UAAP Season 87 Round 1 recap: Five sobrang latina volleyball moments (+ bonus!)

And just like that, Round 1 of the UAAP Season 87 volleyball is over!

This season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster—record-breaking rookies, revamped defending champs, and undefeated squads. It's basically a K-drama with jaw-dropping plot twists!

But before we dive headfirst into the mind-boggling, we-don’t-know-what-might-happen Round 2, let’s hit rewind on the most gorjuice moments from UAAP Season 87.

 Mapapasabi ka na lang ng … sobrang latina!

Ateneo’s Kween-edy Batas, the ever-so-monyeka star 

We’ve all seen how Kennedy Batas soars for the Blue Eagles. But this season, he’s taking things to another level—serving law and order with his iconic reactions, perpuk swag, and shalang hair flips. 

Every match feels like an episode of a reality show. And honestly, we’re living for it!

Check out his reaction after a spike against the FEU Tamaraws.

He can do blocks too--with a staredown to boot.

Batas can be wily too. Check out the hairflip moment after this floater.

Lance De Castro’s all-out energy—Ateneo’s ultimate hype machine 

If there’s one thing that's more consistent than the referee’s whistle, it’s Lance De Castro’s unmatched energy.

Whether it’s a clutch moment or just a regular huddle, he’s there to make sure the Blue Eagles are fired up. 

New volleyball motto? "Hampasin niyo bakla!"

Josh "Latina sa España" Ybañez, slaying even from the sidelines

An injury may have kept Josh Ybañez off the court in the early part of the season, but that hasn’t stopped him from bringing the Latina energy and supporting UST with his signature slayable lewk.

 If there’s one thing we’re looking forward to, it’s his next twerk lesson. We need that tutorial ASAP!

[RELATED: 6 Kwela Moments from the Round 1 of the #UAAPSeason86 Volleyball tournaments]

The UP Fighting Maroons’ lucky banana moment 

When things get intense, UP Fighting Maroons know the secret to success—snack time!

During a technical timeout, they casually pulled out a banana energy boost while facing UST.

Because let’s be real, saging lang ang may puso.

NU Lady Bulldogs turning the court into a TikTok dance floor

Winning is already impressive, but NU Lady Bulldogs take it up a notch by celebrating with dance performances that could rival a TikTok trend! 

From smooth choreo to full-on energy, their post-win dances are a must-watch event on their own. 

Volleyball AND entertainment? We love to see it!

[ALSO READ: 5 Hilarious Moments from Round 2 of the #UAAPSeason86 Volleyball Tournaments]

Last and definitely not the least …

The Bella-Detdet showdown we’ve all been waiting for!

Before their highly anticipated face-off, NU’s Bella Belen and UST’s Detdet Pepito exchanged some playful jabs. And honestly, the tension was giving pre-fight press conference energy. 

This rivalry is what volleyball dreams are made of!

@onesportsphl

“PLEASE, PAISAHIN NIYO NAMAN KAMI” 🤣 UST captain-libero Detdet Pepito has a playful message for her ‘jeje’ bestie and NU captain Bella Belen ahead of their Round 1 showdown between the Golden Tigresses and the Lady Bulldogs in the #UAAPSeason87 women’s volleyball tournament! | via Xander Lauren Cipriano/One Sports #StrongerBetterTogether #LegendsStartHere #OneSports

? original sound - OneSportsPHL

@onesportsphl

‘’DI KA MAKAKAISA!’ 🙅🏻???🤣 NU team captain Bella Belen hilariously responds to her bestie and UST libero-captain Detdet Pepito's message ahead of the Lady Bulldogs and the Golden Tigresses' clash in Round 1 of the #UAAPSeason87 women's volleyball tournament. | via Xander Lauren Cipriano/One Sports #OSOnTheSpot #StrongerBetterTogether #LegendsStartHere #OneSports

? original sound - OneSportsPHL

[ALSO READ: UST captain Detdet Pepito makes small request of NU bestie Bella Belen ahead of UAAP duel]

And that’s a wrap for Round 1! 

If Round 2 is going to be even wilder, we better start warming up now.