An empty UST field greets the viewers, as the grandstand lights glow in the subtle darkness, waiting for the program to start. This time last year, the Thomasian community was surrounded by the holiday spirit given by the whimsical ambiance from the Christmas lights all over the campus. As every Thomasian walked around, the beautiful music from the Christmas concert created an experience that can only be felt during the start of the Paskuhan season.
Because of the pandemic, all activities were brought online. Hence the birth of enjoying the special season in front of laptop screens. The UST Christmas Concert, led by the UST Conservatory of Music is held each year, and this time, they did not let the pandemic stop them from performing their hearts out as an ode to the holidays. FAITH in Him, HOPE for the best, LOVE in every way––these are the lines in their poster that sparked joy in these trying times.
After beginning with a prayer, a duet was performed as the camera panned out, showing the University. While practicing social distancing, led by Fr. Isaias Tiongco, O.P., a short mass was done and before the switching of the button, the officials and professionals of the UST Hospital were called in honor for their bravery and compassion in fighting against the virus and ensuring public safety.
At the count of three, the Christmas tree lit up with gold, red, yellow, and green. Next, the view of the Main Building filled the screen, showing the lamp posts decorated with cool tones as well as the trees in Lovers’ Lane; the Arch of the Centuries was also shown with the lighted shrubs and bushes; and lastly, the Santisimo Rosario Parish joined in. With the song Ang Pasko ay Sumapit playing in the background, a surge of “I miss you, UST!” filled in the comments section of the live stream as the screen continues to show the lit up places in the campus, ending the ceremonial opening of lights.

(Photo by Ralph Rainell Estrella/TomasinoWeb)
“Christmas is just a few days away and we can already feel its merry atmosphere in our homes, in the university, and wherever we go,” Rev. Fr. Isaias Tiongco says, “Christmas and music go together and their celebration becomes more festive and lively when yuletide carols accompany our joyful feeling as we await the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ.” He proceeds by saying that the annual Christmas concert being one of the highlights of the yuletide season in UST, is also the event where the community looks forward to the performances of the homegrown talents from the UST Conservatory of Music.
A mixture of both classical and popular Christmas tunes imagined and interpreted by the finest of the finest musicians brought joy and peace to the viewers. “This year’s concert will be held virtually due to the current situation, but despite this, we know that our concert continues to raise the musical bar as it has become an awaited tradition, not only by Thomasians but also music luminaries and enthusiasts, and those who wish to feel the delightful Christmas spirit and festive atmosphere, even if we can only watch it on our screens,” Rev. Fr. Tiongco adds.
Even though the tradition is not held within the UST Chapel or in the Plaza Mayor, the Conservatory of Music still made it possible for the event to continue and bring the viewers the festive atmosphere that should be experienced during the holidays. Rev. Fr. Tiongco ends his message by thanking Dr. Antonio Africa, the dean of the Conservatory of Music, the students, faculty members, and the alumni who have made the event possible, “I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, peaceful, and prosperous new year 2021.” he ends with a smile.
Like angels, dressed in white, the Coro Tomasino starts with “Magnum Mysterium”, composed by Ronaldo Raz, welcoming the viewers with its calming progression. Regardless of the physical boundary between the singers and the audience, their voices still made listeners have goosebumps in delight.
“Despite the limitations, we would like to offer this evening of songs to lift the spirit as we have always done during this season of light. Let the Child Jesus be our inspiration to celebrate life despite the adversities,” Assoc. Prof. Peter Porticos said, “Our faith in Him shall deliver us from all the tribulations we are facing today.”

(Photo by Ralph Rainell Estrella/TomasinoWeb)
After the first performance, several alumni of the UST Conservatory of Music sang “Bituing Natatangi”, arranged by Ricky Sanchez, followed by Ed Parunago’s “Diwa ng Pasko” sang by the Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble dressed in Christmas colors, firing up the season of giving.
A total of eighteen performances were presented at this year’s Christmas concert: “What Child is This”, arranged by Naldy Rodriguez was performed by Nenen Espina, Mary Anne Espina, and Gina Medina. The Silangcruz family played a Christmas medley with the flute. Another Christmas medley that brought joy to the event was by the Brass and Percussion Ensemble from the UST Conservatory of Music. Members of the UST Conservatory of Music Faculty Guitar Quarter also showed their talents by performing “Sleigh Ride” which was composed by Leroy Anderson and arranged by Heo Kyenomposer, making the song fun and exciting to listen to. Followed by the UST Wind Orchestra who brought in heavy talent with their performance of “Christmas Around the World” which was arranged by Jerry Williams. They did not stop there for they also performed “God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen” arranged by Chip Davis which added more flair to the event.
“Kumukutikutitap” by Ryan Cayabyab was also performed by the Woodwind Quintet with their version arranged by Jedrick Itugot. Victor Victorino, a faculty member of the Conservatory of Music played the restored pipe organ along with Renato Lucas who played the cello, performed “Andante-Allegro” at the Conservatory of Music’s recital hall, giving the audience a feel of Baroque music. Class 1 & 3 showcased their talents with the ever so popular “Jingle Bells” while “Marriage of Figaro Overture” was also played on the piano by several alumni.
The former dean of the UST Conservatory of Music, Raul M. Sunico, played his arrangement of “Pamaskong Handog ni WOW!” on piano emanating lively mash-ups of famous holiday songs. Rachelle Gerodias Park along with her husband, Byeong In-Park sang “Jesu Bambino” which was also arranged by Sunico.

(Photo by Ralph Rainell Estrella/TomasinoWeb)
“The Good King Wenceslas” was performed by the UST Symphony Orchestra followed by an original composition by The TonTones, an acapella group, entitled, “Sa Araw na Ito” which shared catchy lyrics. And last but certainly not the least, The UST Singers sang the “Mantovani Christmas Medley” arranged by Naldy Rodriguez, which showed a marvelous performance. Wrapping the concert, the Coro Tomasino and the Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble along with the Large Ensemble Class 1 & 3 and accompanied by the UST Symphony Orchestra performed a soothing “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” arranged by JR De Guzman.
“We all thank you for joining us tonight,” the program ends with a message from Dr. Antonio Africa thanking the audience’s participation from their homes, “We the Conservatory of Music wish you the best of the yuletide season despite the adversities. In the middle of all that is happening, let us always remember that the Child Jesus was born to be with us, guide us, and save us.” He reminds the audience to always put faith, hope, and love in Jesus, “At nawa’y ang pag-ibig na dulot ni Hesus ay maghari sa ating mga puso.”
After the concert, the screen flashed photos from last year’s paskuhan opening––all glowing and bright just like the memories that each and everyone has made. The tree symbolizes hope for the future and pushes the people to continue to fight against the mishaps and troubles that happened this year. For now, we rely on the power of technology to bridge the gaps that the pandemic has created. As the music comes to a halt, comments like, “Masaya ang pasko dito sa UST”, “Proud to be a Thomasian!”, “Tatak Tomasino.”, and greetings to all flooded the comment section once again, displaying the longing for contact and celebrating Paskuhan events together.
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