Animo for Yolanda relief: San Beda, DLSU to play benefit game

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s collegiate champions are helping their countrymen the best way they know how—by playing basketball, but for a far greater purpose this time.

After the devastation caused by typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in the Visayas region, UAAP Season 76 champions De La Salle Green Archers and NCAA Season 89 champions San Beda Red Lions are going head to head to raise money to aid in relief efforts for those ravaged by the typhoon. 

The charity game, aptly called “Champions For A Cause,” is a joint effort between the MVP Sports Foundation and FilOil Flying V Sports. The showdown featuring the top collegiate basketball squads is slated to happen on Saturday, December 7, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, and will be aired live by TV5. (See ticket prices below.)

Proceeds will be split between the two schools and will be used for their respective relief efforts.

Rekindling an old animo rivalry

During a press conference on Tuesday, November 26, head coaches and notable alumni from both schools acknowledged the excitement of having to play against each other after many years, rekindling a rivalry long filed under nostalgia.

Former Red Lions head coach and a San Beda alumnus Frankie Lim, as well as former Green Archer Lim Eng Beng were present to support their schools, and reminisced about the old NCAA rivalry between San Beda and La Salle. They also expressed their elation over the chance to use the game of basketball as a means to lend a helping hand to those affected by the typhoon.

Both of them were in agreement that it would be an exciting match that could go either way. Lim gave his own fearless forecast, siding with his former team, “San Beda by a slim margin.” While the La Salle legend said he sees it as 50-50.

 

No holding back

Red Lions Kyle Pascual, Rome Dela Rosa and Art Dela Cruz were also present at the press conference and gave assurances they will be taking the game seriously to give people a good show. 

Even the coaches were on the same page with wanting to give it their all.

“Sa akin walang difference ang basketball, whether it is Game 1 of the finals, practice or exhibition,” said DLSU head coach Juno Sauler. “We’ll treat each game how we always treat it.” (To me there’s no difference in basketball, whether it is Game 1 of the finals, practice or exhibition. We’ll treat each game how we always treat it.)

San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez also promised that his team would display their championship game.

“Knowing him [Sauler], it will be a tough game,” Fernandez said. “Kami naman kahit practice game seryoso kami, ganoon din siya. Kilala ko ‘to eh.” (Even if it’s just a practice game we’re still serious about it. He’s also the same way. I know him well.) 

“It will be an exciting game. Syempre being champions ng NCAA and champions ng UAAP, may konting pride rin,” he added. (It will be an exciting game. Of course, being the champions of the NCAA and the champions of the UAAP, there’s some pride there.) 

A greater purpose

While pride, rivalry and putting on a good show for the fans are all part of the charity game, at the root of it all, both champion schools are simply looking to help their fellow countrymen and give back to the community. 

“We’re just really glad and happy to be part of this Champions For A Cause and not only the basketball aspect, but whatever aspect we can do to help those affected, by all means, we’d be more than willing to,” said Sauler.

The game also hits closer to home as families of a few players from both teams have also been affected by typhoon Yolanda.

Oda Tampus and Robert Bolick of La Salle are from Cebu and Ormoc, respectively. Sauler shared that Bolick had initially wanted to fly out to Ormoc to check on his family, but was advised against it due to the region’s situation wherein his return to Manila would remain uncertain. But Sauler also confirmed that families of both players are well and safe.

On the other hand, Richie Villaruz of San Beda is from Iloilo, which was also affected by typhoon Yolanda. Villaruz’s family warehouse for business was damaged. But fortunately, nothing untoward happened to Villaruz’s family.

As an added incentive, the alumni of both schools will donate P1,000 for every point scored by their respective teams. Players from both teams are also set to help in ticket sales by personally selling to students in their respective campuses.

Tip off on December 7 will be at 12 noon. Ticket prices are as follows:

Patron = P1,000

Lower Box = P500

Upper A = P300

Upper B = P150

General Admission = P20

– Rappler.com