THOMASIANS may have been raised in an institution serious about education, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know how to party.
A crowd reminiscent of the one that flocked to last December’s “Paskuhan” went “rocking” with top entertainers during the concert that was also the official countdown to the UST’s 400th founding anniversary.
The Q Grand Program held at the UST Grandstand on the night of January 27 showcased the performances and appearances of the big names in the entertainment industry led by Thomasian talents like pop superstar Sarah Geronimo, “inspirational diva” Jamie Rivera, and comedian John Lapus.
Recalling beginnings
The night started with disc jockey and television host Jeffrey “Mr. Fu” Espiritu, who shared that his signature line, “Meganon?”, originated in UST.
“Itaas pa natin ang magandang nasimulan ng mga Tomasino dahil dito pa lang sa industry natin ay napakaraming Thomasians ang naghahari at nagrereyna,” said Mr. Fu, a Communication Arts alumnus and former Arts and Letters student council president.
The well-known DJ then proceeded to introduce Amadea Medina—at almost 100 is the oldest living alumna of the University—who fondly recalled UST as a “castle in the middle of a desert.” The Education alumna also told the student-dominated crowd to “be serious in your studies.”
“Have one goal and put all your efforts to reach that goal,” said Medina, who earned her degree as magna cum laude.
Acclaimed actor Albert Martinez, who spent his “formative years” in UST, shared that it was also in the University where he found his first girlfriend, actress and former beauty titlist Tetchie Agbayani.
“I grew up here and went through all the good things a person could experience here,” he told the Varsitarian.
Saying that he is a “proud Thomasian—noon, ngayon, at forever,” Hotel and Restaurant Management alumnus John Lapus shared that studying in UST was a dream that came true for him.
“Studying in UST has always been my dream,” the popular comedian and TV host told the lively crowd. “Whenever my mother and I [would] pass by UST, I prayed to God that my mother would choose to enroll me here.”
Coming home
Singer and stage actress Jenine Desiderio, a product of UST High School, told the Varsitarian that she made sure that her performance in the Grand Program would push through despite her hectic schedule.
“I really had to find time for this,” said Desiderio, whose biggest break came when she played the role of Kim in the London production of “Ms. Saigon.” “Four hundred years—this moment happens once in a lifetime.”
Faculty of Pharmacy alumna Vina Cruz, who performed as part of the UST Singers Alumni Ensemble, described their homecoming as nostalgic, having gone in different places across the globe for concert tours.
“The feeling is the same. This place is still the UST that I’ve known before,” said Cruz.
Adding to the roster of Thomasian performers was singer Apple Chiu, who considered her performance as her gift to UST.
“Performing here means a lot to me. Somehow, it’s a way of ‘giving back’ to my alma mater, which taught me a lot of things,” Chiu told the Varsitarian.
Sarah Geronimo, who was a student of the Education High School before her career skyrocketed, shared her fondness for the University’s overall ambiance, citing their after-class hangouts like Lovers’ Lane (now Benavides Park) and Botanical Garden.
“UST is the oldest university [in Asia], so it’s an honor that I am acknowledged [as part of its family] and to be invited in events like this one,” she said.
Meanwhile, Jamie Rivera—who proudly shared that she was born in the UST Hospital and educated in the University from elementary to college—said that she has been “waiting for this” and encouraged the whole Thomasian community to “make the most out of this year.”
“I am very happy since it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform for Thomasians on [the University’s] 400th year,” said the singer, who is best known for singing the inspirational hits “Heal Our Land” and “Only Selfless Love.”
For acoustic singer Aiza Seguerra, studying in UST is a “privilege”, adding that Thomasians should “set a good example” for everyone.
“Not everybody could afford to enter a school as good as UST,” said the former child wonder. “We should all do our best and, hopefully, the future of our country will be better because of us Thomasians.”
‘Beyond honored’
Awed with the beauty of the lights and decorations adorning the University that evening, former actress and Quezon City councilor Aiko Melendez admitted that she regretted not being schooled in UST.
“Seeing UST for the first time made me regret that my parents did not enroll me here,” said Melendez, who also said that she has been ‘tweeting’ about UST since the moment she stepped inside it.
Gary Valenciano, meanwhile, wowed the audience as he proved that he was still Mr. Pure Energy when he performed his hits, “Sana Maulit Muli” and “’Di Bale Na Lang,” along with a medley of ‘80s songs like “Every Breath You Take” and “Sweet Dreams.”
In an interview with the Varsitarian, Valenciano said that he was “beyond honored” for being invited as one of the top acts of the night.
“You know, there will be other celebrations, but there’s only one 400th and it signifies just what UST has gone through,” said the singing icon. “It’s not just a university, it’s the University of Santo Tomas.”
For comedienne Candy Pangilinan, the event organizer, she felt the Thomasian spirit during the event even if she’s not a Thomasian.
“Kahit hindi ako Tomasino, naramdaman ko na ‘yung grasya, umapaw sa akin,” Pangilinan said.
The program, which ended before the clock struck midnight, no longer included a countdown, but was closed by a spectacular fireworks display coming from atop the Grandstand’s stage and the Central Seminary.
Also included in the roster of performers and hosts were Thomasians Robert Seña and Archie Alemania, renowned stage actor and TV personality, respectively; dance troupes Maneuovers and Hotlegs, singer Erik Santos, and pop-rock band Itchyworms. Jilly Anne A. Bulauan, Kalaine nikka kay C. Grafil, Adrienne Jesse A. Maleficio, and Darenn G. Rodriguez
