MANILA, Philippines—Even before joining the Lasallian community, I was already exposed to the Ateneo and DLSU rivalry. I guess having a best friend who’s a die-hard Lasallian helped a lot.

I watched the game for the first time in high school. I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. I didn’t know anything about basketball, let alone any cheer or player. In the first quarter, I just scrambled to memorize the cheers and even pretended like I actually knew the players. But come second quarter, I already felt like I was actually a Lasallian. I was shouting at the top of my lungs and jumping every time DLSU scored a point.

Given the school spirit everyone had, I could only imagine that anyone who didn’t belong to the school would leave the Coliseum feeling like he was already a part of the Lasallian community.

When I started out at DLSU, the games were something I looked forward to. So when the DLSU basketball team was back in the game, so to speak, I made sure to watch all the games, live or not.

Days leading to the game, there would already be a long line of early birds waiting to buy tickets at the accounting office. The line would be so long that the cut-off time was usually extended.

Also, some teachers would reschedule classes just so their students could watch the games. We’re very thankful for that. God knows how we could actually enjoy the game if we’re thinking about the discussions or tests we missed. Well, who am I kidding, we’d still very much enjoy the game because once you’re there, you’d just lose yourself in the sea of people clad in green. Problems and worries are usually forgotten and replaced by the thrill of watching the game. Other teachers would give incentives to those who could show up in class the next day with a ticket in hand, as proof of having watched the game.

On games that fall on weekdays, one of the cafeterias, Z2, would be transformed into a mini coliseum with a huge monitor set up and chairs for the spectators. I remember staying in school late just so I could watch the game there. The way everyone cheered for DLSU and booed the other team made me feel like I was actually at Araneta Coliseum. I’d end up talking to whoever was beside me if a point was scored or missed, or if I didn’t agree with the referee. It was such a rush that a girl would forget her lady-like ways and would learn how to cuss like a man.

Everyone in school seems to get hit by this fever. Students would hear the “ates” and the “kuyas” in the bookstore, cafeterias, and bathrooms, talking about the game, and would usually end up joining the conversation. On game day, those at home, in school, and at the coliseum come together to cheer for his/her favorite team. Everyone seems to be on a high even after the game. It becomes the favorite topic in class and at every nook and cranny of the campus.

The school camaraderie is so strong that the aftermath of victory or defeat is felt once one enters the school.

Like in any game, one team loses and another wins. But win or lose, the Lasallian school spirit is one that would never be defeated.