NU Bulldogs’ Leo Aringo bags UAAP Finals MVP plum.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — After emerging as a UAAP Season 87 Finals MVP, an overseas opportunity could be an option for Leo Aringo as he ponders his next move.

Aringo drilled the championship-clinching tip to complete National University’s historic five-peat after sweeping Far Eastern University, 25-16, 28-26, 25-23, in front of an all-time men’s volleyball 14,517 crowd on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

READ: UAAP Finals: NU Bulldogs fulfill ‘five-peat’ dream, overcome FEU

Finals MVP Leo Aringo, Greg Ancheta, and Peng Taguibolos after contributing to NU’s latest title. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/duY7Ka7UzA

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

The NU captain stepped up when it mattered most in the winner-take-all Game 3 with nine points, 10 excellent receptions, and four digs.

Aringo graduated with a BS in Physical Education degree before their epic Finals series, but he can still return for one more season.

NU coach Dante Alinsunurin teased a possible campaign abroad for Aringo but didn’t reveal which country.

“Actually, Leo isn’t graduating yet — he still has eligibility left. But there’s an option we saw that would be better for him. Like I told him, this is really what we want for our players — to have opportunities to go international, and that’s where he’s headed,” Alinsunurin said in Filipino. “I told him it’s better for him to take that path because I believe he can build a solid career there.”

Aringo made Alinsunurin proud after his coach challenged him in the middle of the season to provide steady leadership to his younger teammates.

READ: UAAP: NU spoils FEU’s title plans as finals goes the distance

Coach Dante Alinsunurin teases an overseas opportunity for Finals MVP Leo Aringo. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/BgfKlrSgP6

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

“It’s such a fulfilling feeling. Ever since I joined NU, I’ve seen firsthand how much the team worked — how they pushed themselves for every championship Coach Dante led them to. That’s why it feels so good that we didn’t waste this opportunity, especially with the five-peat,” he said.

As he weighs his options, Aringo is just proud of his teammates for completing a historic five-peat and withstanding FEU’s tough challenge, prevailing in front of a record-breaking gate attendance in three heart-stopping games.

“We made it happen. We achieved something that’s been a dream for our coaches — and for us players too. Because a five-peat in men’s volleyball has never been done in the UAAP. So I’m really just grateful we were able to make it part of history,” said Aringo.

“That crowd was probably one of the biggest ever for a men’s volleyball game. Back in Season 81, I watched the championship, and honestly, there weren’t a lot of people in the stands. Now, I’m super proud of the team and of UAAP volleyball because the sport is really growing. Men’s volleyball is finally getting noticed. That’s always been one of the dreams of both the players and coaches — for people to recognize and support us, too.”