SPECULATION REGARDING SAN Beda University’s potential transfer to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has sparked a wave of curiosity and cautious optimism. Within the Bedan community, students and athletes alike are weighing in on the move, recognizing that such a transition would represent a landmark shift in the landscape of Philippine varsity sports. 

While no official confirmation has been released by University administrators, conversations among students and athletes reflect both readiness and reflection—a mixture of pride in San Beda’s legacy in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and anticipation of a new competitive landscape. 

For decades, San Beda has dominated the NCAA, building a legacy of champions across multiple sports. From the Red Lions’ powerhouse basketball program to the Red Sea Lions’ swimming dynasty, and the Red Booters’ football success, Bedan athletes have consistently demonstrated skill, discipline, and a competitive spirit in their pursuit of excellence.  

This history of excellence sets high expectations as the University contemplates a possible transition to the UAAP, a league filled with its own storied programs and fierce rivalries. 

A “turning page” for San Beda 

For Mitziko Yema, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Student Council (SC) President, the possibility represents both excitement and a responsibility. 

“Personally, I’m very excited kasi it’s such a huge turning page for San Beda since lagi tayong nakikilala as the NCAA Kings, di ba? Na lagi tayong nagdo-dominate ng NCAA. But of course, we still have to look into the other aspects of the move,” Yema said. 

She emphasized that the transition would affect more than just basketball. 

“Kasi alam naman natin na everyone is expecting for the Red Lions, di ba, to dominate the basketball field in UAAP. But may iba pa rin namang sports, di ba? It’s not just the Red Lions going to the basketball ng UAAP. There’s also the Red Sea Lions, the Red Spikers, di ba? So we have to also think kung okay din ba, beneficial din ba sa kanila yung move na to.” 

Despite the necessary considerations, the excitement among students remains evident. 

“Imagine yourself wearing red, tapos finals or semifinals, tapos lahat kayo sa Araneta naka-red, di ba? Tapos ang kalaban na natin, DLSU or UP. So of course, it’s very exciting for us viewers.” 

Speaking on behalf of the CAS student body, Yema shared that while enthusiasm is high, adjustments must be acknowledged. 

“It is such a huge move, not only sa career nila, career-wise, pero siyempre yung academics nila, di ba? Since it’s a huge move sa trainings, mahihirapan sila. But I’m not saying na hindi nila kaya, sobrang-sobrang kaya nila. It’s just that it’s a different playing field… But for me, speaking on behalf of the CAS, we’re all very excited if ever nga na matuloy yung move [to UAAP]. But alam mo yun, we still have to look into the bigger picture.” 

Recognition and opportunity for women’s sports 

The potential move also reopened discussions on recognition across athletic programs. On whether women’s teams receive equal support, Yema noted disparities in visibility. 

“Sa support, I don’t think it’s all the same. They don’t have the same support as the Red Lions… nag-champion din naman yung Red Sea Lions, both men and women, di ba? Pero they didn’t have the same support na nakuha nila from the Red Lions,” Yema opined. 

Moreover, she expressed hope that a UAAP transfer would widen opportunities. 

“With the change to UAAP, I really hope na forward-looking na mas makakuha sila ng support not only sa Bedans, but outside… I think UAAP will open the doors for them to grow further and their careers to really flourish,” she expressed. 

New league, new rules 

Across various teams, captains echoed a shared sentiment: the move would be difficult, but not impossible. 

For Gwin Gutierrez, Lady Red Jins team captain, the shift would be both exciting and demanding. 

“Parang nakaka-excite siya. At the same time, parang sobrang laking move para sa amin, sa team. Since mas marami na yung mga kalaban and iba yung rules compared to NCAA. Pero naman, malaki yung tiwala ko sa team na kaya naman namin makipagsabayan sa UAAP [schools].” 

The Lady Red Jins, who recently defended their title in the NCAA Taekwondo Tournament for the third consecutive year, have already faced UAAP opponents in national competitions. 

“Challenge siya sa amin since new rules, new environment, new league for us. Pero I think kaya makipagsabayan kasi yung Bedan pride, yung dala pa rin namin na champion kami.” 

A key figure in the women’s 12-peat swimming dynasty, back-to-back MVP Ihiazel Fei Dolliente of the Lady Red Sea Lions shared a similar growth-oriented perspective. 

“Of course, naghihintay pa rin kami sa decision ng higher-ups. Pero andun na yung excitement… malaking opportunity ito for us to play in a new environment, makalaban ng new teams, at mas mag-grow pa as athletes and as a program.” 

“Change is never easy but it’s where growth happens,” she added. “Wherever we end up, we’ll carry the same [Bedan] pride and heart.” 

On whether they can compete against UAAP swimming powerhouses, Dolliente affirmed, “If ever man magkaroon ng transfer, I believe women’s swimming team can compete and keep up… we’re willing to work hard, mag-learn, and mag-improve.” 

Hard work built on trainings 

Red Sea Lions Team Captain Josh Baquiano emphasized that their 22-peat championship streak was built on preparation, not reputation. 

“I wouldn’t say na just because 22-peat kami kaya namin silang talunin. We’re 22-Peat kasi of our hard work. Pinaghahandaan namin yung laban.” 

“Our hard work[s] will be the results kasi nagagawa na namin during trainings,” he continued. “Kapag UAAP schools, a big challenge talaga kasi kailangan din i-prove namin why naging consistent kami sa championship.” 

He also stressed the importance of not relying on past titles. “Huwag bitbitin yung dating championship kasi that was last season… bagong challenge na i-face.” 

Brand new battlefield 

For Red Booters captain Marc Pellejo, preparation transcends leagues. 

During off-season tournaments, the team has faced UAAP champions such as Far Eastern University and contenders like Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines, and De La Salle University. 

“If competition, yes, kaya namin sumabay,” Pellejo said. “We will play the same system… It’s nothing special kahit lumipat kami ng UAAP or [stay in the] NCAA.” 

Meanwhile, former Lady Red Smashers Team Captain and NCAA Season 100 women’s MVP Isabella Dominique Pollentes described the transfer as a “brand new battlefield.” 

“If the admin thinks that we are good enough for UAAP, I really hope that all of our athletes do step up to represent San Beda in the UAAP,” she said. 

While expressing excitement, she acknowledged financial and recruitment realities. 

“In terms of sponsorship, syempre double time yan… UAAP medyo may pera na yung [mga] teams… may allowance na yan if UAAP player ka.” 

Still, she underscored San Beda’s defining characteristic—potential, saying, “San Beda, we take the ones who weren’t really scouted… we take them through potential.” 

A change in league but not in spirit 

As speculation continues, one thing remains clear: the Bedan community sees the potential move not merely as a transfer of leagues but as a test of preparation, unity, and identity. 

From student leaders to multi-peat champions, the message resonates: whether in the NCAA or the UAAP, San Beda carries the same lion pride, the same discipline, and the same will to compete. 

If the move becomes official, it will not simply be a new chapter. It will be a new battlefield, and Bedans appear ready to step onto it.