Animo Night: A La Sallian Victory Celebration

De La Salle University Green Archers versus University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers.

It was a championship series that has always been part of league tradition.

A finals series to be part of history, and will always be remembered by many as one of the most emotional and memorable, something that ended the most dramatic way possible.

Two teams. Two universities with mutual respect for each other. A tale of two brothers both driven by their passion and determination to deliver for their respective schools and carry their university colors on their broad shoulders.

The Animo Night, held last Oct. 17 at the La Salle campus in Taft Avenue, is a festive celebration to commemorate not just the triumphant feat of the Green Archers over the Growling Tigers in the UAAP Senior Men’s Basketball Championship, but also the other teams that competed and emerged victorious during the first half of the UAAP season.

A thanksgiving mass at 4pm held in the Chapel was offered. It was attended by the athletes, students, teachers and alumni. During the Eucharistic Celebration, the priest emphasized the value of teamwork, especially on how the Green and White squad managed to win the crown in overtime after overcoming a 15-point deficit during regulation. There was also a blessing for the athletes that would be competing in the second half of the UAAP, like volleyball, football, baseball.

Also in attendance for the mass were some prominent alumni and supporters of the squad, like Danding Cojuangco, Henry Cojuangco and Joaquin Henson.

After the mass, the main event of the Animo Night Celebration was held at the De La Salle University-Henry Sy Sr. Hall, an open area within the La Salle campus where concerts are often performed.

Around the campus were numerous booths selling food, photo op opportunities and promotional items.

Since this evening was about the Green Archers winning the recent UAAP championships, there were student organizations selling championship shirts, proudly worn by the players, students, teachers and alumni. It was sight to see as the whole community was clad in green and white in support of the varsity squads.

Most students, especially in their senior years, were happy that they would graduate experiencing a championship. As some of them said, “Ever since studying here in La Salle, it has always been Ateneo winning the championship, at least a change in atmosphere”.

For the college freshmen, it was a great feeling. Some of the female students were joking that “they were probably the lucky charm of the university”.

“Winning the championship”, as Business Management junior Michael Dizon described it “an amazing and surreal experience, that when the clock struck zero, the whole arena was in jubilant celebration.”

College professor Lysa Sanchez added about La Salle’s victory, “I am so proud of the victory of the DLSU team. I commend the entire La Sallian community for the support that they have shown. I appreciate the humility that our players have shown in victory. It reflects the La Sallian teachings that we want to impart to all our students.”

The Animo Night was hosted by Edu Manzano, RJ Ledesma, Slick Rick, Aaron Atayde (also known as Josh Strike) and Suzy of Magic 89.9. There were also performances by Gary Valenciano, LSDC Dance Street, LSDC Contemporary and the Animo Squad.

Another highlight of the evening was when the La Salle community was chanting and cheering “Go USTe”, which has now become viral over social networking sites. It just showed that there is no love lost between the two universities.

The different team captains of the sports that were victorious during the first half of the season thanked the La Salle community for their support, and mentioned that the same support be given to the other squads competing in the second half of the season, as La Salle is leading in the UAAP Overall Championships, holding a slim margin over University of Santo Tomas.

It was a night worth remembering for the entire green and white community of De La Salle University.

Animo La Salle. Never shall we fail. Live Jesus in our hearts forever.