Romwel Anzures

National University star Buds Buddin in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals. Photo from UAAP Media.

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747475841060UAAP 87 MVB Finals G3 NU vs. FEU - Buds Buddin-2046.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="National University star Buds Buddin in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals. Photo from UAAP Media."/>National University star Buds Buddin in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — Buds Buddin can finally enjoy the fruits of his sacrifices for National University.</div>Fighting through an injury, the 23-year-old outside hitter averaged 16.7 points, 8.3 receptions, and 2.7 digs in their UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals victory over Far Eastern University to complete the first-ever 5-peat in the Final 4 era.Buddin had his Finals-high 20 points on top of 11 receptions and two digs on Wednesday to keep NU alive last Wednesday in Game 2, and he followed these up with nine markers, 11 receptions, and a dig on Saturday in the title-clinching win.But despite his solid outings which kept the men’s championship in Jhocson Street, Buddin admitted that their win had yet to sink in for him.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/5/17/five-peat-national-u-sweeps-feu-to-extend-mens-volleyball-dominance-1545">READ: National U sweeps FEU to extend men’s volleyball dominance</a></div>“Hindi ko ma-express yung nararamdaman ko ngayon kasi nga hindi pa nagsi-sink in na nanalo kami,” he said after the game.After tallying their fourth-straight title in Season 86, the Bulldogs saw the departure of the likes of former team stars Owa Retamar and Nico Almendras in the off-season.NU also witnessed how the Tamaraws charged into winning nine straight games to start Season 87, setting themselves as a threat to the title hopes for the Bulldogs.For Buddin, these were all hurdles that had a huge factor in how they looked at the entirety of their recently concluded campaign.“Ang dami naming struggles mula Day 1. Yung iba nasa national team, ako at si [Leo] Aringo nasa beach volley,” he acknowledged. “So ang hirap i-build yung team nung pa-start yung UAAP.”“Inunti-unti talaga lang namin. Tyinaga namin kahit ang daming injury, ang daming struggles,” he added.Buddin himself has been dealing with his own setback -- a right ankle sprain. He even shared how the severity of his injury actually prohibits him from playing in their previous games including the Finals series.It has only been his team, as well as medicine, that has been fueling him to compete through pain.“Yung team ko yung naging motivation ko,” he emphasized. “Yung pangarap ng coaches namin is yung five-peat, wala pang nakakagawa nun, so yun yung pinanghahawakan namin.”And now that National U’s dream is complete, Buddin’s next step is to complete his recovery especially since he is also expected to suit up for Alas Pilipinas anew in their set of assignments for the rest of 2025.<div>“Pahinga muna then sabak ulit,” he shared. “Mag re-rehab muna ako ng ankle ko, dinadaan lang ‘to sa gamot eh, so pahinga muna.” RELATED VIDEO: <iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QV6dpL-4xDs?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> </div>

Buds Buddin can finally enjoy the fruits of his sacrifices for National University. #UAAPSeason87 #UAAPvolleyball

Buds Buddin can finally enjoy the fruits of his sacrifices for National University. #UAAPSeason87 #UAAPvolleyball

Fighting through injuries, struggles all worth it as NU completes 5-peat, says Buddin

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Volleyball

Fighting through injuries, struggles all worth it as NU completes 5-peat, says Buddin

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 17, 2025 07:29 PM PHT

Read More:

Volleyball

UAAP

ABSSports

ABSNews

UAAP Season 87

UAAP Live

UAAP Finals

NU. 5-peat

Buds Buddin

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.