By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

In light of the call for financial assistance for former Far Eastern University (FEU) volleyball player Kevin Hadlocon’s medical condition, the Philippine volleyball community launched shared efforts to raise money in support of the athlete.

Hadlocon played for FEU back in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Seasons 78 to 82, primarily known for his beach volleyball stint where his teams took home the silver in 81 and 82.

The Dipolog native is also part of the green-and-gold beach volleyball squads’ coaching staff, with the college teams finishing as second runners-up and the high school athletes being hailed first runners-up last season.

News of Hadlocon’s situation broke last October 3 on his official Facebook account, where a post showed his current wellbeing and expressed his family’s need for support.

“Sa mga hindi nakakaalam, siya ay [mayroong] bukol sa liver. Last July 2023 [nang] malaman ito, nabigyan ng gamot ngunit natigil dahil sa kakulangan ng pinansyal at medyo lumalala ang bukol sa kanyang liver. Kaya sa inyong tulong, nawa’y mapanumbalik ang lakas ng kanyang katawan. Magsilbi sana kayong daan sa kanyang mabilis na paggaling sa kanyang sakit (To those who don’t know, he has a lump on his liver. We discovered this last July 2023, medication was given but it had to stop due to the lack of funds, and it is worsening. With your help, may his health get better. May you become a way towards his speedy recovery),” the Facebook post read.

On the same day, Philippine volleyball Facebook page Volleytrails reposted the call for help, garnering attention from both fellow athletes and fans.

Following the news, former National University (NU) Bulldog and now-Cignal HD Spiker Bryan Bagunas, one of Hadlocon’s past adversaries in the UAAP, reached out to Volleytrails to have his red 2024 Southeast Asia V.League jersey auctioned to raise more funds.

More Filipino volleyball athletes eventually joined the effort by placing their jerseys up for auction, creating a movement with the hashtag ‘#JerseyForACause.’

These players include current FEU student-athletes Lirick Mendoza, Dryx Saavedra, and Amet Bituin from the men’s volleyball team. While FEU alumni JP and Martin Bugaoan, Mark Calado, Peter Quiel, Kris Silang, Joshua Barrica, Gel Cayuna, Geneveve Casugod, Cza Carandang, and Shiela Kiseo also pitched in for the cause.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, Calado mentioned his desire to aid his former teammate and expressed his gratitude to the volleyball community for helping in times of need.

“I decided to auction my Cignal jersey to help him as his former teammate kahit alam kong kulang pa ‘yun para sa kanyang gamutan. I am very happy and thankful dahil sobrang laki talaga ng tulong ng volleyball community in terms of funds lalo na sa mga ganitong sitwasyon (I decided to auction my Cignal jersey to help him as his former teammate even though I know it’s still not enough for his medication.  I am very happy and thankful for the help of the volleyball community in terms of funds especially in these situations),” the Cignal HD Spiker said.

Meanwhile, Tamaraw Mendoza highlighted the value of doing good for the sake of other people like Hadlocon.

“Lagi po nating tatandaan na lahat po ng mabuting ginawa po natin sa mundong ibabaw ay babalik rin po sa atin… Para naman po sa makakatanggap ng aking jersey, nagpapasalamat po ako sa inyo dahil isa po kayong may mabuting loob (Let’s always remember that every good deed we do here on Earth will come back to us… For the person who will receive my jersey, I’m grateful for your kind soul),” the FEU middle blocker shared.

Other touted names in the volleyball scene, namely NU’s Bella Belen and Vange Alinsug, De La Salle University’s Angel Canino and Noel Kampton, PLDT High Speed Hitter Kath Arado, Akari Charger Bang Pineda, and Chery Tiggo Crossover Seth Rodriguez completed the 21 players who pledged their respective jerseys.

Besides these figures, FEU alumna Bernadeth Pons’ and Choco Mucho Flying Titan Sisi Rondina’s jerseys were bought straight from the owners for P75,000 and P50,000, respectively.

Considering the efforts of athletes and fans, the Volleytrails admin emphasized the difference that the volleyball community can make when acting together. 

“The strength of the volleyball community comes from how we stand together, and when we unite for causes like this, we truly make a difference. If you’re able to contribute or spread the word, you’re helping not just Kevin Hadlocon, but also reinforcing the sense of care and community that makes volleyball so special,” they stated.

As of writing, the admin shared that the auctions have raised around P200,000 for Hadlocon’s medical bills.

The bidding deadline for the jerseys was yesterday, October 10 except for Arado's, Pineda’s, and Rodriguez’s whose end date is today, October 11.

Financial donations may be sent through Hadlocon’s BPI and GCash accounts while the bids for the jerseys were done through the comment section of Volleytrails’ auction post.

(Photo by FEU Advocate)