MANILA, Philippines - Apart from the environmental connotations, a reference to the color green in this country automatically points to De La Salle, the university along Taft and the 16 other La Salle schools scattered across the Philippines. When attending sporting events, pitting against rival schools or just indulging in campus nostalgia, La Sallites wear green, quite proudly.
This year, however, green may just be the new black for alumni of the De La Salle schools as the university celebrates its 100th year. Founded in 1911 with its first site at Paco, Manila (the university transfered to its present site in 1921), the system of schools has produced an impressive roster that includes politicians, athletes and artists.
The fashion industry also has its share of green stalwarts, most notably Inno Sotto and Rajo Laurel, who has both supported the school’s athletic teams. Top photographer Raymund Isaac and film director Jose Javier Reyes are also alumni. National artist and terno master, the late Ramon Valera also took up his undergraduate studies at De La Salle University.
Of the De La Salle produce starting to make a name for themselves in the fashion scene, you have designer Veejay Floresca and photo and graphic design duo (and YStyle fave) Everywhere we Shoot, made up of Ryan Vergara and Garovs Garovillo.
They are part of the hundreds of thousands of alumni that will be given tribute at Proudly Green: 100 Years of La Salle, a celebratory event to be held on June 11 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia complex.
Apart from great food, booze and dancing, a musical show directed by alumnus Fritz Ynfante and featuring Isay Alvarez and Robert Sena is set to be Proudly Green’s highlight, where the story of the La Salle Brothers in the Philippines will be showcased in lyrical theatre and in full costumed regalia.
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Ticket inquiries for Proudly Green may be made at 818-3021 and at 523-6158. Tickets are also available at SM Ticket outlets in all SM Malls.