One reason for its rise could be its equalizing influence among its first users. Dormers, who came from different regions and provinces, would speak Tagalog, the basis of the Filipino language, in varied accents, and by doing so, exposed them to ridicule in a largely Tagalog-speaking environment. Speaking in Datgilab removed such discrimination among dormers and perhaps contributed to their identity and self-worth. Its adoption by Tagalog-speaking students signaled the acceptance of the national character of the school and its identity-forming feature for Pisay students -- and alumni. Consistent with the theme of events in the Philippines in the '80s, Datgilab became a democratizing element in the school.

It is said that in various university campuses, hearing someone say, "Egis, er'p!" usually meant that a Pisay alumnus was nearby. "Egis" ( sige or sigue ) could mean any of the following: I agree, go on, please, or so long, and "er'p" ( p're , from pare ) became a universal, gender-neutral term of endearment for a friend.

(Beginning in the '90s however, interest in Datgilab waned in the main PSHS campus at Diliman. This could probably be attributed to the establishment of regional PSHS campuses - starting with the Mindanao Campus in 1988)