Ateneo versus La Salle almost always means a sporting main event. Fans from both schools are mighty proud of their sides, while the student-athletes somehow become the best versions of themselves when going up against the other.
It’s no secret, however, that the rivalry mostly stays on-court. Take former Ateneo Blue Eagle Alyssa Valdez and ex-De La Salle Lady Spiker Michele Gumabao, who have forged a beautiful friendship as they have towed the Creamline Cool Smashers to championship after championship in the PVL.
Jolina dela Cruz and Vanie Gandler, PVL pros also from La Salle and Ateneo, respectively, are carrying on with the tradition.
The green-hearted dela Cruz recently celebrated her birthday, and one of her warm greeters is the blue-blooded Gandler.
And Vanie wasn’t just about to give Jolina a generic “HBD!” message.
“Rivals turned friends. So proud of how much you’ve grown through the years,” Gandler wrote on Instagram.
Gandler accompanied her message with two photos of her and dela Cruz playing against each other in the UAAP, taken four years apart.
They have indeed grown.
As if that wasn’t sweet enough, Gandler followed it up with one more message coupled with another photo, outside the volleyball court this time.
“I got ur back forever, [I love you so much],” the Cignal HD Spiker wrote.
Now in their new chapters of their careers, fans are happy to see the two cultivate their friendship.
It should only make for tougher battles on the court, as Vanie has found a home in Cignal, while Jolina has also become an integral part of the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers.