Things were looking up for Ian Mercado in UAAP Season 85—leading several statistical categories, with the University of the Philippines also performing well in the team standings.

However, in a crucial game against Ateneo de Manila University, the centerfielder injured his legs while attempting an almost-inside-the-park home run, hobbling on the way to third base.

As a then-UAAP first-timer, Mercado knew what might happen but focused on the brighter side of having the opportunity to help the team in a bigger setting—the season’s Finals series.

“Last year, every time, may lumalabas na stats, na-momonitor ko na pasok ako sa mga pwedeng makakuha ng awards, na pwede kong kuhanin. Tapos after nga nung nangyari na na-injure ako sa hamstring, naisip ko nga na malaki tong kawalan na may two games na maraming makakahabol,” he shared.

“Pero kailangang mag-sacrifice para makalaro ng Finals. kaya hindi na muna pinilit sa eliminations at sa Finals na lang bumalik.”

Missing two elimination games to rest for the Finals, Mercado eventually slid down the rankings.

One season later, the pride of Tanauan, Batangas, claimed what he was supposed to get the previous year: the Best Hitter and Best Slugger awards, which were part of his season goals.

(C) Yvan Martinez/UAAP Season 86 Media Team

“Bago kasi mag-start ‘yung season, nag-set ako ng goals,” Mercado said.

“Individual goal ko is ito ngang makuha ‘yung awards na dapat sa ‘kin last season. Kailangan kong trabahuhin this season, pero medyo ingat din kasi parang traumatized din ako sa nangyari, na may mga ganon ngang pwedeng mangyari. Tsaka ‘yung team goal nga na bumalik sa Finals,” enumerated the Fighting Maroons captain.

With all the hard work and superb performance throughout the season, the concurrent RP Blu Boys’ upstart finally bagged his long-awaited MVP trophy.

(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team

“Sobrang saya kasi ‘yung goals na sinet mo bago mag-start ‘yung UAAP, nakuha ko. Two seasons ko na goal ‘yun na makakuha ng award dito, so sobrang saya na ito na nga.”

Mercado is completing his last units for his Sports Science degree, but he’s still contemplating whether to hang up his collegiate cleats and focus on his national team duties or continue leading the young UP side for a comeback and perhaps secure a back-to-back top-athlete award.

“Marami pa namang playing years eh, so depende pa rin eh. Mahaba pa ‘yung taon, matagal pa ‘yung next season, so mag-iisip muna ko kung anong gagawin,” the 23-year-old ended.