By: Czarina Agaton
University of Santo Tomas is just one win away from clinching the championship in the UAAP High School Boys’ Volleyball Tournament.
At the heart of the Tiger Cubs’ campaign is senior open hitter Jon Paolo Medino, who is navigating the pressures of the finals, relying on a strong support system, and seizing the chance to leave a lasting legacy.
As UST prepares for the second game of the Finals, Medino is ready to give it his all, embracing his role as a senior leader.
“Yung mindset ko is kailangan ibigay ko na lahat, lalo na last season ko na ngayon sa junior division. So, all-out na po talaga. Tsaka iniisip ko na kailangan ako isa sa mag-step up as a senior,” said Medino.
“Kailangan ko i-lead yung mga teammates ko na kailangan ko sila i-up always.”
Medino was pivotal in UST’s hard-fought victory against defending champions NU-Nazareth School in Game 1, where they secured an 18-25, 25-21, 28-26, 25-19 win.
He led the team with 15 points, all from attacks, showcasing his offensive prowess and determination.
Securing the first-game win not only gives UST the advantage but also boosts their morale heading into Game 2.
“Siyempre sobrang saya kasi nakuha namin yung Game 1, so malaking advantage yun coming sa Game 2 na may momentum na kami. Like, na-build namin yung confidence namin. Siyempre, pagdating kasi ngayong finals, parang lahat ng panalo nung season back to zero ulit, paunahan ng panalong dalawa,” Medino shared.
“So, masaya kami na nanalo kami this Game 1 and sana makuha na din namin yung Game 2.”
Teamwork has been the backbone of UST’s remarkable season. Medino highlighted the team’s unity and relentless drive to achieve their shared goal of becoming champions.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Thankful ako sa mga teammates ko kasi walang bumibitaw sa amin. Kahit sa ensayo, na kahit pagod na pagod na ang bawat isa, like, we push each other talaga na walang titigil hangga’t hindi natin nakukuha yung goal natin ngayong season – which is yung mag-champion.
“Tsaka super happy namin kasi last season never namin natalo yung NU ng isang game. This season naman, sila yung hindi pa nananalo against us. So, sana until sa Game 2, hindi na namin dapat sila mabigyan ng chance na manalo against amin,” he said.
Behind every successful athlete is a robust support system, and for Medino, one of his greatest influences has been Rookie MVP and back-to-back MVP Josh Ybañez.
Ybañez not only inspired Medino to join UST but has also been a steady source of guidance and motivation.
(C) Julius Domondon/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Super laking tulong niya po sa akin kasi hindi lang dahil isa siya sa reason na ba’t ako andito ngayon. Parang every game, parang may mga moments na nagda-doubt ako sa sarili ko, parang always niya ako kinakausap. Always niya ako sinasabihan na malaki yung tiwala niya sa akin, ganun,” Medino reflected.
“Ako naman, siyempre, ibang level na siya eh. Rookie MVP, back-to-back MVP siya. Parang ang laking boost sa akin na pinagkakatiwalaan niya ako.”
With one more game to secure the title, Medino and the UST boys’ volleyball team are on the cusp of history.
