De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde debuted its first Animo 101 Cheer Camp hosted by the Benilde Blazers Pep Squad in preparation for the 102nd season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), at the 5/F Design and Arts (D+A) Campus Theater on Sept. 3.
The inaugural cheer camp brought students closer to school heritage through the chants that had long accompanied the College during games and school events.
In the opening remarks of Benilde Green Machine Drum Corps Captain Jose Adriano Cruz, ID124, Diplomacy and International Affairs. he explained that the initiative goes beyond teaching students how to cheer.
“When we say Animo, we often think of the cheers that we hear during NCAA games. The energy during NCAA games, and the pride that you feel when you see Benilde represented. But, Animo goes beyond cheering, it is about the spirit of not giving up,” Cruz said.
Cruz also explained that Animo 101 was created to bring this spirit closer to students while helping them understand the traditions behind Benilde’s cheering culture.
Mr. Stephen “Pen” Fernandez, Director of the Center for Sports Development (CSD), gave a welcome message, underscoring the importance of strengthening the school spirit that connects the Benildean community. “It is bringing back, strengthening, and celebrating the spirit that makes us Lasallians and Benildeans,” he said.
He also emphasized that being part of Benilde extends beyond academic life. “We want to draw our school spirit and remind everyone that being part of Benilde goes beyond the classroom,” he added.
The cheer camp introduced Benilde’s cheers and chants, which had been passed down through generations and continue to serve as cornerstones of the Animo spirit.
Among these was Rektikano, which conveys dominance and pride, reinforcing the values of leadership and confidence. Another signature cheer is Bumakaya, regarded as one of the oldest and most iconic cheers that embodies unity, strength, and collective spirit.
Other cheers featured during the camp included Zama Zipa Zam, which highlights teamwork, resilience, and the drive to succeed; Who’s to Win This Game, which asks for support and boosts players’ confidence; Okali, reflecting resilience, endurance, and fighting spirit; and finally, Benilde 3x, that celebrates Benildean identity, pride, and recognition.
The camp also introduced the College’s signature rolling cheers that are often performed during Benilde games and events. These included Quatro, CSB, Wild Thing, Drumroll, Ocho L, and specifically for basketball games, Shoot That Ball and Defense.
The inaugural Animo 101 cheer camp strengthened the Benildean-Lasallian identity while also fostering a stronger sense of community, especially during school events. Every cheer carried the Animo spirit from the stands and beyond the game.
