Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Martin Bugaoan is eager to wave the green-and-gold flag following his signing with the Cignal HD Spikers, as announced on their official Facebook post last Monday, May 27. 

“Plano kong i-embody ‘yung values and skills na natutuhan ko sa FEU, tulad ng hard work, discipline, dedication and sportsmanship. Kahit na nasa loob o labas ng court, ipapakita ko at ipagmamalaki ko na dugong Tamaraw ako (I plan on embodying the values and skills that I learned in FEU, such as hard work, discipline, dedication, and sportsmanship. Whether inside or outside the court, I will show and take pride in being a full-blooded Tamaraw),” he said in an online interview with FEU Advocate.

The Morayta-based squad concluded their University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 run as the second runners up, after ultimately falling to the hands of the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers in the final four face-off last May 8.

Following Bugoaoan’s recent performance in the said season as the 1st Best Middle Blocker, Cignal was quick to reel in the senior Tamaraw, adding to what fans project as an already potent roster. 

He rejoins forces with his older brother, John Paul Bugaoan, for the first time since UAAP Season 82.

Subsequently, the middle blocker shared his thoughts on how his performance as a player is attributed to their relationship as brothers and vice versa.

“Sobrang excited and at the same time, overwhelmed kasi maganda ‘yung bond namin as [teammates] and as magkapatid; lagi niya akong pinu-push para mas lumakas and para mas maging better sa kung ano ako ngayon inside and outside the court (I am simultaneously excited and overwhelmed since we have a good bond both as teammates and as brothers; he always pushes me to be stronger and better in who I am today inside and outside the court),” he mentioned.

Besides his older brother, he is also met with some familiar faces from his time in FEU including Mark Calado, Kris Cian Silang, and Vince Patrick Lorenzo.  

The green-and-gold middle blocker emphasized his flexibility and adaptability upon joining Cignal, especially after reuniting with his fellow Tamaraws.

“Excited and happy din kasi hindi na ako mahihirapang mag-adjust sa kanila kasi familiar and alam ko na ‘yung mga ugali nila inside and outside the court na makakatulong din sakin para mas mabilis kong ma-adapt ‘yung sistema ng Cignal (I am both excited and happy as I would not have any difficulty adjusting to them since I already know their personalities inside and outside the court which would help me in further adapting to Cignal’s system),” Bugaoan explained.

Cignal’s recent player acquisitions also include National University Bulldogs’ setter Joshua Retamar and De La Salle University Green Spikers’ opposite hitter JM Ronquillo.

After the team’s latest championship in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference 2024, the Morayta-bred Cignal middle blocker’s career is set to elevate in the upcoming Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference 2024 which will take place in October.

- Kyle Beltran

(Photo courtesy of Cignal HD Spikers Facebook Page)