Far Eastern University-DN Steel might have just uncovered its newest weapon in the form of 6-foot outside spiker Christian Paul Salboro, a rising star whose talent has already begun turning heads in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
Salboro first drew attention during his final year at Zamboanga Peninsula in the Palarong Pambansa, where he claimed both the Most Valuable Player and Best Scorer awards, announcing himself as one of the country’s most promising young volleyball talents. Now, the 18-year-old rookie is taking his game to the next level with the Tamaraws.
In his Spikers’ Turf debut on Wednesday, Salboro scored 13 points on 11-of-21 attacks, helping FEU-DN Steel push defending champions Savouge to four sets before falling short. Undeterred, he bounced back in style on Friday, contributing 10 points and seven excellent receptions to power the Tamaraws past PGJC-Navy, 25-23, 25-16, 31-33, 25-17, at Paco Arena in Manila.
What makes his performance even more remarkable is the fact that Salboro’s time with the indoor team has been limited. Between Spikers’ Turf matches, he has been training for the upcoming UAAP Season 88 Beach Volleyball Tournament, yet he remains focused and impactful whenever he steps onto the court.
“Nagpapasalamat po talaga ako kay Coach Ed sa tiwala kasi minsan lang po ako makapag-training dito sa indoor, gawa nga po ng nagti-training din ako sa beach. Grateful po ako na isinama ako sa lineup dito sa Spikers’ Turf, kaya nagpapasalamat po ako sa coaches,” Salboro said, showing humility despite his growing reputation.
Salboro’s versatility makes him a valuable asset for the Tamaraws. He can seamlessly switch roles, a skill he displayed while representing the Zamboanga City Volleyball Club in the 2025 PNVF U21 National Championships, where he earned the Best Opposite Spiker award.
Despite being heavily courted by several universities, including National University, Salboro’s loyalty has always been with FEU.
“Actually po, may mga school po talaga na kumukuha rin pero mas malapit po talaga ang puso ko sa FEU. Yung puso ko po nalapit talaga sa FEU kaya pinili ko po ito,” he shared.
Head coach Eddieson Orcullo, who had been following Salboro’s career since his high school days, expressed his confidence in the rookie’s potential.
“High school pa lang yan, talagang gusto namin makasama si Paul sa team namin. Actually, maraming school ang kumukuha diyan eh, siguro talagang tadhana lang na magsama kami,” Orcullo said.
Orcullo believes Salboro’s presence could be the key to bringing a championship back to FEU.
“Si Paul ang magpapa-champion sa amin sa UAAP,” he declared.
