14/07/2026
I still remember it like it was yesterday.
I was first introduced to this soft-spoken woman in Boracay during my very first Boracay Open back in 2014. Looking back now, I can honestly say that meeting her changed the course of my Ultimate journey.
There would never have been a "me" in Ultimate without Karen Cabrera
She was one of the very, very few people who believed in me when there wasn't much reason to. She was the first person who truly gave me a break in the international scene, trusting me to cover tournaments abroad and opening doors I never thought I'd walk through.
But more than that, she treated me like family. Whether we were on the island or traveling somewhere else, she always made sure I was taken care of.
There is one line she once said during one of the hardest chapters of managing a national team that has stayed with me ever since:
"Walang may maiiwan."
It wasn't just something she said.
She lived it.
Most people never got to see what happened behind the scenes. The sleepless nights... literally. While everyone else was resting comfortably, Karen would still be awake until sunrise, making sure every single detail was taken care of. Only a handful of us truly know how hard Karen works and how much of herself she quietly gives for everyone else.
People see tournaments.
We saw the sacrifices.
I owe my Ultimate Frisbee life to her. Without Karen, I honestly don't know if I'd still be here doing what I love today.
I also remember sending her a message years ago that simply said:
"Sana balang araw, makakabawi din ako sa'yo at ni Buboy."
Karen... I know I still haven't fulfilled that promise. But I haven't forgotten it. I'm still trying.
Sorry... medyo natagalan lang.
If you've ever wondered what a true dragoness looks like, not because she's fierce for herself, but because she'll carry everyone on her back and make sure no one gets left behind... then meet Karen.
Thank you for believing in me before I believed in myself.
Thank you for every opportunity.
Thank you for every sacrifice that nobody saw.
And thank you for reminding all of us what it truly means when you say, "Walang may maiiwan."
Maraming salamat, Karen.
And thank you as well to Boss Glen Lopez and Accessed - Sports Media and Creativity Podcast (Please follow the page!) for this wonderful podcast interview.
Everyone, meet Karen Cabrera.
A mentor. A friend.
One of the people I'll spend the rest of my life trying to repay, not because she asked me to, but because she changed mine.
(Youtube link in the comment section)
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14hsPwCG3TZ/
Ten Episode Milestone!
Accessed Ep. 10 with Karen Cabrera is now available!
Here are some stories and ideas we shared for this episode:
Being an event organizer means a lot of "alaga" for your clients and for the people that work with you.
The Dragons in Boracay Dragons is not just a spirit animal.
Challenges in building national teams and leading a national sports association.
Insights on being a soccer mom and also an athlete.
What are discussions inside an international committee/governing body for sport.
Being realistic in certain actions, movements, and decisions.
