The spark lives on: ‘La Salle: 300, Forever An1mo!’
March 7 saw all roads leading to the De La Salle University Manila campus on Taft Avenue. Regardless of whether you spent time in grade school, high school, college, or graduate school, DLSU—your alma mater—wanted you back home! She gladly welcomed one and all to “La Salle 300 Forever Animo: The De La Salle Alumni/Alumnae Association Homecoming.”
If you found yourself on campus that fateful day in March to relive fond memories, see former classmates, or simply have a memorable time, you came to the right place. Lasallians from different eras came together to rekindle the battle cry, “Forever Animo,” with vim, vitality, and vigor.
“With Jesus in our hearts,” the 2026 homecoming kicked off the way all previous ones did—with the celebration of a thanksgiving Mass at the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. Members of the Animo community were present, with representatives from the different celebrating classes taking part in the offertory, readings, and community prayers, guided by the Catholic belief that “whenever two or more are gathered in God’s name, He will be present.”
As in years past, guided campus tours led by student volunteers were made available to those interested in reacquainting themselves with the evolving architecture of the campus. Every nook and cranny contained memories for those who had walked these hallowed grounds.
Everyone began to gather after the earlier activities at the open area of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall, located at the heart of the main campus. They patiently awaited the evening’s festivities and were not disappointed, as homegrown hosts Randy Santiago and Pinky Webb exchanged friendly banter while welcoming a sea of green and white.
Among the illustrious crop of Archers present were Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, former DPWH Sec. Babes Singson, retired advertising executive Andre Khan, DLSU Green Archers team manager Terry Capistrano, together with fellow manager and sports journalist Quinito Henson, top hotel and casino executive Natoy Almeda, former Zamboanga Mayor Celso Lobregat, CWC president and CEO Fred Yuson, DLSAA president Atty. Christine Base, and DLSU president Bro. Bernie Oca.
What a night it was! A plethora of Lasallian song-and-dance performers showcased their talents in the evening’s opening salvo. As day turned into night, food and beverages flowed amid program segments where the highlighted celebrating classes either presented audiovisual features or ascended the stage to be recognized. As the night progressed and the audience displayed even more energy, performances continued onstage—proving that Lasallians work hard and party even harder.
Also present were the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Champions—coach Christopher “Topex” Robinson and the DLSU Green Archers— as the DLSAA bestowed a certificate of appreciation upon the team for bringing the crown back to Taft. Former DLSU Lady Spikers Tin Tiamzon, Dra. Mika Esperanza, and Atty. Jeushl Wensh Tiu, together with former Taekwondo Olympian and CSB coach Stephen Fernandez, and former Green Archer and current member of the coaching staff Renren Ritualo, all added to the evening’s school spirit.
“All good things come to an end,” or at the very least—until next time. The closing moments were truly a spectacle to behold. Amid the loud, rhythmic beating of drums, surprise Lasallian sports achievers burst onto the stage and led the singing of the La Salle loyalty song, which soared to the rafters in both intensity and emotion. But wait—there was more. A brilliant pyrotechnic display lit up the night sky overhead, a truly inspiring sight that also served as a teaser for next year’s celebration.
Congratulations to homecoming program director Reily Santiago, and to the “La Salle: 300, Forever An1mo!” Homecoming council chairman Toti Palileo and co-chairman Randy Nonato.
