Cream of Archers crop feted in 'Animo Night'

MANILA, Philippines — It was an early Christmas gift for the students and alumni as De La Salle University administration officials held the Animo Night to pay tribute to the La Salle teams that performed well during the first half of the Season 79 of UAAP.

Currently, La Salle is at second place in the race for the UAAP Overall Championship at 149, behind the 161 points of league-leading University of Santo Tomas.

La Salle was the champions in men’s basketball behind MVP Ben Mbala, women’s table tennis behind MVP Emy Rose Dael and women’s poomsae.

Ian Lariba, the Philippines’ flagbearer during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and first Filipina table tennis player to compete in the Olympics, was also given recognition during the event, having been undefeated during her UAAP stint.

Fr. Raymundo Suplido, president of De La Salle University, emphasized that “if you have a dream, you’ll do everything to fulfill your dream. The athletes sacrifice sleep, rest and time with friends and family to pursue that dream.”

“From the start, the Green Archers have been proclaimed as the team to beat and have the deepest bench in the UAAP. All the other teams would do everything to stop La Salle from the championship.”

An anecdote was also shared during the event, which cited Archers coach Aldin Ayo’s interview for the La Salle coaching post, he was asked about his greatest contribution to Letran’s championship team. His reply was “making the team become close to God.”

There was also a Thanksgiving mass in honor of the athletes and for the community. The priest emphasized that “faith” and “trust in God” have been keys to La Salle’s victory. He also added that at the end of the day, they are still student-athletes. They have brought glory for their alma mater while pursuing academic excellence.

Fr. Bernard Oca, in jest, separately said that the student community can celebrate tonight, but must keep in mind the finals exams next week. He also thanked the support of faculty, alumni and godfathers, most especially Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco Jr.

No bands performed during the event, but there was a pep rally for the teams competing in the second half of the UAAP season. A meet and greet and autograph session with the Green Archers squad was also held.