By Joshua Kyle Beltran and Fibby Ann Mercado

Over the course of Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Jean Asis’ career, there is no doubt that she played a key role in the team’s progression in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP). With her time in FEU as a student and athlete officially concluded, her journey is something fans can reminisce about.

Despite crumbling to a reverse series sweep against defending champions National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs during their semis showdown in Season 87 women’s volleyball tourney, the 5-foot-10 volleybelle played a vital role in steering the Lady Tamaraws toward back-to-back Final Four appearances.

Officially bringing her chapter with the University to a close in the FEU Class of 2025 Commencement Exercises last July 24, the former Lady Tamaraw looked back on her time as a student-athlete that brought her to where she is today.

No place like home

The middle blocker’s journey as a Tamaraw began way before her collegiate debut—she first repped the green-and-gold in high school at FEU Diliman. Sure enough, her transition into college was seamless.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Asis expressed how much the University became a part of her life.

“Given na ‘yung team, and ‘yung mismong FEU campus, dorm, gym, lahat… Since senior high hanggang grumaduate ako, FEU talaga ‘yung naging kasama ko, ‘yun talaga ‘yung mami-miss ko (The team, the FEU campus, dorm, gymnasium, all of it… Since senior high school up until college graduation, FEU has been with me. And that’s what I’ll miss),” she said.

Likewise, the Lady Tamaraw emphasized how the school taught her the importance of building genuine connections and relishing such bonds alike.

“‘Yung pakikisama sa kapuwa tao, ‘yung mga tao na nakakasalamuha mo sa bawat araw. Kasi ‘di mo alam kung kailan mo ulit sila makakasama kapag wala ka na sa FEU (The way you act toward others, toward the ones you’ll see everyday. You’ll never know when you’ll see them again once you leave),” she cited.

Despite the sentimental exit, the veteran athlete remained confident that she had fulfilled her role in the place she once called home—the one that nurtured her both as a player and a person. 

Anchoring the Tamaraws

Throughout her collegiate career, the Morayta-based blocker was more than just a point scorer. Her impressive net-based defensive strides, graceful yet powerful attacks, and overall experience strengthened the team over time.

However, the student-athlete’s journey was not a walk in the park. During her rookie year, the Lady Tams finished at the bottom of the standings with a 1-13 win-loss record, just after the UAAP had resumed after the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Two seasons later, the former FEU middle blocker helped steer the Tina Salak-led volleybelles to their first Final Four return since 2021. Building up a 16-point performance, she activated an endgame surge during the deciding set to close out the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses. 

The Lady Tamaraws then defeated the top-seeded NU in game one of the semis, courtesy of Asis and fellow former senior Chenie Tagaod.

During her final season, the middle blocker garnered a total of 118 points powered on 90 attacks, 17 blocks, and 11 aces.

Fueled by the setbacks they endured in past seasons, the Salak-led volleybelle emerged braver and stronger—ultimately boosting FEU into serious contenders in the UAAP. 

Confident with the framework she and her fellow veterans had laid, the middle blocker strongly believes the Lady Tams are on the right track to winning a championship this upcoming Season 88.

Rooted in green-and-gold

After bidding her final goodbyes to her alma mater, Asis now makes her way on the professional path.

In true Tamaraw fashion, she turned heads during the 2025 Philippine Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft last June 8, joining the Galeries Tower Highrisers as the second overall pick. 

Looking back on the lessons she took to heart during her time with FEU, the green-and-gold volleybelle highlighted how patience and gratitude go hand-in-hand—reflecting the opportunity she was given in going pro.

“Kung paano magkaroon ng pasensiya sa sarili at sa mga bagay na ginagawa. Also, kung paano pahalagahan ‘yung mga bagay na dumadating sa buhay and mga opportunities… so grab it habang nandiyan pa. (To have patience in yourself and the things I do. Also, how to appreciate the opportunities that come…so grab them while they’re still there),” the Morayta-based Highriser emphasized.

Not long ago, the former Lady Tamaraw made a strong show during her debut in the PVL against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans last June 28, recording 16 points on 13 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. 

Now thriving in the big leagues, the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management graduate seeks to keep on carrying the Tamaraw flag.

“Hindi mawawala ang dugong Tamaraw ko. Without FEU, wala ako sa PVL ngayon. Forever thankful ako (My Tamaraw blood will never go away. Without FEU, I wouldn’t be in PVL today. I’ll forever be thankful),” the middle blocker stated.

As she continues to navigate her journey in her volleyball career, Asis’ journey signifies how braving challenges can turn into immense growth. With every serve and block, she carries memories etched in green-and-gold and a heart of a real Tamaraw—a hard-earned triumph shaped by fortitude. 

- With reports from Randy James Espares

(Photo by Aleena Louise Abad/FEU Advocate)