Miggy Clarino and University of the Philippines had high hopes entering UAAP Season 82.
After all, the Fighting Maroons were just one goal away from making it to the Season 81 Finals, and had a virtually intact team heading into Season 82.
Though able to start their Season 82 campaign, things came crashing down when the league decided to cancel the season due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Well, coming from a loss nung Season 81, parang mataas ‘yung expectations namin sa isa’t isa, so everyone thought na it would be our season. Pero wala, hindi talaga pinagpala ng Diyos, pero ganon talaga ‘yung buhay,” Clarino shared during last Friday’s episode of The Prospects Pod, presented by SMART Sports and supported by Chris Sports.
Though it is likely that all the student-athletes who were unable to play during the season will be allowed to play in Season 83, Clarino will most likely not continue.
At 23 years old, the defender says football players like him should already be playing for club teams at this age.
“Well hindi pa kasi ako graduate, so mag-aaral pa ako, pero sabi nila pwede pa raw mag-one year, pero hindi na. Masyado na siguro akong matanda para doon,” said the two-time UAAP champion, who only has a few units left in UP.
“I hope to find a team — hopefully abroad, pero if wala talaga, pwede naman dito.”
Just as he has done all his life, Miggy looks to chase his brother Ian.
Ian is currently playing for Bulli FC in Australia. And he hopes that just like in UST High and UP, they could play together there as well.
“Yeah actually, I’ve been following his footsteps ever since naman. Kaya din ako nag-UST high school dahil sa kanya, kaya ako nag-UP dahil din sa kanya, so he’s been guiding me ever since I was a kid. Siya talaga ‘yung pinaka-close ko sa aming magkakapatid, and hindi lang kapatid ‘yung turing niya sa akin. Tinuring niya akong isang rookie, isang teammate. So parang for me, kung nasaan siya, doon ako mago-grow pa,” Miggy admitted.
“Nagsabi din naman siya sa akin na gagawin niya lahat para maayos ‘yung papers ko for Australia if ever.”
Miggy also knows that UP will be secure with Ray Sanciangco leading the Fighting Maroons.
