THE PASKUHAN celebration in December will be the “most Christ-centered” in recent years as its theme is set to revolve around the sacrifice of Filipino health workers and how it mirrored Christ’s mission, a University official said.
In an interview with the Varsitarian, Facilities Management Office (FMO) Director Fr. Dexter Austria, O.P. said the University chose the “Pinoy superheroes” theme for this year’s Paskuhan to honor the heroism of those who helped the country brave through the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have to celebrate those who have helped us in one way or another—mga frontliners, [our] families and friends [who kept us] moving… This is giving gratitude to [them]. Sila ‘yung naging heroes sa buhay natin,” Austria said.
In December 2020, the University honored UST frontliners during the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, amid pandemic-induced lockdowns.
The superhero-themed 2022 Paskuhan will also revolve around Christ’s incarnation and sacrifice on the cross.
“We need to contextualize ‘yung superheroes na ‘yan in a very Christian way…We celebrate Christmas, not just a holiday season, but with Jesus at the center,” Austria said.
“Jesus, our primary hero, served and offered his life without expecting anything in return. He gave everything up… We need to celebrate his birth so that we [can] also find [the] hero in us,” he added.
The month-long Paskuhan festivities will begin with the “Panunuluyan,” the re-enactment of Joseph and Mary’s search for lodging in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus, at Plaza Mayor on Dec. 1, and will end with the grand Paskuhan concert on Dec. 19.
According to Austria, the pyromusical show during the grand Paskuhan concert would also follow the “Pinoy superheroes” theme.
The main theme of this year’s Paskuhan is “UST Paskuhan 2022: Pananabik, Pagbabalik, Panunumbalik.” Logan Kal-El M. Zapanta
