Nag-iisang tiyak sa isang libong duda: Angelo Lipata on finding answers in volleyball

In his 24 years of existence, UP men’s volleyball team middle blocker Angelo Lipata has faced a number of uncertainties. “Makakalaro kaya ako sa ganyang level?” was eighth grade Angelo’s question as he watched his volleyball idol Bryan Bagunas on television. At that time, he did not know where playing volleyball would take him. He simply wanted to play after being introduced to the sport in grade school by his Tito. Even though he could only watch his elders play from the sidelines, he already saw a future in volleyball and soon fell in love with the sport.

That love translated into opportunities to participate in training camps, play in regional meets, represent Eastern Visayas at the Palarong Pambansa, and eventually move to Manila to play for the FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws at the UAAP juniors’ division.

Lipata, who dreamt of going to UP both for its quality education and to follow a senior who had also made the switch, was more than ready to suit up for the Fighting Maroons. As he was getting ready to play in 2020, like a lot of people, his plans were put on hold due to the pandemic. Angelo then found himself back in Leyte, taking online classes and confined to his house.

While the team did exercises on their own, he admitted that this was not enough to stay in shape. He did not know if he would ever play volleyball again—in fact, he had started to look for opportunities outside UP. At one point, he considered playing for schools in Cebu.

Thankfully, in 2021, he was introduced to the idea of playing beach volleyball. He did not know that there was a UAAP seniors’ division for beach volleyball, so he never really considered playing. That opportunity gave him hope, something he started to look forward to.

FROM INDOOR TO BEACH VOLLEYBALL
As he would later discover, beach volleyball is completely different from the indoor volleyball that he grew accustomed to. Instead of the usual six players on the court, there were only two people on the sand, with no coach on the sidelines telling them what to do. He found himself more focused and feeling a bit pressured before the start of each game. “Sa beach kasi, receive ko, palo ko,” he shared. Playing as a middle blocker for most of his career where he seldom receives, he had to learn to hone his defensive skills. On top of that, he also had to think of where to place his attacks. Lipata had to get used to the fact that from the beginning until the end of the game, he would be his opponents’ target.

Although the transition was difficult, the 24-year-old also found happiness playing beach volleyball. While playing, Lipata and his partner, Christian Pitogo, mean business. They play, fight, and communicate. After the game, they’re okay and are friends again. The 24-year-old also admitted that the beach volleyball community is different, sharing that he has found friends in his opponents, too.

Lipata found a little more happiness last November 2024, when he and Pitogo made it to the Final Four of the UAAP Season 87 beach volleyball tournament. That was their goal from the very beginning, so they were ecstatic to achieve it. They may have fallen short of a medal, but the energy and adrenaline of doing a final four stint will forever be etched in Angelo’s heart.

MOVING BACK TO THE TARAFLEX
Following his final four finish, the senior found himself scrambling to get back in shape for the UAAP indoor volleyball tournament. While he did rest for about two weeks, it was a struggle to condition his body for the difference in surface.

“Ibang-iba kasi ang approach ng indoor at beach,” Lipata started. Sometimes, he would get scolded when he blocks and lands with his two feet together—something he had picked up while playing beach volleyball. However, he feels much more relaxed now, knowing that he shares the court with five other teammates, who can help him cover the court and attack.

As the UP Fighting Maroons find themselves starting the first round at 1-5, the senior is determined to make the most out of his remaining games playing for the maroon and green. After a seven-point performance in their last game against the NU Bulldogs where he contributed electric blocks, momentum-shifting running attacks, and steady serves, he emphasized the need to improve individually in order to contribute to the team.

With a plan to play one last UAAP season in beach volleyball, Angelo carries with him not just the lessons of perseverance and resilience, but also the love for the game that first sparked his journey. From dreaming in front of a television screen to competing at the highest collegiate level, his journey has been anything but easy. Yet, through every challenge, whether on the taraflex or the sand, he has found ways to adapt, grow, and thrive.

No matter where volleyball takes him next, one thing is certain—Angelo Lipata will always find his way back to the sport that shaped him.