UST’s Detdet Pepito ends UAAP career as Bella Belen honors her journey beyond school rivalry 

For Detdet Pepito, the final whistle of UST’s UAAP Season 88 campaign marked more than just a semifinal exit at the hands of the NU Lady Bulldogs—it signaled the closing chapter of an 11-year journey defined by consistency, resilience, and evolution.

Long before she became the defensive anchor and captain of the UST Golden Tigresses, Pepito was already building her legacy in black and gold. From her high school days, she stood out not just for her skill, but for her steadiness—a trait that would eventually define her career.

She was part of UST’s runner-up finishes from Seasons 78 to 80, then helped steer the program to back-to-back bronze medals in Seasons 81 and 82. Along the way, she collected Best Libero honors from Seasons 79 to 82, establishing herself early as one of the most reliable defenders in the league.

Her transition to the seniors division didn’t slow her down. Pepito added more accolades to her name, including Best Libero awards in Seasons 85 and 86. She helped bring UST back to the Finals in Season 86 before closing her collegiate career with consecutive third-place finishes in Seasons 87 and 88.

But numbers and awards only tell part of the story. Across the net stood someone who knew Pepito long before the bright lights of the UAAP—Bella Belen. From childhood teammates to fierce collegiate rivals, their journeys have been intertwined in ways few athletes experience.

As NU ended UST’s run, Belen found herself reflecting not just on the match, but on the person behind the jersey.

“Siyempre, super proud ako kay Detdet kasi ang laki rin ng growth niya as a person and as an athlete,” she said.

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A little something for Detdet ♥️

Bella Belen sends a heartfelt message straight to Detdet Pepito.

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Their shared history gave Belen a front-row seat to Pepito’s transformation—one she described with both humor and admiration.

“Dati, jeje lang siya,” Belen said with a laugh, clearly in jest. “Ngayon, nakikita ko na siya talagang leader sa team niya.”

While their paths eventually diverged—meeting as opponents in high school and later in the UAAP, including NU’s triumph over UST in the Season 86 Finals—the connection remained deeper than competition. 

For Belen, Pepito’s true evolution wasn’t rooted in skill, but in mindset.

“Kasi yung skills, magaling na talaga siya eh. Pero yung sa mental aspect, doon, mas lalo siyang tumibay,” she shared.

That mental toughness became most evident in Pepito’s final season, where she led UST with composure and determination, fully aware that every game could be her last.

Pepito had long chosen to extend her collegiate stay, delaying a professional career to maximize her time in the UAAP. Now, with that chapter officially closed, attention shifts to what comes next.

And if Belen had her way, the story wouldn’t end with them on opposite sides.

“Sino ba naman po kasi ang hindi gugustong maging teammate si Detdet? Sobrang galing niya na player, and sobrang gaan niya pakisamahan,” she said.

From childhood teammates to rivals—and perhaps future teammates once more—the story of Pepito and Belen proves that some connections in sports go beyond wins, losses, or even time.

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