Recently, it was observed that all roads led to De La Salle University (DLSU) on Taft Avenue. Whether alumni had spent their formative years there during grade school, high school, college, or graduate studies, DLSU— their alma mater—called them back home. The university warmly welcomed everyone to “La Salle 300 Forever Animo: The De La Salle Alumni/Alumnae Association Homecoming.”

Those who found themselves on campus that memorable day in March to relive cherished moments, reconnect with former classmates, or simply enjoy the occasion were in the right place. Lasallians from different generations gathered to reignite the battle cry, “Forever Animo,” with renewed 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. For all the members of the Animo community present. Members of the different celebrating classes took part in the offertory, readings, and community prayers guided in 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 by present student volunteers were made available to everyone interested to reacquaint themselves with the evolving architecture on campus. Every nook and cranny contained memories for who walked these hallowed grounds.

All began to gather after the earlier activities of the day at the open area of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall in the middle of the main campus.They patiently awaited the evening's festivities, and they were not disappointed as homegrown hosts Randy Santiago and Pinky Webb exchanged friendly banter in welcoming a sea of green and white. Among the illustrious crop of Archers present were DAR Sec. Conrado Estrella, Cong. Rufus Rodriguez, former DPWH Sec. Babes Singson, retired advertising executive Andre Khan, sports journalist and DLSU Green Archers team manager Terry Capistrano, with fellow manager, sports journalist Quinito Henson, top hotel and casino executive Natoy Almeda, former Zamboanga mayor Celso Lobregat, CWC president and CEO Fred Yuson, DLSU executive director Edwin Reyes, and no less than the gracious host of the evening, DLSU president Br. Bernie Oca.

What a night! A plethora of Lasallian song and dance performers unveiled their skills in the opening salvo of the evening. As day turned into night, food and beverage flowed amid segments of the program where the highlighted different celebrating classed had audiovisual presentations played or ascended the stage to be recognized. With the night progressing and the audience notably displaying more energy, performances continued onstage proving the point Lasallians work hard and party even harder.

Also present was 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 to the team for bringing back the crown to Taft. Former DLSU Lady Spikers, Tin Tiamzon, Dr. Mika Esperanza, and Atty. Jeushl Wensh Tiu, together with former Taekwondo Olympian and CSB Coach Stephen Fernandez, and former green archer and currently part of the Green Archers 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. The closing moments were truly a spectacle to behold. Amid the loud rhythmic beatings of drums, surprise Lasallian sport achievers burst on stage and led the singing of the La Salle loyalty song that reached the rafters in intensity and emotion. But wait the there was more. A loud and equally bright pyrotechnic display lit up the night sky overhead! A truly inspiring sight to behold and provided the teaser to next year's celebration. Hats off to the dynamic triumvirate of DLSAA president, Atty. Christine Base, DLSAA Homecoming council chairman Toti Palileo and co-chairman Randy Nonato for a job well done! See you next year! Animo forever!