Animo spirit and the sports economy

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December 25, 2025 | 12:00am

When we talk about collegiate sports, the conversation often centers on school pride, fierce rivalries and the programs behind the teams. But if we look closer, collegiate sports are not just about the games  they are economic drivers and catalysts for nation-building.

According to the World Bank, sports contribute around one percent of global GDP, creating jobs across sectors, attracting advertising and sponsorship investments, boosting tourism through major events and spurring infrastructure development. For the Philippines, the potential is enormous. If we embrace this model and cultivate the same level of interest  particularly in collegiate sports  we can unlock new opportunities for growth, community development and national pride.

This potential was on full display during the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Finals between De La Salle University and the University of the Philippines. Reports said this year’s three-game series averaged more than 21,000 spectators per game with Game 3 drawing over 24,000 fans to a sold-out Smart Araneta Coliseum. The energy was electric and the economic ripple from ticket sales to local businesses was undeniable.

For me, this season went beyond its impact on the sports community, it was also a personal journey. Those who know me are aware that I spent my entire education within the La Salle system, a testament to my parents’ belief in excellence and quality education.

If there’s one way I live out my La Salle spirit, it’s in how I follow and support the DLSU Green Archers season after season. It’s far more than a pastime  it’s deeply personal, woven into the very fabric of who I am.

That is why I wear my green and white heart on my sleeve, always. Every season feels like an emotional rollercoaster and a journey of belief and disbelief. I had my doubts, too which I shared on social media but the Green Archers time and again proved me wrong. My analysis went haywire after they made the final four. From there I knew they could go all the way.

This UAAP Season 88 championship hits differently. It was a classic Cinderella story molded through injuries, doubt, disbelief, hope and sheer will.

All of these led to La Salle hoisting its 11th men’s UAAP basketball championship since joining in 1986 and its second title in three years.

The road to the crown was anything but smooth. Even before the season found its rhythm, the Green Archers had to deal with a heavy blow: losing Kevin Quiambao, forcing the team to recalibrate.

With key additions to the program, expectations were still high, but the Green Archers stumbled to a two to three start. As if that wasn’t enough, injuries began to pile up  first Mason Amos then Kean Baclaan. Game after game, the rotation felt incomplete, forcing Coach Topex Robinson to constantly adjust. Yet, like all great teams, La Salle searched for answers. Midway through the season, pieces began falling into place, second-stringers stepped up, roles became clearer and confidence returned.

Then reality struck again a brutal three-game skid against NU, FEU and Adamson pushed La Salle to the edge. Suddenly, a Final Four berth was no longer assured. One more stumble could have ended the season.

And then, something changed. With their backs against the wall, La Salle rediscovered its Animo spirit. In two must-win games, the Green Archers rose, defeating defending champions UP and archrival Ateneo to clinch the last Final Four slot.

A team bruised, battered and doubted  yet unwilling to stop fighting. A team that refused to surrender its identity. A team that defied odds to keep the school’s glory bright because that spirit is ingrained in its very DNA. Watching those games reminded me that Animo is more than a chant but a mindset. It is resilience in motion and faith translated into action.

What followed was nothing short of remarkable. La Salle stunned top-seeded NU, beating them twice to book a Finals berth for the third straight season. The Green Archers faced a heavily stacked UP squad in a best-of-three Finals that felt less like a series and more like a battle of character. Three games. One winner, for all the marbles.

When it mattered most, La Salle delivered, ending UP’s back-to-back bid.

The Green Archers completed a monumental comeback for the ages  the first No. 4 seed in 11 years to win the UAAP championship. Against the odds. Against the narrative.

For me, the journey was electric. There were moments of frustration and doubt. But there were also moments of pride, hope and pure joy. In that constant swing, I was reminded why collegiate sports in the Philippines are special. The passion is real. The connection with fans is genuine.

Credit goes to One Sports and Cignal for elevating the experience, capturing the action and the raw emotion that makes these moments unforgettable. Their platforms helped showcase the talent of Filipino athletes, proving that sports can inspire and unite on a massive scale.

Beyond the court, UAAP’s impact is undeniable. Brands are investing, commercial slots are packed and collegiate tournaments grew from niche entertainment into a nationwide phenomenon embraced. The momentum is powerful and it must continue.

To keep it going, we need to deepen fan engagement, expand coverage across platforms and support local businesses and sports tourism. Building talent pipelines and upgrading facilities will strengthen leagues and prepare athletes for bigger stages.

Success isn’t just about championships  it’s about the lives touched, the communities strengthened and the hope it sparks. With the right support, sports can drive growth and unite a nation. That’s why UAAP championships mean so much. They mirror the Filipino spirit: counted out, facing uncertainty, yet rising when it matters most.

The Green Archers’ win showed that despite challenges and setbacks, we keep fighting. May this victory remind all of us in La Salle and inspire every Filipino who dares to believe.