The highly anticipated Paskuhan concert will remain exclusive to current Thomasian students, alumni, faculty, and staff for the third-straight year since it was reintroduced in 2021.

Secretary-General Louie Coronel, O.P. emphasized during an info session on Nov. 27 the University’s decision to prioritize the safety of attendees by maintaining tight security and limiting the event to the Thomasian community.

Thomasian students must present their valid student IDs upon entry, while graduates must show their alumni cards.

Paskuhan time!

The opening of lights in the Manila campus is scheduled for Nov. 29. Meanwhile, the Paskuhan Mass and Agape, which officially mark the start of Paskuhan season, will take place on Dec. 13.

This year’s theme, “Ever Thankful, Ever Hopeful,” draws inspiration from the biblical passage John 3:16, emphasizing the love of God.

“We will be contemplating on the grace that we’ve been receiving, we’ll be thanking God, and of course, we will be hopeful at the same time,” the Secretary-General said. “This coming year is the jubilee year of the church, and it is the jubilee of hope.”

Paskuhan in GenSan and Santa Rosa

Aside from the Manila campus, the UST General Santos will host a Paskuhan concert, Panunuluyan, and Agape on Dec. 18.

“Simultaneous with our lighting of the campus, they will also light their campus there and prepare for their growing Christmas tree with their distinctly Mindanaoan design,” Fr. Coronel shared.

Researchers in the Santa Rosa campus are set to experience Paskuhan with the opening of lights and other events that the Secretary-General planned.

“We are one UST, so they will be having the same. Different way of celebration, but the same meaning we give to all these celebrations,” the OIC of the Office of Student Affairs, Asst. Prof. Jaezamie Ong, said in the info session.

New traditions

The usual food distribution during the Agape will still continue, but additional performances from different University organizations will be held throughout the celebrations starting Nov. 29.

A Paskuhan Pop-up Village will also take place at the Quadricentennial Park from Dec. 2 to Dec. 7.

Tiger Media Network’s Business Manager Earl Pantoja said the Village will showcase businesses from student entrepreneurs. They also partnered with the UST Simbahayan so that different partner-communities will also have the chance to promote their products and services to Thomasians.

“This year’s highlight is really about how to help students expose their brands to the Thomasians,” he said.

The annual Paskuhan Raffle will include hundreds of minor and major prizes for Thomasians, according to Purchasing Office Asst. Director Caesar Anthony Yoma.

The tickets will be available starting Dec. 6 and will be drawn in the morning and afternoon of Dec. 20.

Yoma also said that students and faculty from UST GenSan will have the opportunity to participate in the raffle.

Guidelines and reminders Carless days will be implemented on Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 to prevent traffic congestion around the Manila campus during the Paskuhan festivities.

According to the Campus Safety and Security Office (CSSO), the following gates will be designated for entrance and exit:

Entrance gates:

• España side: Gate 1 and Gate 3
• Dapitan side: Gate 9 and Gate 11 (exclusive for alumni)
• Lacson side: Gate 14

Exit gates:

• España side: Gate 2
• Dapitan side: Gate 10
• Lacson side: Gate 14 (right side)

Gate Schedules:

• Students: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Alumni: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

CSSO Director Assoc. Prof. Juliano Parena shared that re-entry gates will be implemented this year, allowing attendees to exit and re-enter the campus after undergoing security checks.

There will also be a layered security system when entering the gates. Students and alumni will have their bags checked first, tap their IDs, and have their security tags to be able to enter the campus.

To ensure safety, the CSSO said the following items that are strictly prohibited:

• Deadly weapons
• Large bags
• Drugs
• Alcoholic beverages
• Cigarettes
• Focus light
• Flammable items
• Glass items

Dr. Ma. Faela Vanessa Mailom of the UST Health Service also advised Thomasians to eat and drink water before entering the campus to stay hydrated and avoid illness during the celebrations.