On the night before Far Eastern University’s crucial second-round clash against De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament, Vennie Ceballos found himself far from the bright lights of the Taraflex.
Last Tuesday evening, what was supposed to be a routine team dinner turned into a moment of personal grief when Ceballos received the devastating news that his grandfather—whom he fondly called Papa Jerome—had passed away.
The 19-year-old libero from Cebu had every reason to sit out the game, but fueled by the belief that his grandfather was watching from above and supported by the warm embrace of the Tamaraws, Ceballos chose to play—to honor his grandfather’s memory.
“Sa akin lang personally, napaka-meaningful ng day na ito kasi long story short, tinatala ko talaga yung game na ito para sa lolo ko na nawala kagabi noong nag-team dinner kami. Ayun nga, first time ko na makaramdam ng ganito na yung feeling na mabigat,” Ceballos said post-match Wednesday afternoon at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
“Although mabigat sa pakiramdam, tina-try ko yung best ko na mag-focus ako kung nasaan ako ngayon.”
Drawing strength from somewhere deeper than the sport itself, the second-year libero delivered when it mattered most—less than 24 hours after his grandfather’s passing—tallying 18 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs in a four-set triumph over Final Four aspirant La Salle.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The victory did more than secure the Tamaraws’ 10th win in 11 outings; it also guaranteed FEU at least a playoff for a coveted twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
More than a tribute to his beloved lolo, Ceballos’ performance became a testament to his resilience—choosing to rise above personal loss and stand firm when the Tamaraws needed him the most.
“Ayun, yung pinaka nagma-matter kasi is kung sino ka or kung paano ka mag-react sa situation or sa mga challenges sa life na hinaharap ngayon. Nag-enjoy kami and nag-stay kami sa present kung ano ‘man yung nasa harap namin,” the product of University of Southern Philippines Foundation expressed.
“Nag-focus kami sa kung ano ang control namin sa team at binibigay namin yung lahat sa ensayo para pagdating sa game, maganda yung kalalabasan.”
Fully aware of the rare opportunity he holds playing in the country’s premier collegiate league, Ceballos chose to meet the moment with presence and purpose.
He played through adversity—not just with a heavy heart, but with the full appreciation that moments like these are rare and meant to be lived fully.
“At ayun, kung ano yung sinasabi sa coaches namin na pag nagsu-support kami, stay in the moment lang talaga. Kasi bihira lang sa isang athlete na mabigyan ng isang chance na makapaglaro sa ganitong level,” Ceballos said.
“Palagi ko talagang iniisip kung ano yung kaya kong maibigay sa game, kung ano yung trabaho ko, kung ano yung mando sa mga coaches namin. Lahat kami, pinipilit naming gustuhin ang bawat game. Parang siguro nag-prepare kami every before game kasi sabay sabay kami kakain.”
#WATCH: MADILIM PA, KAILANGAN PA NG FLASHLIGHT PARA MAKITA ANG HINAHANAP NAMIN 🐃
FEU head coach Ed Orcullo and Charles Absin share their thoughts as the Tamaraws close in on a twice-to-beat advantage in #UAAPSeason88#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/csvLIl0iq0
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