(Photo shows Renren with his wife and baby daughter at an event in DLSU. Behind them is the banner that shows Renren's jersey retirement)
The Ultimate Shooter
A born-scorer who could shoot the lights out, Renren Ritualo also was a proven winner with four UAAP titles.
By Anton Roxas
No other Green Archer can ever wear the Number Four.
Forever enshrined in the Enrique M. Razon Sports Center is the famed jersey of the greatest player in the history of DLSU Men’s Basketball – Renren Ritualo.
Known for his fearlessness, especially in the endgame and his deadly outside shooting, Renren was a vital cog in La Salle’s incredible four-peat from 1998 to 2001. He is also just one of four student-athletes along with Kurt Bachman, Lim Eng Beng and Manilla Santos who have earned the honor of having their jersey numbers retired by the Taft Avenue based university.
Four represents the number of championships won by the man who is one of the four most iconic LaSallians in the field of sports. Symbolic as it may seem, ironically, the number was not his original choice.
Renren was born Florendo R. Ritualo Jr. on June 14, 1979. He is the eldest and only boy among the four children of his parents, Florendo “Dante” Ritualo Sr. and Maria “Baby” Ritualo. Dante was a former PBA player who would have his teammates frequent their home in Pasig City. The presence of these towering figures influenced Renren greatly. In fact, his mother, Baby, says that Renren made his first basket at the age of one. From there, Renren’s passion for the game grew.
“My Mom had to take away all the balls at home because I wouldn’t stop playing,” shared Renren.
“When she would do that, I made my own balls out of paper,” he added.
After entering Preschool at Mother Goose in Kapitolyo, Renren moved on to Preparatory School at the San Beda All-Boys campus in Mendiola. When he reached the fourth grade, Renren tried out for the varsity but failed to make the team.
“Maliit siguro ako. I was not yet ready,” explained Renren. “I felt bad but I was not pressured. Even if I didn’t make the team, I never stopped playing.”
The following year, Renren participated in the school’s intramurals and soon after, he took another shot at making the varsity. This time, he made his mark.
“Nung nakapasok na ako. Yun na. I wanted to score everytime.”
As a member of the San Beda Red Cubs, Renren was an athletic slasher. He made his first dunk in his 3rd year of High School and won back-to-back Championships (1995-Season 71, 1996-Season 72) in the NCAA Jrs. Basketball tournament with teammates Jenkins Mesina, Xavier Nuňag, Mark Jomalesa and Britt Reroma just to name a few. Renren was named MVP during his senior year.
Throughout his time in San Beda, Renren wore the number fourteen, which symbolizes his birthday. But, when he moved on to La Salle for college, he had to make a change.
His freshman year (1997) with the Green Archers was an eventful one. Renren learned that he could not wear fourteen because it was retired by Lim Eng Beng. La Salle made it to the UAAP Season 60 Finals but fell short against FEU. Afterwards, their head coach, Jong Uichico, who personally recruited Renren, was replaced by Franz Pumaren. It was also during this time that Renren settled for the number four. A legend was born.
“When we lost to FEU during my first year, sabi ko sa sarili ko, ‘we’re going to get it next year’,” Renren shared.
True enough, the Green Archers redeemed themselves, sweeping the Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 61 Finals.
In UAAP Season 62, La Salle once again returned to the Finals where they faced a talented UST squad that featured Cyrus Baguio, Niňo Gelig, Derick Hubalde, Marvin Ortiguerra and Gilbert Lao. Renren labels this championship as the most difficult one they won as the series went the distance and ended dramatic fashion. Interestingly, Renren, who had developed his outside shooting in the collegiate level, cites a pass he made as his most memorable play in the UAAP.
With less than eleven seconds left in Game 3, UST led La Salle, 67-64. Renren received a pass from Dino Aldeguer on the right wing. He dribbled the ball to the corner and was ready to rise up for the shot. But, instinctively, because he drew two defenders towards him, Renren passed the ball out to Don Allado on the right wing. Allado subsequently passed the ball to Aldeguer who was situated at the top of the arc. Aldeguer drained the game-tying triple and was even fouled in the process with 2.7 seconds left. It remains as one of the most historic shots in UAAP basketball history. Although Aldeguer missed the bonus free-throw, the game went into overtime, where La Salle outscored UST, 11-8 for a 78-75 win.
“Ang hirap ng championship na yun. Natalo kami sa first game. Match-up wise, lamang na lamang sila,” recalled Renren. “I was ready to take the shot but I’m glad I made that pass. It eventually led to a championship.”
La Salle faced FEU anew in the Finals of UAAP Season 63. Once again, the Green Archers prevailed in two games. During Renren’s final playing year (2001), La Salle finished the elimination round in first place with a 12-2 record. And right before they entered the Final Four, Renren was presented with the challenge of a lifetime.
“Coach Franz (Pumaren) approached me after practice and said, ‘Ren, if we go to the Finals and win the championship, we’re going to retire your jersey. Ganon lang ka-casual. Sabi ko, ‘OK, Coach!’”
UAAP Season 64 featured an Ateneo-La Salle Finals. It was the perfect stage to cement his legacy as it was also the first time the two rival schools faced off for the championship in the Final Four era. Renren embraced the moment and led the Green Archers in a classic series that went the distance. The Blue Eagles were bannered by the likes of Enrico Villanueva, Magnum Membrere, LA Tenorio, Rich Alvarez and Larry Fonacier while La Salle featured BJ Manalo, Mike Cortez, Adonis Sta. Maria, Carlo Sharma, Willy Wilson and Macmac Cardona. But, the player who shined the brightest was the Green Archer wearing jersey number four – Renren Ritualo.
In his final UAAP game, Renren scored all of his 15 points in the second half to propel La Salle to a 93-88 win in Game 3. The Green Archers won their fourth straight Men’s Basketball crown with Renren earning Finals MVP honors, thus, etching his name in the history books.
“I’ve been so blessed. Lahat ng nangyari sa buhay ko, hindi ko pinilit. Binigay sa akin lahat. And it’s all because of basketball,” said Renren.
Upon graduating from DLSU with a degree in Guidance Counseling and Psychology Major in Early Childhood, Renren continued his playing career and in the PBL, PBA and with the Philippine National Team. In 2007, he fulfilled his dream of establishing a school – Children’s Little University (CLU) Preschool. Two years later, he married his long-time friend and classmate, Margaux. Together, Renren and Margaux became proud parents of two beautiful children, Margot and Matteo.
“Si Margot, my daughter,” Renren says with a big smile. “I used to bring her to my basketball camps for kids. She’s really smart! She can dribble two basketballs at the same time! Di ko siya tinuruan nun! Sinasama ko lang siya when I hold camps or do personal training.”
As for his son, Matteo, Renren has other plans for him.
“I want him to be a Pilot.” says Renren. “Gusto ko kasi maging Piloto dati. I thought about doing it after my basketball career but I had kids so I got busy. Kaya si Matteo, kung mag basketball yan, during off-season niya, he’s going to fly. It was my dream and I want him to be better than me.”
Three years have passed since Renren retired from playing professional basketball, but the game still remains as an integral part of his life. Aside from being a TV Analyst for S+A, Renren is also an Assistant Coach of the Adamson Soaring Falcons.
As the UAAP’s 80th Season opens on September 9, 2017, Renren has some words of advice for all the student-athletes who are set to go for great.
“Live the moment. It’s goes by really fast. Practice hard and get everything you can. Lahat ng experience, lahat ng knowledge, kunin niyo lahat because after five years, you won’t be here anymore. You’ll be in the pros o kung saan man, pero matatandaan mo lagi yung pinagsamahan niyo dito. Give it your all. Leave a legacy na matatandaan ng tao.”
The Ultimate Shooter
A born-scorer who could shoot the lights out, Renren Ritualo also was a proven winner with four UAAP titles.
By Anton Roxas
No other Green Archer can ever wear the Number Four.
Forever enshrined in the Enrique M. Razon Sports Center is the famed jersey of the greatest player in the history of DLSU Men’s Basketball – Renren Ritualo.
Known for his fearlessness, especially in the endgame and his deadly outside shooting, Renren was a vital cog in La Salle’s incredible four-peat from 1998 to 2001. He is also just one of four student-athletes along with Kurt Bachman, Lim Eng Beng and Manilla Santos who have earned the honor of having their jersey numbers retired by the Taft Avenue based university.
Four represents the number of championships won by the man who is one of the four most iconic LaSallians in the field of sports. Symbolic as it may seem, ironically, the number was not his original choice.
Renren was born Florendo R. Ritualo Jr. on June 14, 1979. He is the eldest and only boy among the four children of his parents, Florendo “Dante” Ritualo Sr. and Maria “Baby” Ritualo. Dante was a former PBA player who would have his teammates frequent their home in Pasig City. The presence of these towering figures influenced Renren greatly. In fact, his mother, Baby, says that Renren made his first basket at the age of one. From there, Renren’s passion for the game grew.
“My Mom had to take away all the balls at home because I wouldn’t stop playing,” shared Renren.
“When she would do that, I made my own balls out of paper,” he added.
After entering Preschool at Mother Goose in Kapitolyo, Renren moved on to Preparatory School at the San Beda All-Boys campus in Mendiola. When he reached the fourth grade, Renren tried out for the varsity but failed to make the team.
“Maliit siguro ako. I was not yet ready,” explained Renren. “I felt bad but I was not pressured. Even if I didn’t make the team, I never stopped playing.”
The following year, Renren participated in the school’s intramurals and soon after, he took another shot at making the varsity. This time, he made his mark.
“Nung nakapasok na ako. Yun na. I wanted to score everytime.”
As a member of the San Beda Red Cubs, Renren was an athletic slasher. He made his first dunk in his 3rd year of High School and won back-to-back Championships (1995-Season 71, 1996-Season 72) in the NCAA Jrs. Basketball tournament with teammates Jenkins Mesina, Xavier Nuňag, Mark Jomalesa and Britt Reroma just to name a few. Renren was named MVP during his senior year.
Throughout his time in San Beda, Renren wore the number fourteen, which symbolizes his birthday. But, when he moved on to La Salle for college, he had to make a change.
His freshman year (1997) with the Green Archers was an eventful one. Renren learned that he could not wear fourteen because it was retired by Lim Eng Beng. La Salle made it to the UAAP Season 60 Finals but fell short against FEU. Afterwards, their head coach, Jong Uichico, who personally recruited Renren, was replaced by Franz Pumaren. It was also during this time that Renren settled for the number four. A legend was born.
“When we lost to FEU during my first year, sabi ko sa sarili ko, ‘we’re going to get it next year’,” Renren shared.
True enough, the Green Archers redeemed themselves, sweeping the Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 61 Finals.
In UAAP Season 62, La Salle once again returned to the Finals where they faced a talented UST squad that featured Cyrus Baguio, Niňo Gelig, Derick Hubalde, Marvin Ortiguerra and Gilbert Lao. Renren labels this championship as the most difficult one they won as the series went the distance and ended dramatic fashion. Interestingly, Renren, who had developed his outside shooting in the collegiate level, cites a pass he made as his most memorable play in the UAAP.
With less than eleven seconds left in Game 3, UST led La Salle, 67-64. Renren received a pass from Dino Aldeguer on the right wing. He dribbled the ball to the corner and was ready to rise up for the shot. But, instinctively, because he drew two defenders towards him, Renren passed the ball out to Don Allado on the right wing. Allado subsequently passed the ball to Aldeguer who was situated at the top of the arc. Aldeguer drained the game-tying triple and was even fouled in the process with 2.7 seconds left. It remains as one of the most historic shots in UAAP basketball history. Although Aldeguer missed the bonus free-throw, the game went into overtime, where La Salle outscored UST, 11-8 for a 78-75 win.
“Ang hirap ng championship na yun. Natalo kami sa first game. Match-up wise, lamang na lamang sila,” recalled Renren. “I was ready to take the shot but I’m glad I made that pass. It eventually led to a championship.”
La Salle faced FEU anew in the Finals of UAAP Season 63. Once again, the Green Archers prevailed in two games. During Renren’s final playing year (2001), La Salle finished the elimination round in first place with a 12-2 record. And right before they entered the Final Four, Renren was presented with the challenge of a lifetime.
“Coach Franz (Pumaren) approached me after practice and said, ‘Ren, if we go to the Finals and win the championship, we’re going to retire your jersey. Ganon lang ka-casual. Sabi ko, ‘OK, Coach!’”
UAAP Season 64 featured an Ateneo-La Salle Finals. It was the perfect stage to cement his legacy as it was also the first time the two rival schools faced off for the championship in the Final Four era. Renren embraced the moment and led the Green Archers in a classic series that went the distance. The Blue Eagles were bannered by the likes of Enrico Villanueva, Magnum Membrere, LA Tenorio, Rich Alvarez and Larry Fonacier while La Salle featured BJ Manalo, Mike Cortez, Adonis Sta. Maria, Carlo Sharma, Willy Wilson and Macmac Cardona. But, the player who shined the brightest was the Green Archer wearing jersey number four – Renren Ritualo.
In his final UAAP game, Renren scored all of his 15 points in the second half to propel La Salle to a 93-88 win in Game 3. The Green Archers won their fourth straight Men’s Basketball crown with Renren earning Finals MVP honors, thus, etching his name in the history books.
“I’ve been so blessed. Lahat ng nangyari sa buhay ko, hindi ko pinilit. Binigay sa akin lahat. And it’s all because of basketball,” said Renren.
Upon graduating from DLSU with a degree in Guidance Counseling and Psychology Major in Early Childhood, Renren continued his playing career and in the PBL, PBA and with the Philippine National Team. In 2007, he fulfilled his dream of establishing a school – Children’s Little University (CLU) Preschool. Two years later, he married his long-time friend and classmate, Margaux. Together, Renren and Margaux became proud parents of two beautiful children, Margot and Matteo.
“Si Margot, my daughter,” Renren says with a big smile. “I used to bring her to my basketball camps for kids. She’s really smart! She can dribble two basketballs at the same time! Di ko siya tinuruan nun! Sinasama ko lang siya when I hold camps or do personal training.”
As for his son, Matteo, Renren has other plans for him.
“I want him to be a Pilot.” says Renren. “Gusto ko kasi maging Piloto dati. I thought about doing it after my basketball career but I had kids so I got busy. Kaya si Matteo, kung mag basketball yan, during off-season niya, he’s going to fly. It was my dream and I want him to be better than me.”
Three years have passed since Renren retired from playing professional basketball, but the game still remains as an integral part of his life. Aside from being a TV Analyst for S+A, Renren is also an Assistant Coach of the Adamson Soaring Falcons.
As the UAAP’s 80th Season opens on September 9, 2017, Renren has some words of advice for all the student-athletes who are set to go for great.
“Live the moment. It’s goes by really fast. Practice hard and get everything you can. Lahat ng experience, lahat ng knowledge, kunin niyo lahat because after five years, you won’t be here anymore. You’ll be in the pros o kung saan man, pero matatandaan mo lagi yung pinagsamahan niyo dito. Give it your all. Leave a legacy na matatandaan ng tao.”
