16/09/2026
“A good boy. Kind. Respectful. Calm.”
These are the words heard time and again when loved ones describe Divine Adili.
On September 14, the Ateneo de Manila University Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) Department was honored to welcome Mr. Elias Adili and Mrs. Ifeoma Adili to campus for a special gathering commemorating the light, joy, and warmth Divine brought to the department, his loved ones, and the broader Ateneo community.
Former professors and classmates gathered to share their most treasured memories, all highlighting his gentle spirit and deep kindness — a stark, endearing contrast to his towering presence on the basketball court.
“At every moment that he was walking the halls of this campus, he was giving his all as a person, as a kind human being,” recalled Dr. Nikki Carsi Cruz, former IS Department Chair during Divine’s freshman year.
IS lecturer Mr. Andy Reysio-Cruz read a reflection on behalf of Divine’s former instructor, Ms. Sabrina Basilio:
“Whenever we ran into each other on the red brick road between Bellarmine and Xavier, I could always rely on him to slow down his walk and smile at me. I know now... that this is not something you can expect from all your students. That gesture of kindness — this willingness to momentarily put aside the agenda of your walk to brighten up someone else's day — comes only from very specific people.”
Divine’s blockmates echoed similar sentiments about his humility and warmth as a teammate and friend.
“[Divine] was the gentlest person ever. He didn’t want to show his strength or his power. He’d rather step back and let others shine,” shared Chris Urbina.
Teammate Basti Araneta recalled a conversation they shared about UAAP Season 89, reflecting on their shared excitement to step into the spotlight together. “I was really excited to go through that with him. Obviously, I’m not gonna have that opportunity to do that with him anymore, but instead, I can do it for him. In all the seasons I get to play, I want to dedicate them to Divine.”
The program concluded with moving remarks from Divine’s father, Mr. Elias Adili. He spoke of supporting Divine’s basketball journey all the way from Nigeria to the Philippines, remembering how Divine faithfully sent livestream links so his family could cheer for him from afar. Mr. Adili often reminded his son that “the best thing to do is to love the game and play it well.” It had been Divine’s dream for his parents to see him play live.
“Divine has been a good boy. He wasn’t disobedient. He’s a loving person. He loves what he does.”
Divine will forever remain in the hearts of those whose lives he touched. We invite you to watch the tribute video prepared by the IS Department below as we join together in keeping his memory alive. 🤍
