Later in 1979, he transferred to the University of Baguio where as a UB Cardinal, he was recruited by Coach Nic Jorge to play for Masagana 99 in 1980.
In 1982, he was a member of Crispa's Paul Jordan team under coach Nat Canson, which won the Interclub basketball crown.
[3] In 1984, Cabatu was part of the Development Bank of Rizal team that won the championship of the PABL Ambassador's Cup.
After Bank of Rizal disbanded, Sonny went to the national team selection, coached by Larry Albano and sponsored by Country Fair Hotdogs, which competed in the Jones Cup tournament in Taipei.
Being the professional league's first-ever number one draft pick in 1985, Cabatu was a starting center for newcomer Shell Azodrin.