MORE THAN 105,000 Thomasians and guests attended the concert and pyromusical display of this year’s Harry Potter-themed Paskuhan at the UST open field on Dec. 20.
The total number of attendees surpassed last year’s estimated 100,000.
UST Security Chief Joseph Badinas told the Varsitarian guards implemented a “stricter” entry system, reinforcing the “one Thomasian, one guest” and “no water bottles” policies.
The stricter security rules resulted in a congestion at the University’s entrances, which saw Thomasians lining up on the gates past 9 p.m.
“Para sa kanila naman ito,” Badinas said. “‘Yong pag-inspect ng guards… [P]ara sa better security naman ‘yon.”
Marketing
Jeric Sun, public relations officer of the UST Central Student Council, said the Paskuhan marketing strategy attracted a large audience.
“‘Yong pagma-market namin sa bands nang unti-unti, mas naging interested ‘yung iba to know what’s in store for them kasi hindi namin ni-release nang isang bagsakan,” he told the Varsitarian.
Waste management was also a focus of the organizers.
The Central Student Council, in collaboration with the Student Organizations Coordinating Council and the Red Cross Youth Council, assigned waste marshalls around six quadrants on the University field.
“There were eight bins around the six quadrants and we had green marshalls… sila ang in-charge sa mga waste,” he said.
Don Miguel Villarosa, the pyromusical show designer, said that despite the drizzle prior to the pyromusical show and minor problems in audio, they were able to execute a “smooth” show.
The Paskuhan concert also featured performances by the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, Hey Billie, Magnus Haven, Lola Amour, Munimuni and Ben&Ben.
This year’s Paskuhan Mass, Agape and lighting of Christmas displays was led by outgoing UST rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. was last Dec. 2.
Classes in the University will resume on Jan. 16. L.M. Salen, C.A.H. Torres and C.R.C. Magpali
