By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

After falling short of securing the gold in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men’s volleyball finals earlier today, May 17, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo made sure to defend his players against the heavy scrutiny they have been receiving throughout the series.

“Sa mga manonood, sana maintindihan niyo na hindi tumitigil ‘yung bawat isa sa’min sa trabaho—coaches, players. Ngayon, kung anuman po ‘yung nakikita niyo inside ng hardcourt, nara-rattle ‘yung player… nagkakamali sila, ‘yun ay dahil mga tao ‘yan (To the watchers, I hope you understand that everyone of us doesn’t stop working—coaches, players. Now, whatever you see inside the hardcourt, the player gets rattled… they commit mistakes, that’s because they’re human),” he said in the post-game press conference.

The head tactician mentioned their struggles as they competed throughout the season, asking spectators not to judge them for what they see on the court.

“Hindi niyo nakikita kung anong oras kami gumigising… Halos hindi na kami mag-almusal para mag-ensayo… Ubos na ubos ka na sa ensayo [tapos] papasok ka. Kaya sana… ‘wag niyo sana kaming husgahan sa mga bagay na ‘yun (You don’t see what time we wake up… We barely eat breakfast to train… You’d be tired from practice then have to go to school. That’s why I hope… they don’t judge us based on our mistakes),” Orcullo stated.

Recently, green-and-gold outside hitter Mikko Espartero in particular has been subject to hateful comments from FEU fans and haters alike due to his finals performance. 

Coach Ed spoke in encouragement for the rookie and highlighted his ability to bounce back.

“Kay Mikko… ‘pag nagkamali ka kasi, wala namang ibang pupuntahan ‘yun [kung hindi] ‘yung pagbangon mo... Ang pinakaimportante, buhay tayo para makabawi kami. I’m sure si Mikko, hindi naman titigil ‘yan para makuha ulit ‘yung gusto niyang mangyari (For Mikko… when you fall, there’s nothing else to do but to rise back up… The most important thing is that we’re alive to bounce back. I’m sure Mikko won’t stop in order to achieve what he wants again),” he shared.

Amid the noise from critics, Orcullo did not forget to thank their loyal supporters for their presence.

“Maraming-maraming salamat po sa inyo, sa DN-Steel, kay Miss Donna [Ang], sa FEU community, TAMbayers… Sana magkita uli tayo sa susunod. Maraming salamat (Thank you, thank you very much to you, to DN-Steel, Miss Donna Ang, the FEU Community, TAMbayers… I hope we see each other again next time. Thank you),” he remarked.

He also expressed his gratitude for the elevation of the interest for men’s volleyball and the trusting families of his players.

Game three of the Season 87 finals saw a historical 14,517-strong attendance from various supporters—the highest ever in UAAP men’s volleyball.

(Photo by Aleena Louise Abad/FEU Advocate)