The Benilde Blazers, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) senior varsity teams, recently held a meet-and-greet event at the campus for noble causes.
The affair uplifted the community’s school spirit as the men’s basketball team is on a Final Four run in the 100th Season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The event likewise raised funds for the upcoming Sinulid 2025, the annual runway show of the Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) program.
“Combining the worlds of fashion and sports celebrates the diverse talents and passions within the school and inspires collaboration and mutual appreciation,” Benilde FDM Chairperson Ionica Abrahan Lim shared.
The athletes entertained their supporters with amusing games such as Pass the Ball, where the last person to touch the hoop would pick a random question from a box for the team members to respond. The Q&A session gave the athletes’ avid followers a chance to get to know them better on and off the court, including their brotherhood, hidden talents, pregame rituals, and post-win celebrations.
Each hardcourt star went head-to-head with a participant in the classic Jack ‘N Poy, a Pinoy-style rock-paper-scissor match.
The NCAA enthusiasts rehearsed their cheers and chants, took selfies and received autographs from the men’s basketball squad. The Blazers capped the afternoon with a bang by dancing to the tune of Timmy Thomas’ Dying Inside to Hold You.
“Activities such as meet-and-greets with interactive segments allow players and students to connect on a more personal level,” Abrahan Lim said. “The Blazers felt the unwavering encouragement of the Benildeans that boosted their morale and enthusiasm. They have also made new friends.”
Fashion Design major Matthew Oli was joined by his teammates Allen Liwag, Justine Sanchez, Jhomel Ancheta, Gab Cometa, Joshua Cajucom, Anton Eusebio, Jesse Arciaga, Zenric Jarque, Ian Torres, Roger Ondoa, Irele Galas, and Edson Serrano to support the fundraiser.
Sinulid 2025, the culminating activity of FDM’s graduating students, will feature the creations of 34 young designers with the theme Threaded Experience. Slated for January next year, it will be a celebration of every artist’s individuality and creativity deeply rooted in their journey and experiences in college.
“Expect a bolder concept and inspiring interpretations of this year’s theme,” Abrahan Lim noted. “The show and the exhibit will both feature something different since we have collaborated with the Center of Campus Art (CCA) to bring a unique blend of artistry and design to the event.”
