UST's Nic Cabañero. UAAP Media
MANILA — University of Santo Tomas' Nic Cabañero, who turned 22 on Friday, celebrated his special day with his "second family in Manila," the Growling Tigers.
As the España cager could not return home for his birthday, the Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu native was made sure to be given a core memory as he became a year older.
His team, a day later, regained its winning ways in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament after keeping University of the East winless, 111-99, on Saturday at home turf, the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena. They lost to National University last Wednesday, 69-76.
READ: UAAP: UST bounces back, keeps UE winless
"'Yun nga, grateful ako sa — yesterday kasi ano lang bonding with coaches and teammates. May kaunting celebration with them. Super grateful ako sa nangyari," said Cabañero.
Cabañero was overflowing with gratitude as his teammates and coaches marked his birthday with a bang.
READ: UAAP: Figueroa takes charge late, powers NU past UST
Aside from the celebration, the UST gunner's Instagram was also flooded with Stories greeting him.
"Actually 'yun lang ginawa ko eh, wala na 'kong ibang celebration and 'yun, nakasama ko mga teammates and coaches ko na second family ko na rin here in Manila. So grateful ako na sinamahan nila 'ko sa maligayang kaarawan ko," said Cabañero, who is hoping to tow UST to the Final Four again in his last playing year.