While most students would wish that school was over, graduation candidates can’t help but reminisce about their days in the University.
What will you miss most in UST?
“Mga classmate and professor ko kasi everyday kaming nag-aaral at bumabagsak kaya lahat ng emotions nadaanan namin nang sabay-sabay sa loob ng apat na taon.”
– Jan Raymond Dacumos, 4C Pharmacy
“The hectic Nursing life and the Salinggawi Dance Troupe.”
– Kristine Casaisar, College of Nursing
“University activities like Paskuhan and practicum days at the Education High School.”
– Cielo Camille Tamares, College of Education
What’s your most unforgettable experience here?
“Noong binaha kami sa España noong second year, parang initiation namin.
– Rochelle Anne Antonio, AMV College of Accountancy
“Noong nakita ko ‘yung name ko sa cut-off ng Nursing noong incoming second year.”
– Kristine Casaisar, College of Nursing
“The first time I assisted in delivering a baby.”
– Anna Cristina Castro, College of Nursing
What will you do with your first paycheck?
“Treat my family and buy personal things.”
– Mary Ann Cielo Relucio, Microbiology
“I’ll give half of it to my parents and I’ll use the other half to buy tokens for my professors because they helped me become a better nurse.”
– Rodea Jane Casem, College of Nursing
“Treat ko muna sarili ko.”
– Genaliza Laynesa, 4B Pharmacy
What’s the one thing you wish to do in UST before you graduate?
“Lie in the middle of the field at night and gaze at the stars, shouting anything I want! Bawal ‘yun ‘di ba?”
– Jerico Maliwanag, 5CheA, Engineering
“Personally say thank you to all of my professors for imparting their knowledge and unparalleled patience.”
– Christine Joy Tamayen, IV Nursing
Compiled by Mary Joy T. De Lara and Jose Teodoro B. Mendoza
What do you think is inside the Main Building tower with the Blue Cross?
“Baka bell na malaking malaki na luma.”
– Rochelle Ann Antonio, AMV College of Accountancy
“Sabi ng Mommy ko, lagayan ng dead bodies.”
– Jan Raymond Dacumos, 4C Pharmacy
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The tower is actually a restricted area because it is full of harmful and explosive chemicals, glassware, apparatuses and laboratory equipment. It has been the stockroom of chemicals and laboratory equipment since the Main Building was built in 1927, said Laboratory office administrator Prof. Rodolfo Rabor.
To reach the balcony near the tower’s tip, one can use the old cargo elevator at the right side of the main stairs, which is used for the transport of chemicals and equipment, until the eighth floor then take the stairs up another floor that serves as an entrance to the smaller tower which bears the blue cross.
Inside the small tower is a spiral staircase of 33 steps. It takes a total of 129 steps from the fourth floor, and 69 steps from the eighth, to reach the tower’s blue cross balcony. The blue cross’ neon lights were installed in 1952.
On the balcony is a survey control marker put by the United States Army Corp of Engineers during the Commonwealth period to indicate the 00-km reference point for Manila, according to Architect Willa Solomon’s thesis “The Proposed conservation guidelines for the UST Main Building as a built heritage.”
However, a fire in 1967 due to unknown reasons almost brought the tower down.
The tower’s peak is 47.61 meters high. Its foundation is buried 3.70 meters on the ground, half a meter deeper than other parts of the Main Building.
Those interested to go to the tower’s top should state their purpose and ask permission in writing from the office of the Vice-rector for Financial Affairs, Fr. Melchor Saria, OP. The Laboratory Supplies Office, which maintains the tower and regulates whoever goes in and out of it, accompanies anyone with a permit.
“Those who only want to propose to women in the tower or are just curious about it are discouraged,” teased Rabor. Jose Teodoro B. Mendoza
