Mika De Guzman and Solomon Padiz Jr. once shared parallel paths — rising as badminton prodigies, champions, and MVPs who carried the pride of their respective schools.
This season, though, their journeys diverge in a bittersweet turn.
Both hailed as Rookies of the Year back in UAAP Season 82, De Guzman and Padiz quickly became cornerstones for Ateneo de Manila University and National University, respectively.
Their collegiate stories ran side by side: titles, MVP honors, and eventually, spots on the national team.
Together, they were the faces of the sport’s new generation, now representing Smash Pilipinas on the international stage.
So when UAAP Season 88 opened last Saturday, fans anticipated seeing them one last time donning their collegiate colors.
But only De Guzman showed up.
Padiz, her longtime boyfriend, was ruled ineligible for his final playing year.
What was supposed to be their farewell tour together simply wasn’t meant to be.
“I think it’s normal na hindi kami magkasama. Hindi naman sa buong UAAP ko kasama ko siya, I’m just happy to be able to play sa last playing year ko. Pero, I guess, sayang. Sayang kasi hindi nakapaglaro din si July (Villabrille),” De Guzman shared.
“Sayang, kasi siyempre ang goal naman namin is international. But of course, this is — like what I said — giving back to the school kasi parang all the years sinuportahan naman kami, so, ayun sayang lang na hindi sila nakapaglaro.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For the now 24-year-old captain, returning for one final season despite already earning her degree in Interdisciplinary Studies was a heartfelt decision — one made out of gratitude.
“I love the school, I love the school spirit. And I think that’s what made me want to play one more year for the team,” she said.
“I love how they supported me all these years, and I think it’s like giving back to the school as well.”
Her journey at Ateneo has been defined not just by victories but by the people who stood behind her every step of the way.
As she steps onto the court for the final time, De Guzman dedicates this season to them.
“I would like to dedicate this to my family, who have always been supportive of me. Siyempre hindi mawawala si boss FDG (Frederick D. Go) and boss MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan), and, of course, mga coaches ko, coach Kenny (Asuncion), coach Roy (Callanta), who have guided me in all my playing years in Ateneo.”
Last season, illness made her miss two crucial contests in the qualifying round, something she would not want to happen this season.
This time, she’s determined to close her collegiate chapter on her own terms.
“Nung last year, I wasn’t able to play, I think last two matches in the round robin because I was sick,” she said.
“So, I think my personal goal this year is to be very healthy, and for me to be able to compete until the end of Season 88, until my last possible game.”
