21 December 2013, 4:08 p.m. – THE SUDDEN downpour did not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd in this year’s Paskuhan, which was celebrated for a cause Friday evening.
According to the UST Security Office, an estimated 60,000 Thomasians and outsiders gathered at the UST Grandstand and Open Field for the annual festivities.
The celebration started with the traditional “Panunuluyan,” a re-enactment of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph’s search for a place for the Blessed Mother to give birth to the Savior. It was followed by the Paskuhan Mass presided by Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P.
In his homily, Dagohoy told Thomasians to keep in mind the victims of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” in the Visayas. Paskuhan is a reminder of how God visited mankind by becoming man himself, he said.
“Ang Paskuhan na ito ay iniiaalay natin sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo… Ang Paskuhan natin sa araw na ito ay magiging kakaiba,” Dagohoy said.
Mass offerings were donated to “Yolanda” victims, as part of the ceremonial send-off of donations to the affected areas.
The annual agape was held beside the Main Building, where Thomasians were treated to popcorn, barbecue, puto bumbong and bibingka.
The Panunuluyan, the Mass and the agape were held on the same day this year, unlike previous Paskuhan celebrations wherein the festivities were held on separate days.
There was no fireworks display this year.
Contrary to previous reports of University-based bands headlining the concert, famous bands and music personalities such as Parokya ni Edgar, Rico Blanco, Joyce Pring, Paraluman, Mayonnaise, and Never the Strangers performed for the crowd.
Old-timers like Paraluman said they still found themselves nervous as they faced the welcoming Thomasian crowd.
“Sobra naming pinaghahandaan kapag Paskuhan. Hanggang ngayon, sobrang mainit pa rin ang pag-welcome sa amin kahit na taun-taon nandito kami,” said Madz Ramboyong, Paraluman vocalist and College of Fine Arts and Design alumna.
The Security Office again implemented the “buddy system,” wherein an outsider must be accompanied by a Thomasian.
Security Office chief Joseph Badinas said stricter inspections were conducted on those who entered the Sampaloc campus. John Joseph G. Basijan
iba talaga ang thomasians. they are resilient and have tpte faith in God. no amount of rain or adversity can discourage them. in fact, kung kailan lumakas ang ulan, lalo pang dumami- 60,000, wow. one for ust talaga!