Reflecting on her return, Dabao expressed how her passion for the role has never wavered. “I never wanted to say outright that I was gonna try [being a Courtside Reporter for two years]. But my mind was really just set on doing two years, ever since I got the role.” With relationships already built from Season 86, a drive to continue, and a steadfast commitment, Dabao steps into this new season with an even greater purpose, hoping to deepen her connection with the players and share their stories with the Lasallian community.
Reliving the glory
After witnessing the team’s victorious and hard-fought UAAP Season 86 campaign, Dabao looks back on the bittersweet moments of her journey with the Green-and-White. Dabao approaches Season 87 with a newfound perspective. The significant lessons of last season have enhanced her growth, strengthening her resolve as she represents DLSU once more.
Dabao’s long-standing connection with the Green Archers played a key factor in her return. “I can build on those relationships that I have [with the team],” she explains, finding fulfillment in her work regardless of whether the team wins the championship or not. Dabao also shares that the casual, off-the-record conversations helped her reveal a different side of the athletes. “They really just open up to me, because at the end of the day, it’s really just my job to uncover their human side, more than just being athletes.”
Despite the moments of triumph, Dabao acknowledges that the setbacks and difficulties are also part of her journey as a correspondent. The returning representative claims that her emotional connection with the Green Archers allowed her to resonate with their struggles. She explains how she empathizes with the loss and pressure experienced by the team, “So, what they’re going through, you’re also going through [the experiences]… it was a little bit rocky, but I was still adjusting.”
One of Dabao’s most significant challenges she faced last season was overcoming moments of dissatisfaction with her performances. “They’re inevitable [the mistakes], of course I’ve gotten better at handling it… being more optimistic and realistic–and [being more] forgiving of myself.” This mindset fueled her enthusiasm for her craft, allowing her to establish a positive tone in Season 87.
Dabao elaborates that she wants to elevate her skills using the experiences and resources she has acquired from the previous season. “The way I’m delivering it isn’t coming from a place of talking down, it’s more like talking to,” the reporter says, promising to improve her work as a way of giving back to the Lasallian community. With the support of the fans and the team, Dabao is committed to maintaining the energy in her reports, all the while creating a conversational report with the audience.
Fueled with grace and growth
Returning as a correspondent for UAAP Season 87 is a decision driven by passion, love, and an unwavering connection to her team and faith. Dabao recalls the thrill of winning last season’s championship, which helped her forge a bond with the Green Archers. “I already had that really special bond with the team. It’s like, ‘We won!’ and I thought, maybe if I come back, it could be even more fulfilling, whether we win again or not,” she recounts. This sense of camaraderie and collective achievement fueled her determination, making the prospect of a second year all the more enticing.
Even with the uncertainty of starting from scratch, Dabao had set her eyes on returning as a UAAP correspondent. It was a challenge she embraced wholeheartedly. She recalls having to re-audition for the part. Throughout the experience, she reminded herself to trust the process, learn from her mentors, and maintain her optimism. Dabao believes that staying optimistic is crucial, recognizing its impact not only on her but also on the team.
Dabao’s family, whom she considers her biggest supporters, motivates her as she navigates her journey as a correspondent. Her family attends games and offers emotional support, propelling her forward. “Even when they can’t be there physically, they cheer me on from afar,” she says.
At the core of Dabao’s strength is her faith. Growing up in a Catholic family, she draws on her spiritual beliefs to pursue her goals. In fact, one of her fondest memories with the team was hearing the mass before each game. “That spiritual connection is really integral to the identity of the Green Archers.” She adds that this has been one of the team’s traditions, highlighting the sense of community she feels when joining the Green Archers in prayer.
Dabao encapsulates her advice for future correspondents in three words: preparation, patience, and prayer. She stresses the importance of preparation, which keeps her confident before the game, “You will be at your most calm self knowing you did everything you could have possibly done. Like right before the game starts, you know you did your best.”
She also notes that building a strong synergy with the team did not happen overnight. “[Have] patience with the relationship that you’re gonna grow with the team,” she imparts. Finally, she recommends praying as a means to stay grounded. With her faith, dedication, and solid support system, she is ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs that await her on the courtside once more.
From reporter to role model
Now a seasoned veteran in her role, Dabao entered Season 87 with a wealth of experience that makes her an invaluable part of DLSU’s journey and a trusted mentor to her fellow correspondents. As a senior, Dabao’s fellow reporters, whom she fondly referred to as her “new sisters,” often approach her for advice. “Being a UAAP Correspondent is not easy at all. You have to put your heart, your head, your mind, [and] your soul into it [for eight months],” she reveals. Yet, despite the challenges, Dabao takes pride in guiding others, “I’m obviously more comfortable in this position than how I was last year in UAAP. It makes me happy to help them out.”
Moving forward, Dabao recognizes the need for better discipline. She has made changes to stay ahead of her workload, ensuring that she is better prepared for the dynamic and unpredictable nature of her role. From handling gameday reports to improvising on the fly, Dabao understands the importance of being both proactive and quick on her feet. Central to these changes is her dedication to delivering better stories. Highlighting her specialty of delivering intimate and authentic glimpses into the athletes’ lives, Dabao stated, “The quality of my reports reflects the quality of my relationships with the team.”
For Dabao, fulfilling her role goes beyond covering games—it’s about giving back to the community that has embraced her. “The support is my foundation!” exclaimed Dabao. Her deep connections with the athletes and her desire to share their stories, triumphs, and struggles alike are her way of honoring the Lasallian spirit. Dabao’s commitment shows that she is a vessel to the community and the teams they so proudly support, embodying the values and pride that define the Lasallian experience.
This article was published in The LaSallian‘s January 2025 issue. To read more, visit bit.ly/TLSJanuary2025.
