Owa Retamar hopes that the award he received during the Collegiate Press Corps Awards can inspire the future generation of men’s volleyball players in the Philippines.
Retamar, who led National University to its fourth-straight UAAP men’s title, was hailed as the first-ever UAAP Men’s Volleyball Player of the Year at the inaugural awards night held at Discovery Suites in Pasig City last Monday.
“Yung mga bata na gusto pong matry and ma-experience po ‘yung mga na-experience namin ngayon. Sana po suportahan niyo rin po sila para makita po nila ‘yung talent nila,” said Retamar.
The two-time UAAP Best Setter was one of the four NU awardees along with men’s head coach Dante Alinsunurin, women’s head coach Norman Miguel, and UAAP Women’s MVP Bella Belen.
Retamar, who has been advocating for men’s volleyball since rising to the spotlight in 2019, hopes to have made an impact in helping push the scene upwards by winning the inaugural award.
“Ayun po sobrang saya kasi ako po ‘yung kauna-unahang napili para sa men’s volleyball. Ang wish ko po ay sana magtuloy tuloy and patuloy pa pong makilala ang men’s volleyball team” said Retamar.
The two-time UAAP Finals MVP signed with the Cignal HD Spikers, the winningest team in Spikers’ Turf history, as he continues his journey of advancing his career and contributing to the growth of Philippine men’s volleyball.
Retamar also recently wrapped up his stint with Alas Pilipinas in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Men, where they finished in 10th place.
The AVC Challenge Cup kick-started the national team’s preparations for the FIVB World Championship next year, which the country will compete in and host.
“Noong first tournament namin na nakasama ulit ako sobrang saya and mas na-feel ko na may mas ilalakas pa ‘yung team namin pag nakumpleto kami, at bigyan pa kami ng time para makapag training.”
