VIPs that graced Santo Tomas...

[Tom A. Saiyan]

Nitong June lang binisita ni Dr. Mahathir Mohamad ang 'royal and pontifical university'...



Ex-premier of Malaysia named 'honorary professor'

FORMER Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was named "honorary professor" of UST on Monday for speaking up on behalf of the developing world.

Mahathir, whose 22-year rule ushered Malaysia into prosperity, upheld democratic ideals but said democracy must have limits and government leaders must be incorruptible. "Too much democracy undermines democracy itself," Mahathir said after accepting the rare honorary professorship from Asia's oldest and only Pontifical university.

Newly installed Rector Magnificus Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. paid tribute to Mahathir's economic legacy, noting that the Malaysian leader spoke out against unfair divisions between rich and poor nations.

Mahathir's speech at the Medicine Auditorium was billed the "Neo-Centennial Lecture." Mahathir received the professor's medallion and diploma from Dagohoy, who was accompanied by Graduate School Dean Lilian Sison and Regent Fr. Jose Antonio Aureada, O.P.

"You opened the country to foreign investment, reformed taxation, reduced trade barriers, and privatized numerous state-owned enterprises, besides creating world-class physical infrastructure," Mahathir's diploma states. "Under your guidance and leadership, Malaysia played a more active role in the international arena by acting as the voice for the developing nations in Asia and Africa."

Mahathir, 86, is known for his "New Development Policy" which contributed to poverty reduction. His "Vision 2020" served as Malaysia’s economic development blueprint.

"A professorship is usually given to somebody with high academic achievement, but it can also be given to an external scholar who has extensively distinguished himself in the international level — in terms of leadership, achievement, and distinction," Sison told the Varsitarian.

Sison said Mahathir was supposed to deliver the keynote speech during the Quadricentennial year’s international conference on poverty alleviation, but his hectic schedule did not allow it.

Former recipients of the honorary professorship were Yuan Tseh Lee, president of the International Council of Science and 1985 Nobel laureate in chemistry; and Msgr. Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, chancellor of the Vatican's Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Science. Yuji Vincent B. Gonzales with reports from Reden D. Madrid




Tapos sinundan naman agad ni Queen Sofia ng Espanya... yung bansa sa Europa...




UST welcomes Queen Sofia

QUEEN Sofia of Spain visited the University this morning to renew ties and look back at UST's history as a "royal" and "pontifical" institution.

Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P., Vice Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., and Secretary General Fr. Winston Cabading, O.P. welcomed the queen ahead of a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of the founder, Msgr. Miguel de Benavides, O.P.

A marker was unveiled at the Museum of Arts and Sciences to commemorate Queen Sofia’s visit to the University. She also visited the Heritage Museum beside the newly renovated Archives section at the Miguel de Benavides Library.

University archivist and historian Regalado Trota-Jose said the queen was overwhelmed with UST's archival collection.

“We were only able to present six books that serve as ‘gems’ of the archives section,” he said. “She (Queen Sofia) was very much interested with what she saw especially our ‘Babaylan’ book which is somehow similar to the Indian Sanskrit.”

Among the historic documents shown to the queen were the Foundation Act of 1611 and the 1624 and 1785 Royal Decrees, he said. UST was under the patronage of the Spanish monarchy during Spanish colonial rule, having obtained "royal" status in 1785.

Father Cabading said the queen’s visit was proof of the historical and cultural ties between the University and Spain.

“[The purpose of the visit is] to renew ties with the University, understanding that the University had been part of the patronage of the Spanish crown,” Cabading said.

This was the second visit of Queen Sofia to UST, after her visit in 1974 when she was still the Princess of Asturias.

The Spanish queen is on a five-day visit to the Philippines, her longest visit to the country. Maria Luisa A. Mamaradlo with reports from Bernadette D. Nicolas and Nikka Lavinia G. Valenzuela


Queen Sofia gets royal welcome at UST
By Evelyn Macairan (The Philippine Star) Updated July 07, 2012

Queen Sofia of Spain, who concluded her state visit to the Philippines yesterday, described her visit as wonderful and a good experience.

“I had a wonderful time. Very wonderful people, so friendly. Really it’s been a big experience for me,” she said in an interview with local cable news channel GNN.

Wearing a beige-colored blouse and skirt, the 73-year-old Queen of Spain smiled and waved back to the crowd of high school and college students of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) yesterday morning.

UST-Office of Public Affairs director Associate Professor Giovanna Fontanilla said that the queen “was glad with the warm reception of the Thomasian community.”

Even when students and media workers broke through the security arranged by the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and school security guards in order to get a closer photograph of her, the Queen was unfazed.

She kept a smile on her face and waved to the crowd.

Professor Fontanilla believed that, “For her (Queen) it was okay. She is a queen with a kind heart and she wanted to be with the people... You can really sense that. (There was an instance when) we gesture to her to come and she finds time to stop. She stops to talk to people.”

Yesterday was not the first time that Queen Sofia visited UST and her presence reinforced the ties of the school to Spain that once colonized the Philippines. UST carries the title “royal university.”

In honor of her visit, UST installed a marker in the main building.

The marker partly read, “In the spirit of an enduring educational and cultural heritage shared between the University and Spain.”

She added that her visit to the school was significant especially since UST recently celebrated its 400 years and just launched its neo-centennial.

The Queen, accompanied by the rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, joined the wreath-laying ceremony at the Miguel de Benavides Statue. Benavides was the third archbishop of Manila and founded UST.

She also visited the UST Library, particularly the archives that store important documents of the university, such as those dating back to the Spanish era.

She also met with the Dominican priests, Spanish Dominican fathers, college deans and some of the administrators and officers of the Circulo Hispano Thomasino.

www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=824917&publicationSubCategoryId=68

Nabisita na rin ang Pamantasan ng Santo Tomas ng ambassadors ng iba't-ibang bansa, ng US Secretary of State at siyempre ng Santo Papa... parang gusto ko na maniwala na talagang 'pinagpala' ang Santo Tomas...

[Tom A. Saiyan]

US Secretary of State visit Nov 2009...

[Tom A. Saiyan]

[Tom A. Saiyan]

Russian Chief Justice Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Lebedev visiting Santo Tomas...




Russian chief justice visits campus again
By Rafael L. Antonio

FOR THE second time, Russian Federation Supreme Court Chief Justice visited the Asia’s oldest university last June 15.

Chief Justice Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Lebedev, together with Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Nikolay Rishatovich Kudashev, had his exchange of pleasantries with Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P., Rector of the University, along with other UST officials in the Rector’s Board Hall at the Main Building.

De la Rosa toured Lebedev at the UST Museum of Arts and Sciences, Quadricentennial Square, and Miguel de Benavides Library.

A reception followed at the Faculty of Civil Law lobby which was spearheaded by Faculty of Civil Law dean Nilo Divina and Fr. Isidro C. Abaño, O.P., director of the Office for Quadricentennial Highlights and Activities.

In 2006, Lebedev received Doctor of Laws, honoris causa from UST for “embarking on the development and improvement of the Russian judicial system,” said in an interview with the Varsitarian by former Faculty of Civil Law dean Alfredo Benipayo, who petitioned for Lebedev’s conferment.

“Justice accessibility should be served by guaranteeing judicial protection of rights and freedom of every person,” said Lebedev during the Global Forum on Liberty and Prosperity in 2006.
Before he became chief justice in 1989, Lebedev was chairman of the Moscow City court from 1986 to 1989 and chairman of the Zheleznodorozhny District People’s Court from 1977 to 1984. He finished his bachelor of laws at the Moscow Lomonosov State University in 1968.

The University grants the “honoris causa” or honorary degree to those who made remarkable contribution in their respective fields. Among the recipients were former presidents Manuel Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, Sr., Manuel Roxas and Corazon Aquino, President Emeritus of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes, and retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Feria.

www.varsitarian.net/news/20110618/russian_chief_justice_visits_campus_again

[Tom A. Saiyan]

Pati si Pnoy hindi nakatiis na hindi bisitahin ang royal and pontifical campus...



at talagang bumalik pa...

'P-Noy' in UST
'400 years of quality Christian education' cited
By Cliff Harvey C. Venzon

President Benigno Aquino III paid tribute to UST for its “noble mission” of instilling Catholic values among its students along with the “high quality of education” it provides. He also congratulated the University for producing alumni “who have learned to balance their intellect on an unshakable foundation of morality.”

Speaking at the 10th Biennial Conference of the International Council of the Universities of St. Thomas Aquinas (Icusta) last January 26 at the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church, Aquino praised the University for 400 years of “quality Christian education.”

“For four centuries, [UST] has upheld the traditions of excellence and integrity, known to many as the Thomasian spirit, which now resides in the hearts and minds of our leaders and professionals,” the President said. “You have also opened the doors to our guests and shown them not just our well-known hospitality, but our capability to host important, international gatherings.”

“The University of Santo Tomas has educated the best this country has to offer. But when we look back at the long list of distinguished individuals this institution has produced, it is not merely education that sets them apart, but principles,” Aquino said. “This university has made it its noble mission to instill Catholic principles to each of its students while, at the same time, giving them a high quality of education.”

“It is no surprise that among those who serve our countrymen at the highest levels—presidents, senators, Supreme Court chief justices, saints, martyrs, and even artists—many are Thomasians—people who have learned to balance their intellect on an unshakable foundation of morality,” he added.

“I think this is what Thomasians around the world share in common—the ability to excel in their chosen field and contribute to the welfare, not just of their country, but of the world,” Aquino also said.

Noting the change in the social, cultural and spiritual environment of the 21st century, Aquino said Catholic institutions must work harder in honing student with the necessary knowledge and skills required to produce competitive citizens.

“UST has always been an exemplar of what we ask of our educational institutions. Through your efforts, we are hoping that Filipinos across the archipelago can all exhibit the qualities of your graduates,” he said.

President Aquino also cited Icusta for its commitment to academic excellence.

“For almost two decades, you have shown the world your commitment to international diversity by instilling a love of and a passion for truth, while pursuing academic excellence and practicing a life of faith,” Aquino said.

Reform in higher education

Recognizing the mismatch between job openings and courses offered in schools, Aquino announced that the government had declared a moratorium on new higher education institutions (HEI) offering business administration, nursing, teacher education, and hotel and restaurant management courses, pointing that numerous graduates of these courses are “hard-pressed to find jobs.”

“The Commission on Higher Education has also started to take action to review and fix the HEI systems in the country to make them more efficient, such as forging greater ties between HEIs and employers, which will ease the burden of job-hunting on new graduates,” he said.

Aquino also challenged the youth to reinforce their enthusiasm for a “better Philippines.”

“This is a task that is heaped on all of our backs—a task that seemed much heavier under the darkness of the previous years. But daylight is upon us,” he said.

[Tom A. Saiyan]

Welcome to the royal and pontifical university, San Pedro Calungsod...



Calungsod image brought to UST from Rome

6 October 2012, 12:31 a.m. - DEVOTEES flocked to UST on Thursday to welcome the image of San Pedro Calungsod, the second Filipino saint, which arrived straight from Rome after canonization rites last Oct. 21. At 7:15 p.m.,

UST’s carillon bells – a memorial to saints and martyrs produced by the University – rang to signal the entrance of the image at Santisimo Rosario Church or the UST chapel.

The faithful lighted candles, waved palm fronds, and shouted praises for the young martyr, who was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI last Sunday along with six others.

“Martyrdom is not just about dying. It is as much as living one’s life to the full,” Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P., University rector, said in his homily. “I believe that this University is blessed because martyrs lived and visited UST. [It] is with fervent joy that I welcome and receive the image of San Pedro Calungsod.”

Dagohoy said martyrs do not only show how to die but also teach the Church how to live the Christian faith.

“Whether we live a life like Pedro Calungsod, Lorenzo Ruiz, UST Martyrs, or Mother Theresa who worked for the poor, [we] have proven that since their lives were oriented to self-giving love, the impact of such love changes people. We always have the opportunity to make other’s [lives] better,” the Rector said.

After the Holy Eucharist, the image was venerated and a vigil was opened to the public until 11 p.m.

“What makes Pedro Calungsod very unique to the Thomasian community is that he showed the potentials of Filipino youth. [He] tells us [about] a different kind of being what a young man is,” said Fr. Winston Cabading, O.P., UST secretary general, in a chance interview.

“Therefore, I believe that he can be a very, very good model for the Thomasian youth,” Cabading added.

Calungsod died at age 17 on April 6, 1672, with Jesuit priest Fr. Diego Luis San Vitores, his companion in missionary work in Guam. Both were killed by two natives for preaching Christianity.

Calungsod was 14 when he was chosen to join the Jesuit priests in their mission in the Island of Ladrones, now called Island of Marianas. Denise Pauline Purugganan and Gracelyn Simon

[Tom A. Saiyan]

Meron na namang bibisita sa Santo Tomas... former Poland president na isang Nobel Laureate...

UST confers “Honorary Professor” title upon H.E. Lech Walesa

The University of Santo Tomas will confer the title Honorary Professor upon H.E. Lech Walesa, former president of the Republic of Poland, a charismatic leader, a Nobel Peace Prize awardee and a man with a strong faith in God. The ceremony will be held on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at ten o’clock in the morning at the UST Medicine Auditorium.

The University bestows the title ‘Honorary Professor’ upon a distinguished individual who has achieved extensive international eminence and distinction recognized as exceptional . Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P, UST rector, will confer the title and grant the Honorary Professor medal upon Mr. Walesa while Fr. Winston F. Cabading, O.P., secretary general, will read the Citation. After the conferment rites, Mr. Walesa will deliver a lecture that will center on faith and leadership. Aside from the members of the Thomasian community, also expected to attend are members of the church hierarchy, members of the diplomatic corps, and leaders of academic institutions.

Mr. Walesa became the leader of the nation – wide social movement of “ Solidarnosc” ( Solidarity) which ultimately was responsible for the bringing down the Communist Regime in Poland. As a staunch advocate of non- violent human rights activism against a communist regime, Mr. Walesa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983. He served as President of the Republic of Poland from 1990 to 1995 leading his country’s transformation from a communist to a democratic republic. He has regarded the Catholic faith as a source of strength and inspiration; the courage and moral vision of a hero of the Polish independence.

He has been granted honorary degrees from notable universities, including Harvard University, the University of Paris, the Catholic University of Louvain among others; and the recipient of several decorations such as the Medal of Freedom ( Philadelphia, USA,) the Grand Cross of the Order of Bath ( Great Britain ) and the Order of Pius I, First Class ( Holy See) among others.

Mr. Walesa has remained active in his work for Poland, both in the domestic and international stage. In 1995, he established the Lech Walesa Institute.

Source: UST Quadri

[Tom A. Saiyan]

The Santo Tomas community was honored and elated by the presence of a gorgeous lady...


Thomasian community welcomes Janine Tugonon




07 January 2013, 3:25 p.m. - IN THE end, it was her faith in God that guided her journey towards becoming a beauty queen.

Miss Universe first runner-up Janine Mari Tugonon expressed her gratitude to the University for giving her Thomasian values, especially a strong faith, which she believes was her “edge” over the United States’ Olivia Culpo, who was crowned Ms. Universe.

“Siguro ‘yung edge ko na lang is ‘yung aura na very happy, very fun, very confident. Kasi iba talaga ‘pag deep inside ay matindi ‘yung faith mo kay God. Sabi nga nila nu’ng nandoon ako sa stage, parang nage-enjoy lang ako, hindi ako tensed,” Tugonon said in a press conference during her homecoming earlier today in UST.

The celebration started with a motorcade around the campus, where she was warmly welcomed by students, faculty members, and administrators, followed by an awarding of a plaque of recognition and a lunch reception.

“Actually kagabi pa lang excited na talaga ako bumalik (sa UST). Sobrang warm ng pag-welcome nila, parang pang Miss Universe talaga,” said the Pharmacy alumna. “Syempre iba ‘yung pakiramdam ‘pag bumabalik ka kung saan ka nagmula.”

“Ms. Janine Tugonon’s impressive performance in an international competition proves that Thomasians truly excel in almost every field, and more importantly, she has become a positive role model to many young people because she exemplifies determination, hard work, beauty, and intelligence,” said Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P.

Tugonon, who graduated cum laude in 2010, won as Miss UST in The Search for the Ideal Thomasian Personality that same year. She was crowned Miss Pharmacy in 2009. Daphne J. Magturo


Homecoming Fit For A Queen
By ROBERT R. REQUINTINA
January 7, 2013, 8:14pm

MANILA, Philippines --- It was a homecoming fit for a queen. Miss Universe 2012 first runner-up Janine Tugonon received yesterday a warm welcome from Thomasians during a visit at the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) on España, Manila, where she made a three-hour stopover as part of her victory parade in Metro Manila.

Dressed in yellow gown, Tugonon, 23, an alumna of the pontifical university, was presented a special citation from the university courtesy of Rev. Fr. Herminio Dagohoy and Fr. Winston F. Cabading, secretary-general, for being a distinguished alumna and bringing worldwide honor to the school and the country, in a short program held in front of the UST main building. Other officials who welcomed her include Prof. Priscilla M. Torres, Ph.D., Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy; and Rev. Fr. Pompeyo de Mesa, O.P., Regent, Faculty of Pharmacy.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa lahat ng suporta at dasal ninyo. Sa mga professors and classmates ko na pumunta ng Las Vegas at nanuod ng Miss Universe pageant, maraming, maraming salamat po,'' said Tugonon, in her acceptance speech. Tugonon is a licensed pharmacist who graduated cum laude in UST. She also joined beauty pageants in UST and won Miss Thomasian Personality (2010) and Miss Pharmacy (2009).

The citation read: "In recognition of her zealous exemplification of the Thomasian presence in the international community and in appreciation of her being an exemplar of a well-rounded personality who inspires and impassions the youth through her remarkable accomplishment in the 2012 Bb. Pilipinas and Miss Universe beauty pageants.”

Bearing streamers and posters of the beauty queen, hundreds of professors and students cheered as they lined up the parade route where the float bearing Tugonon passed by. Cameras and cellphones also flashed as the beauty queen's entourage made its way to the campus.

Others were lucky enough to get her autograph.

"Ang ganda pala niya!" says Hillary Lee, student of Fine Arts, after she got Tugonon's autograph. Another autograph hunter, Joshua Bagtog, 16, nursing student, adds, "memorabilia ko po ito.”

Tugonon paid tribute to university where she learned many values that contributed into her becoming a international beauty queen. "My faith and belief in God which I developed in UST helped made me a better person. Lahat ng mga candidates ay magaganda at magagaling but I think I'm proud of the values I learned in UST. For me, isa 'yun sa naging edge ko.''

She also recalled the days when she experienced floods while studying in UST. "To be honest, hindi pa talaga ako lumusong sa baha. Thank God during my stay in UST hindi pa talaga ako inabot ng baha because malapit lang ang dorm ko sa school. Pero once, na-stranded na ako sa MOA pagka-galing ko sa school.''

Following a lunch break at the UST, the beauty queen's float continued with the parade in some parts of Manila where she also offered flowers at the monument of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park. Then her entourage proceeded to Ayala Extension in Makati City and winded up at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.

Last Saturday, Tugonon paid her hometown, Bataan, a visit and was feted by its local government. On January 14, Tugonon will be the guest of honor of Quezon City as Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte present her an outstanding citizen award.

mb.com.ph/articles/388732/homecoming-fit-for-a-queen#.UO5552thiSM











www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/entertainment/01/07/13/janine-visits-alma-mater-after-ms-u-runner-win

www.philstar.com/video-features/2013/01/07/894292/ms-universe-1st-runner-janine-tugonon-returns-ust


for more photos...

www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151416413992355.464122.197486717354&type=1

[Tom A. Saiyan]

American Idol sa USTe? Yup! It's true...









baka gusto ni Jessica Sanchez na mag-College of Music, bigyan ng scholarship...

[Tom A. Saiyan]

Nakapunta rin pala si Mother Thresa sa royal and pontifical school...


India donates bust of Mother Teresa to UST
July 11, 2013 4:07pm



On July 16, the Embassy of India to the Philippines and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) will unveil a bust of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. The ceremony will take place at 3 o’clock in the afternoon at the Santissimo Rosario Parish Garden. The bust, carved by West Bengal-based Indian sculptor Gautam Pal, is a gift from the government and the people of the Republic of India to UST.

H.E. Amit Dasgupta, Ambassador of India to the Philippines, and Rev. Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P., rector of UST, will deliver messages while nuns of the Missionaries of Charity will offer flowers. The bust will be marked by a plaque that highlights Mother Teresa’s famous saying, “Your strength lies in small things”—a phrase that encapsulates the remarkable work she did as a missionary nun. It also commemorates her role as a constant source of inspiration for the Thomasian community in upholding UST’s core values of competence, commitment, and compassion.

Mother Teresa was an Albanian born, Indian Catholic Religious Sister who founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950. In her lifetime, she served and advocated for the poorest of the poor, earning her the moniker “The Living Saint.” Her death in 1997 was a great loss to the international community that has recognized her as an icon for humanitarian work. She was beatified in 2003, giving her the title Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. In the Philippines, the Regional House of the Missionaries of Charity runs an orphanage and home for the aged. Located in Tayuman, Manila, it is currently headed by Sister Anselm.

Mother Teresa first came to the Philippines in 1976, and again in 1977 and 1984 when she visited the University of Santo Tomas.

www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/317048/cbb/india-donates-bust-of-mother-teresa-to-ust