2020.02.03. Afternoons in La Salle

(Right now: Contemplating.)

I don't even remember the first time I have seen the De La Salle campus. It mist have been in high school, when I joined contests and national quiz bees. If I am not mistaken, I have joined a contest held in La Salle during my fourth year in high school; that was probably the contest where I competed (not directly; but, you know, we were both participants) with my wife, who was then a third year high school student. 

The first time I actually remember going into the DLSU was during a visit I arranged three years ago with Dr. Mel Pobre. I was applying in La Salle back then and Sir Mel very kindly and graciously showed us  (me and my students then) around. One of the first impressions I had about the physical structure of the campus is that it looks deceptively small from the outside (I mean, this is understandable from someone who got used to the hundreds of hectares of the UP campus). Inside, I was surprised to find buildings and hallways and open areas and even random chairs and tables (complete with electrical and lighting, by the way). I loved how the campus is self-contained, like a biological cell that has everything that it needs to survive. 

To be honest, though, I was puzzled by the choice of architectural design of the buildings. Most of the DLSU buildings have a distinctive neoclassical look, with the Greco-Roman pillars and well-defined geometric shapes. Don't get me wrong: I am not complaining; it does give it a signature look. All I am saying is I was initially not “wowed” by these designs. 

The main building, aptly called the La Salle Hall.

Now two years in, with a relatively lighter schedule, and now more knowledgable about the ins and outs of the DLSU and its culture, I find myself having more time to stop and contemplate about my university environment.

For one, it still amazes me that the main central space, the Cory Aquino Democratic Space, is very cool (even chilly) and windy. For a campus that is in the middle of the busy Manila thoroughfares, La Salle is surprisingly fresh (or is it just how I feel? 🤣).

Even more refreshing is the sense of community within the limited space. I always meet people who smile and wave at me even though I don't know them personally, but are just saying hi to a fellow Lasallian. It is not uncommon to find people who are smiling at each other, even waving and saying hi to everyone they meet.

And of course, the architecture. Those pillars and columns. Who knew they would be this beautiful under the last rays of the sun?

It may not have been at first sight, but now I am certainly falling in love with the place I am at. ■