UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. on Friday, Dec. 2, described Thomasians’ return to campus as an ‘act of restoration’ that will make the community worthy of the Holy Child following adversities caused by the pandemic.

Ang noted that the two-year hiatus of in-person University celebrations fueled the Thomasian’s longing to come back to campus to fulfill their responsibilities and be finally one with the community again.

“Ang mga bitak at pira-pirasong bahagi ng ating pagkatao dulot ng ating hindi magandang karanasan sa pandemya ay muling bubuuin, pakikinisin, at paninibaguhin upang tayo’y higit na maging karapat-dapat sa banal na sanggol,” Ang said during the lighting ceremony of the University at the Plaza Mayor preceding the Paskuhan festivities.

According to the Rector, the gradual return of students to the University also reveals the significance of traditions and relationships within the campus.

“Sa ating pagbabalik sa nakasanayang mga gawain sa pamantasan, higit nating nauunawaan ang kahalagahan ng ating malalim na ugnayan sa isa’t isa at sa pamantasan,” he said.

On the same day, Agape, the Thomasian Christmas feast, was also held with food stations situated all over the campus.

The 70-foot tall Christmas tree situated at the UST Grandstand was lit around 6:30PM along with other yuletide decorations. A fireworks display also illuminated the sky over the main building.

The UST Conservatory of Music, together with the Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble, UST Symphony Orchestra, UST Singers, and Coro Tomasino also performed at the Christmas Gala Concert.

This year’s Paskuhan concert will take place on Dec. 19, Monday, with the theme “Pananabik, Pagbabalik, Panunumbalik.”