Written by: Aliah Nicole Brillante and Mary Andrew Dalogdog
Photo by: Tori Lopez, Dana Arcilla, Niña Eblamo, and Laurence Arellano
Following the recent comeback of the on-site freshmen Welcome Walk, the university has also given sophomore and junior students the opportunity to experience a face-to-face traditional Rite of Passage through the Thomasian Homecoming Activities held yesterday, August 23, 2022.
The three-part activities kicked off with the annual Welcome Mass at the Quadricentennial Pavilion (QPav) presided over by Rev. Fr. Roberto L. Luanzon, Jr., O.P., SThD, DL, Vice-Rector for Finance.
"Dear sophomores and juniors, we are welcoming you and thanking you also for staying kahit na two or three years na online tayo [despite two or three years of online classes]," Rev. Fr. Luanzon addressed the attendees in his homily.
The students were then welcomed by the Thomasian community through the Thomasian Welcome Rites.
Shortly after the mass, the ROARientation followed with an opening act from the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, UST Prime, Arki Dance Troupe, and Engineering Dance Troupe.
The following games were prepared in appreciation of the culture and traditions of the university: “Streak”, “Tomasino, Name It!”, and “Thomasian Challenge Pera o Bota.”
Following this, Teatro Tomasino graced the event with a Thomasian life-inspired play, featuring the university’s top food spots and college cheers. Illumina, a representative band of the Faculty of Engineering (FoE), culminated the ROARientation with their live performance.
In celebration of the school spirit, the UST Yellow Jackets led the iconic Thomasian chants—the highlight of the annual event.
To top off the Homecoming Activities, the second-year and third-year students prepared to experience the Thomasian Homecoming Walk through the Arch of the Centuries.
Common sentiments of excitement and nervousness were felt by the students on their return to the university to experience the said annual tradition.
“Masaya po kasi parang worth it yung mga binabayad at mas nafefeel yung Thomasian Spirit 'pag face-to-face unlike online na may screen barrier,” Ray Baltazar Alunen, an Industrial Engineering sophomore, said in an interview.
“Excited pero siyempre kinakabahan din po kasi ngayon lang makikita mga kaklase and other batchmates,” Kareign Lim, a Civil Engineering junior, shared the same thoughts in an interview.
John Allen Aguas, a Civil Engineering sophomore, also took the chance to show his appreciation for the commitment of people working behind the scenes. “I'm happy na nagkaroon tayo ng ganitong opportunity hindi lamang para makapag-enjoy sa event, para rin magkaroon ng motivation or inspiration para maging [mas] better,” he added.
The Faculty of Engineering joined the College of Architecture, College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD), College of Rehabilitation Sciences (CRS), Faculty of Pharmacy (FoP), and Conservatory of Music for the morning batch.
Comments