In a dramatic turn of events, University of the Philippines’ Nina Ytang made a late arrival at the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament Awarding Ceremony, just in time to claim her third consecutive 2nd Best Middle Blocker honor.
Caught in heavy traffic, Ytang was initially absent when her name was first called, echoing the fate of UST’s Detdet Pepito, who had also faced a late arrival during the Season 85 Awarding Ceremony.
Thanks to a swift Grab ride and the help of the nearest expressway, Ytang’s quick dash to the SM Mall of Asia Arena turned into a heartwarming moment.
She arrived just in time to join the other awardees, including Bella Belen, Lams Lamina, Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, Amie Provido, Lyka de Leon, and Shaina Nitura, for a group photo opportunity.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Sobrang traffic talaga. Traffic sa Quezon City, traffic sa toll gate sa Skyway, traffic kahit saan. Ano ba nangyayari sa Philippines?” Ytang told reporters.
“Nag-book ako ng Grab papunta dito. Nag-Skyway na ako, traffic pa rin. Jusko, ang mahal pa ng bayad,” she added.
Coincidentally, when Ytang rushed to join the photo op, she ended up standing next to Canino, the Season 87 2nd Best Outside Hitter.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
As soon as the two were side by side, the entire MOA Arena erupted with excitement.
Ytang and Canino have long been playfully shipped by their fans across social media, earning the ship name “Ytangel” in a community known for its light-hearted and harmless fan jokes.
While Ytang appreciates the support and the playful shipping with Canino, the 23-year-old middle blocker asked fans to ease up on their jokes — especially on social media — considering that the Season 85 Rookie-MVP is currently in a high-pressure situation with her team in the Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament Finals.
“Ewan ko na lang. Wala na ako maisip kasi kinakabahan na ako pumasok noon. Pero wala na, masaya na ako, pero ewan hindi ko rin sila ma-gets,” she quipped.
“Okay lang kami ni Angel guys ha? Stop it.”
#WATCH: With the #PVL2025 Draft deadline fast approaching, UP’s Nina Ytang is still weighing her options — stay for #UAAPSeason88 or take the leap to the pros? 🏐
📹 @ernesttuazon /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/se8sbnafyP
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 14, 2025
