Jan. 28, 8:31 p.m. – THOMASIAN celebrities and artists graced the center stage to welcome UST’s fifth century at the Neo-Centennial show last night.
Despite technical glitches during the five-hour event, the crowd cheered performances by alumni Ciara Sotto, Jamie Rivera, John Lapus, Nonoy Zuñiga, and Sarah Geronimo.
Side A band performed the hit single “Forevermore,” with Thomasians Joey Generoso as lead vocalist and Naldy Gonzales at the piano. “[Ang] gustung-gusto ko sa UST, ‘pag Thomasian ka, walang mahirap, walang mayaman. Lahat pantay-pantay,” Generoso said.
Comedian John Lapus, a College of Education alumnus, said “It’s more fun in UST,” citing a number of reasons for Thomasians to be proud of the University.
The show also featured musical acts from singers Jett Pangan, Arnel Pineda, Zia Quizon, Jaya, Rico Blanco, and Gloc-9 who sang their renditions of “Rolling in the Deep” and “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved,” as well as campus talents Jasper Jimenez of the Conservatory of Music and Sherlene Dela Cruz of Education.
The Commerce Dance Troupe, Salinggawi Dance Troupe, officers of the Student Organizations Coordinating Council, and the Speed Dancers entertained the crowd with dance numbers. The event ended with the singing of the UST Hymn led by Rivera, Geronimo, Sotto, Lapus, and Coro Tomasino.
Star-studded
Singer Jamie Rivera, a Commerce alumna, advised Thomasians to “keep the Thomasian values” including humility, faith in God, and being humane. “Aspire to inspire before you expire,” Rivera said in an interview.
Rivera, who studied in the University from grade school to college, said it was “nostalgic” to set foot again on the University grounds. “I am a full-blooded Thomasian, and I spent half of my childhood here in UST,” Rivera said. “Ang gusto ko sa UST, lagi tayong balanced. Wala tayong sinisiraang school. I’ve never heard of a Thomasian trying to ruin the reputation of any other school.”
Other performers also extended their greetings to the 401-year-old University.
Singer and actress Jaya said she has “a lot of faith” in Thomasians. “I’m honored that I am a part of this celebration. The next time this happens is gonna be a long time so masaya ‘kong naging parte nito,” she told the Varsitarian.
Gloc-9, who also performed in the Paskuhan last December, called on Thomasians to continue excelling in academics. Diana Jean B. Evite, Daphne J. Magturo, Bernadette D. Nicolas, and Rafael L. Antonio
