“Malaking honor siyempre na kunin ka ng alma mater mo,” Cleopas propounded for the new development.

At the young age of 34, this native of Cebu City has already a reputation to brag under his sleeves.

Cleopas was only 19 when he played for Altas back in NCAA Season 81, but only to bid farewell as he moved back to Cebu to study and coach the University of Southern Philippines Foundation’s high school basketball team.

Since then, he has made a lot of exposure in the field of coaching.

The decorated mentor was one of the men behind the curtain of the 3-peat championship of San Beda Red Lions, working as an assistant coach under coaches Jamike Jarin and Boyet Fernandez. 

After being in the lion’s den from 2016 to 2018, he moved to the España-squad and served as former head coach Aldin Ayo’s deputy at the University of Santo Tomas.

In addition, Cleopas works as the revamped staff of Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 where he responsible for the strength and conditioning of the players.

Being a veteran himself does not guarantee the easy way out of success for the Altas as Cleopas also agrees, “Ang unang goal ko is to instill discipline sa team and then make it to the Final Four. Baby steps.”

Perpetual is now looking forward to a redeeming-pride after finishing a 7-11 record in the last season and has not made it to the Final Four since 2010.