UST Tiger Cub Andwele Cabañero punched his ticket to the 2026 One Global Finals in Shanghai after winning the Manila leg of the tournament on Aug. 1 at Kerry Sports Manila in Taguig.
Despite nursing a shoulder injury, the 6-foot guard outlasted a field of 16 competitors before defeating fellow Tiger Cub Sean Bohol, 13-9, in the boys’ final.
Fresh from helping Letran win the NCAA title, Cabañero turns his focus to representing the Philippines on the international stage.
“It was a really great experience and sobrang dami kong natutuhan, especially ‘yong mentality na ‘wala nang bukas,’ kaya every performance, binibigay ko talaga ang 100% ‘ko,” Cabañero told the Varsitarian.
(It was a really great experience, and I learned so much, especially the mindset that there is no tomorrow. That’s why I gave 100% in every performance.)
“I’ll continue to train even harder because I’m still hungry for more learning and improvement. Hindi lang naman sarili ko ang nire-represent ko, kung hindi buong Pilipinas. I know that everyone competing there will be world-class athletes,” he added.
(I’ll continue training even harder because I’m still hungry to learn and improve. I’m not just representing myself, but the entire Philippines. I know that everyone competing there will be world-class athletes.)
The 17-year-old guard recently returned to UST after a brief stint with Letran, where he averaged 3.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in limited playing time.
In the girls’ division, reigning champion and UAAP Season 88 Girls’ Basketball Most Valuable Player Riri Perez, along with fellow Junior Tigress Lea Pinuela, also competed in the tournament.
National University-Nazareth School’s KJ Badajos claimed the girls’ title.
The One 2026 Global Finals are scheduled for Aug. 29 in Shanghai, China. Charles Martin A. Manalang
