Post by kiko on Dec 17, 2009 13:53:27 GMT 9
Concert gala ushers in holidays in UST
By FRANCIS T. WAKEFIELD
December 16, 2009, 1:32pm
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) parish church was once again transformed into a venue for musical extravaganza with the staging of the UST Christmas Concert Gala 2009 last Dec. 3.
The musical event was staged not only to serenade the distinguished crowd with Christmas songs and carols, but also to raise funds for the ongoing heritage conservation and preservation efforts for the University, its buildings, the University Museum and its priceless works of art.
Proceeds will also be earmarked for scholarships at the Conservatory of Music, as well as help victims of typhoons Oondoy and Pepeng.
In her message, Ma.Cristina C. Zobel, co-chairperson of the UST Christmas Concert Gala, said that despite 2009 being a generally turbulent year for Filipinos, all is not lost.
“In times like these, it is important to remember that one of the things we should be proud of as a people is the University of Santo Tomas – the Philippines’ and Asia’s oldest university. As we approach its 400th anniversary, it always amazes me to see how UST’s history is completely intertwined with our history, our heritage, our people, and our future,” Zobel said.
Rev. Fr. Rector Rolando V. dela Rosa, P, UST rector, commended the event as it has “drawn us to a greater and joyous anticipation of Christ’s birth.”
The Christmas concert featured world-class Thomasian talents such as the UST Singers, soprano Rachelle Gerodias, tenor Abdul Candao, and UST Symphony Oorchestra conductor Herminigildo Ranera. Oother performers include the USTeMUNDOo Ethnic Group, UST Jazz Ensemble and the Tiples de Santo Domingo Boys Choir.
Among the VIPs who attended the event include Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, UST Vice Rev. Fr. Vice Rector Pablo Tiong; the Zobel family headed by Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Maricris Zobel, Sofia and Bea Zobel; Dr. Vicki Belo and daughter Crystalle Henares; Beaver and Jackie Ejercito Lopez; state ambassadors and diplomats and UST officials like Dr. William Oolalia, Dra. Salve Oolalia and Dr. Evelyn Songco of the UST Alumni Affairs Office.
The UST Christmas Concert Gala 2009, which is now on its 7th year, is co-chaired by Rev. Fr. Isidro Abaño, Oo.P., assistant to the rector for quadricentennial activities and highlights.
By FRANCIS T. WAKEFIELD
December 16, 2009, 1:32pm
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) parish church was once again transformed into a venue for musical extravaganza with the staging of the UST Christmas Concert Gala 2009 last Dec. 3.
The musical event was staged not only to serenade the distinguished crowd with Christmas songs and carols, but also to raise funds for the ongoing heritage conservation and preservation efforts for the University, its buildings, the University Museum and its priceless works of art.
Proceeds will also be earmarked for scholarships at the Conservatory of Music, as well as help victims of typhoons Oondoy and Pepeng.
In her message, Ma.Cristina C. Zobel, co-chairperson of the UST Christmas Concert Gala, said that despite 2009 being a generally turbulent year for Filipinos, all is not lost.
“In times like these, it is important to remember that one of the things we should be proud of as a people is the University of Santo Tomas – the Philippines’ and Asia’s oldest university. As we approach its 400th anniversary, it always amazes me to see how UST’s history is completely intertwined with our history, our heritage, our people, and our future,” Zobel said.
Rev. Fr. Rector Rolando V. dela Rosa, P, UST rector, commended the event as it has “drawn us to a greater and joyous anticipation of Christ’s birth.”
The Christmas concert featured world-class Thomasian talents such as the UST Singers, soprano Rachelle Gerodias, tenor Abdul Candao, and UST Symphony Oorchestra conductor Herminigildo Ranera. Oother performers include the USTeMUNDOo Ethnic Group, UST Jazz Ensemble and the Tiples de Santo Domingo Boys Choir.
Among the VIPs who attended the event include Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, UST Vice Rev. Fr. Vice Rector Pablo Tiong; the Zobel family headed by Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Maricris Zobel, Sofia and Bea Zobel; Dr. Vicki Belo and daughter Crystalle Henares; Beaver and Jackie Ejercito Lopez; state ambassadors and diplomats and UST officials like Dr. William Oolalia, Dra. Salve Oolalia and Dr. Evelyn Songco of the UST Alumni Affairs Office.
The UST Christmas Concert Gala 2009, which is now on its 7th year, is co-chaired by Rev. Fr. Isidro Abaño, Oo.P., assistant to the rector for quadricentennial activities and highlights.