It’s official—two champion schools will play against each other and revive an age-old rivalry that dates back to their NCAA days. The De La Salle Green Archers and the San Beda Red Lions face off in a benefit game for survivors of Supertyphoon “Yolanda.”

The game promises to be exciting since both schools are champions in the UAAP and NCAA, respectively. For students, the match would provide an opportunity to extend assistance to Yolanda victims while rooting for their school teams.

The social media forums have, in fact, been buzzing with comments about the much-awaited game—which is likewise expected to attract La Salle and San Beda alumni.

Game for a higher cause

Ryu Policarpio of San Beda said that he expects nothing short of a championship atmosphere when the Red Lions collide with the Green Archers. Not only are the players bringing glory to their alma maters, but they are also playing for a greater cause. “Both teams are already winners for me,” added Policarpio. “I will watch the game not just to witness who will be called the champion of champions, but I also want to contribute in helping our fellow countrymen rise up.”

Animo vs Animo

Since both schools have their own interpretation of “animo,” it would also be interesting to see whose cheers will be louder.

Paolo Perez of San Beda said he expects La Salle to attack the paint with its big men, but added that he knows the kind of defense that the Red Lions can come up with.

Migs Gayares of La Salle pointed out that he is genuinely excited for the game because it will be a battle between the “new” and the “old”—La Salle having just won the UAAP title this year after struggling since 2008, while San Beda has hold on to the NCAA crown for four consecutive years.

Josef Montinola of La Salle agreed that the game would really be interesting because it would pit a champion against a champion. The idea of a united UAAP and NCAA, if only for a day, is sweet enough, but making the game a benefit for typhoon victims is like adding a cherry on top.

The Battle of Champions benefit game will be on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum

Tickets cost:

General Admissions P20

Upper B P150

Upper A P300

Lower Box P500

Patron P1,000