NU Lady Bulldogs head coach Aris Dimaunahan dedicated the UAAP Season 87 championship to his family and late firstborn son, whose memory continues to inspire his journey in basketball and in life.
The National University Lady Bulldogs reclaimed their place atop UAAP women’s basketball, edging out the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses, 78-73, in a thrilling Game 3 of the Season 87 Finals Sunday.
The hard-fought victory secured NU’s eighth overall title, ending UST’s reign as champions and re-establishing the Lady Bulldogs’ dominance.
But for head coach Aris Dimaunahan, the championship carried a personal significance, on top of the professional benefits.
The NU tactician dedicated the championship to his two daughters and his late firstborn son, whose memory continues to inspire him even after 26 years.
“Lagi ako kahit player ako or coach ako, hindi ko nakakalimutan kasi siyempre gustong-gusto kong magka-anak na lalaki pero it never happened. Nangyari pero nakuha sa amin, pero I give it to the Lord na kung kulang basketball player or anghel sa langit, tatanggapin ko kung ano gusto niya,” Dimaunahan told One Sports.
“I know na andiyan siya, nanonood and I know na proud siya sa nagawa ng players namin today. Deep in my heart dine-dedicate ko rin sa kanya ito and to all my family members na naniniwala sa kakayanan ko as a coach and sila ‘yung nagsisilbi na driving force to get better,” he added.
In Game 2 last December 11, Dimaunahan celebrated the birthday of their late firstborn. Unfortunately, the Lady Bulldogs could not close out the series back then.
But just four days later, honoring the death anniversary of their son, Dimaunahan finally secured his second championship with NU.
“This championship is for our players who give their all every single day and for our assistant coaches—probably the best in the league,” Dimaunahan said. “I’m incredibly blessed to have such an amazing group supporting me on the bench.”
“Here at NU, the expectation is always gold. There’s no room for anything less,” he admitted.
Dimaunahan also expressed gratitude for the role his youngest daughter, Christiana, plays in his life and career.
Christiana not only carried on the family’s basketball legacy as an NU player and champion, but remains deeply involved in her father’s coaching journey.
“Good thing nga rin si Christiana was into basketball kasi gusto kong magka-player na anak eh pero si Christiana ‘yung nagtuloy ng paglalaro,” said Dimaunahan.
“I’m happy that I had a chance also to coach my own daughter sa NU and she was a champion also. Sobrang special samin ‘yun and actually before the game, para siyang assistant coach eh. I’m just glad also ganun siya ka-involved sa pag cocoach ko,” she added.
Dimaunahan also emphasized the importance of family in his success, noting how their encouragement fuels him both on and off the court.
For Dimaunahan, the triumph was more than just another championship; it was a deeply personal milestone, celebrating both the living and the memory of those who inspire him to be a better coach every day.
“They always check on me kung okay ako, kung kamusta ‘yung pakiramdam ko, and lagi sila naka-support sakin kahit natatalo minsan,” said Dimaunahan.
“They always cheer me up and sobrang laking bagay nung kasi sa bahay palang may naniniwala na agad sakin, sa kakayanan ko, and naru-rub off lang ‘yun galing sa bahay papunta sa players namin.”