MANILA, Philippines — Owa Retamar graduated from National University with a Financial Management degree days before the Bulldogs’ upcoming UAAP Season 86 Finals series against the UST Golden Spikers.
Retamar has reached the climax of his life as a student-athlete after graduating on Thursday, reaping the fruit of his hard work after juggling his studies and dutoes as the setter of the Bulldogs.
“Sa totoo lang hindi sya madali, napakahirap pero kinapitan ko lang po lahat ng tao na tumulong sa akin. Binigay ko yung buong tiwala ko sa coaches, sa professors, sa classmates, sa teammates na i gu-guide nila ako sa lahat ng oras,” Retamar told Inquirer Sports.
READ: Retamar, NU Bulldogs headed to UAAP volleyball Finals, eliminating La Salle
“Yung fulfillment na nararamdaman ko katumbas ng lahat championships ko sa NU. Ito siguro yung pinaka importante kong trophy.”
After graduating, the star setter hopes to establish a business that would help his family while playing pro volleyball.
“Gusto ko magisip ng business na pagtutulungan namin ng family ko. Para habang naglalaro pa ako kung saan mang liga, meron tayong ibang source of income,” he said.
READ: Retamar eager to end UAAP career with NU Bulldogs ‘four-peat’
Retamar still has one more year of eligibility in the UAAP, but he is considering the best-of-three finals series as the last days of his collegiate career.
The 2019 Southeast Asian Games silver medalist hopes to give his school a gift: the Bulldogs’ fourth consecutive title.
“Yung diploma ko habang buhay na ipagpapasalamat ko na regalo ng NU sa akin. Gusto ko ako naman ang may iregalo sa NU. Subukan na natin gumawa ng bagong history na ipagmamalaki nila. Ilaban na natin ‘to hanggang dulo,” Retamar said.