UST at 400 : Feels Good to be Home!

The happiest and most meaningful years of my life were my years spent at UST.  My dreams were built and realized in this hallowed ground in Espana Ave.  Who I am and what I am today I owe a lot to my parents, and to my education at the Royal, Pontifical, and Catholic University of Santo Tomas.  And as a fitting tribute and gratitude to my Alma Mater, I “went home” last night as its celebrated its 400^th year.  Memories were re-lived and old acquaintances were encountered.  I used “went home” since for 9 years UST had been my second home and I had no regrets being a part of UST, with all its rich history, tradition and track record of excellence.

Arch of the Centuries: The Gateway to the Greatest Breed of Individuals

Unending Grace

 I was never elated for a long time until I set foot once again at the UST Campus last night.  It was really like coming home more than visiting a loved one.  And as I walked through the fields, grounds, sheds and hallways of my Alma Mater, I can’t help but remember how I used to exist in this vast space along Espana Ave.  I traced back old routines, visited the places I used to spend my breaks on,  and met people who had been part of my years at UST.  From my former mentors, to previous casual acquaintances, to my old classmates, and to my former colleagues at the UST Hospital.   It was also a delight to see Thomasians from all walks of life and from different generations gather to celebrate this special period in UST’s and every Thomasian’s history.  I also appreciate the new developments this campus had undergone. The traffic I encountered  and all the anxiety of going there was really worth it.   Not everyone gets to experience a Quadricentennial in their lifetime. And I was fortunate that I am still alive when UST celebrated it.

Thomasian Physician

I will forever be in gratitude to this institution.  I would not have been a physician today if not for the educational grant I received from no less than the premiere medical school in the country, the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.  During those times, just as when I thought the dreams I built was in danger of being shattered for good, the kind hearts of UST and Thomasian alumni gave me hope.  And through hardwork and determination, I was able to become the Thomasian physician I dreamed to be.  For that, I vowed to myself to give back to my Alma Mater someday, to the best of my capabilities.   That promise is one of my motivations to get through my present endeavour.

In Beauty, and Truth, and Virtues

UST has taught me to appreciate the BEAUTY of every endeavour of the soul.  It had shown to me the TRUTH behind the different sciences which I got involved in.  And most especially, it had instilled in me the VIRTUES of a truly holistic and Christian education.  Its UNENDING GRACE drives every Thomasian to achieve and to excel, and to accept defeat with honor.   I really hope other Thomasian alumni,  new Thomasians, and even transferee Thomasians, would be as proud as I am of our beloved UST.  There’s nothing not to be proud of.  Our rich history and tradition, our excellence in the different professional fields, our distinguished alumni, our most beautiful campus, and yes even our dominance in the UAAP are enough reasons for us to be proud of being a Thomasian.  UST has done, is doing and will be doing its part, but it’s also our responsibility to make UST proud of us.



UST @ 400



VIVA SANTO TOMAS!

GO USTE!   GO USTE!  GO USTE!  GO GO GO GO!

UST Hymn: In Beauty, And Truth, And Virtues.....Imbued with Unending Grace

"Keep us in Beauty, and Truth, and Virtues Impassioned Embrace.
Ever your Valiant Legions, Imbued with Unending Grace."

These are my favorite lines from my beloved Alma Mater's hymn, the Hymn of the Royal, Pontifical, and Catholic University of the Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas.  For these lines define what UST envisions its students and alumni to be. Enlightened in the Beauty of the Arts, In the Truth of the Sciences, and in the Virtues of a truly Catholic Education.  Forever showered with Grace, in every triumph and achievement, and the same Grace to accept every defeat or debacle. 

The UST Hymn is not merely a hymn to exalt an institution; if you would notice, unlike other college hymns, it does not mention the name of the school or even the word Alma Mater on its words.  It is universal and it would like Thomasians to share the message to non-Thomasians.  Furthermore, it is a prayer asking our Almighty God for guidance and enlightenment in our quest for academic, personal, professional and spiritual excellence.  The lines of this hymn and prayer should be the driving force of every Thomasian in  every endeavor.  Like our national anthem, our UST Hymn is part of our identity as Thomasians.  And it should be inherent in every Thomasian to sing the UST Hymn with gusto. 

                          

Sadly, the truth is not all Thomasians know the lyrics of the hymn, some even not aware of the melody, and worse some don't even bother knowing the message of the hymn.  A great proportion does not even bother singing it at all during events and even at the UAAP Games.  It is quite disappointing that some Thomasians, despite their 4 or more years of stay at the university were not able to at least memorize the melody and lyrics of the UST Hymn.  I've encountered quite several people who have graduated already from UST without even knowing how to sing our hymn.  I may forgive those who have spent quite a number of years at another institution but "through and through" Thomasians have no excuse not knowing this.  But let me lambast those who have memorized their other school hymns but did not bother singing the UST hymn during their stay at the University.  I just simply don't get it.

The hymn is as easy to pick-up as the national anthem and yet the same people were not able to at least know the melody.  And yet these people can memorize and sing Justin Bieber, Akon and Taylor Swift songs with ease.  More shameful are people who don't even stay during the singing of the hymn.  These are evident during UAAP Games as I have noticed.  When the Growling Tigers win, many sing it but a few people leave before the hymn is sung.  When the Tigers lose, only a few people sing and a great majority leave before the hymn is sung.  If they don't know how to sing it, them they might as well could have stayed as a sign of respect and honor to the University. 

It;s not too late to learn the UST Hymn.  Especially now that our beloved UST will be celebrating its Quadricentennial.  The lyrics are provided below and I embedded a video too.  Isn't it embarassing when you consider yourself a Thomasian and  when other people ask you to sing your school hymn , you don't even know the melody?!

The UST Hymn

God of All Nations

Merciful Lord, of our restless being

Sweep with your golden lilies,

This fountain of purest light.

Trace with the sails of the galleons,

The dream beyond our seeing.

Touch with the Flame of your kindness,

The gloom of our darkest night.

Keep us in beauty, and truth, and virtues,

Impassioned embrace

Ever your valiant legions,

Imbued with Unending Grace

VIVA SANTO TOMAS!  VIVA LA LIGA EL TOMASINO!

Events: What Events I Look Forward to in 2011

It is quite a common practice for TV stations everywhere in the world to show yearend reports during the last week of December for the purpose of reminding the people of what happened the past year, whether boon or bane. And while I agree that looking back at the past and the lessons learned from such experiences will help you in making decisions which could dictate your future, I prefer to look more forward than backward for this coming year, for the simple reason that 2010 was not so much kind to me.

2010 was a tough year for me and my family. From my resignation from an institution which I loved so much, to an unexpected prolonged hiatus from medical practice, and most especially, the demise of my father. I accept what had happened because it was God's way of bringing my feet back to the ground, and I appreciate the lessons learned throughout that rough journey. But I must move on and I like to be happy again. So instead of dwelling more on the past, I prefer looking forward to events which should bring the smile back again on my face, the things which I really appreciate.

5. NBA and NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs 2k11

All those Lebron haters should start shutting their mouths or better yet shove them into their asses. The King, Bosh and D-Wade are starting to play good music together and there's no stopping the Miami Heat. So what if those Celtics beat the Heat twice already. The playoffs is a different picture and LBJ would make those blabbermouths eat their words. The only reason why those Celtics, Knicks, Spurs and even Lakers fans hate LBJ and Co., is because they know what The King and his men can do come playoff time, and yet they deny it at the same time. C'mon try booing and cursing LeBron again so that he can throw away 30 markers or triple-doubles on your team again! This summer, the Heat will be On.

The HEAT is ON

And over at the ice, perennial contenders Detroit Red Wings should redeem their place at the top of the Hockeyworld. Alex Ovechkin's Capitals and Sidney Crosby's Penguins should make way for the big Red Machine as Nick Lidstrom, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg will try to win back the Stanley Cup they lost two years ago.

REDemption

4. UAAP Season 74

It has become a yearly ritual for the Growling Tigers to hoist the General Championship trophy during the opening ceremonies of the UAAP. UST is the tower of power when it comes to collegiate sports. But admit it or not, Thomasians are also drooling over that basketball championship which was hard to come by the past few years. I just can't understand why UST is losing on the recruitment wars, especially now that the school in Legarda with Rabies is hellbent on luring our homegrown talents with the cash vouchers of their tycoon benefactors. They call it recruitment, but I call it PIRACY. I expect a better finish than last years "overachieving?!" record of 4-10 since most of the rookies and sophomores should have gained that experience and should have developed added skills by the off-season. Honestly, I think Pido Jarencio should be sacked. The Growling Tigers basketball has no established system of play at all, aside from those futile three-point shooting plays. They should start winning basketball games so that those loudmouths from Katipunan, Taft, and Morayta stop mocking and bashing our beloved university despite of our success in other UAAP sports like Volleyball, Taekwondo, etc.

Win "the One" for UST



I also hope the Salinggawi Dance Troupe and the Yellow Jackets bring back the crown to where it rightfully belongs in Espana Blvd. And of course, that 13th straight General Championship at season's end is also expected. Go USTe! Go USTe! Go USTEe! Go Go Go Go!


Bring Back the Crown to Espana!



3. Neurology Residency Training at the City

Like what I've said in a previous post, I have been given a second chance by God to become what I want myself to be. And this time, there is no turning back. This is it. Sure it is work and it could be tougher than what I thought it should be. But with the help of God, my family and my co-workers, I think I'll be in for a fun learning experience. Got to get rid of that pride, got to tame that strict superego, will not make any promises or great expectations and just enjoy the most of what the training can offer.

NEU Life at the City

2. Marikina Semana Santa 2011



En el Calvario

 While most people prefer to go out-of-town on Holy week leaving Metro Manila as a deserted place, Santo enthusiasts like me from Marikina, would not go anywhere but home. Marikina City despite its recent developments, has not lost any of its traditions, especially those associated with religious occasions. We boast of having one of the most colorful yet solemn, constantly-enriched and well-preserved Holy week traditions which you coud not see anywhere else in the Metropolis.

 



Virgen delas Angustias



For starters we have the different Senakulo or Passion plays, the Pabasa in different localities and the Penitensyas where real flagellation and beating happen. It's nice to note that the younger generations have carried on these traditions. The highlight of the Holy Week celebrations here in Marikina City are our processions. I used the term "processions" because we have a lot of them. You can even stand in one strategic area and without moving places, be able to witness three different long processions from three different parishes. The images are life-sized, well-vested and their carrozas well-arranged. Actually, Marikina City has been considered both by local and foreign media to be one of the must-see places during Holy Week because of these processions.

Paglilinis at Paghahanda sa Katawan ni Hesus 

For the past three years, I had taken a vow to engage in these processions. Aside from my vow of diligently taking pictures of each and every santo in the line-up of two different long processions for three procession nights, I also took responsibility in vesting a tableau and a male apostle owned by my cousins in our Parish's own procession during Holy Wednesday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. These are vows which I do not intend to break for whatever reason. It's my way of giving thanks for God's blessings. And I also plan to own a processional image, a tableau, of my own within the next 4 years.

My "alaga", San Simon Makabayan (the Zealot)

What started out as a mere fascination became a regard for tradition, which eventually evolved into a true devotion. And for these reasons, I have always looked forward to Semana Santa in Marikina every year. For me, it's more important than Christmas.

1. UST Quadricentennial: 400 Years of Unending Grace

2011 is the Year of the Thomasian. I have spent 10 years of my life at the Royal and Pontifical and Catholic University of Santo Tomas. And those 10 years were the happiest and most meaningful, most colorful years of my life. I am proud to be an alumnus of UST, for its rich history, tradition and record of excellence. A great deal of what I am today is because of my stay at my beloved Alma Mater. Alumni of other universities can say what they want and claim what they want to claim. But for me, UST is still one of the best universities and Thomasians are still the greatest breed of graduates in the country. Its excellent record in various fields of expertise is just a testament of how great UST eventhough at times it is overlooked and underrated by others.

Home of the Greatest Breed of Individuals

It should be both an honor and pleasure to witness this quadricentennial celebration in my lifetime. There are a lot of events lined-up for the Quadricentennial celebrations, and I'm looking forward to participating in one of them. "Keep us in beauty and truth and virtues, impassioned embrace. Ever your valiant legions Imbued with UNENDING GRACE."

UST at 400: Unending Grace