DETDET Pepito is putting the punctuation mark on a chapter 11 years in the making.
From a young hopeful out of Lucas R. Pascual Elementary School to one of the UAAP’s most decorated liberos, the longtime University of Santo Tomas captain bid farewell on Saturday to the program that shaped her into who she is today.
“Salamat talaga sa UST kasi halos half ng buhay ko ‘yun na du’n ako lumaki, since 2007. Dahil sa kanila, talagang nag-grow ako bilang tao ngayon,” she said on the heels of their exit no thanks to a four-set defeat at the hands of National U.
READ: NU sets up another title duel vs DLSU, sends off Pepito's UST
Pepito's journey may not have ended with a championship, but it leaves behind a legacy marked by grit, leadership, and two best libero awards.
“Talagang ano po kasi ako eh, pasaway na tao, tapos naging leader pa ng mga ‘to. Thank you lang din sa experience and sa alaga na talagang pinadama ng UST community," she continued, referring to teammates Reg Jurado, Jonna Perdido, and Xyza Gula who flanked her in the post-game interview.
“I hope na nabigyan ko po ng, kahit papaano, balik sa UST ‘yung mga naging performances ko.”
Still, walking away is not easy, as the 23 year old even kidded about wanting to stay longer.
“One more year po. Pwede ba?” she said, half-joking and yet, half-serious.
Pepito-VL Draft
Now, the focus shifts to what comes next.
Though an elementary education major, Pepito clarified that teaching is not in her immediate path, despite earlier talks suggesting so.
“Hindi ko nga alam kung kanino galing na hindi na ako maglalaro,” she said. “Pero, siyempre, du’n na po tayo sa mas passion ko. Siyempre, paglalaro ng volleyball."
"If ever man, huwag naman sana, maging second option ko pa rin ‘yung sa education.”
With her name set to enter the 2026 PVL Draft, the veteran libero is choosing to continue the sport that defined her.
UST may now be part of her past, but the game is still very much her future.
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