Traditions of the University of Santo Tomas
Traditions of the university
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines marks a variety of traditions largely influenced by the Spanish and Filipino Dominican culture. Many are annual events, such as religious assemblies marking the start and end of the academic year, a welcome walk for new students, as well as intercollege sport competitions and talent exhibitions. Christmas is celebrated in a month-long festivities culminated by the UST Paskuhan. Many Roman Catholic feast days are also celebrated.
Catholic traditions
Misa de Apertura
As a catholic university, UST opens each school year with the Mass of the Holy Spirit called as Misa de Apertura.[1][2] The mass is usually officiated by a bishop, concelebrated by the Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines, the Rector of the university, and priests of the Priory of St. Thomas Aquinas, and clergy studying or teaching in the university. The Mass is held at Santisimo Rosario Parish, and is participated by all faculty members (donning their academic dress) and university officials, and selected student representatives. The opening of the school year is formally declared by the Apostolic Nuncio or his delegate, in consonance with the status of UST as a pontifical university.[3]
The following is a short and incomplete list of bishops and priests who presided over the University's Misa de Apertura:
| Bishops/Priests who served as Main Celebrant of the Misa de Apertura | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Year | Bishop/Priest | Position at the time of the Celebration | Current Position | Ref. |
| 2009–2010 | Very Rev. Fr. Quirico T. Pedregosa Jr., OP | Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines
Vice Chancellor of the University |
Acting Regent, College of Science | [4] |
| 2010–2011 | Most Rev. Edward Joseph Adams | Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines | Retired | [5] |
| 2011–2012 | Very Rev. Fr. Quirico T. Pedregosa Jr. OP | Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines
Vice Chancellor of the University |
Acting Regent, College of Science | |
| 2012–2013 | Most Rev. Giuseppe Pinto | Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines | Retired | [6] |
| 2013–2014 | Most Rev. José S. Palma | Archbishop of Cebu
President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines |
Arcbishop-Emeritus of Cebu | [7] |
| 2014–2015 | Most Rev. Francisco M. de Leon | Auxiliary Bishop of Antipolo | Bishop Emeritus of Antipolo | [8] |
| 2015–2016 | Most Rev. Socrates B. Villegas | Archbishop of Lingayen–Dagupan
President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines |
Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan | [9] |
| 2016–2017 | Rev. Fr. Filemon I. Dela Cruz, Jr. OP | Vice Rector for Religious Affairs of the University of Santo Tomas | Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines
Vice Chancellor of the University |
[10] |
| 2017–2018 | Most Rev. Roberto Mallari | Diocese of San Jose (Nueva Ecija) | Bishop of Tarlac | [11] |
| 2018–2019 | Most Rev. Gabriele Giordano Caccia | Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines | Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America | [12] |
| 2019–2020 | Most Rev. Rex Andrew Alarcon | Bishop of Daet | Archbishop of Cáceres | [13] |
| 2020–2021 | Very Rev. Fr. Napoleon B. Sipalay Jr. OP | Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines
Vice Chancellor of the University |
Bishop of Alaminos | [14] |
| 2021–2022 | Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, OP, PhD | Rector Magnificus of the University of Santo Tomas | Rector Magnificus of the University of Santo Tomas | [15] |
| 2022–2023 | Most Rev. Mylo Hubert C. Vergara | Bishop of Pasig
Vice President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines |
Bishop of Pasig | [16] |
| 2023–2024 | Most Rev. Cerilo Alan U. Casicas | Bishop of Marbel | Bishop of Marbel | [17] |
| 2024–2025 | Most Rev. Napoleon B. Sipalay Jr., OP | Bishop of Alaminos | Bishop of Alaminos | [18] |
| 2025–2026 | Most Rev. Marcelino Antonio M. Maralit Jr. | Bishop of San Pablo | Bishop of San Pablo | [19] |
| 2026-2027 | Cardinal Pablo Virgilio S. David | Bishop of Kalookan | Bishop of Kalookan | [20] |
Feasts
The University observes liturgical celebrations celebrated on the general calendar, such as:
- Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, celebrated as a national and university-wide holiday. A University Vigil Mass is often celebrated in the afternoon of December 7.
- The Simbang Gabi Masses take place at the Plaza Mayor (dawn Masses of December 16–24) and at the Santisimo Rosario Parish (evening of December 15–23)
- The Christmas Eve Mass on December 24 takes place at the Plaza Mayor, usually presided by the Prior of the Priory of St. Thomas Aquinas.
- The Vigil Mass on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on December 31 takes place at the Santisimo Rosario Parish-UST, usually presided by the Rector Magnificus of the University of Santo Tomas.
- The University Mass on Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Season of Lent takes place at the Plaza Mayor at 5:00 pm, preceded by confessions at the Benavides Park.
- During the Paschal Triduum, the Mass of the Lord's Supper takes place at the Plaza Mayor, culminating with the Vigil at the Altar of repose at the Parish Church. The Celebration of the Lord's Passion on Good Friday and the Easter Vigil take place inside the Parish Church. These services are presided by the University Rector, the Prior of the Priory, and the Parish Priest.
A number of liturgical feast days are proper to the University of Santo Tomas, such as:
- Saint Thomas Aquinas, titular patron of the University, celebrated as a Solemnity on January 28, a University holiday. A triduum is celebrated from January 24–26, with the University Mass being held on January 27.
- Saint Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers, celebrated as a Solemnity by the whole religious congregation on August 8, which is also a holiday in the University. A triduum is celebrated from August 4–6, with the University Mass celebrated on August 7.
- Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrated by the Santisimo Rosario Parish, located within the University Campus on the first Sunday of October. The celebration begins with the entronement rites on the day before the first Novena day. Colleges, Departments, and Offices, take turns in sponsoring the Novena Prayer and Masses.
- Mass for deceased members of the Thomasian Family, celebrated on the month of November[6]
- Blessed Buenaventura García de Paredes and the Thomasian Martyrs, celebrated on November 6[5]
Christmas celebration
The university starts the Christmas festivities with opening of the campus lights and the UST 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."[21]
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.[21][22] 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,[23] restoration of various paintings, and construction of the UST Museum of Arts and Sciences Hall of Visual Arts in 2011.[24]
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.[21][22][25] In 2010, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs hosted the opening of the concert and the Lumina Pandit, an exhibit for the quadricentennial festivities.[26]
At the ninth Christmas Concert Gala on December 1, 2011, the newly installed Martyr's Carillon at the façade of the Santisimo Rosario Parish was rung by the Professor Raul Suñico, Dean of the UST Conservatory of Music.[21][27]
Paskuhan
Primered by the Eucharistic Celebration, the Paskuhan is the Thomasian way of celebrating Christmas. It is one of the most awaited events [for whom?] of the year, showcasing different performances from different student organizations, and live bands, which is complemented with a show of pyrotechny.[28]
In the 2011 celebration, the crowd was estimated at 100,000.[29]
University Retreat
The University, through the Office of the Vice Rector for Religious Affairs, conducts a three-day university wide retreat for its academic and administrative officials, support staff, faculty members, and students. University administrators and academic officials, faculty members, and support staff attend the retreat in-person, while students are to follow the retreat through secured livestreaming platforms.[30]
The tradition of the University-wide Retreat began in 2010, in preparation for the UST Quadricentennial Celebration, on November 3–5, 2010, held at the SMX Convention Center Manila. Succeeding retreats have been held at the Quadricentennial Pavilion, except in 2022, when, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, the retreat was held in Santisimo Rosario Parish, while being livestreamed in social media platforms, and participants were distributed in other University buildings.[31][32]
Cardinals, bishops and priests, both from within and outside the Dominican Order, are invited to either preach a session, or celebrate the Eucharist during these days.[31][33]
Baccalaureate Mass
The Baccalaureate Mass for the graduating students is led by the Rector of the university. The mass is followed by the Ceremony of the Light and the Sending-off Rites. The Sending-off Rites is a processional march from the UST Grandstand to the back of the Arch of the Centuries.[34]
The Mass takes place in the UST Grandstand traditionally. In 2016 and 2025, however, the university decided to hold it in the Quadricentennial Pavilion because of the inclement weather.[35] In 2020 and 2021, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Baccalaureate Mass was livestreamed from the Santisimo Rosario Parish.[36] In 2022, the in-person Baccalaureate Mass returned and was celebrated over a period of two days for batches 2022 (June 3, 2022), 2021 and 2020 (June 4, 2022) .[37]
In the 2026 Baccalaureate Mass, as a precautionary measure, the Eucharistic Celebration took place inside the Quadricentennial Pavilion (in two batches: one in the morning, and one in the afternoon), while the rest of the program (including the imposition of the Mission Cross, fireworks display, and exit to the Arch of the Centuries) took place at the University Grandstand and open spaces later in the evening.[38]
School spirit
|
University of Santo Tomas Hymn (in full version) |
Chorus
|
Alma mater
The UST Hymn is the alma mater song of the University of Santo Tomas. The lyrics were written by Dr. Jose Ma. Hernandez to music composed by the UST Conservatory of Music's first director, Dean Julio Esteban Anguita, and orchestrated by Manuel P. Maramba, O.S.B.[39] Today, only the chorus of the original hymn is being sung and being played.[40]
Discurso de Apertura
The Discurso de Apertura or the inaugural lecture consists of a scientific discussion delivered by a professor or dean at the formal opening of the school year. The lecturer assigned in the preparation of the academic paper is appointed by the rector of the university a few months prior to the opening of each school year.[41]
The Discurso traces its roots back to Lectio Prima, or first lecture. It was a conference practiced by the Dominican houses of studies to start the school year based on the UST statutes drafted by the Dominican priest Juan Amador in 1785.[42] The first Discurso was held on July 16, 1866, as an annual event.[3] It was temporarily discontinued in 1929 when Don Nicanor Cortez failed to write his dissertation. Twelve years after, the tradition was brought back with Fr. Angel de Blas, a psychologist, as the speaker. It was again discontinued in 1942 at the break out of World War II, and resumed later on in 1946.[43]
In 2011, professor Regalado Trota-Jose, archivist of the university, presented documents from the archives regarding the life of the national hero José Rizal in UST.[44]
Replacing the lecture of Discurso de Apertura in 2012 and 2016 were the inaugural addresses of Herminio V. Dagohoy as the ninety-sixth rector (first and second terms) of the university.[45] The Discurso was omitted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Year | Lecturer | Topic | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Amado Dimayuga, Dean, Faculty of Civil Law |
Judicial Bar Council and the importance of refining the process of appointing court judges |
[46] |
| 2001 | Luis Ferrer, Dean, College of Architecture |
Focus on building "humane communities" | [47] |
| 2002 | Jaime de los Santos, Assistant Dean, UST College of Fine Arts and Design |
Creative instinct | [48] |
| 2003 | Raul Sunico, Dean, Conservatory of Music |
"Music: Raising the Level of Listening Appreciation" | [49] |
| 2004 | Rolando Lopez, M.D. Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery |
Value of spirituality on students | [50] |
| 2005 | Jeanette Loanzon, Dean, College of Commerce and Business Administration |
Economic revolution | [51] |
| 2006 | Glenda Vargas, Dean, UST College of Nursing |
Exodus of Filipino nurses | [52] |
| 2007 | Jose Ireneo, Dean, UST AMV College of Accountancy |
Governance and internal controls in businesses | [53] |
| 2008 | Rev. Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P., Rector Magnificus of the University of Santo Tomas |
Inaugural Address | [54] |
| 2009 | John Joseph T. Fernandez, Dean, College of Architecture |
"Heritage Conservation in the University of Santo Tomas" | [55] |
| 2010 | Nilo Divina, Dean, Faculty of Civil Law |
"Constantly Striving for Excellence" | [56] |
| 2011 | Regalado Trota Jose, Archivist, Archivo de la Universidad de Santo Tomas |
"Facebook Flashback: The Archives and the Story of the University" | [57] |
| 2012 | Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., Rector Magnificus of the University of Santo Tomas |
Inaugural Address | [45] |
| 2013 | Allan de Guzman, Ph.D. Faculty, College of Education |
Parable of Talents: The University of Santo Tomas at the Crossroad of History and Creativity | [58] |
| 2014 | Philipina Marcelo, Ph.D. Dean, Faculty of Engineering |
Convergence: Innovations in Food Engineering and Engineering Education, and the Engineering of our Restless Being | [59] |
| 2015 | Cheryl Peralta, DrPH Dean, UST College of Rehabilitation Sciences |
Public Health | |
| 2016 | Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., Rector, University of Santo Tomas |
Inaugural Address | |
| 2017 | Pilar I. Romero, Ph.D. Principal, Senior High School |
Finding New Roads, Traversing New Paths | [60] |
| 2018 | Michael Anthony Vasco, Ph.D. Dean, Faculty of Arts and Letters |
"Liberal Arts in the University : Human Sciences as 'Erlibnis' and 'Weltanschauung'" | [61] |
| 2019 | Ma. Minerva Calimag, M.D., MSc, Ph.D. Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery |
"Research and the Social Agenda: The Tale of Two Rivers" | [62] |
| 2021 | Lourdes D. Maglinao, M.D., MHPEd Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery |
"Leading Change in a 150-Year Old Medical School: Overcoming the Challenges of a VUCA World Amidst the 21st Century Pandemic" | [63] |
| 2022 | Clarita D. Carillo, Ph.D. Assistant to the Rector for Planning and Quality Management, University of Santo Tomas |
"Quality Assurance and the 3C's of Resiliency" | [64] |
| 2023 | Maribel G. Nonato, Ph.D. Assistant to the Rector UST General Santos |
"The Framework of CARE" | [65] |
| 2024 | Melanie D. Turingan-Marcos, Ph.D. Dean Faculty of Arts and Letters |
“Imbued with Unending Grace: A History and Legacy of the University of Santo Tomas” | [66] |
| 2025 | Patricia M. Empleo, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Accountancy |
"Internal Control: Key to Effective Enterprise Management" | [67][68] |
| 2026 | Alfredo P. Co, PhD
Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Arts and Letters |
"Indigenous Filipino Philosophy: from Excavation to Void to Presencing" | [69] |
Thomasian Welcome Walk
The Thomasian Welcome Walk (TWW) is an annual university event that uniquely welcomes new students to the university.[70][71] Freshmen from all the colleges, including the high school, pass under historic Arch of the Centuries from the España Boulevard side and walk towards the UST Main Building.[72] It symbolizes the linkage between incoming freshmen and their predecessors in the university. The first Walk took place on June 14, 2002, known before as "The Rites of Passage".[1][73][74][75][76]
Eucharistic Celebration
The Mass following the Welcome Walk used to take place in the UST Grandstand. However, starting 2012, since the beginning of the school year (August) takes place during the rainy season, the program and Mass take place inside the Quadricentennial Pavilion in separate batches.[77][78] The Mass is usually presided over by the Rector Magnificus, or on his behalf, the Vice Rectors of the University.
ROARientation
The ROARientation takes place during the Thomasian Welcome Walk. After the Eucharistic Celebration, a program takes place inside the Quadricentennial Pavilion, where freshmen Thomasians get to know the policies and services of the University. Cultural presentations also take place, such as teaching the Go USTe cheer and other UAAP Cheers used during games, as an immersion to the school spirit of the University.[79]
The high school departments (Junior High School, Education High School, and Senior High School) are grouped together as a single batch, with the program entitled Alab.[80]
Solemn Investitures/End-of-School Year Rites
Following the Baccalaureate Mass, each faculty/college/institute/department is scheduled to hold its Solemn Investiture (undergraduate/graduate levels), Graduation (Senior High School), and Completion Rites (Junior High School). The Office of the Secretary General is in charge of releasing a schedule of these ceremonies, with the date, venue, and the presiding official.
Most faculties/colleges conduct these rites in the Quadricentennial Pavilion, with a few exceptions, due to the small number of graduates from their respective faculty/college/school:[81]
- The University of Santo Tomas Faculties of Ecclesiastical Studies (Philosophy, Theology, Canon Law) conduct their solemn investitures together at the Santisimo Rosario Parish, with the University Vice Chancellor presiding.
- The University of Santo Tomas Education High School and the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music hold their completion/solemn investiture at the Albertus Magnus Auditorium.
- The University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law holds its solemn investiture at the Medicine Auditorium at the San Martin de Porres Building.
The solemn investitures of the undergraduate and graduate levels are presided over by the University's Executive Authorities, Top Administrative Officials, and members of the Board of Trustees; the moving up and graduation rites of the junior and senior high schools are presided over by their respective principals and regents.
University events
There are various university-wide events, among others are:
- Pautakan – A quiz bee among different colleges and faculties. Established in 1977
- Thomasian Youth Ambassador and Ambassadress – The annual intercollegiate search highlights the values in the Thomasian identity of compassion, competence, and commitment organized by the UST Student Organizations Coordinating Council (UST SOCC).
- Himig Tomasino – Annual competition of the different collegiate chorale groups of the university organized by the UST Student Organizations Coordinating Council (UST SOCC).
The USTv Awards
The USTv Awards or The USTv Students’ Choice Awards is an annual awarding ceremony. It honors television programs and personalities that promote Thomasian values and the teachings of the Catholic Church.[82] Established in 2005, the USTv Awards is the first student award- giving body in the Philippines. In 2014, 35,000 students were expected to participate in voting.[83]
Fireworks
UST began having pyromusical shows in the opening of the Quadricentennial Celebration on 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 2012, 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. The fireworks of all the pyromusical events are provided by Dragon Fireworks, a local fireworks manufacturer.[84]
The pyromusical display has become one of the most anticipated events during the Paskuhan festivities attracting alumni, visitors, and local media coverage.[85]
The pyromusical display in the University was omitted during the following occasions:
- Paskuhan 2013, in solidarity with the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda[86]
- Paskuhan 2020[87] and 2021[88] due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Baccalaureate Masses in 2020, 2021, and 2022 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic[89]
| Date | Event | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| January 27, 2011 | Quattromondial Monument unveiling Q Grand Program |
[84] |
| January 28, 2011 | One@400: Q Grand Alumni Homecoming Dinner | [84] |
| March 25, 2011 | Baccalaureate Mass 2011 | [84] |
| December 16, 2011 | Paskuhan 2011 | [84] |
| January 27, 2012 | Neo-Centennial Celebration | [90] |
| March 23, 2012 | Baccalaureate Mass 2012 | |
| December 21, 2012 | Paskuhan 2012 | [91] |
| March 19, 2013 | Baccalaureate Mass 2013 | [92] |
| March 21, 2014 | Baccalaureate Mass 2014 | |
| December 11, 2014 | Paskuhan 2014 | |
| May 15, 2015 | Baccalaureate Mass 2015 | |
| December 18, 2015 | Paskuhan 2015 | [93] |
| May 20, 2016 | Baccalaureate Mass 2016 | [94] |
| September 4, 2016 | UAAP Season 79 Opening Ceremonies | |
| December 16, 2016 | Paskuhan 2016 | [95] |
| May 19, 2017 | Baccalaureate Mass 2017 | |
| May 20, 2017 | UAAP Season 79 Closing Ceremonies | |
| December 20, 2017 | Paskuhan 2017 | [96] |
| May 24, 2018 | Baccalaureate Mass 2018 | [97] |
| December 21, 2018 | Paskuhan 2018 | [98] [99] |
| May 25, 2019 | Baccalaureate Mass 2019 | |
| December 20, 2019 | Paskuhan 2019 | [100] |
| December 19, 2022 | Paskuhan 2022 | [101] |
| May 30, 2023 | Baccalaureate Mass 2023 | [102] |
| December 21, 2023 | Paskuhan 2023 | [103] |
| May 31, 2024 | Baccalaureate Mass 2024 | [104] |
| December 20, 2024 | Paskuhan 2024 | [105] |
| May 31, 2025 | Baccalaureate Mass 2025 | [106] |
| September 19, 2025 | UAAP Season 88 Opening Ceremonies | [107] |
| December 19, 2025 | Paskuhan 2025 | [108] |
| May 28, 2026 | Baccalaureate Mass 2026 | [109] |
UST Student Awards Day
The University gives distinction to individuals or groups who exemplify excellence in the fields of academics, community development, leadership, teamwork, sports, and the arts, during the UST Student Awards Day, held days before the celebration of the Baccalaureate Mass and Solemn Investitures. The awarding ceremonies take place at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Rector's Award is conferred to the graduating student of each faculty/college/institute with the highest General Weighted Average (GWA). Among the awardees, the student with the highest GWA is declared the class valedictorian, and is tasked to deliver a message towards the end of the celebration.
| Class Valedictorians in Recent Years | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Valedictorian's College/Faculty | General Weighted Average | Ref. |
| 2006 | Arts and Letters | 1.17 | |
| 2007 | Engineering | 1.15 | |
| 2008 | Science | 1.092 | |
| 2009 | Pharmacy | 1.16 | |
| 2010 | Pharmacy | 1.12 | |
| 2011 | Tourism and Hospitality Management | 1.12 | |
| 2013 | Pharmacy | 1.069 | [110] |
| 2014 | Tourism and Hospitality Management | 1.089 | [111] |
| 2015 | Sacred Theology | [112] | |
| 2016 | Pharmacy | 1.121 | |
| 2017 | Pharmacy | 1.059 | [113] |
| 2018 | Tourism and Hospitality Management | 1.111 | [114] |
| 2019 | Philiosophy | 1.126 | [115] |
| 2020 | Sacred Theology | 1.167 | [116] |
| 2021 | |||
| 2022 | Pharmacy | 1.031 | [117] |
| 2023 | Tourism and Hospitality Management | 1.019 | [118] |
| 2024 | Physical Education and Athletics | 1.050 | [119] |
| 2025 | Science | 1.081 | [120] |
| 2026 | Commerce and Business Administration | 1.508 | [121] |
Sports
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.[122] It was formally established in school year 2002–2003 by UST judo coach Alberto Arce.[123][124]
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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | Women | Men | Women | Men | Women | |
| 2002–2003 | – | – | – | – | – | CFAD vs. AB vs. Arch[123] |
| 2004–2005 | CBA vs. Eng'g[125] | Educ vs. FMS[125] | – | – | – | – |
| 2005–2006 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2006–2007 | – | – | – | – | CFAD | – |
| 2007–2008 | AB vs. Eng'g[126] | Nurs | – | – | Arch vs. CFAD | – |
| 2008–2009 | – | CBA | CFAD vs. Eng'g | AMV vs. CBA | CRS vs. GS-CL | – |
| 2009–2010 | – | CBA | CBA[127] | Eng'g | Arch vs. Eng'g | FMS vs. Nurs |
| 2010–2011 | Eng'g | Educ | CBA[127] | AMV[127] | Arch vs. GS-CL | FMS vs. Nurs |
| 2011–2012 | CTHM vs. Eng'g | CBA[128] | AMV vs. CBA[127] | AMV vs. Arch[127] | Eccle vs. GS-CL | FMS vs. Nurs |
| 2012–2013 | AB vs. Eng'g[128] | AB vs. CBA[128] | AB vs. CBA | Arch vs. CBA | Eng'g vs. FMS | FMS |
| 2013–2014 | CBA vs. CTHM | CBA | AMV vs. Arch | Eng'g vs. Pha | – | CRS vs. FMS |
| 2014–2015 | CBA vs. CTHM | CBA vs. CRS | AMV vs. Arch | AB vs. Educ | – | – |
| 2015–2016 | Eng'g vs. Sci | – | – | – | – | – |
- 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
Dance events
Every year, the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, the official dance group of the university holds dance competitions and concerts.[129][130] Cheermania, also organized by the Salinggawi since 1996, is an annual cheerdance competition of dance groups of the different UST colleges.[131][132]
Legends and symbolism
Various edifices are adorned by a pattern of a sun, symbolizing the sun of St. Thomas Aquinas. The UST seal itself, is bannered by a sun. The UST Grandstand stage and the Martyrs' Monument have floor designs that feature a sun.
Arch of the Centuries
It has been a superstition that crossing the Arch of the Centuries while still studying in the university would result in a delay of graduation.[133][134] Another legend says that crossing the arch at midnight will make someone time travel to the Spanish era.[135] Fr. Richard Ang, OP, Rector Magnificus of the University of Santo Tomas, dismissed the superstition, as he himself, an alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Letters and the Ecclesiastical Faculties, frequently passed over the arch during his collegiate days.[136]
Height of the Main Building
There is an unwritten rule among Thomasian architects that no structure will be higher than the cross of the Main Building. However, many new buildings built since 2000 such as the Beato Angelico Building, Quadricentennial Pavilion, Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building, the St. John Paul II Building of the University of Santo Tomas Hospital, and the Frassati Building have shadowed the edifice.[137]
Miguel de Benavides statue
University in other languages
- The university on its third centennial: El Tricentenario
- Previous names of the faculties and colleges: Facultad de Teología, Facultad de Cánones, Facultad de Derecho Civil, Facultades de Medicina y Farmacia, Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, Facultad de Ingeniería, and Colegio de Bellas Artes
- Latin name: Pontificia et Regalis Sancti Thomæ Aquinatis Universitas Manilana (Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, Manila)
- Motto: Veritas in Caritate (Truth in Charity)[138]
- Main Building: Tria Haec ("This Three") statues at the Main Building (Faith, Hope and Charity; Three Virtues of St. Paul)[139][140]
- In the Miguel de Benavides Library cornice: "Has tenebrae cingunt mentis caligine terras Hoc Sancti Thomae Universitates Opus: Lumina Pandit" ("Darkness covers this land in a mental mist. This is the task of the University of Santo Tomas: to spread the light.")
- In the QuattroMondial monument: Pontificia et Regalis Universitas Sancti Thomae Aquantis Manilana MDCXI. Contemplari et Contemplata aliis Tradere. In Veritate fideles. In Labore proficientes. In Caritate divites ("To contemplate and to hand on to others the fruits of contemplation. In truth, faithful. In an effort to make progress. Rich in Love." According to the main sculptor, Ramon Orlina, the Latin inscriptions represents accomplishment, scholarliness and wisdom.[141]
- In San Martin de Porres Building facade: Facultas Medicinae et Chirurgiae, Honora medicum. Opera eius sunt necessaria. Deus autem est qui vitae et mortis. Habet potestatem. Ars longa, vita brevis, occasio fugit, experimentum periculosum, iudicium difficile. (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, honoring medicine. His works are necessary, God who has power over life and death.)
- In the Central Seminary Building: Facultates Ecclesiasticae
- Latin honors cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude, meritus, bene meritus, and meritissimus
Sporadic events
Installation of a new rector
The installation of a new rector is a solemn ceremony that marks the beginning of a new term of the Rector Magnificus of the UST. It is attended by representatives from the Commission on Higher Education, Church hierarchy, academic institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, alumni, and the students.[142]
The Rite of Installation of the Rector Magnificus are highlighted by the following:[2]
- Procession of the Academic Senate (deans and principals) and Top Administrative Officials of the University, followed by the Rector Magnificus and the Prior Provincial
- Reading of the appointment letter from the Dicastery for Culture and Education
- Profession of faith and Oath of Fidelity by the Rector before the Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines
- Bestowal of the Rector's Collar
- Entrustment of the Maces of the Rector Magnificus of the University of Santo Tomas
- Acceptance Address of the Rector Magnificus
- Singing of the University Hymn
During the rectorship of Rev. Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, OP (2008–2012) and Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, OP (2012–2016, 2016–2020), the installation took place after the Misa de Apertura, which occurred on the first day of the academic year. The installation of Fr. Richard Ang, OP was conducted on a ceremony separated from the Misa y Discurso de Apertura.[a]
In 2012 and 2016, the installation of Rev. Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P., for his inaugural and second term respectively, replaced the Discurso de Apertura.[143] In 2021, Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, OP was installed as the 97th Rector of the University of Santo Tomas, with his first four-year term starting 13 May 2021,[144] and his second four-year term beginning 9 September 2024.[145]
UST at 500
The UST Neo-Centennial Celebration in January 2012 is a week-long festivity that marked the countdown to 500 years.[146] At the end of the pyromusical display on January 27, 2012, "UST 500" was spelled out using indoor fireworks atop the Main Building.[147]
The Varsitarian Neo-centennial magazine supplement released in June 2012 was entitled "Toward 500".[147]
Notes
- Ang's installation on this first term was held on May 13, 2021, under COVID-19 restrictions, towards the conclusion of Academic Year 2020–2021. His installation for his second term was held on September 9, 2024, a month after Academic Year 2024–2025 already started.