Cignal HD Spikers’ Owa Retamar through the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Owa Retamar has won every championship game he’s played in across the UAAP, Spikers’ Turf, and V-League as a part of National University and the Cignal HD Spikers.
READ: Tasked to steer, Owa Retamar powers Cignal to three-peat
In his final two playing years within the UAAP, Retamar was named Best Setter and Finals MVP twice, leading NU to a historic ‘four-peat’ to shut out his collegiate profession.
He also steered the Bulldogs to the 2022 V-League Collegiate Challenge crown and back-to-back Spikers’ Turf titles under Sta. Elena within the 2022 Open and 2023 Invitational Conferences—each against Cignal, which eventually became his club team after college.
In his second yr with the Cignal HD Spikers and seventh overall championship appearance, Retamar spelled the difference in Game 3 against fierce rival Criss Cross to clinch the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference title two weeks ago in front of a powerful men’s volleyball crowd at Philsports Arena.
Cignal HD Spikers after winning the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference title.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Arguably the winningest player of his generation, Retamar—who was the starting setter of the national team that won silver within the 2019 Southeast Asian Games—has at all times made it some extent to remain grounded.
“I just feel really blessed. And I at all times remind myself, it’s not simply because of me. Lots of people have helped me because the starting—my coaches, teammates, and family. I at all times tell myself that irrespective of what number of wins you get, what really matters is your attitude and the way you treat people,” Retamar told Inquirer Sports in Filipino.
Up next: Alas Pilipinas
“Championships come and go, but your values and the respect you show for the sport and others—that’s what must have the actual ‘streak.’”
READ: After NU triumph, Owa Retamar now focused on Alas Pilipinas goal
The following big challenge for the 23-year-old playmaker is leading Alas Pilipinas within the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Champions League in Japan next month as a part of their build-up for the historic hosting of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship in September.
“It means rather a lot. I’ve said before that if I ever get called back—if the team needs me—I’m greater than willing to learn, especially from foreign coaches and recent systems,” Retamar said.
“It appears like a fresh start. And since I used to be already a part of the team last yr, I feel the responsibility and pride of representing the country much more now. It’s incredibly inspiring to play for the Philippines again, and it motivates me to work even harder, because I do know that is for something greater than myself.”
The 2-time Spikers’ Turf Best Setter is committed to continuing his growth despite his recent run of success, and is wanting to help grow the game within the country—especially men’s volleyball—by inspiring the subsequent generation.
“At once, I just need to continue to grow—not only as a player but as an individual too. I also want to offer back, especially to the subsequent generation of athletes, particularly those from the provinces who, like me, once dreamt of something big,” he said. “If I get the possibility to encourage even just a couple of of them, that already means rather a lot to me.”
Retamar and his team at VP Global Management wish to launch Camp Owa to share his skills with the youngsters from different provinces.
