Leo Aringo is making the most of an unexpected opportunity at home, using his temporary stint with AEP-Cabstars to sharpen his game and prepare for a second tour of duty with Saitama Azalea in Japan’s V.League.
With his overseas documents still being processed, the former National University standout has joined the Cabstars in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, giving him valuable playing time while awaiting his return to Japan.
For Aringo, the arrangement is more than a way to stay in shape. It offers a chance to continue developing as a player, gain more experience and bring fresh lessons to his next international assignment.
“Siyempre, sobrang laking bagay talaga sa akin na naglaro muna ako dito bago ako bumalik, kasi wala akong team talaga dito sa Philippines. Sobrang biglaan lang po akong kinuha and then nagulat ako. Kinuha ako. Then medyo na-delay kasi ‘yung Japan stint ko ngayon kasi may inaayos pa,” said Aringo, the former UAAP Finals MVP.
Before joining AEP-Cabstars, Aringo trained with his alma mater to maintain his conditioning and playing rhythm while waiting for his Japanese stint to push through.
“I'm training at NU, so sobrang saya ko kasi nakuha ako ng AEP dahil may exposure din na nakakapaglaro ako dito sa Philippines. And then ayun, sobrang happy. Sana makakuha pa ako ng learnings pabalik sa Japan,” he added.
Aringo's impending return to Saitama Azalea comes after a formative first campaign in Japan, where he ventured overseas following his role in NU's historic five-peat in the UAAP Season 87 men's volleyball tournament.
Having helped the Bulldogs sustain their championship tradition, Aringo took on a different challenge abroad, where the demands extended beyond volleyball and required him to adjust to life on his own.
The experience left a lasting impression, teaching him lessons about discipline, independence and personal growth that he now hopes to carry into his next chapter.
“Marami akong natutunan sa Japan, hindi lang ‘yung pagiging athlete, as a person din talaga,” said Aringo, who made an immediate impact with 23 points and 22 receptions in AEP-Cabstars' first victory of the tournament against the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Sunday.
“Kasi pagpunta ko sa Japan, independent na ako eh, marami akong need masubukan, need ma-try, and ayun, marami akong learnings as an athlete. Natutunan ko, grabe sila magdisiplina, hindi lang sa court, even outside the court. ‘Yun, sana makuha ko and then madala ko sa team ko ngayon.”
That emphasis on discipline and professionalism could prove particularly valuable for AEP-Cabstars, who are looking to establish their footing in the Invitational Conference after losing several key players during the offseason.
EJ Casana, Vince Lorenzo, Jared Schnake, Vince Abrot and Nas Gwaza were among those who departed, leaving the team with a need to rebuild its chemistry and maintain its competitive edge.
Aringo's arrival provides the Cabstars with more than an additional scoring option. His experience with a championship-caliber NU program and his exposure to Japan's volleyball environment offer a different perspective that could benefit his new teammates.
Head coach Kitty Antiporta welcomed the former Bulldogs star, pointing to the winning mentality he developed throughout his career as an asset the team can learn from.
“Malaking bagay talaga sa’kin personally ‘yung winning and champion culture na meron si Leo na ‘di ba, he can share with us sa team,” Antiporta said.
“Sabi nga ni boss eh, puwedeng mag-share si Leo dun sa mga players na alam mo ‘yun, ‘di lang sa technical skills pero ‘yung pagiging mabuting tao. ‘Yun ‘yung pinakaimportante eh.”
