By Joshua Kyle Beltran

Throughout the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws' University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 run, Amet Bituin’s name gradually garnered attention among fans and was later given an opportunity to join the Alas Pilipinas Men national team’s training session. As Bituin navigates his career to higher levels, his journey proves to be a testament to the birth of a rising star.

The green-and-gold rookie was seen training alongside fellow UAAP players in a video posted on the Alas Pilipinas Volley Facebook page last Wednesday, May 28. 

During the Tamaraws’ silver-worthy performance in Season 87, Bituin made his case as a strong addition to the team after posting staggering numbers along rookies Mikko Espartero and Vennie Ceballos. Over the course of his journey as an athlete, the outside hitter has achieved many feats that elevated his chances closer to the Alas court.

In a similar universe…

Bituin’s link to green-and-gold dates all the way back to his time in FEU Diliman. In Season 85, he was awarded Best Opposite Spiker and helped the Baby Tamaraws win their first ever title. He then stayed along for the ride in Season 86, where they landed a Final Four spot.

In an interview with FEU Advocate last April, the Morayta-based spiker shared how the transition into the collegiate level was smooth sailing, emphasizing his growth as a person and a student-athlete.

“‘Di kami ganun nanibago, kasi 'yung system [ay] hindi ganoong nagkakalayo… Mas kailangan mo lang maging mature pagdating sa college, kung paano mo i-handle sarili mo, kasi wala nang nagga-guide sa'yo (It was not that much of a change, because the system was similar… You just need to be more mature in college, how you handle yourself, because no one’s there to guide you),” he said.

After joining the team, Bituin expressed how close he holds FEU to his heart, and how he takes pride in playing for his alma mater.

A star is forged

It was not until the Tamaraws’ match against the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles last April 9 where the homegrown rookie played his first full match, taking over senior team captain Jelord Talisayan’s starting spot. Bituin received Player of the Game recognitions after he garnered 17 points on 16 attacks, nine excellent receptions, and three digs.

Three days later, the outside hitter recorded his second career start during the team’s penultimate elimination game against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons with 13 points, nine attacks, and three blocks.

Sure enough, he received his first-ever Collegiate Press Corps Player of the Week recognition last April 25.

On the flipside, Bituin’s individual skill and talent is rooted from the support of the green-and-gold community. He then mentioned how such recognition has boosted his performance on the taraflex.

“Unang-una, sobrang saya [ko], eh, kasi maraming tao na nakaka-appreciate sa akin, and sobrang na-a-appreciate ko rin sila… 'Pag nasa loob ako ng court, sobrang sarap kasi sa pakiramdam… nabu-boost 'yung morale namin kapag ganun (Firstly I’m very happy, because many appreciate me, and I also appreciate them… When I’m on the court, it feels good… it serves as a morale booster),” the rookie stated.

A bright trajectory

Despite the journey it took for the Morayta-based hitter to fully showcase his talent, Bituin held no grudges against the team’s coaches and recognized how patience is part of being entrusted with his role—and later on a national-level opportunity. 

“Pinanghahawakan ko lang po ‘yung mga sinasabi ng coaches na kahit hindi man kami masyadong nagagamit ngayon, kailangan lang namin magtiwala and maghintay sa perfect timing na para ‘pag pinasok ka, kailangan mo pa rin pala maging prepared (I stand by with what my coaches say, that even if we are not chosen to start, we still need have trust and wait for the right timing so that when you do play, you still have to be prepared),” he shared.

Despite falling short of ending their 12-year title drought, Bituin made sure to stay grounded as he showed his endearment toward the green-and-gold squad.

“Magpakatotoo lang. Kasi sobrang ganda ng brotherhood ng FEU, eh, ‘yung samahan… Sobrang saya ko ngayon na dito ako napunta (Just stay true. Because the brotherhood in FEU is like no other, the camaraderie… I’m really happy I’m with FEU),” he expressed.

With humility and the best interest of the FEU Tamaraws at the forefront, Bituin’s individual career is only yet to flourish.

Staying true to his name, Bituin’s performance on the taraflex will continue to spark as brightly as his character. Equipped with talent and passion to carry the green-and-gold name, there is no doubt that greater opportunities are in store for the incoming sophomore.

(Photo courtesy of Jannah Hilario/FEU Athletics)