After their triumphant University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 run, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booters proudly rep the Philippine Football Federation Youth National Team (PYNT) as they made their debut in the Philippines Football League (PFL) last February.

The team consists of Season 87 titleholders Karl Absalon, Edgar Aban, Mon Diansuy, Selwyn Mamon, Theo Jico Libarnes, and Khent Valenzuela.

Staying grounded to their roots, their success served as a testament to their football journey and an avenue to many deserved opportunities. 

Family: The framework for success

For the green-and-gold booters, there is more to football than just scoring a goal. Even with an opportunity to play on a higher level, they continue to showcase their love for their families, reminding themselves of the reason they play.

For Absalon, it is not only a matter of personal success and playing in the PFL, but more so about carrying the legacy of his late brother and former Season 78 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kieth. Since his debut in Season 85, then-Rookie of the Year (ROY) Absalon has always dedicated each game he plays to his brother.

“For me po, dala-dala ko pa rin ang legacy ni Kuya kahit saan ako maglaro, kasi alam kong nandiyan siya palagi nagga-guide sa akin every game, and dedicated ko lahat ng game sa kaniya kasi kung buhay pa siya ngayon, alam ko mas mataas pa na level ‘yung nilalaro niya ngayon (For me, I still bring his legacy everywhere I play, because I know that he is there to guide me every game, and I dedicate all of it to him because if he was still alive, he would play at a higher level),” the Masbate-grown Booter said in an online interview with FEU Advocate.

Meanwhile, Season 87 ROY and fellow Masbate native Aban reminisced on the childhood memories that ultimately led him to pursue football.

“Sa Masbate po nagsimula ang lahat… Tinawagan ng kuya ko si mama na mag-tryout daw ako sa FEU at doon na nag-start ‘yung FEU journey ko (It all started in Masbate… My brother told my mother that I should tryout at FEU, and that’s where my FEU journey began),” he shared.

One step at a time

Egos and arrogance are non-existent for the Tamaraw booters, as their passion and determination for the game are what carry them through matches. Their talent and skill come from a heartfelt place, and there is no doubt their humility has gotten them in a deserving place.

As he basked in the success of his career, UAAP Season 87 MVP Diansuy expressed his sentiments on being chosen to play for the PYNT.

“Playing for the youth national team feels like a dream come true. It’s a testament to all the hard work I’ve put into my career finally paying off. But this is just the first step toward my goal—earning a spot on the men’s national team. It’s surreal to know that the national team coach saw something in me and wanted me to be part of the journey,” the goalie said. 

Likewise, Aban looks forward to the opportunity of playing in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games as a stepping stone to his dream of repping the country.

“One of my dreams po na makalaro ng (to play for the) national team and fight for the country. If ever po na ma-select po ako (I get selected) this coming SEA games, napakalaking opportunity and experience po sa akin nito (this would be a big opportunity and experience for me),” the reigning UAAP ROY mentioned.

FEU at the forefront 

Even with next-level opportunities, the UAAP champs remain grounded and continue to express their gratitude to the FEU community. Regardless of where they are taken, they do not forget to wave the green-and-gold flag.

Absalon emphasized how FEU has opened doors for them to play at a higher level.

“Sa paglalaro sa PFL, dala-dala pa rin namin ang FEU community. FEU rin talaga ang reason kaya kami nakuha sa PFL (Upon playing in the PFL, we still carry the FEU community with us. FEU is the reason we got the call up); once a Tamaraw, always a Tamaraw,” he stated.

Diansuy then stayed keen on upping their game for the upcoming UAAP season as a token of gratitude to the Morayta community for their continuous support.

“Our fans play a crucial role in our team because competing without them would be incredibly difficult. My message to them is to keep supporting us in the upcoming Season 88—we will give our absolute best to defend our title… We don’t want to lose the championship again,” the UAAP 87 MVP added.

The PFL is currently underway with the green-and-gold-coded PYNT at a 2-2-11 win-draw-loss record, placing them ninth out of ten football clubs.

Joining the youth team in the league are fellow FEU products Kart Talaroc and Paolo Bugas in the Davao Aguilas, Arnel Amita in One Taguig FC, and Rico Andres, Eugene Arriola, and Pete Forrosuelo in Loyola FC.

Moreover, the Tamaraw bloodline continues as Martini Rey, Sherwin Basindanan, Pocholo Bugas, Jesus Melliza, and Audie Menzi comprise Kaya-FC Iloilo.

In pursuit of their ambition to play higher level football, the Tamaraw booters are without a doubt in the right direction. With the help of the FEU community–their passion, skill, and talent will grant them the opportunities they are ultimately bound for.

- Joshua Kyle M. Beltran
(Photo courtesy of the Philippines Football League)