Proud THOMASIAN

An unending grace: UST’s countdown to 400 years set

The University of Santo Tomas (UST), the oldest university in Asia, is gearing for its 400th year in 2011. At the recent press conference held recently at the Rector’s Hall of UST’s Main Building, Rev. Fr. Rolando V. Dela Rosa, O.P., Rector; announced the line up of activities they have in preparing for their Quadricentennial Celebration. Together with Rev. Fr. Pablo Tiong, O.P., Vice Rector; and Rev. Fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P., Executive Director for the Quadricentennial (Q) Celebration; they promised a different kind of festivity that will be participated in by Thomasians and non-Thomasians alike.

On Dec. 18, UST will commence its countdown to 400 days to its 400 years. During its annual Christmas program called “Paskuhan,” UST will mark a significant date in its history. The countdown will be witnessed by the Thomasian community, alumni, as well as friends and patrons outside the university. The Quadricentennial Countdown Clock, which is a Swatch Beatman, will be launched, and it will count daily the days to Jan. 28, 2011.

Also on Dec. 18, UST will launch its Q prayer and the Q flag will be hoisted. The Q Song Writing Contest grand finals was held last Dec. 10, of which the winning piece will be used as the Quadricentennial Hymn for the Q Celebration.

Being the oldest university in Asia and the largest Catholic university in the world, the countdown also meant a continued witnessing that UST has provided quality Catholic education and has continued service to the Filipino nation and the Church, indeed, God’s unending grace. The Q Celebration has its theme “Simbayan 400: Tomasino para sa Simbahan at Bayan” which according to Rev. Fr. Dela Rosa, has partnered with Gawad Kalinga.

At the press conference, Rev. Fr. Dela Rosa proudly said that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in her recent visit, spoke of UST as “a treasure.” He added that “UST is not just a legacy but a heritage of the Filipino people.”

UST was founded in 1611 by Dominican friar Miguel de Benavides, who incidentally, was the (third) archbishop of Manila at that time. Its population has grown to more than 40,000 students, its reputation has reached global proportions, and its distinguished roster of alumni includes four Philippine presidents, six justices of the Supreme Court, heroes, national artists, saints and professionals in various fields of expertise. In the business, among proud Thomasians are the owners of Jollibee, Century Tuna, Mercury Drug, and others. Award-winning director Brilliante Mendoza, and Joel Cruz of Aficionado Perfumes are also on the list.

UST, among other heritage sites, has its many firsts: Its Main Building is the first earthquake-proof building in the country; the first Olympic size swimming pool in the country; first museum, first library among others.

In fact, the declaration of the UST Main Building as a National Heritage Landmark will be on Jan. 25, 2010; also coinciding with the unveiling of the restored 1911 Commemorative Paintings of the university.

On June 17 to Jan. 30, 2011 is the opening of their exhibit called “Lumina Pandit: An Exhibition of Historical Collections,” which means for 400 years, the university is spreading the light. The exhibit will feature the book of Copernicus, Doktrina Kristiyana (established in 1500s and now at the Vatican Museum, but they will lend it in time for the exhibit), grades of our heroes (like our National Hero Jose Rizal), and others.

Operas at the CCP featuring Cavalleria Rusticana and Gianni Schicchi is scheduled on Jan. 21 and 22, 2011; followed by the Quadricentennial Thomasian Personality on the 25th. The grand celebration of the Q Celebration will take place on Jan. 27 via a parade from Luneta to UST. On the 28th, UST has invited the Pope Benedict XVI to join their concelebrated mass.

For the whole Quadricentennial year (2011-2012), UST has prepared many activities that will end on Jan. 27, 2012, as the Closing Ceremony of Q Celebration will take place. For more information on the upcoming activities for the Q Celebration and how to be part of it, visit http://www.ust.edu.ph.