MANILA – As the first Antiqueña to be recruited to play in the UAAP, University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons open hitter Irah Anika Jaboneta called on her fellow provincial athletes to aspire to play in the big leagues in Manila.
The San Jose de Buenavista, Antique-native said in an interview with Sports Lang podcast that provincial athletes should not be discouraged in spreading their wings.
“Isa ako sa mga taga-Antique na nagpila sa Manila and I just want to show to my fellow provincial athletes na kahit taga-province ka, it does not mean na hindi ka na makalaro sa Manila,” Jaboneta said.
“Ang advice ko sa fellow provincial athletes ko ay dream ka with action, syempre hindi pwedeng hanggang hambal lang,” she added. “We must work hard to achieve our dreams.”
As for the 19-year-old Jaboneta, aside from fulfilling her dream to play for the Fighting Maroons in UAAP, she also wants to suit up in the professional volleyball leagues someday.
“One of my dreams is mag-join man sa pro league if may chance man,” the 5-foot-5 Jaboneta said. “Pero, in case naman, dream ko din ang mag-work abroad since I am a tourism student.”/PN
