Former UST Tiger Paddler Adolfo Bazar, Jr., who won the Rookie of the Year award in UAAP Season 73 died on Tuesday, July 2, after suffering a heart attack. He was 30 years old.
His death was announced by the Tiger Paddlers in a Facebook post and was confirmed to the Varsitarian by current head coach Jackson Que.
Bazar studied marketing at UST and played for the Tiger Paddlers from Seasons 73 to 78. During his time with the team, he helped the Tiger Paddlers capture three championships and two podium finishes.
After college, he became a member of the Philippine Air Force, where he also played table tennis.
For former team captain Christian Abedan, Bazar was a great teammate.
“Ang linya na hindi ko makalimutan sa kanya sa tuwing maglalaro kami ng doubles, ‘Tiwala ka sa tira mo at ako bahala kapag bumalik!’” Abedan told the Varsitarian. “Manalo, matalo, wala akong narinig sa kanya na naninisi sa kakampi niya.”
Que, who also coached Bazar, said the late player inspired the next batch of Tiger Paddlers.
“Isa siya sa tumatak na players sa UST, sa UAAP at maging sa [PAF] table tennis,” Que said. “Naging inspiration din siya ng mga former and current players natin dahil sa kanyang galing at pagiging mapagkumbaba.”
Bazar’s remains are on display at the Cainta Public Cemetery in Rizal.
