The year that began with the visit of the Holy Father ended with a meaningful and gratitude-laden celebration of life, love, and God’s unending grace. The Thomasian family, along with friends and family from various institutions, celebrated the annual Paskuhan celebration, last December 18, 2015 (Friday). Mindful of the twin jubilees being celebrated, the festivities bore the theme “A Thomasian Celebration of Christmas and the Jubilees of Mercy and 800th Dominican Foundation Year.”
The rain failed in dampening the holiday spirit, which began as early as the morning of the 18th, when the raffle draws began and when UST’s partners began selling their wares and giving freebies in their respective stalls all around the campus.
Let us not be distracted by the unnecessary things
The first term and the calendar year ended with a Eucharistic Celebration held at the Quadricentennial Pavilion, at 4 p.m. The Rector, the Very Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., in his homily, called attention to the example of St. Joseph, one of the least noticed figures in the Nativity, and reminded the community that “one does not need to be high-profile to accomplish things in life.”
The Rector likewise emphasized that if Joseph had not answered the call of the angel and accepted Mary, the birth of the Savior may not have happened as God had planned it. He called on the faithful to prioritize things in life and not be distracted by the unnecessary things, stressing that “we must be more concerned if there will be Mass and about the Lord.”
Food and music, games and merriment
Throughout the day, the Thomasian community enjoyed treats from UST’s partners, such as the AXN University Challenge held at the Quadricentennial Square, and the different freebies given by those who set up stalls.
The concert at the Practice Gym was livened up by the seemingly endless stream of bands, including Thomasian alumni Callalily, Moonstar88, 6 Cycle Mind, Gracenote, Banda ni Kleggy, Where’s Ramona, Farewell for Weather, Autotelic, MilesExperience, and Jensen and the Flips, among ohters.
A festival of lights
The rain-drenched night was pierced by the Panasonic 3D projection video mapping on the façade of the Main Building. The Nativity of our Lord interspersed with UST icons, such as the tiger and the words “Viva Santo Tomas,” much to the delight of the audience.
During the last showing at 9 p.m., fireworks erupted from the Main Building, in sync with the highlights of the video. The final video gave the cue for the annual fireworks display, which lit up the night sky from the Grandstand.
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