Written by: Kim V. Dator
Photos by: Khristel Kate Penoliar
University officials discussed details about this year’s Christmas festivities during the UST Paskuhan 2022 Info Session facilitated by the UST Communications Bureau last November 11 via Facebook livestream.
The information session provided a glimpse of the most awaited return of the traditional in-person Paskuhan after a two-year halt due to the pandemic. It also answered some queries of the Thomasian community sent through Google Forms two days before the event.
The session was led by Ms. Katherine Patrice B. Sibug, the Master of Ceremonies.
Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., the Secretary-General and Chair of the University Events Committee, gave the opening remarks explaining this year’s theme, “UST PASKUHAN 2022: Pananabik. Pagbabalik. Panunumbalik.”
Agape, Christmas Carol Concert, and Mass
The keynote speakers of the first session were the Secretary-General, Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P.; the Executive Assistant of the Secretary-General, Dr. Emmanuel M. Batulan; and the Dean of the Conservatory of Music, Assoc. Prof. Antonio P. Africa, PhD.
On an inquiry about church mass and offerings, Rev. Fr. Coronel announced that there will be a Paskuhan Mass at the UST Santissimo Parish on December 16. Dr. Batulan added that all proceeds will be donated to the Dominican Missions and the priority projects of the UST Simbahayan Community Development Office.
Furthermore, he mentioned that in every Paskuhan activity, a special liturgy is embedded in the program as a way to give thanks and prayers to the Lord.
Assoc. Prof. Africa revealed that there will be a live Christmas concert on December 2 at Plaza Mayor to be hosted by the Conservatory of Music.
When asked about the lineup for the said concert, he replied, “As to the lineup, in as much as we want to surprise you, our audience, we won’t tell you the lineup… but, it will be the 1st All-Filipino Christmas Carol” as he enunciated that they have composed two to three new songs in Filipino.
As for the Agape on December 2, Dr. Batulan said that the University will be providing the Thomasian students and staff with foods that they can share with their friends, highlighting the essence of Agape.
The lighting of Christmas lights inside the campus will also be integrated with the Agape and the concert on December 2.
UST Paskuhan Concert and Battle of the Bands
For the second portion of the session, the guest speakers were Asst. Prof. Faye M. Abugan, MA, the Asst. Director of the Communications Bureau; Kiara Venice M. Delgado, the Chief of Staff of the UST Central Student Council (CSC); and Mikhael S. Mandap, the VP for Quality Management and Assurance of the UST Student Organization Coordinating Council (SOCC).
According to Asst. Prof. Abugan, the Christmas raffle draw at the Plaza Mayor at 10 AM will kick off the day while the actual Paskuhan concert will begin at 3 to 4 PM.
Meanwhile, Delgado shared that the Paskuhan concert will feature five Thomasian talents, mainly, three bands and two selected dance troupes.
An audition entitled “Tunog Tomasino” will be held in which six student bands will battle for the top three spots, granting a special performance at the Paskuhan concert.
The battle of the bands will occur on December 5 and will be coordinated by Thomasian Media Circle and Talents (TOMCAT) and Tiger Media Network (TMN) virtually.
“For now, ‘di muna namin ididisclose…so stay tuned lang Thomasians. We see your suggestions, nakikita namin ‘yan. No worries,” Delgado said when asked about the guest bands lineup.
Further announcements about the concert will be posted by TOMCAT and on the pages of CSC and SOCC.
Health and Safety Protocols
The last segment was joined by Dr. Sheryl M. Dionisio, the Director of the UST Health Services; Engr. Jared Gunting and Ar. Mark Guarano from the Facilities Management Office; and Mr. Joseph Badinas from the Security Office.
In observance of the minimum health protocols, Dr. Dionisio stated that wearing of face masks is still required since the festivity is a university-wide mass gathering. Students are also required to accomplish their Thomasian Online Medical Services and Support (ThOMedSS) health declaration before entering the University.
Following this, Engr. Gunting presented the pedestrian access points for the Agape and Paskuhan 2022.
To avoid traffic upon entrance, an early leeway will be done and students are encouraged to use transparent bags and discouraged to bring large bags. Any sharp, pointed objects are also strictly prohibited.
Upon entrance, Thomasians are required to present their ID or print out the generated QR code found in their MyUstePortal.
Finally, Ar. Guarano described the theme of the campus lights and decorations as “Pinoy Superheroes,” inspired by the heroic acts of the frontliners during the pandemic integrated with the Christmas theme.
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