ENDLESS chatter over glasses of wine, women caught tugging at the hems of their gowns as they swept across the floor, friends recalling memories under the moonwashed canopy of Sofitel—it was yet another memorable night as the Varsitarian turned 85.
The homecoming, better known as “Valik Varsi” among the campus paper’s alumni, symbolized its enduring legacy, bringing together a motley crew of former and current members from across eight decades.
Indeed, it was a display of loyalty and gratitude as more than 300 Amihans (our term of endearment for alumni) attended the event at the Harbor Tent, Sofitel Plaza in Pasay City last January 26.
The tie that binds
The “Valk Varsi” allowed long-lost buddies to reconnect and reminisce in laughter and joy. They came from across industries, the government and private sector, including, of course, prominent writers, and national artists.
“Over the last eight decades, the Varsitarian has been home to trailblazing pens and leading minds, a testament to the greatness that the publication has become known for,” the current editorial board of the ‘V’ said in a statement.
The formal setting later became an exuberant gathering of the young and old alike as they made casual and thoughtful greetings to their ‘second home’ that molded their skills and built lifelong friendships.
Prominent figures graced the event including Bienvenido Lumbera, National Artist for Literature; Remy Boquiren, the first woman art editor; Alice Colet-Villadolid, former New York Times correspondent; and poet Rita Gadi.
Unending legacy
The guests were greeted by an exhibit that showcased the history of the Varsitarian and as a tribute to some of the notable ‘V’ alumni, among them national artists, editors in chief and other prominent personalities. This reminded them of the struggles and triumphs of the Varsitarian over the course of 85 years.
“Truly, the achievements and feats of our alumni constitute a shining legacy which the paper continuous to uphold,” Rafael Antonio, present editor in chief, said in his opening remark.
Hosting the event was Ramon “Bong” Osorio, head of ABS CBN’s communication department who happily recounted his former ‘V’ experience having to contribute many articles every now and then to pay for his “debaucheries” on Dapitan Street.
The V’s long history of success, trials and tribulation was summarized in an audio visual presentation showed during the affair.
Internationally-acclaimed Choir of the World UST Singers serenaded the guests in an awe-inspiring performance of Filipino songs conducted by its maestro Fidel Calalang, Jr.
Sweet memories
The ‘V’ was and has always been the foremost training ground particularly for future writers and media practitioners.
Former Literary editor Neal Cruz said being part of the Varsitarian was more than a membership. The ‘V’ became a ground where they built their relationships, tempered their friendships as they grew together like family.
Cruz expressed gratitude to the ‘V’ for helping him get through college.
“It was the scholarship, that persuaded me to join the Varsitarian, but more than that, I also made my best of friends in the Varsitarian,” said Cruz, adding that he spent his fondest years in college in ‘V’.
Cruz also said that being part of the student publication helped him earn a job right away after graduation.
The defunct Literary Quarter, founded by Cruz, was a supplement of the Varsitarian wherein students outside of the publication could submit literary pieces for the folio.
Osorio, on the other hand, shared that he had simple joys just seeing his bylines in the Varsitarian.
“Seeing your byline every ‘V’ issue, feeling ko ang galing-galing kong writer,” Osorio said. He even attributed ‘V’ for fueling his impetus in the field of communication.
“Most of all, ‘V’ honed my writing, communication and people skills—factors that helped me excel in my professional career—during a time of typewriters, or any technology that made writing as easy as now,” he said.
Jones Campos, president and chief executive officer of J.T. Campos Corporation, said the best part in the Varsitarian is usually at the beginning and at the end.
“The start, when you are introduced on what to do in ‘V’, and at the end, when you have that feeling of accomplishment, [it’s] like you’re graduating,” Campos said.
It was not all writing and business within the confines of the office of ‘V’; some former staff members like award-winning poet and fictionist Victor Emmanuel “Vim” Carmerlo Nadera Jr. cherished memories of ‘V’ that occurred outside UST.
“I think, the fondest memory for me would be our retreat seminars. I had the chance to be officially commenced as a ‘V’ staffer on Mt. Peace in Baguio, and then it was followed by a series of recollections in Balayan, Batangas, where our Sportsfest, now a living tradition, was created,” said Nadera, who served as editor in chief from 1987 to 1988.
Aside from learning the tricks of the trade in journalism, Nadera said it was in the Varsitarian where he got a hand on poetry, fiction, nonfiction, even drama.
“Deadlines disciplined us. And how we missed them when we stepped out of the ‘V’ office. So, consequently, I had to set my own target dates, not only for my writing but for other things in order to be more productive,” said Nadera.
Nadera started the Gawad Ustetika, the annual literary derby of the University, in 1985.
‘All hail to the V’
The Varsitarian collected “85 cheers for 85 years” from Thomasians belonging to different colleges, organizations, offices, and high-ranking officials of the University.
“[The Varsitarian] has been pivotal and significant in terms of shaping the life of this nation and again. I hope that ‘V’ [will] continue their advocacy for truth,” said Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P.
In line with the Year of Faith declared by Pope Benedict XVI, the Varsitarian also paid tribute to its former staff members who have went on to serve the Church.
The alumni who were awarded with tokens of appreciation included Sr. Regina Kuizon, R.G.S., former world media head of the Good Shepherd Congregation based in the Holy See; Fr. Edgardo Lleva of the Diocese of Sariaya; and Fr. Nicanor Lalog II, former GMA reporter and host of his own program in Radyo Veritas.
Other recipients were Sr. Maria Delia Coronel, I.C.M., known for reconstructing the Maranao epic Darangan; Fr. Albert Alejo, S.J. of Ateneo de Zamboanga; Rev. Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P., Quadricentennial Rector; and Fr. Virgilio Ojoy, O.P., former vice rector of UST.
Welcoming the publication on its 85th birthday, the current editorial board and Publications Adviser Joselito Zulueta, with former Literary editor and oldest living Varsitarian alumna Gloria Goloy and Cruz led the traditional cake-slicing ceremony.
After a joyous cheer of “Mabuhay ang Varsitarian,” the program ended with a pyro-musical display at the Aqua Golf area of the Harbor Garden Tent with the classical piece, “Ode to Joy.”
“It may be that it is in the ‘V’ that we have found ourselves, our calling and even our spouses. But all these would not have been possible if not for UST providing the nurturing environment where we could grow and strive and luxuriate,” Zulueta concluded in his toast. Catalina Ricci S. Madarang, Alfredo N. Mendoza V, and Juan Carlos D. Moreno
