A standout performance in a 2017 Palarong Pambansa match in Antique was all University of Santo Tomas head coach Haydee Ong needed to decide that Tacky Tacatac would be a perfect fit for the Growling Tigresses’ roster.
That decision proved transformative for both Tacatac and the program.
Tacatac repaid Ong’s trust with unwavering dedication over her five-year journey with UST’s UAAP women’s basketball program.
Little did she know that a single game in Palaro would mark the start of a remarkable UAAP career – one that featured a 5-on-5 championship, UST’s first in 17 years; two 3×3 titles; two bronze medals in Seasons 81 and 85; a silver finish in Season 82; and a Mythical Five selection in Season 85.
Her UAAP career ended with a hard-fought 73-78 loss in Game 3 of the Season 87 Finals against the National University Lady Bulldogs.
Still, the 25-year-old graduating guard leaves the Growling Tigresses with pride and gratitude, reflecting on the leap of faith Ong took on a skinny 17-year-old from Tigbauan, Iloilo.
“Grabe talaga yung tinulong sa akin nila Coach Haydee. Nung start ko nung 2018 until now, hindi talaga nila ako pinabayaan. Lahat naman ng hinahawakan ni coach, hindi niya pinapabayaan at tinutulungan niya talaga. Grateful ako na kinuha niya ako, rinecruit niya ako, pinag-aral niya ako,” Tacatac shared after pouring in 14 points in her final game with UST.
“Super grateful ako sa’yo coach – sa lahat ng payo, sa lahat ng gabay. Hindi ako magiging ganito kung hindi dahil sa’yo. Thank you sa ilang taon nating pagsasama, and good luck next year. Kahit wala na ako, susupportahan ko pa rin kayo.”
Tacatac’s final playing year was far from smooth. She struggled with a shooting slump during the first round, but she rediscovered her rhythm just in time for UST’s second-round resurgence and postseason push.
Adding to the challenges, UST had to move forward without key veterans like Tantoy Ferrer and Nicki Villasin, both instrumental in the Growling Tigresses’ Season 86 campaign.
Despite the adversity, Tacatac rose to the occasion, leaving an indelible mark as one of UST’s finest – a prolific scorer, clutch shooter, and undeniable winner.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“All throughout the season, marami kaming challenges na hinarap. Super proud ako kasi hindi bumitaw lahat, at sama-sama namin hinarap yung challenges na ‘yon. Sad lang kasi hindi namin nakuha yung championship trophy, pero happy ako kasi lumaban kami hanggang dulo,” Tacatac, a proud alumna of Tigbauan National High School, reflected.
“Play with pride. Dapat isipin mo every game na it’s your last game kasi you’ll never know. Dati parang rookie pa lang ako, ngayon wala na – graduate na. Grateful ako na nakalaro at narepresent ko yung UST.”
As the lone UST women’s basketball player graduating this season, Tacatac leaves her teammates with a heartfelt challenge: “Ibawi nila ako next season.”
UST will have a strong core intact – including Mythical Five member Kent Pastrana, Season 85 MVP Eka Soriano, and super rookie Karylle Sierba. The Growling Tigresses are primed to contend once again in Season 88.
Tacatac’s words of encouragement now serve as a rallying cry for her team to achieve even greater heights.
“Sinabihan ko lang yung mga bata na habang umiiyak na ibawi nila ako next season. Happy ako na nakasama ko sila this season sa final year ko. Alam ko naman na next season na talaga magiging malakas yung team kahit wala na ako,” she concluded.
Tacatac’s legacy isn’t just about the championships or accolades she helped bring to UST.
It’s about the heart, resilience, and leadership that will continue to inspire the Growling Tigresses for years to come.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
