By MARK REY MONTEJO
It may sound like a cliché, but her size never showed just how big Detdet Pepito’s heart is.
Finally all the hard work and sacrifices paid off for the seasoned libero as she officially earned her college diploma at University of Santo Tomas last Tuesday, June 10, at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The 22-year-old libero, who is also the skipper of the Golden Tigresses, was brimming with pride as she walked on the stage with her batchmates, marking the completion of her four-year course – Elementary Education.
“Yong goal ko po talaga for UST is ‘yong masuklian lahat ng tinulong nila sakin, lalo na sa family ko and makapagtapos ng pagaaral,” said Pepito in an interview during UST’s stint in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.
“Tyaka syempre yumaman,” she said with a sweet smile.
She followed the path of her long-time friend and now a Capital1 Solar Spiker Bella Belen who graduated with a BS Psychology degree at National University last month.
Her former teammate Pia Abbu, who recently got drafted by the Solar Spikers alongside Belen, earned her certificate for the course of BS Tourism Management.
Though Pepito’s dream of becoming rich remained distant for now, her loved ones – especially her father, Margarito, and mother, Flordeliza – had already received a priceless fortune: the joy of seeing their daughter fulfill her academic duties.
Pepito’s dad is a jeepney driver, while her mom is a housewife which inspired the UST volleyball women’s team captain to thrive in life.
Her inspiration and extra motivation?
Her elder siblings MJ and Marge Pepito, who were former stars of the Roger Gorayeb-mentored San Sebastian Lady Stags in the team’s glory days in the NCAA in early 2000s.
Despite a heartbreaking exit last May, the 5-foot-2 defensive specialist remained optimistic as she vowed to play her final eligible year for the España-based squad this coming Season 88.
With her commitment, Pepito is expected anew to lead the Tigresses, who fell short in the semifinal last edition, along with Reg Jurado, Angge Poyos, and Cassie Carballo with returning veteran mentor Shaq Delos Santos at the helm.
