Despite having just three years under his belt as the director of University of Santo Tomas’ Institute of Physical Education and Athletics, Fr. Jannel Abogado OP has become a beloved figure as both a leader and as a father-figure, especially for the student-athletes.
And so when Tiebreaker Times broke the news that Fr. Abogado had stepped down from his post on Tuesday, there was an outpouring by members of UST Volleyball.
“Grabe,” Tweeted Queen Tigress Cherry Rondina, who graduated back in UAAP Season 81.
“Oh no :(,” shared Rondina’s batchmate Rica Rivera.
“Haaays,” expressed Ej Laure, who entered UST back in Season 77.
Multi-time UAAP gold medalist Jaron Requinton also tweeted a couple of emojis — astonished and pleading.
Fr. Abogado became the head of UST IPEA back in 2017, taking over the post from Fr. Ermito G. de Sagon, OP.
Under his watch, UST won six general championships — three in the high school division and three in college.
But more than that, he also had a hand in recruitment.
“Si Father J ang isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit ako/kami nasa UST ngayon,” Tweeted Eya Laure.
Imee Hernandez meanwhile posted a crying and heartbroken emoji.
Maj Mangulabnan gave an emotional tweet to express her gratitude to Fr. Abogado.
“MARAMING SALAMAT, FATHER!
“Alam ko pong susuportahan nyo parin kami. Mahal na mahal namin kayo!,” she Tweeted.
