By Krizza Gabrielle Tabora

Despite failing to secure a bronze medal, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Janrey Pasaol treated his experience as an opportunity for growth after representing the Philippines in the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 3x3 men’s basketball tournament, last December 10 to 11, at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

“Sobrang disappointed [namin] kasi hindi namin nakuha iyong goal namin na mag-podium. Ganun talaga ‘yung 3x3, minsan suwerte, minsan hindi. Kailangan pa namin mag-improve sa susunod na mga SEA Games (We were very disappointed because we did not reach our goal to claim a podium finish. That is how 3x3 is; sometimes we’re lucky, sometimes we’re not. We have to continue to improve for the next SEA Games),” Pasaol shared in an interview with FEU Advocate.

Gilas Pilipinas opened its 3x3 campaign with consecutive victories against Vietnam, 21-15, Malaysia, 21-19, and Laos, 21-10, before faltering with a one-point loss against Singapore, 20-21, and eventually losing the chance for a bronze finish to Malaysia, 19-21.

Before their narrow defeat, the national team had maintained a five-year podium streak since the event was introduced to the SEA Games in 2019, marking this as the first year that Gilas missed a medal finish. 

After the conclusion of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s basketball tourney, in which he was later named as Most Valuable Player, Pasaol returned to national team duties following a two-year absence.

The Tamaraw cager first represented the country during the 2022 Asian Games, where he also played in the 3x3 event. 

Pasaol expressed gratitude after being asked by Gilas coaches Patrick Aquino and Ronnie Magsanoc to return to the pool for the SEA Games.

“Sobrang saya kasi nga nakapaglaro na naman sa 3x3. Sobrang honored ako kasi isa na naman ako sa napiling mag-represent ulit ng Pilipinas sa SEA Games, kahit sa 3x3 man lang mare-represent ko ‘yung Pilipinas (I am really happy to be able to play again in the 3x3 event. I feel very honored to be chosen again, to represent the Philippines at the SEA Games, even if it is through the 3x3, I am grateful to represent the country),” he expressed.

Meanwhile, the surname Pasaol is no stranger to the national pool, as Janrey’s older brother, Alvin Pasaol, had once suited up for Gilas back in 2021 during the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

As part of his preparation for the games, the green-and-gold athlete looked back at former clips of his brother’s national team stint, along with carrying over his fresh UAAP experience.

“Pinapanood ko [iyong] mga dati niyang games na 3x3, kumukuha lang [ako] ng idea sa laro niya. ‘Tsaka hindi naman na ito bago sakin kasi nakapaglaro na rin ako sa UAAP last year, so madali na lang mag-adjust, at kilala ko naman na mga teammates ko, mga kuya [ko] (I watch his old 3x3 games to get ideas from how he plays. This is not new to me since I also played in the UAAP, so it’s easier to adjust. Especially since I already know my teammates),” he shared.

Alongside Pasaol, the 3x3 national roster was composed of Joseph Eriobu, Ange Kouame, and Joseph Sedurifa.

(Photo courtesy of Joaqui Flores/Tiebreaker Times)