Loyalty to the Last Roar: Nic Cabañero’s Parting Legacy

After five years of wearing the black, white, and gold, Nic Cabañero walks away from UST with more than just stats and highlights; he also leaves with a legacy he hopes future Tigers will carry on. And if there’s one word he wants people to remember him for, it’s simple: loyalty.

“Yung gusto ko na maleave na legacy is siguro yung loyalty. I do hope na mainstill din yun sa mga future players sa UST and of course, sa buong UAAP Community. I think malaking bagay yun kasi sa nangyayari diba ang daming lipatan diba? but I think it’s easy to say na you should love your school. You should love your school lang talaga and be proud kung ano yung nirepresent.”

In an era when movement between schools has become common and big-name players regularly shift programs, Nic’s commitment stands out even more. He stayed with UST through both rebuilding years and renewed hope, becoming the face of a program striving to rise again.

But loyalty isn’t the only thing Nic is proud of. Looking back, he sees how much he’s grown both as a player and as a person.

“Siguro yung maturity ko kasi sobrang laking development yung nangyari since from my rookie year up until my last year. Nakita ko yung growth ko not only as a scorer but I’m just a willing passer as well. Of course, I do hope na maging ganito pa rin ako for my next chapter.”

That growth was evident throughout his final seasons. Once known primarily as a fearless shot-maker, he transformed into a more rounded leader who rebounded, facilitated, and defended with purpose. His averages in Season 88 reflected that evolution, and his maturity helped steady a young UST team that managed to break through long droughts and nearly return to the UAAP Finals.

For his teammates, Nic hopes he leaves behind parts of how he plays on court too. As he’s known for his creativity and fearlessness in attacking the basket, he jokes about being the only one who does that.

“Siguro yung pagiging aggressive ko on how I attack the basket. Sana makakuha din sila ng tips sa akin nung ano yung mga playstyle or yung moves ko. Kasi medyo ako lang ata gumagawa ng mga moves ko eh.”

His scoring flair became one of UST’s signatures during their resurgence. In big games — like their first win over La Salle since 2015 — Nic often set the tone with his assertiveness, opening space for younger players to shine. That willingness to share the spotlight, especially with rising talents like Collins Akowe, showed a leader who knew when to take over and when to empower others.

As he exits, he hopes the teammates he left behind will bring the bacon home, one thing he tried his best to get. He is certain that there would be four of his teammates who would be able to carry the torch forward.

“I think apat sila. Si Mark Llemit, si Amiel Acido, si Gelo Crisostomo, and si Collins Akowe. Silang apat. I think silang apat yung magbring ng bacon sa UST.”

Before closing this chapter, Nic never forgot those who stood by his side through highs and lows. The people who made every year he had as a Growling Tiger meaningful and memorable.

“To my teammates and to the coaches, thank you, thank you. Kasi sa tiwala, sa support nyo, and of course, nandyan kayo sa akin even to my ups and downs. And sa UST community, thank you, thank you. Kasi sana na-appreciate nga rin yung ginagawa ko for UST sa buong 5 years ko. Naging mabuti akong estudyante, naging mabuti akong player, and I’ll just continue to be a student of the game.”

He leaves UST with pride, both as a student and as a player, ready for his next step.

“My next, I think, ang next ko is to play in the pros, and sana meron akong opportunity na ganoon. Also, ang dream ko rin is makapaglaro ng overseas kung hindi man makapaglaro sa PBA.”

As he leaves the Quadricentennial Pavilion and the echo of Go USTE cheers, Nic also leaves behind a legacy built on loyalty, growth, humility, and heart. Not just the legacy of a scorer, but of a true Growling Tiger. One who stayed when it mattered most, and helped shape the program’s path back to relevance.