CPC Men’s Volleyball Player of the Year Leo Aringo is set to begin a new chapter in Japan with Saitama Azalea, determined to honor his NU roots and inspire future Filipino athletes on the international stage.
Leo Aringo is set to bring his game—and his dreams—outside Philippine borders.
Fresh off a historic five-peat campaign with National University in the UAAP and a Finals MVP performance, Aringo is now preparing for his next big leap as he joins Saitama Azalea in Japan’s V.League Division 2.
The 24-year-old spiker was formally named the Collegiate Press Corps Men’s Volleyball Player of the Year following a stellar final season where he captained the NU Bulldogs to another championship and delivered the title-clinching point in Game 2 of the Season 87 Finals against Far Eastern University.
“Siyempre, sobrang saya na napabilang ako sa mga players ng NU na napabilang sa history,” Aringo told reporters. “Isa lang akong batang nangarap lang dati, nabigyan ng opportunity and ngayon nandito na ako kung saan ako ngayon. Sana magtuloy-tuloy and sana maka-inspire ako ng mga bata diyan na magsumikap lang.”
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The former skipper now follows in the footsteps of fellow NU alumni Bryan Bagunas and Madz Gampong, who also took their talents abroad after college.
Aringo is set to join a Saitama squad that finished second in the regular season with a 21-7 record, before ending their playoff run in fourth place.
Despite the excitement, the transition won’t be without challenges. Aringo shared that he is already studying basic Nihongo to ease his communication with new teammates and coaches.
“Though malaking adjustment talaga sakin kasi lalo na Japan, may expected na language barrier talaga dun,” he admitted. “Sa ngayon, nag-aaral naman ako ng kahit papaano ng Nihongo, and sana ma-keep ako dun sa mga ka-teammate ko and sa coaches.”
He also credits NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin and team management for helping open doors to international opportunities, noting that they’ve always envisioned their graduates going global.
“Gusto nila lahat ng gagraduate ng taga-NU, pupunta international. Sobrang lawak ng pangarap nila,” Aringo said. “Kami nila kuya Bryan, kuya Madz 'yung naging parang example na pag nag-graduate ka sa NU, may pupuntahan ka at hindi ka nila iiwan.”
[ALSO READ: What makes Dante Alinsunurin a good coach? NU spikers offer a glimpse]
For Aringo, it’s about more than just playing abroad—it’s about honoring the journey and showing what’s possible.
“I’ll take this opportunity na mabigay ko ‘yung lahat, makatulong sa team, and lalo na para sa pangarap din ng mga coaches ko sa NU and manager ko,” he said. “Isa ako sa mga example nun and gagawin ko lahat makatulong and sana mag-champion, hopefully.”