Last October 17, Lasallians found a reason to celebrate amid the approaching midterms. Animo Night, a celebration of DLSU’s recent success in the first semester of UAAP Season 76, was held at the Henry Sy Lobby and Grounds as a tribute to the efforts of the Lasallian athletes who have represented the Green-and-White in their various fields of expertise.
Kicking off the celebration with a Eucharistic Celebration, DLSU then paraded the athletes of both the first and second round sports, with everyone anticipating their arrival. The Animo Squad was constantly keeping the crowd, which was composed of students, alumni, and visitors, fired up with cheers familiar to those loyalists. Once the teams took to the stage, everyone was on their feet, cheering on their athletes as if they were back at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“I think that the event is a good way for us to not only celebrate our university’s victories during the first half of the UAAP but also to ignite a new fire in our school spirit, although I am saddened that it seems as though our appreciation for the athletes only truly showed after they started winning the basketball games,” mentions Sam Chua (II, AE-ADV). She added that she hopes the excitement and recognition that accompany the Green Archers will carry over to the athletes of the others sports as well.
With the first round of UAAP events over, everyone’s attention was then fixed on those participating in the second half sports, highlighted by the Women’s Volleyball competition, in which the Lady Spikers will be gunning for a four-peat. A ceremonial torch-lighting ceremony was done as a way to symbolize the Animo Spirit, one that the Lasallian community hopes will burn even brighter in the upcoming months. The team captains from all sports were present as the packed crowd at the Henry Sy Lobby and Grounds were witnessing a first in hopefully many Animo Nights for the coming years.
It was more than just the athletes taking center stage as DLSU President and Chancellor Br. Ricky Laguda, FSC gave a heartwarming message that lifted the spirits of the crowd. Among those in attendance were Gary Valenciano, Edu Manzano, and Aaron Atayde. Valenciano surprised the crowd with a performance of his song entitled “We’ve Won” which brought the venue to their feet. Prizes were also given away and the show was then capped off with the entire Lasallian community singing the alma mater song as one led by Valenciano. It was followed by a fireworks show that ended the celebration with a bang.
