so siguro gift niya sa akin yung goal na yun kahit medyo off kami.”
Rey, who was part of the Tamaraws side that won the championship last year, has come a long way from a rough childhood. His success is a testament to his perseverance and the guidance given to him by his late grandmother, whom he fondly called Lola Ter.
For him, Lola Ter will always be a major figure in his life even four years after her passing due to pneumonia.
“Yung lola ko, kasi lumaki akong walang nanay na kasi namatay nanay ko nang maaga. Yung tatay ko nakulong so lumaki talaga ako sa lola ko kaya dine-dedicate ko lahat ng games, mga goal ko para sa kanya,” said the Sports Science Management student.
“Kaya kung tatanungin kung gaano ka-importante yung lola ko, siguro mas importante pa sa buhay ko kasi yung lola ko.”
The Barotac Nuevo Comprehensive High School alumnus’ strike capped off a fantastic week on the pitch for him. He was part of the Philippine Men’s National Team’s training camp along with fellow UAAP, PFL and foreign-based standouts.
While he was not included in Tom Saintfiet’s lineup for the nationals’ upcoming, just to be invited was something to be proud of and he immediately sought to instill some of the lessons he learned with the Tamaraws.
“Experience ko lang sa national team, lahat dun talagang may quality. Magagaling maglaro, especially yung dati ng national team. Siguro yung confidence, mas na-boost dahil sa kanila,” Rey said.
“Yung pinaka importante para sa akin is yung professionalism on and off the pitch ng mga players dun. Dun ko na-notice yung mga bagay na hindi ko usual nagagawa sa FEU. Ayun naman ay ginagawa ko para masunod ng mga susunod na batang players.”
After an opening-day loss to the De La Salle Green Booters, the Tamaraws are on a three-game winning streak and it looks like they are finally in their groove.
Rey, who is in his last playing year with FEU, is targeting a defense of the crown he won back in Season 85.
While getting back-to-back championships is always hard, he is willing to go the extra mile for the program that gave him his big break and his Lola Ter who remains a cornerstone in his life.
“Para sa akin, it’s very important to defend this title because buong buhay ko ito na yung naging pangarap ko: yung UAAP. Nandito na ako. Nag-champion na ako pero hindi nagtatapos lang sa championship eh,” he said.
“Para sa akin, ma-defend ko yung title bago akong mag-exit is one of the best feelings siguro na mangyayari sa buhay ko.”
