The road to the UAAP began with a timely tryout in Bukidnon for Argos Phrixus Alingalan.
Now a Grade 12 student at the University of Santo Tomas, the 18-year-old forward from Davao is proving that the long-term investment made in him by the Junior Golden Booters’ coaching staff is finally paying off.
Recruited in 2020, the Tagum City National Comprehensive High School alumnus has emerged as a legitimate scoring threat this season. His recent performances — highlighted by a hat-trick against Claret School of Quezon City — helped UST reclaim the top spot in the UAAP Season 88 High School Boys’ Football Tournament standings.
Alingalan’s journey to Manila began when he caught the attention of two key figures in UST’s football program.
“Nag-tryout po ako sa Bukidnon and then na-scout po ako nila Coach Marjo Allado and Coach David Basa,” Alingalan shared.
Since making the move to UST, he has relied on a simple but steadfast mantra to guide him through the transition: “Hard work lang po and tiwala lang po sa sarili.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
While his talent was evident early on, Alingalan admitted that overcoming self-doubt was his biggest challenge. That began to change during last year’s postseason, when the high-pressure environment helped him discover a new level of confidence.
The shift has translated into a significant leap in production. After scoring just three goals in Season 87, he has already tallied seven in Season 88, with five matches still remaining in the second round.
“Na-boost lang po ako ng confidence last year. Nag-try po ako na mag-goal nung semifinals, simula diyan nadala ko yung confidence hanggang ngayon,” he explained. “I’m so happy kasi po dati pinagpa-pray ko lang po na sana matulungan po ako ni God na mag-boost ng confidence every game.”
The Davao native also credited his teammates and coaches for trusting him with the responsibility of being the team’s primary finisher.
“Big help po sa mga teammates ko kasi binigyan po nila ako ng tiwala… lalo na po yung mga coaches na nilagay po nila ako sa posisyon na yun,” he said, acknowledging the support system that has allowed him to flourish this season.
As he nears the end of his high school career, Alingalan remains grounded in his Mindanao roots. His aspirations go beyond personal statistics, as he hopes to give back to those who supported his journey to Manila.
“Biggest motivation ko po is yung maging proud po yung parents ko sa’kin,” he said, adding that he also hopes to serve as an “inspirasyon sa ibang mga kabataan.”
With the Junior Golden Booters currently sitting atop the standings, Alingalan is determined to keep pushing forward. The defending champions are in prime position to secure back-to-back titles in Season 88, and the challenge now is to finish what they started.
For his part, Alingalan remains focused on the work needed to turn that dream into reality.
“Sana po tuloy-tuloy po yung good performance ko and magtra-training pa rin po ako,” he said.
