Shaira Jardio etched her name in UAAP women’s volleyball history as only the second libero to win the Finals Most Valuable Player award — joining the ranks of none other than the legendary Dawn Macandili.
Despite being the smallest player on the Taraflex, Jardio stood the tallest in spirit and impact. Sharing the Finals MVP honor with teammate Vange Alinsug, she played a crucial role in leading National University to the Season 87 championship — the school’s second straight crown.
What made the feat even more meaningful was the fact that Jardio is now being mentioned in the same breath as Macandili-Catindig, a multiple-time UAAP Best Digger and Best Receiver, and a decorated Best Libero in the Premier Volleyball League, Philippine Superliga, and PNVF Champions League.
“Sobrang [overwhelmed] po ako kasi sobrang idol ko siya (Macandili) nung nanonood pa lang po ako nung high school pa lang po ako, nanonood kami ng laro nila dito sa MOA Arena. Nakaka-overwhelm po talaga,” said the 4-foot-11 Jardio on Wednesday after clinching the championship.
“Sobrang laking achievement kasi never ko inexpect na magiging Finals MVP ako. Siguro malaki rin yung expectation ng mga tao sa akin pero gagawin ko pa rin yung best ko every time na maglalaro ako.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Jardio earned the spotlight despite her non-scoring role, anchoring the Lady Bulldogs’ defense in their 25-17, 25-21, 13-25, 25-17 Game 1 win last Sunday. She tallied 28 excellent receptions and 18 excellent digs — arguably her best performance of the season.
In Game 2, NU sealed the title with a 25-19, 25-18, 25-19 sweep of De La Salle University, and Jardio once again delivered with 21 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions—cementing her Finals MVP case.
Now in her third year, Jardio said she felt determined to give everything she had, especially as a final tribute to graduating teammates Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Erin Pangilinan, and Sheena Toring.
“Sa akin naman po, nakamindset na po kasi ako na kailangan kunin ko lahat ng makakaya ko, ibigay ko lahat ng makakaya ko and, gusto ko lang na umalis sila Ate Belle, Ate Erin, Ate Aly, Ate Sheena, na ayun nga, panalo,” she shared.
“Sa akin sobrang laki kasi gusto ko rin i-lead yung team namin. So, parang yung finals na ‘to, na naging Finals MVP nga ako, saka si Vange, siguro ito na yung time na i-lead namin yung team kasi mawawala yung mga seniors namin.”
#WATCH: Shaira Jardio is honored to be the first libero UAAP Finals MVP since her idol Dawn Macandili 🏐🙌
📹 @justinvalencia_/ Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/ERKdcBYmTE
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 14, 2025
