By Krizza Gabrielle Tabora

As the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s football tournament approaches its final stretch, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booters remain focused on securing a Final berth as they reflect on what continues to drive them while keeping their back-to-back title bid alive. 

After an impressive run during the elimination round, FEU’s performance granted them a second-seed finish and a twice-to-beat advantage.

However, despite a draw with the Golden Booters in the first round and a dominant 4-0 win in the second round, the Tamaraw Booters eventually faltered against University of Santo Tomas (UST) during their first semifinal match, forcing a do-or-die game for the last spot in the Final. 

As they head into what could be their most defining game this season, the Tamaraws look back on what fuels them every time they step onto the pitch. 

One game at a time

As the green-and-gold squad continues to strive toward a back-to-back championship finish that would deliver their 13th overall gold medal, they also face the possibility of missing their fourth consecutive Final appearance.

Focusing on the present, Tamaraw Booter Selwyn Mamon stood by their ‘sama-sama’ philosophy in approaching their remaining games.

“We instill in our minds that we take one game at a time, and we don’t get ahead of ourselves. We focus on our coaches’ game plan, our efforts, and playing as one in our philosophy, ‘sama-sama,’” he mentioned in an online interview with FEU Advocate.

Echoing the same sentiment, Theo Libarnes stressed that there is little room for mistakes and that the team continues to have each other’s backs in the upcoming games. 

“Our approach is to prepare the same way every time, stay disciplined, trust each other, and take it one game at a time. We can’t control the matchup, but we can control how we show up, how hard we work, and how we compete,” the center forward said.

Anchored in faith

As the tournament nears its conclusion, one of the primary motivators for the Morayta-based team is their faith. 

Libarnes shared how God helped him manage doubt and pressure during the season.

”There were times when I didn’t feel my best or when expectations were high, and it was easy to get caught up in pressure or self-doubt. In those moments, I’m reminded that my value isn’t defined by wins, statistics, or results, but by who I am in God’s eyes,” the midfielder stated.

Moreover, homegrown goalkeeper Quintin Sanchez dedicated his growth as a student-athlete to his steadfast faith. 

“Alam naman ng lahat ‘yung story ko sa FEU bilang student-athlete—from Season 86 juniors, nagsimula ako sa wala. Pero tuloy-tuloy akong nagdarasal at humihingi ng guidance, at doon ko talaga na-realize na totoo ‘yung faith ko sa Diyos. Ngayon na malalaki na ‘yung laro, mas ramdam namin ‘yung pressure, pero naniniwala ako na lahat ng pinagdadaanan namin may dahilan (Everyone knows my story at FEU as a student-athlete—from Season 86 juniors, I started from nothing. But I kept on praying and asking for guidance, and that’s when I realized that my faith in God is real. Now that the games are bigger, we feel the pressure even more, but I believe that everything we’re going through has a purpose),” the goalie mentioned.

More than a title

For the green-and-gold squad, this championship bid is beyond another chance for a gold medal; it serves as a reminder of why they continue to move forward. 

Libarnes sees the possibility of a championship as a blessing the team has earned, a reflection of their sacrifices and hard work.

“If we [are] able to win, it would mean more than just a title. It would reflect all the sacrifices, the hard work, and the resilience of the team. More than anything, it would be a blessing we’re grateful for, not something we feel entitled to,” the Tamaraw expressed.

For Mamon, their Season 88 campaign delivers a purpose that transcends the pitch: inspiring children, especially those in the province, to pursue their dreams. 

“We hope to inspire more kids from the provinces who watch our games, showing them that they can also achieve their dreams as long as they never give up,” he said.

Sanchez voiced a similar sentiment, sending out a message to keep persevering, no matter the circumstances.

“Paalala siya na kahit magsimula ka sa wala, may mararating ka basta hindi ka mawawalan ng pagtitiwala at sipag (It’s a reminder that even if you start from nothing, you can go far as long as you don’t lose trust and hard work),” he said.

Their championship dreams will be determined as they face UST in their second semifinal match later today, February 13, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila City. 

Despite the setbacks they faced and the pressure surrounding them, the Tamaraw Booters remain steadfast—fortified by faith, proving that it has always been more than just the game.

(Photo by Shane Claudine Rodulfo/FEU Advocate )