At 52 years old, former University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) volleyball coach Nes Pamilar passed away due to heart failure last Saturday, January 12.
After being diagnosed with coronary artery blockage in 2017, Coach Nes stepped away from the volleyball scene to focus on his health and experienced bypass surgery in November. However, in the same year, he returned to coaching for the Tacloban Fighting Warays for the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and the San Beda Lady Red Spikers for the current season of the NCAA; his next gig would have been the team’s match against Arellano on Tuesday, January 15.
In a recent Facebook post, current Lady Tamaraws head coach George Pascua shared in Filipino, “To one of the first few people who trusted me and one of the coaches who molded me into who I am as an athlete, thank you Coach Nes Pamilar. Rest in Peace.” Coach Nes is originally a Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw, being part of the championship men’s volleyball team twice in the mid-1980’s. He also led the Lady Tamaraws to their most recent UAAP title in 2007.
Formerly, Coach Nes also coached the Cagayan Valley Rising Suns, the De La Salle Green Spikers, the Letran Lady Knights, the St. Benilde Lady Blazers, and the Angelicum high school team. In 2013, he led the national team at the 2013 Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship.
Numerous athletes have been mourning Coach Nes’ death on social media. The University of the Philippines (UP) Volleyball Team extended their condolences to his family saying, “Rest in peace, Coach Nes Pamilar! Thank you for your contribution in PH volleyball!” while former Lady Eagle Charo Soriano stated, “You’re one of those genuine ones. The one that loved what he’s doing, despite the challenges. The one that showed us what passion is all about and dedicated his life to grow volleyball in our country. We love you, Coach! May your life serve as an inspiration to us all.”
Details of Pamilar’s wake is yet to be announced by his wife Bing and four children.