06 December 2013, 1:20 a.m. – THE ANNUAL UST Christmas Gala ushered in its second decade Thursday evening as a benefit event for victims of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” in the Visayas.
On its 11th year, the gala’s proceeds will be used for a different cause for the first time. In previous years, proceeds went to the conservation of heritage sites and the scholarship program of the Conservatory of Music.
The event began with a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony headed by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P., and event chairpersons Maricris Zobel and UST Museum Director Fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P.
Headlining the concert was singer Dulce, who belted her own rendition of J. Peterson’s “Night of Miracles” (A Christmas Cantata).
Homegrown performers included two-time Choir of the World UST Singers under conductor Fidel Calalang, Coro Tomasino, and Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble, who sang all-time favorite Christmas songs.
Selected students and alumni from the Conservatory of Music also performed. Among them were Sopranos Micah Galang, Pilar Ramos, Frances Leoncito, Stephanie Aguilar, and Tenor Christian Nagano.
Award-winning Hail Mary the Queen Children’s choir also performed some Christmas classics under the baton of Theresa Roldan.
Zobel said that in five years of spearheading the annual event, every year felt like it would be her last. “It is very humbling and inspiring to see so much talent in this university so if there’s no one else to accept the job, I’ll be here next year,” Zobel said. Elyssa Christine A. Lopez
