BEING A Varsitarian staffer was the greatest thing that ever happened in my student life, and this publication has become my second family and the cradle of my creative beginnings.
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Upon returning to UST from a Varsitarian staff development program in Caylabne, I took an unexpected turn to travel down memory lane. Suddenly I found myself standing with my camera and tripod before the Benavides Park, looking forward to capture the same scene but on a different time frame. It was the similar scenario two years when I captured the scene which became “The Founder,” the photo which won the grand prize in the UST Quadricentennial photo contest. But this time, there was a downpour. It came to me that if there was another photo that would defeat my “The Founder” shot, it would be the same picture but with another element—a lightning that would strike at the Benavides statue. I asked my successor in the Varsitarian, Jilson Tiu, to take a photo of me holding a copy of “The Founder”, in effect, capturing the same scenario but this time, including me in the photograph. When Jilson was about to press the shutter, a lightning bolt struck. He later told me that he almost got the perfect shot but missed the lightning by a split second. Nevertheless, I knew that I am meant for far greater things, after all.
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I was trying to fight back my tears during the opening of the Quadricentennial week because I had a misunderstanding with one of the University officials. Despite this, I braved my most awaited coverage and set aside my emotions. So I laid down my cameras in the UST chapel and whispered a prayer to Him.
The Quadricentennial coverage experience tested my character and challenged my spirit. No person would accuse me that I never gave it my best shot because I always took the risk and braved the hazards just to immortalize the precious moments of the celebration for UST, the Thomasians, and posterity. Pain, love, stress, sacrifice, and tears paved the way to the success of my coverage during the Quadricentennial week. Shooting its glory for the past four years, I surrendered my might, vision, and photography career to UST and never asked for anything in return. It was the least I could do for my tribute to my ever beloved University, kasi mahal na mahal ko ang UST.
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When I first saw a copy of the Varsitarian during my freshman year, I found it to be an ordinary campus paper. I even told myself, “Ang pangit naman ng photos and printing nito.” But as time went by, I began to love and respect the Varsitarian. In retrospect, I was very enthusiastic to post my UST photographs on Multiply in 2008. It was around that time that someone left me a message online, telling me that my Paskuhan 2007 photos could be viewed on Pinoyexchange. This is where former Science and Technology writer, Arian Rabino, commended my photos and encouraged me to join the Varsitarian. This was the start of my love affair with the ‘V’.
When I entered the Varstiarian, I was so stubborn and indifferent to the point that my superiors had to resort to “special measures” to fix my problematic character. In a way, the Varsitarian has been my teacher for the past three years. It has forced me to recognize my flaws and eventually correct them through the guidance of the people in the organization. Aside from chronicling events and expressing myself through writing, the ‘V’ has taught me to think and feel deeply. Through ‘V’, I learned to sacrifice and to look at things in a beautiful way. Most of all, ‘V’ has taught me to love.
The ‘V’ molded me into who I am today. I can’t imagine what my life would be without being part of this family. Beyond my banner photos that graced the pages of the Varsitarian, I found happiness, lifetime friendships, and a home.
Despite the petty quarrels and literally sleepless presswork nights, the ‘V’ still has a mystical way of changing each staffer’s life for the better. It’s in this office where I was both hated and loved. No longer the wide-eyed adolescent I was when I entered this publication, but as I leave the portals of this institution, I broke the chains that bound me. The appreciation I have earned for my photographs has given me the chance to etch my name in the four corners of this University, I am proud to say that I am a Thomasian, but I am prouder to be a part of the Varsitarian.
I would like to thank the Reverend Fathers De la Rosa, Tiong, Bolo, Abaño, Timoner, and Pinto, and Miss Fontanilla: you were the pillars of my holistic Thomasian formation. I would not be the Paul Quiambao that I am today if not for your guidance and assistance. If not for the opportunities you have given me, perhaps I would still be drifting in the illusions of my dreams if I did not meet such benevolent souls. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
To the great Lito Zulueta: God was smiling down on me when he let my path cross yours. You’ve been a father to me. I am lucky to have met a brilliant man like you. It is you, Sir Lito, who kept me grounded and inspired me to strive for excellence. Thank you for guiding me and Lester in the right direction and for teaching us to always find something new in the same old thing. You will be forever young in our hearts!
To my classmates from 4AR7: Even if I’ve gone missing-in-action on you countless of times last school year, know that I am thankful for your company. You served as one of the breathers during my very hectic love affair with the Varsitarian. Congratulations to our “four-peat” in the Architecture basketball league!
To my roommates Elbryan, Oyo, Biboy and Neil, who also served as my fortresses and cradles in life: thank you for bearing with me these past four years. I could not have withstood the trials I’ve been through without you.
To my parents, Delon and Susan, my sister, Rianne, and my brother Benedict, you are my guiding light in my chosen path. You taught me independence. Sorry for all my shortcomings. Thank you for all the support and love all throughout college and in my life.
To my beloved and versatile ‘V’ Quadricentennial photographers Jilson, Isai, Josa and Karla: I am the proudest photography editor because despite my shortcomings, we still managed to produce a timeless “Quadri” supplement. As I’ve discovered untouched dimensions of UST and relentlessly shared these with you last year, keep in mind that there is much to be unlocked. A wide array of stories were left untold and it is up to you to capture these images with what I am passing on to you, my legacy—my digital eyes, which are now yours for the keeping. For me, we are now the timeless Thomasian photographers! You have the power and skill to ignite the Thomasians’ pride through your photographs—and without a doubt, I know you’ll be able to surpass my expectations. Leave them speechless this publication year.
To my comrades Lester, Jem, Alya, Ramon, Nicole, Paeng, Melai, Marnee, Cam, Fritz, Patrick, and Cliff: You are virtually my brothers and sisters! You molded me into a photographer with substance. Thank you for all the great memories, for being there whenever I was disheartened. Always remember this: “‘Pag nasaktan ka nang todo, ibig sabihin ay nagmahal ka nang todo.” My words cannot express how deeply grateful I am to be your friend. You’ve really left me speechless!
All the things may be gone but only memories shall remain. Being a Bosconian-Thomasian and Varsitarian staffer made me who I am today. With infinite pride, I will remain loyal to UST, an institution that chiseled my character with discipline and inculcated utmost faith in my heart. Being part of UST and Varsitarian is not merely a chance, but a destiny. This is Paul Quiambao and it has been a pleasure to show you what my digital eyes have seen. Without UST I am nothing and without Varsitarian, I am not Paul Quiambao! This mantra will always be forever in my heart: “Minsang ‘V’, Mananatiling ‘V’!”
