MORE THAN 42,000 Thomasians attended the 2024 grand Paskuhan concert on Dec. 20, which featured a “new and nostalgic” lineup of performers to conclude UST’s iconic Christmas celebration spanning the whole December.
Despite the concert being exclusive to Thomasians for the third straight year, attendees climbed this year to 42,655 from 39,638 in 2023, according to the UST Campus Safety and Security Office.
The concert was headlined by contemporary OPM bands December Avenue and SUD, as well as Pinoy rock household name Sponge Cola. Rising singer-songwriter Maki and P-pop group Alamat also delivered performances at the UST Grandstand.
Thomasian talents who graced the concert included Coalescence, Jyve!, and Miktinig — the three Tunog Tomasino winners — and the UST Yellow Jackets, UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, UST Sinag Ballroom Dance Company, and other college-based dance troupes.
Wrapping up the concert and UST’s month-long Christmas fesitivies was an eight-minute pyromusical display, which began with “Hello World (Song of the Olympics)” by Gwen Stefani and Anderson Paak, a nod to the Olympics-themed Paskuhan.
UST Facilities Management Director Fr. Dexter Austria, O.P. earlier explained that the Olympics theme was a call for peace amid strife in different parts of the world.
“In our world right now that is being ravaged by different forms of distress and division, the Olympics brings together countries that may be at odds with each other. Stories of athletes’ perseverance bring hope to many,” Austria said.
The pyromusical display also featured a medley of pop songs “Shivers” by Ed Sheeran, “Levitating” by Dua Lipa, “good 4 u” by Olivia Rodrigo, “APT” by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars, “Rise Up” by Andra Day, and “Unstoppable” by Sia.
Security
Campus Safety and Security Director Juliano Parena Jr. noted an improvement in security measures implemented during the 2024 Paskuhan concert.
“Maganda actually kasi mabilis nating napapasok ‘yong crowd. Ang problema lang natin ay medyo pumipila sila nang matagal sa isang lugar,” Parena told the Varsitarian.
UST also monitored the live count of attendees, or the real-time count of Thomasians inside the campus, which stayed within the 30,000 range.
Parena said Thomasians were directed to lower turnout entry points to facilitate faster entry. Security personnel also implemented a three-layer process to vet Paskuhan attendees, including ID tapping, bag checking, and security tagging.
Prohibited items, such as flammable and sharp objects, were confiscated upon entry. A wrist ticket was given to Thomasians who passed the initial check, indicating they had already entered the campus and are eligible for re-entry.
Gates for students were open until 7 p.m., while Gate 11, which was the designated entrance for alumni, was open until 8 p.m.
Other than some isolated incidents where outsiders attempted to enter the campus using fake IDs, Parena said the security situation was managed effectively.
Cases of Thomasians involved in falsifying UST IDs were recorded and forwarded to their respective academic units, Parena said.
For UST alumna Mikaella Murillo, Paskuhan remains a cherished tradition worth returning to the campus for every year.
“The experience is still the same despite already being an alumna,” Murillo said in a mix of English and Filipino. “You still get to experience the Thomasian spirit every Christmas.”
Abdul Musa from from the UST-Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy said Paskuhan extends beyond merrymaking.
“It’s the vibe of Paskuhan as always, especially seeing how people interact,” Musa said in a mix of English and Filipino. “They create their own moments and it’s nice to see how they use Paskuhan to strengthen their connection.” With reports from Sydney Venice V. Berba
