Saint Louis University (SLU) officially ushered in a new era for one of its most iconic spaces with the blessing ceremony of the newly-renovated Prince Bernhard Gym on 10 June 2025. The ceremony, led by SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, reflected the University’s continued commitment to excellence in mind, in body, and in spirit.
Attended by Louisians including the SLU administration, the blessing ceremony led by Fr. Sales instilled guidance and gratitude for the renewed spaces. The ceremony served as a reflection on the gym as a constant reminder of God’s graciousness.
The program proceeded with a video presentation that unveiled the features of the upgraded gym. Designed to be a future-proof space, the gym boasts a range of state-of-the-art features designed to elevate every event and experience.
- FIBA-Approved Maple Sports Flooring: Premium-grade maple flooring crafted for peak athletic performance, built for safety, and compliant with international standards.
- Immersive Digital Displays: 3D wall panels inspired by the Cordilleran Mountains; a center-hung 360° LED scoreboard with crawler screens for game data and announcements, branding, and seamless event integration.
- High-Fidelity Sound and Crisp Lighting: Professional-grade acoustics with a multi-zone sound system; natural light enhanced by glass railings.
- Modernized Athlete and Support Facilities: Upgraded locker rooms, preparation areas, new shower facilities, and redesigned coaches’ offices.
- Guaranteed Accessibility and Safety: Expanded restrooms, improved crowd flow, lift system for persons with disabilities and seniors, energy-efficient ventilation with EC fans optimizing airflow, and updated sprinkler systems to ensure safety.
- Engaging Multi-Functionality: Designed to host various sports, cultural, and community events with flexibility for future needs.
The event then came alive with cultural flair as the SLU Center for Culture and the Arts delivered captivating performances. The SLU Dance Troupe opened with “Manlalayag,” a spirited performance that emulated the ripples and flow of the Filipino spirit as navigators and voyagers.
The SLU Glee Club followed with their powerful rendition of the Indonesian folk song “Hela Rotan”, an evocative piece about the game of tug-of-war from the island of Maluku in the Moluccas. Later in the program, the Dance Troupe returned to the stage with a dynamic performance of “Maging Pilipino” celebrating national pride and identity.
To conclude the blessing ceremony, Fr. Sales delivered a heartfelt message of thanks for the tireless efforts of the SLU Administration; RNQ, the team of Engr. David Rullan; Reinforcement Lights and Sounds, under the leadership of RJ Lu; the sub-contractors, as well as the Louisian community, highlighting how the project was successfully brought to fruition. Fr. Sales also expressed optimism towards the completion of the University’s other infrastructure projects for the Louisians.
The Prince Bernhard Gymnatorium embodies SLU’s enduring commitment to holistic excellence—academic, cultural, physical, and spiritual. Rebuilt for champions, visionaries, and future leaders, it now stands as a hall where sportsmanship, creativity, celebration, and community converge—a true home for every Louisian. (Photos by Kyla Moreno, UIO Volunteer)
