When you say “El Clasico,” football fans around the globe think of Barcelona vs. Real Madrid. But the other weekend in Cebu, that famous term found new life and meaning in a local twist.
On June 1, under the Cebu City Sports Center lights, Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu and Don Bosco Technical College faced off in the first-ever El Clasico Cebu. And what a day it was.
This wasn’t just another football match. It was a reunion, a celebration, and a throwback to the glory days of two storied institutions. It was a rekindling of friendships, rivalries and school pride that dates back decades.
The match featured not only current varsity stars but also proud alumni—men who once wore the blue and white school colors and now returned, not just with boots and jerseys, but with heart, passion, and history stitched into every play.
From an organizer’s standpoint, Milky Cañete summed it up best: “The overwhelming support and huge crowd turnout were unexpected and surprising. For that, we are very much grateful.”
Inside the CCSC, the atmosphere was electric. One moment, the crowd sat silent, intensely focused on every touch and pass. The next, they roared with excitement as a player broke free or a shot missed by inches. “Don Bosco was relentless with their experience,” said Cañete. “Ateneo never backed down with their grit. The result was a beautiful game.”
Don Bosco emerged victorious in the alumni showdown—winning 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a scoreless 90-minute battle—but the scoreline didn’t matter. There were no losers that night, only winners in spirit, unity, and shared memories.
The event was more than a match. It was a football fiesta. Youth teams from both schools—elementary and high school divisions—played before the main event. Tiny U7 kids were paraded during the opening, a moving reminder that this wasn’t just about the past but about nurturing the future.
“Community support from both schools—you could see parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends watching the matches because they could relate to the players as they’re all homegrown talents,” said organizer Chad Songalia. “It was a breath of fresh air from the usual football festivals.”
CRFA president Rodney Orale called it “a thrilling showcase of skill, heart, and sportsmanship,” adding, “Everyone truly celebrated the beautiful game and bond of alumni camaraderie.”
Jon Inot, SHS-Ateneo’s sports director, emphasized three key reasons for the event’s success: the prestige of the brands involved (DBTC, SHS-AdC, and Thirsty Juices and Shakes), the long-standing history between the two schools, and the support from both school communities.
“While DBTC emerged victorious, the competitive spirit and energy on display only fuel our determination to come back stronger next year,” said Mr. Inot. “It was a celebration of Cebu football.. a celebration of the past (alumni), the present (high school) and the future (elementary and parade escorts).”
And the feedback? “All the reactions were FIRE,” said Cañete. “Everyone’s asking, ‘When’s the next one?’ They want more of this El Clasico!”