THE UNIVERSITY will again gather Thomasians for an early Christmas feast with the traditional Agape on Dec. 2, the first to be held on campus since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Agape is a Christian term referring to the highest form of love and charity, and the reciprocating love between man and God.
In UST Paskuhan tradition, Agape is a feast for Thomasians.
Food packages for the Agape will be distributed starting 5 p.m. on Agape day.
It will be followed by the lighting of Christmas lights and decorations on the University grounds and the Christmas concert by the Conservatory of Music at 6 p.m.
The UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe will also perform at the Benavides Park.
An organization fair will be held on the same day at 10 a.m. on Ceferino Gonzales Drive (across from the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church).
Thomasians may enter the campus through Gates 1, 2, 6, 7, 10, 11, and 14.
Dec. 2 is declared a “carless day,” and only suppliers’ vehicles will be allowed inside the campus to deliver the food packs.
Instructions for food stub claiming, eating
One food stub will be given to each Thomasian for the Agape.
Thomasians must claim their Agape food stubs at the P. Noval Court from Nov. 26 to Dec. 1 (except Nov. 27 and 30) from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
They must present their IDs or QR codes from their MyUSTe, Guru’s Patio, or USSAP (support staff) portals.
Representatives may claim food stubs and must provide an authorization letter and the QR code.
The University will not replace lost or damaged food stubs.
Thomasians may claim their food packs at designated food and eating stations during the Agape.
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE ADDED: Here is the updated map of designated eating areas in the University for the Agape on Dec. 2. https://t.co/ECx21AxOsB pic.twitter.com/niilpseQvm
— The Varsitarian (@varsitarianust) November 28, 2022
Attendees can only claim one food pack even if they hold more than one food stub, according to an Office of the Secretary-General circular.
Bottled water will not be provided during the Agape, but Thomasians are encouraged to bring their own empty tumblers or water containers, which they can fill from water stations on campus.
Glass water bottles and metal cutlery are prohibited. Single-use paper and plastic cups and canned drinks are also not allowed.
Attendees may bring reusable plastic food containers, stainless steel food containers, and wood cutlery (forks, spoons, and sporks).
Thomasians must follow proper waste disposal during the Agape. Designated “green marshals” will monitor waste disposal.
The Agape is part of the in-person Paskuhan festivities this year.
On Dec. 5, six bands will join the “Tunog Tomasino” battle of the bands, which will determine the three bands that will perform during the Paskuhan concert.
A University-wide advent recollection will be held on Dec. 7 via Zoom.
Masses will be held on Dec. 8 at the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church in honor of the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Masses will be held at 6:15 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 8 p.m.
The Paskuhan Mass will be held at the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church on Dec. 16 at 5 p.m., while the Paskuhan grand concert will be held on Dec. 19 at 4 p.m.
