History of the Association

DLSAA in TORONTO Animo La Salle.. Wherever you are..

History

Victory Song

Cheer, cheer for Old De La Salle

Wake up the echoes cheering her name

Send her rousing cheers on high

Shake down the thunder from out the sky.

What though the odds be great or small

Old De La Salle will win over all

While her loyal sons are marching

Onward to Victory, Rah, Rah, Rah.
A brief history of the Association

In 1982, Brother Benedict came to visit and met with some excited alumni living in the Greater Toronto Area. After learning that there was quite a number of former La Sallites in Toronto, the suggestion to form the DLSAA Toronto was born. Through Rhett Abarquez's (BSChE '62) initial stewardship, twenty enthusiastic alumni eagerly formed the association and elected Sid Borromeo Jr. (BSBA '63) as the first President. The first year was a success but after that a few members faded away. Typical of any organization, it had shown the triumphs and failures, the good and the bad and the best and worst of an association perpetually in transition.

The De La Salle name however, kept a high profile in basketball, as Jun and Rhett started a home to home tournament between Ateneo in New Jersey and La Salle in Toronto. Though consistently underdogs, La Salle managed to win in most ocassions. The proofs (trophies) have been hoarded by Jun in his basement.

The year 1988 was promising when a group of dedicated and committed alumni became involved again to revive the association. By this time, the number of alumni in Toronto area had grown and they elected Danny Raralio (LiaCom '72) as President. The first DLSAA Toronto induction of officers was held at Board of Trade with dinner-dance party and festivities. The success continued with a big bang and this would not have happened without the commitment and hard work of a lot of the members, particularly by the many volunteers who so willingly contribute to the work of the association. In the meantime, picnics, meetings and parties were held to keep the members united and everybody felt that they belonged.

But like a polar bear in the true north, the association hibernated again only to be awaken by Andy Torralba's (HS '68) numerous trips to the Philippines. During one of his visits, he met with his former classmate, Bobby de Ocampo, then President of DLSAA. The revival of the Chapter was disccussed. Andy contacted Joey Luz, also an alumnus and a strong supporter of the DLSAA, and met with Jun Borromeo. The three of them started calling all the alumni whom they know and a meeting was held at Jun's residence. With enthusiasm and high spirits from the group, an election was held and Jun was called again to head the revival of the DLSAA Toronto, with Joey Luz and Andy Torralba as Vice-Presidents. Jun Borromeo served from 1997 to 1999 and membership grew from meetings, picnics and Christmas parties. Different committees were formed and even some music minded La Sallians jammed and put together a band led by Cris Canlas (LiaCom '72). A younger batch headed by Edwin Dee (BSChE '82) has done a lot in the growth of the association.

On January 12, 2000, a new set of officers was elected, headed by Andy Torralba as President. Since then, the association had grown and is very proud to be part of the local community.

Reflecting back along the path the association has come, a lot was accomplished. At the same time, the road ahead holds plenty of challenges to the association and its members. The continued success of DLSAA Toronto depends not only from a few but from the unselfish services of the members who care about the true value of the De La Salle spirit. DLSAA Toronto is alive and has become stronger and mightier. ANIMO LA SALLE!

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