By Joshua Kyle Beltran

Even after reigning supreme as the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 Most Valuable Player (MVP), Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Janrey Pasaol immediately sets his sights for redemption earlier today, December 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

“Unang-una talaga [na] pumapasok sa isip ko is babawi talaga kami ng FEU… Gusto namin na kami na nakahawak sa destiny namin na makapasok sa Final Four, hindi na ‘yung iba (First thing that comes to mind is we will bounce back… We want to make sure that we hold our destiny in entering the Final Four, not the other teams),” Pasaol shared in an interview with FEU Advocate.

After averaging 15.43 points, Pasaol makes his mark as the first MVP of FEU in 12 years, joining an elite Tamaraw club consisting of Terrence Romeo, Joselino Roa, Anthony Williams, Glenn Capacio, Johnny Abarrientos, Arwind Santos, and RR Garcia. 

Overfilled with emotion, the sophomore standout credited God as the reason for becoming this season’s MVP.

“Siyempre, unang-una, nagpapasalamat muna ‘ko kay God. Kasi, kung wala siya, wala ako sa sitwasyon ko ngayon. I’m so very happy kasi sa lahat ng basketball player na naglalaro sa UAAP, ako pa ‘yung isa sa mga napiling maging MVP (Of course, first of all, I give my thanks to God. If it were not for him, I would not be where I am now. I am happy because of all the players in the UAAP, I was chosen to be MVP),” he expressed.

Deeming his award a ‘bonus achievement,’ the green-and-gold guard remained rooted in humility, putting his team and their dreams at the forefront.

“‘Yung mindset ko talaga kasi is gusto ko lang talagang manalo ‘yung FEU at makapasok sa Final Four, eh. Bonus naman na ‘tong achievement ko na ‘to, eh, so ‘yun lang talaga ‘yung mindset ko nung una, mag-run lang kami nang maganda sa FEU, okay na ‘ko (My mindset stays the same of winning and making the Final Four. This award is a bonus, and that has been my mindset since, for as long as we have a good run, I’m fine with it),” he emphasized.

Rounding out the Mythical Five, Pasaol’s performance was impactful in leading the Morayta-based cagers to an improved 7-7 win-loss standing.
(Photo by Ma. Louela Luna/FEU Advocate)