UAAP: As spectator, Casiey Dongallo shows support for UP and ex-team UE
UP’s Casiey Dongallo in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Casiey Dongallo may have found her new home at the University of the Philippines after her controversial exit with her fellow California Academy products but her heart still goes out to her former school University of the East.
Dongallo, who transferred to Diliman with Kizzie Madriaga, Jelai Gajero, and other California players and coach Dr. Obet Vital, was supporting both schools in their UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball opening game on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“Watching them is parang may panghihinayang pa rin, sana nandiyan ako sa loob ng court naglalaro pa rin. Wala namang any pagpipili sa kanila kung saan ako nakasuporta ngayon,” said Dongallo, wearing a neutral-colored top, before the Fighting Maroons survived the Lady Warriors in a thriller, 25-18, 26-24, 24-26, 13-25, 15-13.
READ: Casiey Dongallo transfer to UP now official
UP transferee Casiey Dongallo watching her new team’s game vs her former school UE.#UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/ir0Gk7R2Gf
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 15, 2025
Dongallo won’t forget her time with UE despite only playing one UAAP season, where she and fellow rookie Angge Poyos of UST led all scorers.
“I’m supporting both teams kasi naging past ko rin naman yung UE and kahit nasa UP naman ako hindi ko pa rin nakalimutan yung UE,” she said.
Although it was a tough decision to leave UE, Dongallo is still grateful that the California Academy players stuck together as they embark on a new journey with the Fighting Maroons.
READ: Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero leave UE, transfer to UP
“Simula nung high school magkasama kami hindi ko naman inakala na mangyayari pala to. Parang masaya pa din kasi kahit nagkagulo parang pinili pa rin nila na magkasama kami hanggang sa dulo,” she said. “Ayun na nga nagkagulo talaga tas pinili pa din po nilang magkasama kami.”
Dongallo, who is serving a one-year residency before becoming eligible to suit up for the Maroons in Season 88, is focusing on her academics and the upcoming Philippine National Volleyball Federation Under-21 tournament.
“Yung adjustment in terms of academics ok naman po pero in terms of training hindi pa po kami nakikijoin sa training ng UAAP kasi nagtatrain kami for PNVF Under 21 po,” she said.
