From judo mat to the stands: Ralph De Leon shows support for Ateneo

MANILA — Former “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition” housemate Ralph De Leon took some time off his busy schedule to show support for his alma mater in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament. 

De Leon was present during the classic rivalry match between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the De La Salle Green Archers at Smart Araneta Coliseum last Saturday.  

The 26-year-old actor was spotted proudly cheering for Ateneo, alongside his fellow housemate and the other half of the ‘AzRalph’ loveteam AZ Martinez.  

De Leon said he always makes sure he watches Ateneo games when he has the time. 

“Siyempre, it’s the battle of the rivals and I got the chance na ma-free up yung schedule and finally, mapanood ulit ang UAAP. So, you know, there’s no better way to do it than now. At Ateneo-LaSalle game. One Big Fight,” he told ABS-CBN News last Saturday. 

De Leon is no stranger to the blue and white, after winning multiple medals including gold, when he was competing for the Ateneo Men’s Judo Team in the UAAP.

The former UAAP judo champion said watching the Ateneo vs. La Salle game brought him back to his student-athlete days. 

“Yeah, 100 percent. Parang na-miss ko talaga yung energy in this building. Sa Araneta, being part of the Blue Eagles, grabe, this is it,” the PBB Celebrity Collab Edition second big placer shared. 

“Masaya,” De Leon simply said when asked about watching a UAAP game with Martinez.  

The Blue Eagles went on to lose to its rivals the Green Archers, 76-73, in overtime.