Ateneo, La Salle team up for a cause in ‘Battle of Rivals’
IN ONE of the rare cases, Ateneo De Manila University and De La Salle University will set aside “rivalry” on the volleyball court when they play each other in a charity game next month.
Dubbed “Battle of Rivals,” and happening at the Mall of Asia Arena on July 16, the two schools will play in the event, sponsored by Rebisco, the proceeds from which will go to the scholarship programs of the Ateneo De Manila University Foundation, the De La Salle University Foundation, and the Rebisco Foundation, Inc.
Battle of Rivals will feature some current players and popular alumnae of each school’s volleyball program.
Set to play for Ateneo are Alyssa Valdez, Jia Morado, Ella De Jesus, Dennise Lazaro, Amy Ahomiro, Maddie Madayag, Fille Cayetano and Jho Maraguinot. They will be coached by Tai Bundit.
La Salle, meanwhile, will be bannered by the likes of Mika Reyes, Kim Fajardo, Aby Maraño, Ara Galang, Michele Gumabao, Cha Cruz, Cyd Demecillo and Melissa Gohing. Ramil De Jesus will be their coach.
Long rivals in the sporting arena, the two schools said they are rallying behind the event to do their part in ensuring a bright future for student-athletes through education.
“This is a great opportunity that Rebisco is staging. Being a student-athlete helped me while I was studying. And now that I’m a parent, I also want my kids to have a better future through scholarships as well,” said Ms. Cayetano during the press conference for the event yesterday at Buffalo Wild Wings at Capitol Commons in Pasig City.
She was seconded by Ms. Gohing as she underscored the value of education.
“We played in the Palarong Pambansa and right now we see athletes there who could be future representatives of the country in international competitions. We have to support their development as athletes and as persons as well through education,” she said.
Despite the “cordial” nature of the event, both teams said they will still be competitive.
“This is for a good cause but we are still athletes and the competitive juice is there. So we will compete but have fun as well,” Ms. Valdez said.
Tickets to Battle of the Rivals are available at www.smtickets.com and at all SM ticket outlets. Prices are pegged P2,000 ( VIP), P1,500 (Lower Box A/B), P750 (Upper A), P500 (Upper B), P150 (General Admission).
The charity volleyball game will be telecast over S+A.