UST Tiger Judoka Adrian Cadampog pushed through dense crowds of devotees on Friday, Jan. 9, to catch a glimpse of the Nazarene during this year’s Traslacion, carrying a varsity towel marked with his name and the UST Growling Tigers logo.
Cadampog’s devotion to the Nazarene has served as a personal wellspring of strength he has held onto since his days of simply aspiring to enter UST.
“One of the things na pinagdasal ko talaga ‘yong pagpasok ng UST,” he told the Varsitarian. “Kasi, mahirap pumasok sa UST bilang athlete. Ang daming pagdaraanan, pagdating sa pag-tryout namin. Thankful ako na nakuha ako sa UST kasi pinagdasal ko talaga ‘to.”
Cadampog has been part of the UST program since 2022, debuting in the UAAP in Season 85 and playing a key role in lifting the Tiger Judokas to a championship.
After surrendering the title in Season 86, the Tiger Judokas reclaimed the crown in Season 87.
Beyond the UAAP, Cadampog has carried UST’s banner in multiple national competitions, including the Philippine Judo Federation National Judo Championships and several regional tournaments.
To Cadampog, wearing UST colors symbolizes an answered prayer he had offered to the Nazareno at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Talagang nagsimba lang ako diyan sa Quiapo kasi pandemic at that time. Isa ito sa mga pinanalangin ko na nangyari talaga,” Cadampog, now a senior at the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics, said.
“Natupad naman. Thankful ako. Ngayon, isang semester na lang, ga-graduate na.”
Cadampog’s devotion began at age five, when his family fed devotees tasked with pulling the Nazarene’s carriage, a practice known as caridad, Spanish for charity.
From there, his faith continued to grow, leading him to join Quiapo-based religious groups and remain active in Catholic ministries.
That same devotion carried over to the Tiger Judokas, where teammates witnessed how Cadampog’s vow to the Nazareno fueled his ascent in collegiate judo.
“Siya lagi ang favorite naming prayer leader before and after trainings and tournaments,” Tiger Judoka Kyan Ballecer told the Varsitarian. “Ang fulfilling ng mga words na ginagamit niya for his prayers and mas lalo kaming ginaganahan sa prayers niya.
“Napaka-disciplined niya and [nagtuturo siya] ng manners sa team, lalo na sa juniors niya. … ‘Yong mga personal experiences niya with his faith and life lagi niyang kinekwento para magsilbing aral for his juniors and for other people na rin.”
Tiger Judokas head coach Kidao Esteban said Cadampog’s faith reinforced the team’s discipline and respect, values deeply rooted in a sport defined by honor.
“His devotion toward the teachings of Christ has influenced his teammates to be better,” Esteban told the Varsitarian. “He helps them understand their fellow people by being kind and respectful.”
Cadampog said he would continue his devotion to the Nazarene, especially as he approaches the end of his collegiate journey and prepares for the next phase of his life.
“Magkaroon tayo ng pananampalataya,” he said. “Ang daming nangyayari ngayon. Talagang kailangan nating ibigay lahat sa Panginoon kung ano ang dapat sa kanya.” with reports from Yuvshenka Andrea R. Osea
