THE UNIVERSITY has released guidelines for the Agape celebration on Dec. 17, as Thomasians gear up for the highly anticipated Paskuhan festivities.
Below is a guide to what you need to know ahead of the Agape, based on the Dec. 13 circular issued by Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P.:
Campus access
It will be a carless day during the Agape feast on Dec. 17, with only authorized vehicles of concessionaires and suppliers allowed entry on campus.
Classes and office work will be suspended starting 4 p.m..
Parishioners going to the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church are advised to use Gate 7 (P. Noval Street) only, while UST Hospital visitors take only Gate 14 (A.H. Lacson Avenue).
Paskuhan Mass and program
Students and University staff are strongly encouraged to attend the 5 p.m. Paskuhan Mass at Plaza Mayor.
The Eucharistic celebration will be presided by Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. while Fr. Ermito de Sagon, O.P., regent of UST Senior High School and director of Institute of Religion, will serve as homilist.
Following the Mass, the “Panunuluyan” or the reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem will be held.
Agape feast and concert
The Thomasian Christmas Feast, also known as the Agape, will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Students may get food using the food stubs issued beginning Dec. 1.
Food distribution will be organized into three clusters with their designated “Hapag” stations:
- “Sinag” – food stations 1-6, 20-21 (Hapag Station at Ceferino Gonzales Drive)
- “Tala” – food Stations 14-19 (Hapag Station at Quezon Drive)
- “Kislap” – food stations 7-13 (Hapag Station at Practice Gym)
Each cluster is assigned specific administrative offices and academic units.
A concert will take place simultaneously at the Open Field, featuring homegrown Thomasian talents.
Consumption and food guidelines
Free finger foods will be available to all Thomasians at the Hapag stations without the need for food stubs, limited to one serving per person until supplies last.
An additional Hapag station will be located on Osmeña Drive.
Food packs must be consumed within the timeframe indicated on the packaging.
Remaining food packs will be redistributed to Thomasians without food stubs after all stub holders have been served.
Personal tumblers may be used at the designated water stations around the campus, as bottled water will not be distributed to reduce plastic waste.
Other reminders
Students are required to bring their identification cards and food stubs, along with picnic mats or thermal blankets, to optimize open spaces.
Attendees are reminded to properly segregate waste and observe other safety precautions.
