The Five Balays
In several dialects in the Philippines, Balay refers to a house, a shelter, or a home that symbolizes nurturance, respect, empowerment and solidarity. It connotes a sense of family.
The Balay is the most important building block of the program. Composed by teaching and non-teaching personnel, it aims to enhance relationships beyond the confines of each member’s college, office, or unit. It is hoped that the Balay identity will eventually be owned by each member and collaboration will become the preferred way to accomplish common tasks.
The different Balays will engage each other throughout the academic year, and will earn points through friendly competitions and various activities of the University. Each Balay will also have its own team that will compete during Animo Wellness!, AnimOlympics, dance, singing poetry, painting competitions, etc.
The Ate/Kuya of the Balay will be in charge of encouraging the active participation of the different members of their respective Balay during events and activities. Points will also awarded to the most number of attendees per Balay.
At the end of the year, all the points shall be tallied and the Balay that earns the most points will be named the champion Balay.
Balay Benilde
Color: Purple
The name assumed is from St. Brother Benilde Romancon (1805-1862), who “was noted for his spirit of prayer and charity, and he also distinguished himself by showing great wisdom in leading his confreres, and counseling both students and their parents in Christian living.”
Balay Miguel
Color: Orange
The name assumed is from St. Brother Miguel Febres Cordero (1854-1910), who was an outstanding scholar due to his prolific production of textbooks and writings on literature and the natural sciences, and he was noted also as an “epitome of kindness and affability.”
Balay Mutien
Color: Yellow
The name assumed is from St. Brother Mutien-Marie Wiaux (1841-1917), who “gave a perfect example of all the virtues; especially notable were his patience, obedience and his religious observance of the Rule.”
Balay Solomon
Color: Red
The name is assumed from St. Brother Solomon Leclercq (1745-1792), the first Lasallian martyr and the first brother to be beatified. He always showed a “great love for people and a great attachment to his work.”
Balay Jaime
Color: Brown
The name assumed is from St. Jaime Hilario Barbal (1898-1937). He was known for his serious character and pursued to be a Brother despite his hearing problems. Although he can escape execution by declaring that he is a gardener, he insisted on his identity as a Brother and declared “To die for Christ, my young friends, is to live.”