YOU CAN probably associate the word “paskuhan” only with one university—UST.
But UST’s Paskuhan, highlighted by a beautifully lit Christmas tree, captivating lights and enchanting music, does not only symbolize the Thomasians’ way of celebrating Christmas.
The colorful Paskuhan also mirror parts of history of the University and how Thomasians value charity, solidarity and spirituality.
Ever since it was organized, Paskuhan is not only a year-ender event for the Thomasians but also as a showcase of empathy during tragedy, celebrations, or simply as a countdown for a highly anticipated event for the following year.
The first UST-wide Christmas celebration was organized by then treasurer Fr. Tereso Campilo, O.P. in 1991. Reflecting on the theme “Paskong Tomasino, Paskong Filipino ’91,” Campilo, initiated the idea of having a “salu-salo” for the Thomasian community and also to gather donations for the victims of Typhoon Uring, which left at least 5,000 people dead.
It also depicts the Filipino tradition of “panunuluyan” which featured a Eucharistic celebration, procession around the University, and an intercollegiate lantern-making contest.
A gift-giving ceremony served as the curtain-raiser of the event, where Thomasians put their donations for the victims of the Typhoon Uring were placed at the foot of the 14-foot Christmas tree.
It was in 1993 that “Paskuhan” was coined as the official name of the celebration.
The 1994 Paskuhan was a welcome celebration for Pope John Paul II’s visit to the Philippines for World Youth Day in January 1995.
The Paskuhan again served as an avenue for charity work when four typhoons struck in 2004. That year, UST opted to donate funds that were supposed to be spent on fireworks. It was again the case when super-typhoon Yolanda devastated central Philippines in 2013.
In 2006, when the UST Growling Tigers won the UAAP basketball crown, Paskuhan also served as a thanksgiving.
In 2010, Paskuhan served as the start of University’s quadricentennial countdown while last year’s celebration was celebrated in anticipation of Pope Francis’ visit earlier this year.
Since its official celebration last 1993, Paskuhan has been well-known for its concert organized by the Central Student Council (CSC) and Student Organizations Coordinating Council (SOCC).
“We get to incorporate the realities of our time with Paskuhan in a way conducive to the values of our University,” CSC President Anna Mangalili said in an interview.
“Just the thought of it sends everyone smiling and makes everyone look forward for Christmas itself.”
“We [UST] celebrate Paskuhan with a Christmas mass and ‘Panunuluyan’ because it shows how we celebrate in a religious manner,” SOCC President Ser Loisse Mortel said.
Mortel hinted that this year’s celebration is going to be “very bright,” even brighter than the previous celebrations.
Over the years, Paskuhan has served as the epitome of Christmas celebration among schools and it is surely one of the historical celebrations in UST that Thomasians will always be proud of. Mary Grace C. Esmaya
