Traditions of the University of Santo Tomas
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The traditions of University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines.
Opening of the school year
Misa de Apertura and Discurso de Apertura
Being the Catholic University of the Philippines, UST opens each school year with the Mass of the Holy Spirit. The mass is officiated by a Dominican father at the Santisimo Rosario Parish. The opening is formally declared by the Apostolic Nuncio or his delegate, in consonance with the status of UST as a pontifical university.[1]
Discurso de apertura consists of a printed extensive scientific paper read by its author at the formal opening of the school year. The annual opening address was initiated on July 16, 1866, discontinued in 1929, and resumed in 1946. The professor or dean assigned the preparation of this academic paper is appointed by the rector of the university a few months prior to the opening of each school year.[1][2]
| Year | Lecturer | Topic | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Dr. Amado Dimayuga, Dean, UST Faculty of Civil Law |
Judicial Bar Council and the importance of refining the process of appointing court judges |
[3] |
| 2001 | Architect Luis Ferrer, Dean, UST College of Architecture |
Focus on building “humane communities” | [4] |
| 2002 | Jaime de los Santos, Assistant Dean, UST College of Fine Arts and Design |
Creative instinct | [5] |
| 2003 | Dr. Raul Sinico, Dean, UST Conservatory of Music |
"Music: Raising the Level of Listening Appreciation" | [6] |
| 2004 | Rolando Lopez, M.D., Dean, UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery |
Value of spirituality on students | [7] |
| 2005 | Dr. Jeanette Loanzon, Dean, UST College of Commerce |
Economic revolution | [8] |
| 2006 | Dean Glenda Vargas, Dean, UST College of Nursing |
Exodus of Filipino nurses | [9] |
| 2007 | Dean Jose Ireneo, Dean, UST AMV College of Accountancy |
Governance and internal controls in businesses | [10] |
| 2008 | Rev. Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P., Rector, University of Santo Tomas |
Acceptance speech of the Rectorate | [11] |
| 2009 | Architect John Joseph T. Fernandez, Dean, UST College of Architecture |
"Heritage Conservation in the University of Santo Tomas" | [12] |
| 2010 | Attorney Nilo Divina, Dean, UST Faculty of Civil Law |
"Constantly Striving for Excellence" | [13] |
| 2011 | Prof. Regalado Trota Jose, Archivist, Archivo de la Universidad de Santo Tomas |
"Facebook Flashback: The Archives and the Story of the University" | [14] |
| Year | Lecturer | Topic | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1928 | Fr. Juan Sánchez, O.P. | "Sinopsis historica documentada de la Univesidad de Santo Tomás" |
[1] |
| 1966 | Prof. Galo Ocampo | "Religious Elements in Philippine Art" | [1] |
| 1971 | Fr. Fidel Villarroel, O.P., Archivist, University of Santo Tomas |
Honoring Fr. José Burgos, University student | [1][15] |
|
University of Santo Tomas Hymn (full version) |
|
The Thomasian Welcome Walk (TWW)
Previously called as The Rites of Passage, the Thomasian Welcome Walk is an annual university tradition that seeks to instill a sense of pride and belonging among the youngest members of the Thomasian Family.[16] It symbolizes the linkage between incoming freshmen and their predecessors in the university. The first walked took place in June 14, 2002.[17]
Freshmen from the 19 faculties and colleges of the university, including the high school, pass under historic Arch of the Centuries and walk towards the UST Main Building. Shortly after the symbolic passing is the Eucharistic Celebration—the highlight of the event. A welcome party featuring live bands and other university organizations comes after the mass.[18][19][20]
School spirit and sport traditions
Alma mater
The UST Hymn is the alma mater of the University of Santo Tomas. The lyrics were written by Dean Julio Esteban Anguita, the UST Conservatory of Music's first director. The music was arranged by Jose Maria Hernandez and was orchestrated by Manuel P. Maramba, O.S.B.[21] Today, only the chorus of the original hymn is being sung and being played.[22]
Colors and mascots
UST's official mascot is the Growling Tiger. Another mascot, Quster, which stands for Quadricentennial UST Tiger, was specially made for the 400th anniversary of the university. In The Varsitarian, UST students are represented by Tomas U. Santos.
Thomasian Goodwill Games
The Thomasian Goodwill Games is a program of the UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) that seeks to promote the spirit of friendship and unity between students of the different colleges of the university. Sporting events include basketball, volleyball, football, judo, swimming, beach volleyball, and table tennis.[23] It was formally established in school year 2002–2003 by UST judo coach Alberto Arce.[24][25]
Colleges also have different sporting teams other than the ones mentioned above. Some include tennis and badminton in their college's sport fests.
| Academic year | Basketball | Volleyball | Football | Judo (Overall) |
Swimming | Table Tennis | Beach Volleyball | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | Women | Men | Women | Men | Women | Men | Women | ||||
- Notes:
- Champion team in boldface.
- AB: Arts and Letters; AMV: Accountancy; Arch: Architecture; CBA: Commerce and Business Administration; CFAD: Fine Arts and Design; CRS: Rehabilitation Sciences; CTHM: Tourism and Hospitality Management; Eccle: Ecclesiastical Studies; Educ: Education; Eng'g: Engineering; FMS: Medicine and Surgery; GS: Graduate School; GS–CL: Graduate School–Civil Law; Law: Civil Law; Nurs: Nursing; Pha: Pharmacy; Sci: Science; UST-HS: UST High School
Cheermania
Cheermania is an annual cheerdance competition organized by the UST Student Organizations Coordinating Council (UST SOCC).
| Year | Champion | Second Place | Third Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | AB | ||
| 2002 | AB | ||
| 2003 | UST-HS | AB | |
| 2004 | UST-HS | AB | CBA |
| 2005 | Educ | AB | CFAD |
| 2006 | UST-HS | - | Arch |
| 2007 | UST-HS | CBA | CFAD |
| 2008 | CBA | CFAD | Sci |
| 2009 | CFAD | Sci | CBA |
| 2010 | CBA | CTHM | Educ |
| 2011 | CBA | Sci | AMV |
| 2012 | CBA | AB | CTHM |
Salinggawi Dance Troupe
Every year, the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, the official dance group of the university holds dance competitions in August and dance concerts in March.
Colleges
Part of the University's mission is to holistically develop students to be competent, compassionate professionals, and committed servants of the Church. Through regular recollections, Thomasians are given a different kind of time-out from their classrooms to help them find their spiritual self and God's presence in their souls. Half-day recollections are usually held in the UST Medicine Auditorium while one to three-day long retreats are usually held in the Dominican Retreat House—Caleruega, Philippines in Nasugbu, Batangas.
Insignias
The coat of arms of the older faculties and colleges of the university were designed by Cenon M. Rivera, former director of the Fine Arts department of UST.[31][32] Each college also has a patron saint that was chosen based on the field or profession of the college. The selection is administered by the council of regents of the university.
Academic Colors
| Faculty of Sacred Theology | Faculty of Philosophy | Faculty of Canon Law | Faculty of Civil Law | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Faculty of Medicine and Surgery | Faculty of Pharmacy | Faculty of Arts and Letters | Faculty of Engineering | ||||||||||
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| College of Education | College of Science | College of Architecture | Graduate School | ||||||||||
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| College of Commerce and Business Administration | Conservatory of Music | College of Nursing | College of Rehabilitation Sciences | ||||||||||
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| College of Fine Arts and Design | Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy | College of Tourism and Hospitality Management | Institute of Physical Education and Athletics | ||||||||||
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| UST High School | Education High School | Institute of Religion | |||||||||||
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Roll call
In university events, like the Thomasian Welcome Walk and The Sending-off rights, the roll call of the university colleges is done according to their foundation year instead of the usual alphabetical order. Founded in 1611, the Faculty of Sacred Theology is called and introduced first. Being the youngest, founded in 2009, the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management is called last.
College weeks
- Tourism and Hospitality Management — in August
- Rehabilitation Sciences, Commerce, and Medicine and Surgery — in September
- Accountancy, Theological, Fine Arts and Design, Music, and Nursing — in November
- Pharmacy — in December
- Canon Law — in January
- High School, Arts and Letters, Science, Education, Engineering, Architecture, and Physical Education and Athletics — in February
Christmas celebrations
The Christmas Concert
The UST Christmas Concert features talents from the UST Conservatory of Music, UST Singers, Coro Tomasino, Liturgikon, Conservatory Chorus Class, and the UST Symphony Orchestra. Traditional Filipino and foreign Christmas classics are performed in the event. At the end of every concert, the UST Symphony Orchestra and performers lead the audience in singing some songs such as 'Ang Pasko ay Sumapit.'[43]
The Christmas Concert Gala began in 2003 when the UST secretary-general Fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P., envisioned a musical concert that would bring together world-class Thomasian talents who would perform for UST students, faculty, alumni, friends, and benefactors. Initially, the concert helped raise funds for the various projects of the university, such as scholarship grants of the students of the UST Conservatory of Music, but since 2008, it has also contributed in UST’s heritage-conservation efforts.[43][44] Maricris Zobel, socialite and an art patroness, has been the co-chair of the organizing committee since then. Proceeds of the Christmas Gala has been allotted for the victims of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng in 2009,[45] restoration of various paintings, and construction of the UST Museum of Arts and Sciences Hall of Visual Arts in 2011.[46]
Various organizations like the Belo Medical Group, the San Miguel Corporation, the Enrique Zobel group of companies, and the Singapore Airlines have become presenters of the event.[43][44][47] In 2010, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs hosted the opening of the concert and the Lumina Pandit, an exhibit for the quadricentennial festivities.[48]
At the ninth Christmas Concert Gala in December 01, 2011, the newly installed Martyr's Carillon at the façade of the Santisimo Rosario Parish was rang by the Professor Raul Sinico, Dean of the UST Conservatory of Music.[43][49]
| Date | Title | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| December 12, 2003 | Hark the Herald, Thomasians Singing: A Christmas Concert |
[44] |
| December 10, 2004 | Himig Pasko sa UST, A Christmas Concert: Gift of the Thomasians |
[44] |
| December 7, 2005 | Yuletide Tunes | [44] |
| December 7, 2006 | A Christmas Prayer | [50] |
| December 7, 2007 | A Symphony of Carols | [44] |
| December 3–4, 2008 | A Christmas Heritage | [51] |
| December 2–3, 2009 | [52] | |
| December 1–2, 2010 | A Gift to the World | [53] |
| November 30, 2011 and December 1, 2011 |
The Quadricentennial Edition |
Paskuhan
Primered by the Eucharistic Celebration, the Paskuhan is the Thomasian way of celebrating Christmas. It is one of the most awaited events of the year showcasing different performances from different student organizations, and live bands, which is complemented with an extravagant show of pyrotechny.
In the 2011 celebration, the crowd was estimated at 100,000.[54]
| Date | Title | Estimated crowd | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 20, 2006 | Pride, Puso, Pasasalamat! | ||
| December 15–19, 2008 | Kwentong Pasko, Kwentong Tomasino! | [55] | |
| December 18, 2009 | 4 horas, 4 dias, 400 days, 400 taon | 50,000 | [56] |
| December 15–17, 2010 | Pasasalamat sa 400 Taong Biyaya | 75,000 | [54][57] |
| December 15–16, 2011 | Pagsalubong para sa ika-5 Siglo | 100,000 | [54] |
Feasts
- Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, Patron Saint of the University - in January 28
- Feast of St. Dominic de Guzman - August 8
- Feast of St. Catherine of Alexandria - November 25
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception - December 8
Fireworks
UST began having pyromusical shows in the opening of the Quadricentennial Celebration in January 27, 2011. It was also the first time the Philippines saw a multi-position pyromusical event when the fireworks were launched from the UST Grandstand and Santisimo Rosario Parish. In the Neo-Centennial Celebration in January this year, the University was also the first to set up a pyromusical in four different structures and buildings. The music and choreography of all the pyromusical events are arranged by Don Miguel Villarosa and the technicals and set-up are done by John Oliver Zeng, alumni of the UST College of Fine Arts and Design, class of 2009. The fireworks off all the pyromusical events are provided by Dragon Fireworks, a local fireworks manufacturer.[58]
| Date | Event | Location and music | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quattromondial Monument unveiling |
|
[58] | |
| Q Grand Program |
| ||
| |||
| One@400: Q Grand Alumni Homecoming Dinner |
|
[58] | |
| Baccalaureate Mass 2011 |
|
[58] | |
|
Duration: 8:25
| |||
| Paskuhan 2011 |
|
[58] | |
|
Theme: Party Rock
| |||
| Neo-centennial celebration |
|
[58][59] | |
|
Theme/Show title: Chariots of Fire
| |||
| Baccalaureate Mass 2012 |
|
[58] | |
|
Duration: 6:34
|
University-wide events
- Pautakan - A quiz bee among different colleges and faculties. Established in 1977
- The USTv Students' Choice Awards on Television - Established in 2005
- The Search for the Ideal Thomasian Personality - The annual intercollegiate search highlights the values in the Thomasian identity of compassion, competence, and commitment.
| Academic year | Winner | First runner-up | Second runner-up | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mister | Miss | Mister | Miss | Mister | Miss | |
- Notes:
- AB: Arts and Letters; AMV: Accountancy; Arch: Architecture; CBA: Commerce and Business Administration; CFAD: Fine Arts and Design; CRS: Rehabilitation Sciences; CTHM: Tourism and Hospitality Management; Educ: Education; Eng'g: Engineering; FMS: Medicine and Surgery; Law: Civil Law; Nurs: Nursing; Pha: Pharmacy; Sci: Science; UST-HS: UST High School
- Himig Tomasino - Annual competition of the different collegiate chorale groups of the university.
- The Sinai Youth Camp - It is an annual university event/retreat that commemorates the Sinai Covenant. Selected second year students from the different colleges enrolled in the subject of Theology 2 - Church and Sacraments participate the event. The event is sponsored by the UST Institute of Religion.[60]
Closing of the school year
Baccalaureate Mass, Ceremony of the Light, and The Sending off Rites
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Legends
Arch of the Centuries
It has been a superstition that crossing the Arch while still studying in the university would result in a delay of graduation.
Sporadic events
Installation of a new rector
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UST 500
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References
- ^ a b c d e Lim-Pe, Josefina (1973). The University of Santo Tomas in the Twentieth Century. University of Santo Tomas Press, Manila.
{{cite book}}: Text "198–202" ignored (help) - ^ de Ramos, Norberto V. (2000). I Walked with Twelve UST Rectors. Alfredo G. Ablaza and Christina De Ramos Ablaza.
{{cite book}}: Text "4" ignored (help) - ^ The Varsitarian. Vol. LXXII, No. 1 • June 22, 2000.
- ^ UST Rector makes pitch for values The Varsitarian. Vol. LXXIII, No. 1 • July 11, 2001.
- ^ 'Strive for excellence,' Nuncio urges faculty The Varsitarian. Vol. LXXIV, No. 1 • June 20, 2002.
- ^ Rector appeals to Thomasians: 'Be advocates of hope' The Varsitarian. Vol. LXXV, No. 1 • June 30, 2003.
- ^ Rector calls slow canvas a 'national embarassment' The Varsitarian. Vol. LXXVI, No. 1 • June 25, 2004.
- ^ Rector to faculty: Motivate students The Varsitarian. Vol. LXXVII, No. 1 • June 25, 2005.
- ^ Nursing dean to gov't: Make our nurses stay The Varsitarian. Vol. LXXVIII, No. 1 • June 23, 2006.
- ^ Enrollment soars anew The Varsitarian. Vol. LXXIX, No. 1 • June 30, 2007.
- ^ Fight "institutional crisis" De la Rosa urges, The Varsitarian. Vol. LXXX, No. 1 • June 30, 2008.
- ^ Full Text of Dean's Discurso de Apertura, Architecture Faculty Club. November 7, 2011.
- ^ Discurso de Apertura (UST 2010-2011) ustcivillaw.com. Accessed Novemver 9, 201.1
- ^ Going Out - UST’s School Opening Mass honors 400-year-old tradition, Business World Weekender. November 7, 2011.
- ^ Lifestyle - The truth about Rizal’s ‘poor’ grades in UST by Regalado Trota José, Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 13, 2011.
- ^ Early preparation, by Elinando B. Cinco Manila Bulletin. June 27, 2011.
- ^ Freshmen to be 'initiated' The Varsitarian. Vol. LXXIII, No. 11 • June 6, 2002.
- ^ Thomasian Welcome Walk 2008. Accessed July 4, 2008.
- ^ Campus Beat - British Council launches Changemaker tilt, Manila Bulletin. July 4, 2011.
- ^ UST Holds Yearly Thomasian Welcome Walk For Freshmen UST.edu.ph Accessed December 19, 2011
- ^ Ika-350 taong anibersaryo ng UST The Varsitarian. March 6, 2012.
- ^ UST Hymn, 40K Voices for UST's 400 program. November 7, 2011.
- ^ Goodwill games simula na The Varsitarian. August 8. 2010.
- ^ a b Archi tops judo intrams The Varsitarian. Vol. LXXIV, No. 10 • February 20, 2003.
- ^ Special Reports - Gathering the troops The Varsitarian. Vol. LXXVI, No. 2 • July 16, 2004
- ^ a b Commerce cagers sweep Intrams The Varsitarian. Vol. LXXVI, No. 10 • February 24, 2005
- ^ a b Commerce extends Judo reign The Varsitarian. Vol. LXXVII, No. 6 • October 28, 2005
- ^ Artlets cruise to Thomasian Goodwill cage plum The Varsitarian. Vol. LXXIX, No. 8 • February 29, 2008
- ^ a b c d e Commerce men's volley scores three-peat in Goodwill Games The Varsitarian. September 9, 2011
- ^ a b Thomasian Table Tennis Goodwill Games 2010: A Success tomasinoweb.org Accessed December 20, 2011
- ^ Hari ng sagisag ng UST The Varsitarian. Vol. LXXV, No. 8 • January 15, 2004
- ^ Cenon Rivera. hagonoyartgroup.multiply.com. Retrieved May 25, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l 2007 Solemn Investiture Program of the UST Faculty of Pharmacy
- ^ FMS celebrates "MEDisIN" Week 2010. The UST Medical Gazette. Vol. 53, No. 3 • July-September 2011
- ^ a b c d e f g h UST Uniforms: Through the years The Varsitarian. Vol. LXXVIII, No. 1 • June 23, 2006
- ^ Patron Saints of Education Topics Saints.SQPN.com Accessed May 25, 2011
- ^ Patron Saints of Education Topics Saints.SQPN.com Accessed May 25, 2011
- ^ Graduate Schoo Student's Handbook graduateschool.ust.edu.ph Retrieved May 27, 2011
- ^ Conservatory of Music celebrates College Week UST.edu.ph Accessed May 25, 2011
- ^ College of Nursing - Patron web.archive.org Accessed May 25, 2011
- ^ UST High School: The Seal. Retrieved November 11, 2011.
- ^ UST Education High School Seal. Retrieved November 11, 2011.
- ^ a b c d Lifestyle - Ringing of Martyrs’ Carillon to open 2012 UST Christmas Concert Gala by Dexter R. Matilla, Philippine Daily Inquirer. November 28, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f The Christmas Gala Story ustchristmasconcert.com. Accessed November 29, 2011
- ^ Concert gala ushers in holidays in UST by Francis T. Wakefield, Manila Bulletin. December 16, 2009.
- ^ Breaking News - UST Museum opens Visual Arts Gallery The Varsitarian. November 20. 2011, 11:17 a.m.
- ^ Lifestyle - UST Christmas Concert dazzles and elevates by Pablo A. Tariman, Philippine Daily Inquirer. December 4, 2011.
- ^ Public Information Service Unit - DFA Hosts UST Exhibit and Christmas Concert DFA.gov.ph. Accessed November 29, 2011
- ^ Campus Beat - Carillon bells open UST Christmas Concert Gala, Manila Bulletin. November 24, 2011.
- ^ UST presents 'A Christmas Prayer', Manila Bulletin. December 7, 2006.
- ^ Preserving heritage on a high note The Varsitarian. Vol. LXXX, No. 7 • December 19, 2008.
- ^ Christmas Concert pays tribute to UST's rich heritage The Varsitarian. December 16, 2009.
- ^ A musical prelude to the Quadricentennial The Varsitarian. December 15, 2010.
- ^ a b c Breaking News - Paskuhan looks forward to UST's fifth century The Varsitarian. December 17, 2011.
- ^ UST Holds Paskuhan 2008 UST.edu.ph Accessed December 17, 2011
- ^ Paskuhan draws crowd of 50,000 The Varsitarian. December 19, 2009.
- ^ UST holds Paskuhan 2010 as a Celebration of Thanksgiving UST.edu.ph Accessed December 17, 2011
- ^ a b c d e f g News and Events dragongfireworks.com Accessed January 30, 2012
- ^ Lifestyle - People - Reverence and revelry at UST’s Neo-Centennial GMAnetwork.com. Accessed January 31, 2012
- ^ UST Prepares for Sinai Youth Camp Congress 2008 UST.edu.ph Accessed March 17, 2012