UST Quadricentennial activities!

[kiko]

Nagpa press conference si Fr. dela Rosa kanina and he confiremd na December 2011 ang grand opening ng UST Gym.
The construction will resume very soon.

The old gym, meanwhile, will be converted to a state-of-the-art alumni center complete with a hotel rooms, ball room, offices etc. Bale ilalagay na rin ang computer center dun at dun na rin gagawin ang testing center for incoming freshmen.

The swimming pool will also be renovated. Abangan na lang ninyo ang article with regards sa mga plans and projects for 2011.

Napakarami.

ONE FOR USTe!

[artfulabortions]

Buti mare-renovate na ang swimming pool It's about time

at para hindi na sumakit mga ngipin ng swimmers natin hahaha

[Tom A. Saiyan]

Countdown to 2011 begins
By Cliff Harvey C. Venzon

EVERYTHING seems to be in place for the UST Quadricentennial.

On December 18, during the traditional Paskuhan, Rector Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P. will officially start the countdown to 2011, when Asia’s oldest University turns 400.

The countdown is titled ‘400 Days to 400 Years.”

Also during the Paskuhan, the theme song of the UST Quadricentennial will be sung, “Ako’s Isang Tomasino,” by industrial engineering alumnus Gerardo de Leon, who won the grand prize in the Q song writing contest.

On the same night, the quadricentennial prayer, flag, and mascot will be unveiled.

De la Rosa presented the long list of activities for the 2011 celebration during a press conference last December 11.

The quadricentennial’s “centerpiece project,” according to him, is “Simbayan 400: Tomasino para sa Simbahan at Bayan,” which will focus on the rehabilitation of 400 villages to be adopted by UST in cooperation with the non-governmental organization Gawad Kalinga. The project starts next month, in January 2010.

Pilar Romero, assistant to the Rector for administration and secretary of the UST Quadricentennial committee, said different colleges and faculties would help the villages in site and environment planning (Engineering and Architecture), livelihood (Commerce), values formation (Central Seminary), education (Education and Arts and Letters) and community-building (Nursing and Rehabilitation Sciences).

Other highlights:

• Swatch, the Swiss watch company, will design and manufacture a special UST Quadricentennial watch;

• Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will issue special commemorative bills and coins, while the post office will issue special commemorative stamps;

• Declaration of the eight decade-old Main Building as a national heritage landmark on Jan. 25, 2010, followed by the mounting of a marker on January 28 at the España gate;

•The holding of an exhibit on the legacy of UST at the Unesco central headquarters in Paris;

• The “world’s longest living rosary” to be participated in by the entire Thomasian community on Feb. 11, 2010, good for an entry in the Guiness Book of World Records;

• Three-day Thomasian Global Trade Expo led by Thomasian tycoons such as Jollibee Foods Corp. president Tony Caktiong, and Mercury Drug president Vivian Que-Ascona in July 2010;

• An exhibition of the University’s collection of rare books and significant historical documents, including academic records of national heroes Jose Rizal and Apolinario Mabini, during the “Lumina Pundit” international exhibit at the Miguel de Benavides Central Library, June 17, 2010 to Jan. 30, 2011;

• Inauguration of the UST alumni center, to be housed in the renovated old UST Gym, an Art Deco structure and the country’s first school gym, on Dec. 19, 2010. The center will also serve as a hotel for visiting alumni. The UST swimming pool, the country’s first Olympic-size swimming pool, will also be renovated with its tiles changed so as to form the UST seal that could be seen from the air.

• A parade from Rizal Park to UST on Jan. 27, 2011, followed by the unveiling of the “Tetra Global” monument, designed and executed by internationally renowned Thomasian sculptor Ramon Orlina and modelled by Thomasian hearthrob Piolo Pascual and beauty queen Charlene Gonzales, at the quadricentennial park in the evening;

• Wreath-lying rites honoring UST founder Benavides on Feb. 11, 2011 in Intramuros, where the original UST campus was located;

• UST’s hosting of the conference of the International Council of Universities of St. Thomas Aquinas;

• The launching of the UST coffee-table book as the 400th title of the “400 Books at 400” project;

• World premiere of the grand opera on the life of Benavides;

• Rosarium procession in honor of Our Lady of La Naval in September 2011;

• Inauguration of the state-of-the art UST sports complex in December 2011.

Varsitarian

[kiko]

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.

[artfulabortions]

Grabe engrande talaga mga plano ng UST to celebrate 400 years

[Tom A. Saiyan]

An unending grace: UST's countdown to 400 years set
By JECELYN V. MACAHINDOG
December 16, 2009, 12:39pm

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 www.ust.edu.ph.

Manila Bulletin

[kiko]

Dec 17, 2009 23:58:18 GMT 9 artfulabortions said:

Grabe engrande talaga mga plano ng UST to celebrate 400 years

Talagang engrande at magiging star-studded ang celebration.

[Tom A. Saiyan]

At Large
400 days to 400 years
By Rina Jimenez-David
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:03:00 12/17/2009

GIVE or take a few days, today marks the start of the countdown—“400 days to 400 years”—before the University of Santo Tomas celebrates its Quadricentennial, its 400th anniversary, in 2011.

Founded in 1611, UST is Asia’s oldest university and, in terms of student population
in one campus, the largest Catholic university in the world. UST’s 400th year is thus not just a celebration for the Dominican Order which has administered the university from the start, or for its faculty, students and alumni, but for the entire country. The University of Sto. Tomas, asserts Rector Fr. Rolando dela Rosa, O.P., “is a heritage of all Filipinos.”

The celebrations, starting from today to Jan. 28, 2011, will be centered on the UST campus, a 21.5-hectare property in the Sampaloc district, with the main entrance along España Avenue and bounded by streets named after Dominican friars, prominent Spaniards and characters out of “Don Quixote.” Most Filipinos, even those who have never set foot on the UST campus, recognize by sight the university’s iconic structures: the Arch of the Centuries, which greets everyone entering through the España gates and which was the original entryway when the university was still in Intramuros; the statue of Bishop Miguel de Benavides, O.P., the third archbishop of Manila who founded UST through a modest personal bequest creating a “seminary college” to prepare young men for the priesthood; and the Main Building.

The last is an imposing stone structure that holds the distinction of being the first earthquake-resistant building in the Philippines (with a “floating” foundation that allows it to dissipate the energy created by a tremor). During World War II, the building was converted by Japanese forces into an internment camp for allied prisoners, one of only two instances in its 400-year history when classes were disrupted for a significant length of time.

* * *

TO MARK its 400th anniversary, UST is embarking on a long list of activities both here and abroad. To Father Dela Rosa, the “centerpiece project” is called “Simbayan 400,” which stands for “Tomasino para sa Simbahan at Bayan (Thomasians for Church and Country).”

Starting in January next year, “Simbayan 400” consolidates Thomasian efforts to develop communities in some 400 Gawad Kalinga villages funded or built by UST students, faculty or alumni. “It will be development in a holistic manner,” says Father Dela Rosa, and will involve Thomasians in four main areas: site planning and development; livelihood generation; education for peace and values formation; and health. Faculty, students and alumni of different faculties and colleges of UST will be tapped to lend their expertise and experience, from engineering to commerce; education, arts and letters and fine arts; and nursing, medicine, pharmacy and sciences.

Another major project is an exhibit called “Lumina Pandit,” meaning, spreading the light. Organized by the UST Miguel de Benavides Library, the exhibit will showcase the precious and significant collection of books, documents and other historical treasures the university library has accumulated through four centuries.

Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P., prefect for libraries, is most excited about displaying one of only three remaining original copies of “Doctrina Christiana,” the first book printed in the Philippines, a rare copy of a book by Copernicus, and other rare documents. Among the last are the academic records of the fathers of our nation (since UST served as the country’s “department of education” until the inauguration of the first republic), four presidents, six Supreme Court justices and many other outstanding alumni of UST.

* * *

A WHOLE slew of other activities will punctuate both the year-long run-up to the 2011 launching rites as well as the year-long celebration.

Among these are projects “for the books,” the Guinness Book of World Records, to be exact. These include the planned “world’s longest living Rosary” in February next year, which will involve some 42,000 students reciting the Holy Rosary together as they assemble in the UST campus and surrounding streets. They also hope to assemble the world’s biggest choral performance, with some 40,000 voices performing the “Ode to Joy” at the Quadricentennial Closing rites.

Also in the works: the unveiling of a “Tetra-global” monument, representing the universal reach of the Thomasian community with figures representing the various stakeholders: a Dominican priest, a professor, and one male and one female student (modeled by two alumni in show business—Piolo Pascual and Charlene Gonzales-Muhlach). There will also be a “grand celebratory parade” from the Luneta to UST, a replication of the 1911 celebration. Then, at the instance of fine arts graduates, there will be a “Grand Thomasian Fashion Fair,” as well as a Search and Selection for “Mr. and Ms. Quadricentennial.” The Conservatory of Music, with some alumni, will also stage several operas at the CCP, while an operetta on the life of Benavides is being written. The Class of 2011 will be immortalized, too, their names included in a time capsule to be buried beneath a marker at the entrance.

* * *

THE BIGGEST news, of course, is the hoped-for visit of Pope Benedict XVI in time for the launching of the Quadricentennial Year. The university has already written the Vatican about this, but so far there have been no firm confirmations.

And since UST is a “Royal and Pontifical” university, King Juan Carlos of Spain has likewise been invited, and prospects for his visit look good. In all, it will be a most exciting 400 days until the UST family—including this alumna— celebrate a milestone not just for the institution along España, but for the country as well.

[Tom A. Saiyan]

AKO'Y ISANG TOMASINO
by Gerardo M. de Leon
Vocal: Sam Velarde
Piano: Darryl Paloay

Verse 1
Nalagpasan mo ang mga pagsubok
Di mabilang na mga bagyo
Kahit ilang baha man ang danasin
Kasaysayan mo'y hindi kayang anurin

Verse 2
Ang 'yong sahig, dingding, mga pintuan
Saksi sa yong dakilang nakaraan
Tinamnan ng tama puso't isipan
Mga bayaning sa silong mo ay nanahan

Chorus
Nag-iisa ka lang
Pinagpalang Pamantasan
Apat na siglo nang nagtuturo
sa kabataan
Pagmamahal sa Diyos,
Karunungang may dangal
Ako'y nagagalak matawag na
Isang Tomasino!

Verse 3
Ang ngalan mo'y hindi nadudungisan
Ilan mang siglo pa ang magdaan
Dahil ika'y Kanyang iniingatan
Tunay kang binasbasang paaralan

Chorus
Nag-iisa ka lang
Pinagpalang Pamantasan
Apat na siglo nang nagtuturo
sa kabataan
Pagmamahal sa Diyos,
Karunungang may dangal
Ako'y nagagalak matawag na
Isang Tomasino!

Coda
Nagsisilbi sa kapwa
Naglilingkod sa bayan
Nagmamahal sa Diyos
May karunungan, may dangal
Ako'y nagagalak
Ako'y isang Tomasino!

Download Quadricentennial Song (Ako'y Isang Tomasino):
MP3 (2.83 MB) | WMA (2.85 MB)

Download UST Hymn: MP3

Courtesy of contabilidad

[artfulabortions]

Dec 18, 2009 2:56:02 GMT 9 Tom A. Saiyan said:

Ganda ng picture

[Tom A. Saiyan]

Quadricentennial song...

Just in case Mediafire is not working...

Download Quadricentennial Song (Ako'y Isang Tomasino):
MP3 (2.83 MB) | WMA (2.85 MB)

Download UST Hymn:
MP3

Courtesy of contabilidad

[Tom A. Saiyan]

UST’s countdown to 2011 is heritage event of 2009
Philippine Daily Inquirer
DateFirst Posted 22:05:00 12/28/2009

THE FOREMOST HERITAGE EVENT of 2009 is in the future: The countdown to 2011 when the University of Santo Tomas turns 400 as the oldest university in Asia.

Last Dec. 18 during the traditional “Paskuhan,” before 50,000 people at UST’s Plaza Mayor, Rector Magnificus Fr. Rolando V. de la Rosa, OP, started the countdown. With a giant prototype of the UST Quadricentennial watch designed and manufactured by the Swiss watchmaker Swatch, Fr. De la Rosa switched on the clock exactly 400 days before UST’s actual foundation anniversary in 2011.

Established in 1611 through the will of Manila Archbishop Miguel de Benavides, OP, and the donation of his personal library, UST may not have been the first school to be founded in the Spanish era, but its resilience amid historical vicissitudes should endow it with the myth of saga.

When US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton held her press conference at UST last November and learned that the institution is older than Harvard, she told the Rector: “Now, I would have something to tell them Harvard people.”

UST’s achievements are both in the sacred and civil domains. It’s the only university in Asia to have produced canonized saints. It has produced patriots who dominate the pantheon of Philippine national heroes. As Fr. De la Rosa said in a press conference, “UST is the heritage of all Filipinos.”

The year ahead, 2010, is expected to underscore the rich heritage of UST:

• The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will issue special commemorative bills and coins, while the post office will issue special commemorative stamps.

• The eight-decades-old Main Building will be declared by the Philippine government a national heritage landmark on Jan. 25.

• Unesco Paris will mount an exhibit on the legacy of UST, the only Asian university to be accorded the privilege.

• The opening of the international exhibit, “Lumina Pundit (Spreading the Light),” at the UST Miguel de Benavides Central Library on June 17 (to run up to January 2011), an exhibition of the University’s priceless collection of rare books and significant historical documents, including “Doctrina Cristiana,” in Tagalog, Spanish and Chinese, the first books printed in the Philippines (by the Dominicans), and academic records of José Rizal, José Burgos, Apolinario Mabini and other Filipino patriots

• Inauguration of the UST alumni center, to be housed in the renovated old UST Gym, an Art Deco structure and the country’s first school gym, on Dec. 19. The UST swimming pool, the country’s first Olympic-size swimming pool, will also be renovated.

• The unveiling of the “Tetra Global” monument, designed and executed by internationally renowned sculptor Ramon Orlina and modelled by Piolo Pascual and Charlene Gonzales.


Inquirer

[voltairemad]

Excited ako sa upcoming events sa UST. Parati nga ako nagaabang ng mga articles. A lot of people say that UST lacked the "PR". UST's Quadricentennial is the ultimate PR, I should say. Excited na rin ako sa Swatch commemorative watch at sa coffee table book na ilalabaas ng UST Press.

[tigercub]

kailan lalabas yun Swatch commemorative watch?

[kiko]

Daming events for this year.
Abang abang na lang.

[voltairemad]

Jan 14, 2010 0:16:29 GMT 9 tigercub said:

kailan lalabas yun Swatch commemorative watch?

Di ko lang din alam Doc Coco! Pero parang this year yata.

[tigercub]

^ kala ko this January na siya lalabas...
sabi nila baka around PhP3500 daw ang price niya

[voltairemad]

Jan 15, 2010 23:54:08 GMT 9 tigercub said:

^ kala ko this January na siya lalabas...
sabi nila baka around PhP3500 daw ang price niya

Dumaan ako kanina sa isang Swatch booth sa festival mall and I saw another school's version of their commemorative watch. Di ako masyadong na impress or nagandahan sa watch nung school na iyon. I just dunno if I'm biased. Sana yung version for UST eh maganda.

[clej]

^doc, according to my brother, the UST quadri watch is much better than the other school's version. true thomasian at former student niya sa industrial design ang nag design nito at na i-submit na raw sa switzerland.

wala pa rin daw advise ang mga swatch branches kung kailan ito maging available

[kiko]

Next week na ang formal declaration and unveiling ng UST marker. Ito ang first qudri-centannial activity for this year. Excited nako dito.
Palapit ng palapit ang 2011.

[kiko]

UST landmarks to be declared national cultural treasures


The University of Santo Tomas (UST), which will celebrate its 400th anniversary in 2011, will etch another milestone in its history with the formal declaration of the UST Main Building, the Central Seminary, the Arch of the Centuries and the University’s Open Spaces as National Cultural Treasures by the National Museum, Monday, Jan. 25.

Associate Professor Giovanna V. Fontanilla, director of the UST Public Affairs Office, says the declaration ceremonies will be held at the UST Main Building Lobby, 3 p.m., and will be attended by high-ranking school officials led by Fr. Rolando dela Rosa O.P., the university rector.

Fontanilla said the declaration ceremonies will be held following the unveiling of “The Foundation of the University of Santo Tomas by Archbishop Benavidez” oil canvas painting dated 1911 and restored through the UST Museum’s Heritage Conservation Fund.

Section 3 of the Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act states that a “Natural Cultural Treasure is a unique object found locally, possessing outstanding historical, cultural, artistic and/or scientific value which is significant and important to this country and nation.”

The recognition marks the first ever inclusion of an educational institution among the ranks of National Cultural Treasures, with the majority of structures being churches and the rest being terrestrial landmarks, intangible cultural property and movable objects.”

Fontanila said the declaration, considered a milestone for UST, is the culmination of efforts which began in 2004. She added that this coincides with the various activities for UST’s Quadricentennial celebration next year. (WTF)

[Tom A. Saiyan]

link of the article posted by kiko in Manila Bulletin...

[voltairemad]

Jan 18, 2010 12:15:22 GMT 9 clej said:

^doc, according to my brother, the UST quadri watch is much better than the other school's version. true thomasian at former student niya sa industrial design ang nag design nito at na i-submit na raw sa switzerland.

wala pa rin daw advise ang mga swatch branches kung kailan ito maging available

Sana nga maganda yung Swatch version nang UST Quadri. Hoping for that Kuya Clej. Thanks.

[tigercub]

tomorrow, January 25, 2010, the UST Main Building will be declared as a national heritage landmark

[voltairemad]

Jan 24, 2010 15:13:23 GMT 9 tigercub said:

tomorrow, January 25, 2010, the UST Main Building will be declared as a national heritage landmark

Yes. A lot of Thomasians are waiting for this moment. Its about time. I hope that it would be televised.