NIC Cabanero's story in University of Santo Tomas might not have ended in the championship he dreamed of, but he's hopeful that his tale serves as an inspiration to all.
That in this day and age where players transfer like its the pros, his loyalty to Espana is a rarity and should be emulated by many more.
"Sometimes kasi, may doubts tayo if our decision is good or bad. But at the end of the day, kung anong gusto mo, yung kung anong nagmamahal sa iyo, yun din ang dapat piliin mo," he said.
Even Robina Gokongwei-Pe, the 'Grand Ninang' of the University of the Philippines side that ousted the Growling Tigers, couldn't help but tip her hat to Cabanero, stating: "You are a model student and a model athlete for all of us. I am sure you will go a long way."
Cabanero went through the lowest of lows before achieving glory and bringing the black-and-gold back to the Final Four in his last two years.
He admitted that there were indeed offers luring him out of UST, but he chose to power through, knowing that all of his sacrifices will eventually bear fruit in the end.
"Hindi naman lahat ng players nabibigyan ng ganitong opportunity eh. As players, napagdadaanan talaga natin yung ups and downs, but I just continued to work hard, trust the process, trust your coach, and of course, pray to God," said the Boholano guard.
It wasn't easy, of course, but things turned out for the better for Cabanero when San Miguel Corp. came to support UST, with coach Pido Jarencio bringing the team back to contention.
That also pushed the Growling Tigers to contender status, one they carried with great pride this UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament.
Cabanero continues to carry Puso, Pride, Palaban with him
The trophy may continue to elude UST, but Cabanero remains filled with gratitude for all his time representing the school he fell madly in love with.
"Grateful ako sa journey na nangyari, na binigay nila sa akin kasi marami akong natutunan. Of course, to fellow basketball players in the future, mahalin niyo yung school niyo kasi iba yung pagmamahal ng school sa inyo. Hindi ka talaga makakalimutan," he said.
Passing the torch to his juniors, Cabanero has full trust that the Growling Tigers are primed for better returns in the future with the foundation they've built from this campaign.
"UST will do their best to recruit some good players. Nandyan din yung mga holdovers natin, sila Amiel [Acido], si Gelo [Crisostomo], si Collins [Akowe], si Mark [Llemit], yung mga rookies like si Koji [Buenaflor]. Alam ko na kayang-kaya nila na ilaban kami for next year," he said.
And as he bids UST goodbye, all Cabanero is hoping for is that he has made a lasting imprint for those who follow his footdteps.
"Hindi tayo laging nasa baba. But I believe it's all part of the process talaga. Yung system na-instill nila coach Pido and the rest of the coaches, may mangyayari at mangyayari talaga," he said.
"Kaya I hope na marami din sila natutunan sa aming graduates and sa akin."
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
