jem

8:36 PM

...that was supposed to be off the record, jem vargas

You asked a question. I answered it. I stand by the answer.

Put that in the article, too.

And technically, there's no 'off the record' during a live broadcast.

i have never had to explain something to my editor this fast in my entire fucking life

Tell her I said sorry. Kind of.

They posted the clip. 🤷

i hate you

I don't think you do, though.

Not even a little bit, not even at all.

...are you quoting me????

Yes. And in my defense, you've given me very little reading material that isn't about me.

your ego needs another size reduction

I got a championship ring and a girl who wrote me a love poem in the same season. Unfortunately, I think we're past that.

And as much as I'm enjoying flirting with you, Reporter Barbie, I'd rather go celebrate this with you. In person.

corny m

it has to stop

hinihintay na kita sa labas

Otw to you. 🫡

🔒 @yvannugh

ganunin ba naman ako.

🔒 @yvannugh

hay. kakairita. 🫠🥰

SPORTS

Ateneo Survives La Salle, Reclaims Throne After 32 Years

By Yvanna Adriano

Frontcourt Contributor

Jem Vargas was crowned Finals MVP after leading Ateneo back to UAAP glory on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Ateneo dethroned rivals La Salle, 75–73, in a thrilling Finals overtime battle. The closing minutes saw the lead change hands repeatedly, with both teams matching each other possession for possession and the series seemingly destined for a winner-take-all Game 3.

But in the final seconds, Captain Jem Vargas produced the play that defined Ateneo's title run.

Moments after his potential go-ahead attempt was denied at the rim, Vargas recovered to force a turnover on La Salle's ensuing possession before finding Piencenaves on a cut to the basket. Piencenaves converted the layup with less than two seconds remaining, sealing the championship and completing one of the most dramatic victories of Ateneo's season.

Vargas finished with 17 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block en route to Finals MVP honors, capping one of the most turbulent and ultimately rewarding seasons of his collegiate career.

For months, Vargas carried the burden of being both a first-year captain and the heir to one of Ateneo basketball's most storied legacies. Every game became a referendum on his leadership—the expectations that accompanied his surname followed him from arena to arena, while the scrutiny surrounding his life beyond basketball often threatened to overshadow what he was accomplishing on the court.

Yet the season gradually became less about the name on the back of his jersey and more about the player wearing it. As Ateneo battled through injuries, setbacks, and the growing pains of a young roster, Vargas emerged as the team's emotional anchor. His value could be measured in points and assists, but it was often found elsewhere—in his ability to keep his team grounded when momentum shifted, in the confidence he instilled in teammates, and the belief that the Blue Eagles were never out of a game as long as he was on the floor.

When asked moments later what winning a championship felt like, Vargas didn't answer in so many words. For once, the King Eagle let his actions do the talking.

And after a season in which so much was asked of him, perhaps there was no better answer than that.