Instead of competing on the court, Jake Pangilinan spent much of his rookie year at home in Tarlac, caring for his father before his passing. Now, driven by his father’s memory and a renewed sense of purpose, the 20-year-old middle blocker is emerging as a vital force for Arellano University as the Chiefs make their Final Four push in the NCAA Season 100 men’s volleyball tournament.
“Nu’ng rookie year po ako hindi po ako nakapaglaro dahil namatay ‘yung father ko tapos ngayon lang po ako nakabalik,” Pangilinan shared with GMA News Online on Wednesday. He explained, “Umuwi po ako ng province [last season] tapos nakabalik po ako last year semis na po pero hindi na rin po ako nakalaro dahil sa nangyari sa bahay po,” meaning, “During my rookie year, I couldn’t play because my father passed, and I was only able to come back now… I went home to the province and when I returned last year, it was the semis already. But I wasn’t able to play because of what happened at home.”
The 6-foot-1 net anchor is channeling that heartbreak into motivation this season. As a key part of the starting lineup, Pangilinan consistently supports his veteran teammates, including fellow middle blocker Anfernee Curamen, setter Adi Villados, and outside spiker Carl Berdal, in their quest to reach the finals for the first time since Season 93, after several years of only making it to the Final Four.
In one of their most significant matches, Pangilinan delivered a standout performance, posting a career-high six blocks and finishing with 11 points in their four-set victory over twice-to-beat Mapua University. His efforts helped the Chiefs secure a sudden-death showdown on Friday, where a finals ticket will be at stake.
More than just the game, Pangilinan sees his performance as a way to honor his late father. “Nagawa ko po ‘yung dream ko para kay Papa ko po kasi ang gusto ko po talaga ay mapanood po ako sa malalalaking liga kasi ayon po ‘yung dream niya para sa akin,” he said, which translates to, “I was able to achieve my dream for my Papa because what I really wanted is to be seen in a big league, that was his dream for me.”
He added, “Ang gusto ko lang din po sana is this season matulungan ko ‘yung mga aalis na seniors kaya nagdo-double time po kami palagi sa training, hindi po kami nagpapahinga at nagkakaisa po kami lagi,” meaning, “What I also wanted for this season was to help the graduating seniors, so we’re always working double-time in training. We don’t rest and we come together always.”