THE STARS of collegiate sports took center stage at the much-anticipated Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) Awards Night, as the nation’s top student-athletes were celebrated for their outstanding year.
From clutch performances to leadership and unwavering commitment both on and off the court, standout players and coaches were recognized during the event held Monday, June 30, at Discovery Suites Manila in Ortigas, Pasig.
Ahead of the night’s festivities, the community held a solemn moment of silence to honor the recent passing of Ashlyn Abong and seasoned coach Sammy Acaylar, who died earlier this year.
Basketball Brilliance on Display
Leading the honorees was CPC Men’s Basketball Player of the Year Clint Escamis of the Mapua Cardinals, who ended a 33-year title drought with a Finals sweep of the Benilde Blazers in NCAA Season 100.
Joining him in the Men’s Mythical Team were UAAP Finals MVP JD Cagulangan of UP, DLSU’s two-time MVP Kevin Quiambao, his fellow Green Archer Mike Phillips, and NCAA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Allen Liwag from Benilde.
While Escamis and Liwag were present to receive their honors in person, the UAAP players were unable to attend the event.
In the women’s division, Ateneo’s Kacey dela Rosa earned CPC Women’s Basketball Player of the Year, thanks to her back-to-back UAAP MVP awards and her role in securing a third consecutive Final Four run for the Blue Eagles.
Named to the Women’s Mythical Team alongside her were NU’s standout rookie and Finals MVP Cielo Pagdulagan, UST’s Kent Pastrana, UP’s Louna Ozar, and Adamson’s Elaine Etang.
On the coaching front, UP’s Goldwin Monteverde was named UAAP Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year after guiding the Fighting Maroons to a championship revenge run over DLSU, while Mapua’s Randy Alcantara received the NCAA counterpart.
In the women’s ranks, NU head coach Aris Dimaunahan was honored as UAAP Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year. During his acceptance speech, he took time to remember the late Ashlyn Abong, dedicating the award to her memory.
“We lost one of our own – a beloved player, teammate, and sister – to a sudden cardiac event during practice. Words can’t capture our heartbreak. She brought light, joy, and intensity to everything she did. She will always be a part of our family,” he said.
All-Around Greatness
NU’s Bella Belen was named UAAP Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year, capping off her collegiate career with three Season MVP awards and three championship titles. Her fellow Bulldog, Leo Aringo, earned the same distinction on the men’s side.
Benilde’s Zam Nolasco took home the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year honors, while NCAA Men’s Volleyball Player of the Year went to Arellano’s Finals MVP Carl Berdal.
On the sidelines, NU’s Dante Alinsunurin and Sherwin Meneses were hailed as UAAP Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Coaches of the Year, respectively. Their NCAA counterparts were Arellano’s Bryan Vitug for the men and Benilde’s Jerry Yee for the women.
In a first for the CPC Awards Night, football standouts were also recognized. The inaugural Football Players of the Year awards went to FEU’s Mon Diansuy and Carmela Altiche, along with San Beda’s Amir Aningalan.
A Special Citation Award was also presented to the NCAA in honor of its 100-year legacy of excellence in Philippine sports and its continued commitment to nurturing top-tier athletes.
