Otu Banatao

Otu Abang Banatao, also known as Otu Bisong, is a footballer who plays as a striker for the Old Dominion Monarchs. Born in the United States, he represents the Philippines at the under-23 level.

Personal life

Banatao was born in Fairfax, Virginia, to an American father and a Filipino mother. He studied in Herndon High School. When playing football for the Philippines, he opted to use his mother's surname of Banatao.

Career

Growing up in Herndon, Banatao also played youth soccer for Virginia Development Academy. Up until his graduation from high school, he was also a member of D.C. United's youth team. In 2025, he joined the soccer team of Old Dominion University. He made his first start against Coastal Carolina University, also scoring his first two goals.

International career

Philippines U19

After getting his passport, Banatao was called up to the Philippines under-19 team for the 2024 ASEAN U-19 Boys Championship in Indonesia. On the second game against Timor-Leste, he scored two goals. He was called up once more for the 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers, scoring in the last match against Brunei.

Philippines U23

One year later, Banatao was called up to the Philippines under-23 squad for the 2025 ASEAN U-23 Championship. In the opening match against Malaysia he scored two goals in the first half, leading the team to a historic win. The Philippines would end up making the semifinals for the first time. At the tournament's end, he was awarded the Rising Star Award.
Bisong once again played for the U23 team in the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand. He scored the only goal of the game against Indonesia off a long throw, giving the team another historic win. The Philippines would also make the semifinals.