Ramil Bation III once again proved why he’s one of the most lethal forwards in collegiate football.
The third-year striker fired a brace and set up another as University of the Philippines demolished University of the East, 5-0, on October 30, extending their lead atop the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament standings.
The Fighting Maroons now sit firmly at the summit with 19 points, opening their second-round campaign in commanding fashion.
But for Bation, his two-goal performance was never about personal glory.
Instead, he viewed it as part of the team’s collective mission to stay consistent as they approach a crucial showdown with Ateneo de Manila University on Thursday.
“Para sa team talaga ‘tong brace na ‘to,” said the 21-year-old forward.
“Kung ano lang ginawa namin sa last game na ‘to, ganun din. Mas taasan pa namin yung intensity and sa training papakita na namin agad kung ano kaya namin so we can bring it into the Katipunan game.”
Bation credited his continued growth to his recent experience with the Philippine Men’s Under-23 National Team.
Competing and training alongside professional players and foreign coaches gave him a broader understanding of his strengths and areas for improvement.
“Ang laking tulong nung U23 kase yung mga ibang teammates ko dun, mga professionals na galing ibang bansa, so marami ako natutunan sa kanila pati sa yung mga coaches namin. Kase yung mga coaches namin galing ibang bansa. Pati si Coach Poy [Clarino], thankful ako sa kanya,” he shared.
His U-23 stint also gave him a chance to build camaraderie with Ateneo captain Dov Cariño — his rival in the UAAP but a trusted ally in national colors.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Both have notched five goals apiece this season, making their upcoming matchup even more intriguing as two Golden Boot contenders face off.
“Si Dov Cariño, magkasama naman kami lagi,” Bation said.
“Nag-uusap din kami lagi duon sa camp. Kung may itutulong si Dov sa akin, may itutulong din ako sa kanya. Sa next game na lang makikita na lang natin ano yung mga natutunan namin sa isa’t isa.”
Despite leading the table after seven matches, Bation stressed that the Fighting Maroons are keeping their feet on the ground.
Their focus remains on securing a Final Four berth before thinking about reclaiming the championship crown.
“Focus muna kami sa semi-finals. Inuuna muna namin makapasok duon bago namin isipin makapasok kami sa final,” he said.
